The Land of Rain was as rainy as ever.
Outside the town where the Akatsuki base was located, Shiraishi walked along the muddy road beneath an oil-paper umbrella.
Close behind Shiraishi was a woman completely wrapped in a black hooded raincoat.
The chilly wind, mingled with raindrops, lifted the woman's hood, revealing striking red hair beneath it.
She quickly raised a hand to press down her windblown hood. Her sleeve slipped slightly, exposing a wrist covered in bite-mark scars.
This woman was a surviving member of the Uzumaki Clan whom Shiraishi had taken from Kusagakure. She was already pregnant, and her husband had died not long ago.
If Shiraishi's guess was right, this pitiful woman, whom Kusagakure had treated like a blood bank and bitten day after day, was Karin's mother.
Shiraishi had rescued her because of her Uzumaki Clan heritage.
"Karin, remember what I told you. Don't disappoint me. You and your child will both have my protection. The Uzumaki Clan will be rebuilt through your child, and he will lead the clan and become my representative in this land."
Before entering the town, Shiraishi stopped and turned to look at Karin Uzumaki. His face was full of warmth and kindness, making him seem both sacred and merciful.
Karin gazed at Shiraishi with admiration. To her, he was like a god, the man who had saved her from hell.
She lowered her head and said reverently, "I will definitely carry out the task you gave me, my lord."
"Go. Once you enter the town and reach the Akatsuki base, you'll be able to meet your clansman. Then tell Nagato what I told you," Shiraishi said gently.
"Yes," Karin replied softly. With small steps, she passed Shiraishi and walked through the town gate as he watched.
Inside the Akatsuki base,