General Mountain lay in the heart of the Land of Rain. According to the locals, it had once been the residence of the Land of Rain's Daimyo. But after years of war, the country's political system had completely collapsed, and the very institution of the Daimyo had ceased to exist.
After that, the former Daimyo's residence slowly fell into ruin. Yes, it was a wasteland. Though General Mountain was called a mountain, the area was actually a flat, barren plain with almost no vegetation. Dense woods surrounded the wasteland.
Dark clouds gathered overhead, and raindrops the size of beans pattered against the leaves. In the forest not far from General Mountain, the members of Akatsuki lay hidden, carefully watching the distant plain.
"Yahiko, when were you supposed to meet them?" Uzumaki Kuming had already used the Transformation Technique, taking on Koo's appearance from his younger days. A long sword hung at his waist, and even his black raincoat couldn't hide his dashing air.
As for why he'd taken on Koo's younger appearance, it was obviously because that face looked more like him!
"According to the message we received, we just need to send a signal after we arrive."
Yahiko took a Kunai from inside his clothes. A ring at its end held an Explosive Tag.
"That's pretty primitive."
Uzumaki Kuming glanced at the "flare" Yahiko had taken out and quipped, then continued, "If that's the case, Hanzo of the Salamander and his men might have arrived already."
"If so, our movements may have been under their watch for some time."
As he spoke, Uzumaki Kuming activated the Mind's Eye of the Kagura, spreading his awareness across the entire area. To his surprise, he couldn't detect any other ninja. He couldn't even find any sign of traps on the distant plain