The Land of Rain was a small country situated at the junction of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth. It had earned its name from the rain that fell there year-round.
The outside world knew very little about the Land of Rain. People only knew that it had been mired in division and civil war for years, with constant fighting and extremely strict security to prevent spies from infiltrating.
In such circumstances, the Land of Rain had become a victim of clashes between the great nations. Countless orphans had been left homeless, with no means of supporting themselves, and could only wait in silence for death to come.
In recent years, however, an organization called Akatsuki had emerged in the Land of Rain. Its name came from the phrase "the first light of spring," symbolizing boundless life and hope.
Most people outside the country only knew that Akatsuki was led by a man named Yahiko.
"Yahiko, are we really going to negotiate with Hanzo?"
Inside a cave in the Land of Rain, a young woman with short blue hair and a black, high-collared coat anxiously sought confirmation.
"Konan, I know what you're worried about, but I have to go. Whether we can unite the Land of Rain and face the aggression of the other great nations together depends on how our negotiations go today."
As he spoke, the man named Yahiko turned to the red-haired boy beside him and said resolutely, "We've come this far. No matter how difficult things get, I can't back down."
The red-haired young man also tried to reassure Konan. "Don't worry, Konan. Teacher Jiraiya once said that I have the power to change the world. As long as we work together, we can make our ideals come true."
These three were the founders of Akatsuki: Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
"But..." Konan trailed off. She knew she couldn't stop her two companions from pursuing their dream. All she could do was support them in silence.
Yahiko glanced at the clock on the wall. The agreed-upon time to meet Hanzo was fast approaching.
"It's almost time. Let's get everyone together and head out."
"Sure, leave it to me." As she spoke, more than a dozen paper cranes flew out from Konan's sleeve to notify the other members of Akatsuki.
The first members of Akatsuki were all homeless orphans like Yahiko and his companions. They had survived through sheer force of will.
Though they were generally not very strong, they all cherished the ideal of creating peace. They believed in it and were willing to endure harsh conditions as they followed Yahiko in building a better world.
"Leader Yahiko, are we finally going to start making our wish come true today?"
"At last, it's time to negotiate with Hanzo. As long as we can unite the Land of Rain, we'll surely achieve our ideal."
As soon as they were notified, the other members of the organization quickly gathered, their faces beaming with happiness.
"Everyone's here. Let's go make history! We leave now."
At Yahiko's call, the group stepped out of the cave together and headed for the agreed-upon meeting place.
Rain never stopped falling in the Land of Rain, but today it was especially heavy. The members of Akatsuki soon disappeared into the downpour.
"Reporting to Lord Hanzo: the members of Akatsuki have arrived."
On a cliff more than ten meters high in the Land of Rain, the true ruler of the country, Hanzo of the Salamander, known as a demigod, listened to a report from one of his Rain Ninja. Yahiko and the others had already reached the foot of the cliff.
"Lord Hanzo, it's me, Yahiko. We arrived on time to discuss working together with you."
At the foot of the cliff, Yahiko looked up at Hanzo. Though Hanzo had tried to intimidate them right from the start, Yahiko was not bothered. His heart was set on a lofty ambition.
Only then did Hanzo pretend to notice Yahiko and the others. He walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the members of Akatsuki.
"Yahiko, so you finally came. I actually agree with your ideals. After all, only a peaceful Land of Rain will have the strength to protect itself."
As the ruler of a nation, Hanzo of the Salamander could see through the future Yahiko envisioned. But the organization, which was growing by the day, had already begun to threaten his rule over the Land of Rain.
Hanzo continued with ill intent, "Yahiko, then hand over your position as leader of Akatsuki. From now on, Akatsuki will be disbanded, and you and your people will all join Amegakure. That way, we can unite our strength."
"What? We're supposed to join Amegakure?"
"Yeah, we never heard about this before. Weren't we supposed to work together for mutual benefit after the negotiations?"
"Exactly! If we join Amegakure, what will happen to our ideals and beliefs?"
Hanzo's words threw the members of Akatsuki into an uproar. This was not what they had expected.
"Lord Hanzo, these aren't the terms we discussed before." Though things had taken a turn, Yahiko still tried his best to negotiate.
Hanzo sneered at Yahiko's efforts. "Naive Yahiko, I've never understood why so many people willingly follow someone as weak as you. Don't you all understand the rules of the Shinobi World?"
"The Land of Rain only needs one leader, and that leader is me, Hanzo of the Salamander." Hanzo had now shown his true colors.
Standing atop the cliff, Hanzo swept his cold gaze over the people below through the mask he wore. "There are only two possible outcomes for you today: either join Amegakure or stay here forever."
"Hanzo, you're breaking your word!" Konan, standing behind Yahiko, glared furiously at the arrogant man.
But more of Akatsuki's members were already having second thoughts. Hanzo was no merciful man, and his reputation in the Land of Rain had never been good.
Even Nagato, standing nearby, was beginning to lose heart. He urged Yahiko, "It seems Hanzo didn't come here intending to negotiate. We still have a chance—why don't we retreat for now?"
Though he was reluctant, Yahiko wasn't a stubborn man. He knew that staying would accomplish nothing. Besides, Hanzo's threat had left him with a vague sense of unease.
"Tell everyone to retreat for now, and prepare for battle." Yahiko's order was quickly passed through the group.
All of this had happened right under Hanzo's nose.
"Do you really think you can leave now?"
As soon as Hanzo finished speaking, numerous Amegakure shinobi appeared atop the cliff. They had clearly been lying in wait.
A group of Kirigakure shinobi appeared behind Yahiko and the others. At their head stood three men, each holding a different, oddly shaped greatsword. They stared menacingly at the members of Akatsuki.
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