Yahiko's Trio Enters Amegakure!

Early the next morning, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan set out. After trekking for an entire morning, they finally arrived outside Amegakure at noon.

"Hello, I'm Yahiko of the Akatsuki Organization. I've come at Lord Hanzō's invitation to pay him a visit!"

Yahiko stepped forward and explained their purpose to the Rain Ninja guards at Amegakure's gates.

"You three, Lord Hanzō has already prepared a luncheon. Please follow me!"

Having been notified in advance, the Rain Ninja guards were exceptionally welcoming. After confirming the identities of Yahiko's Trio, they sent someone to report to Hanzō the Salamander's residence while leading the three into Amegakure.

Yahiko's Trio was all somewhat flattered. None of them had expected Hanzō the Salamander to value them so highly!

Filled with both nervousness and anticipation, Yahiko's Trio traveled through Amegakure under the Rain Ninja guard's guidance and soon arrived at Hanzō the Salamander's residence.

Having received word beforehand, Ametsuyu had been waiting outside the residence early on. He smiled when he saw Yahiko's Trio arrive.

"I'm Lord Hanzō's assistant, Ametsuyu. You three must be the founders of the Akatsuki Organization?"

"I'm Yahiko!"

"I'm Konan!"

"I'm Nagato!"

After the four introduced themselves, Ametsuyu led Yahiko's Trio into Hanzō the Salamander's residence.

Along the way, Yahiko's Trio saw the tight security, with a sentry every few steps and guards posted everywhere. They could not help but feel uneasy, growing even more nervous.

After hesitating for a moment, Yahiko carefully asked, "Senior Ametsuyu, has something happened in Amegakure recently? Why is Lord Hanzō's residence so heavily guarded?"

Ametsuyu smiled and explained, "You needn't be nervous. These defenses have nothing to do with your arrival! Lord Hanzō was assassinated two days ago, so I strengthened the Defense Force here!"

"Assassinated?" Yahiko was startled and hurriedly asked, "Is Lord Hanzō all right? Have you found out who wanted to assassinate him?"

Yahiko's nervousness at this moment was genuine!

After all, Hanzō the Salamander was the Leader of Amegakure. His safety was directly tied to the situation on the Land of Rain's battlefield!

"Lord Hanzō is naturally fine!" Ametsuyu pondered for a moment before finally saying, "This matter is very complicated. Lord Hanzō suspects that someone wants to reignite the war, so he has withdrawn Amegakure's forces!"

"You in the Akatsuki Organization should also be more careful during this time. Don't be too active, lest you fall into their trap!"

Ametsuyu had sensed how much Hanzō the Salamander valued the Akatsuki Organization, so he did not mind revealing some information to Yahiko's Trio and offering them a warning!

Upon hearing this, the three exchanged glances and saw the gravity in one another's eyes!

Ametsuyu's words reminded them of the ambush they had encountered yesterday!

Even Hanzō the Salamander had suffered an assassination attempt. This matter seemed far more serious than they had imagined!

"Thank you for the warning, Senior Ametsuyu. We'll be more careful!"

Yahiko did not immediately tell Ametsuyu about the attack they had faced yesterday.

He planned to wait until he met Hanzō the Salamander and understood Hanzō the Salamander's attitude toward the matter before deciding what to do!

"Mm, we're here. You three must have rushed over early this morning, right? Eat lunch and rest here first, then I'll take you to see Lord Hanzō!"

Ametsuyu nodded slightly and led Yahiko's Trio into a room.

An assortment of food had long been prepared on the dining table inside. It was not especially luxurious, but it was still quite a lavish spread!

Yahiko's Trio was stunned at the sight. They had thought they would be dining with Hanzō the Salamander!

Ametsuyu had anticipated their reaction and explained, "I'm sure you've heard some of Lord Hanzō's stories. Lord Hanzō has a special constitution; every breath he takes carries potent poison!"

"So, in order not to affect Others, Lord Hanzō usually eats alone!"

"Lord Hanzō also did not wish to disturb your meal, which is why he did not receive you while you were eating!"

"I hope you can forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality!"

Only then did Yahiko's Trio understand, recalling rumors they had once heard about Hanzō the Salamander being a Poison Man!

"Not at all! Lord Hanzō has been very considerate!"

Yahiko hurriedly replied with complete sincerity.

"Then let's eat first! Don't be restrained. Eat your fill!"

Ametsuyu seated the three at the table and urged them to eat.

Perhaps they truly were hungry after traveling for half a day, or perhaps they had never eaten anything this delicious before.

Yahiko's Trio was rather reserved at first, but as they ate, they gradually loosened up!

Ametsuyu himself merely sampled a little. Later, he even set down his chopsticks and simply watched Yahiko's Trio eat from the side.

Yahiko had relaxed considerably. As he ate, he looked at Ametsuyu and curiously asked, "Senior Ametsuyu, when did Lord Hanzō begin paying attention to our Akatsuki Organization?"

Ametsuyu did not hide anything and explained, "Naturally, we investigate every force active in the Land of Rain. Speaking of which, I was the one who first reported your existence to Lord Hanzō!"

Yahiko set down his chopsticks and pressed on, "Then how did Lord Hanzō react after learning about us?"

Nagato and Konan also looked curiously at Ametsuyu.

Ametsuyu smiled and said, "Lord Hanzō said that while your ideas are still somewhat immature, your Original Intention is good! Especially since you have put your ideas into practice—that is even more commendable!"

"Your existence is rare fresh blood for the Land of Rain, so after you developed, Lord Hanzō wanted to meet you!"

Yahiko was thrilled upon hearing this. Even Nagato and Konan had delight in their eyes!

Receiving such an evaluation from Hanzō the Salamander was enough to prove that their efforts over this period had not been in vain!

Yahiko asked Ametsuyu many more questions, most of them concerning Hanzō the Salamander.

Ametsuyu answered everything he knew, giving Yahiko's Trio a general understanding of Hanzō the Salamander!

By the end of the meal, both host and guests were thoroughly pleased. Yahiko's Trio felt much more at ease, though they were also still a little unsatisfied!

After the meal, as Yahiko's Trio waited impatiently in anticipation, Ametsuyu took out three specially made Anti-Toxin Masks and handed them to them.

Ametsuyu explained, "Although Lord Hanzō has taken protective measures himself, just in case, it's best that you wear these when meeting Lord Hanzō!"

Yahiko's Trio had no objection and all put on the Anti-Toxin Masks!

"All right, now let's go meet Lord Hanzō!"

With that, Ametsuyu led Yahiko's Trio toward Hanzō the Salamander's office!