Betrayal

While Shangguan Yue continued to issue challenges...

"Orochimaru, what exactly is our mission this time? You can tell us now, right?"

At Tsunade's question, the group slowed to a stop as they moved through the woods and gathered inside a hollow tree.

"Tsunade, the teacher is only doing this for safety. I'm the only one who knows.

"We're going to infiltrate the Land of Rain. Intelligence suggests that Hanzo of the Land of Rain is showing signs of starting a war.

"We need to rendezvous with our informant. We'll know more once we've heard what they have to report."

"A war?"

Tsunade froze, lost in thought. Her mind went to Second Granduncle, who had left because of the war, and to all the clanspeople they had lost. Her heart stirred.

"What's our battle plan?"

"Jiraiya, we may have to split up when the time comes. We'd be too conspicuous if we stuck together, but we can't get too far apart."

"Fine, let's go. I can't wait! That puny Hanzo dares to start a war? I'll show him what I can do!"

Jiraiya's shouting snapped Tsunade out of her thoughts. She gave him an exasperated look. "You? You're a total weakling. He's a Kage. Don't go crying for help when the time comes."

Ignoring Jiraiya's loud protests, the group hurried through the forest under cover of night.

Tsunade's team reached the Land of Rain that same night and infiltrated its territory. The three of them put on rain capes and hats and began sneaking through the country with care.

"Why are we the ones who have to come here?"

"Shut up, Jiraiya. Don't say things you shouldn't, and stop acting so carelessly."

"Oh. What's there to worry about? It's just a small country."

"Enough, you two. Tsunade, Jiraiya, stop arguing. The teacher sent us here to give us experience. Besides, we're the ones with Summoning Techniques.

"We're the only ones who can use the Reverse Summoning Technique. If not us, then who? Come on, Amegakure is just ahead. No more talking. Don't give us away."

"Understood!"

Orochimaru was, after all, the steadiest and most capable of the three, and Tsunade and Jiraiya listened to him.

At the Rain Shadow Building in Amegakure, Hanzo opened his eyes. "Sasaki, they've arrived. Follow them, but don't let yourself be seen."

"Yes, sir."

Wearing a gas mask, Sasaki leaped away from the Rain Shadow Building and made his way to a tall building in Amegakure. He looked around.

"This place will do.

"Hare—Dog—Rooster—Monkey—Ram. Summoning Technique."

"Poof!"

When the smoke cleared, a small Rain Swallow appeared.

"Little Cloud, please go tell everyone to seal off this building."

"Of course, Master."

Rain Swallow took to the air and flew swiftly through the rain, soon covering a great distance.

It reached a forest of stone pillars, flew into one of the openings, and disappeared from sight.

Before long, people began emerging from the stone forest one after another. Some looked like wandering ninja, some like merchants, while others seemed like young noblemen out sightseeing.

They split into groups and soon arrived at Sasaki's building, each pretending to go upstairs for a meal. Before long, they had taken control of the entire building.

A sign saying "Closed for the day" hung by the entrance, and the whole building fell silent. With everything in place, Sasaki sat cross-legged on the top floor.

"Water Release: Rain Tiger at Will Technique!"

Sasaki's chakra shot into the sky and rose into the clouds. Gradually, the light drizzle grew heavier. No one noticed.

The raindrops carried extremely faint traces of chakra. With his eyes closed, Sasaki could see everything within their reach.

It wasn't long before he spotted Tsunade and the others. Amegakure was a small ninja village, after all. Three new jōnin were bound to stand out.

This technique could even detect the amount of chakra an opponent had. Sasaki remained on the rooftop, watching the trio's movements.

"Oh? I didn't expect you to notice. Who are you? I'm curious."

Orochimaru looked around in confusion, sensing something was wrong.

"What is it, Orochimaru? Is something happening?"

"I'm not sure. I feel like someone's watching us, but I can't find where they are. It's strange. Do either of you feel anything?"

"No."

"Orochimaru, don't be so suspicious. Only a Kage could watch us without making a sound. My toad hasn't warned me, so don't worry. Let's keep moving."

A toad perched on Jiraiya's shoulder, alertly watching their surroundings before shaking its head.

"See? We're fine."

Orochimaru put his doubts aside. "All right, let's go. We're almost there."

The three continued on in silence, following the intelligence to a secluded little house. They knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"The leaves wither."

"They'll bloom again next spring."

The door opened from the inside, but no one appeared. Orochimaru frowned at the sight.

"You two wait here. I'll go in and take a look."

"Okay!"

Tsunade and Jiraiya stayed outside, pretending to chat so they wouldn't attract attention, while Orochimaru went in alone.

After a while, Tsunade was nearly out of patience and was about to barge inside when Orochimaru rushed out, drenched from head to toe.

"Run! It's a trap!"

Seeing that their cover was blown, Sasaki stood up. "Go to the village entrance and intercept anyone suspicious. Don't let a single person escape."

Sasaki rode the now-enlarged Rain Swallow to the Rain Shadow Building and knelt on one knee. "Lord Hanzo, the time is right."

"Good. Let's go."

Hanzo put down the files in his hand and left his office. The light drizzle did not fall on him.

It was as if an invisible barrier kept every drop of rain away from him. After a moment, he let the barrier go, and the rain instantly soaked his clothes.

Hanzo spread his arms, looking utterly pleased. "Welcome to my era."

Meanwhile, Tsunade and the others raced toward the village outskirts. More and more pursuers appeared behind them, making the trio tense. Before long, they reached Amegakure's gate.

"Damn it, there are people here too! What do we do, Orochimaru?"

"Turn the place upside down."

"Got it."

Facing the enemies surrounding them, all three bit their thumbs and formed hand seals. "Hare—Dog—Rooster—Monkey—Ram. Summoning Technique!"

"Poof!" "Poof!" "Poof!"

Three enormous figures appeared on the battlefield: Gamabunta, Katsuyu, and Manda.

"Orochimaru, where's my offering?"

"You can eat anyone you want."

"Gamabunta, help us break through!"

"Slug Sage, please!"

"Understood!"

Manda charged into the fray first, swallowing a whole group in one bite. Before long, the enemy ranks had suffered heavy losses.

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out. "Everyone, stand down!"

Hanzo flipped through the air and used the "Summoning Technique." With a "poof," he landed on his summoning beast, Ibuse.

"Ibuse, let's go.

"You three are unforgivable!"

Hanzo's powerful presence made the trio's hearts tighten. Knowing he was outmatched, Jiraiya quickly jumped down from Gamabunta's head.

"Gamabunta, hold him off!"

Tsunade also jumped off Katsuyu and ran into the distance with Jiraiya.

"Manda, stop that Ibuse. I'll have a gift ready for you next time we meet."

Orochimaru leaped down from Manda and faced Hanzo. He spat a Kusanagi Sword from his mouth.

"Let's see how powerful you really are, demigod."