Land of Rain · First Dawn

The Land of Rain, a small nation situated at the intersection of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth, derives its name from the constant rainfall that plagues its territory.

The outside world knows little of the Land of Rain, save that it has long been mired in division and civil war. Years of conflict have led to draconian security measures intended to keep foreign spies at bay.

Under such conditions, the Land of Rain has become a sacrificial pawn in the power struggles of the great nations. Countless orphans within its borders are left displaced, lacking any source of income, and left to wait silently for death to claim them.

However, in recent years, an organization called "Akatsuki" has emerged within the Land of Rain. The name, taken from the phrase "the first light of dawn," signifies infinite vitality and hope.

Most people in the outside world only know that the leader of Akatsuki is named Yahiko.

"Yahiko, are we really going to negotiate with Hanzo?"

Inside a cave in the Land of Rain, a young girl with short blue hair and a black high-collared coat asks, her expression filled with anxiety.

"Konan, I know you are worried, but I must go. Whether we can unite the Land of Rain to face the incursions of the great nations together depends on the outcome of today's negotiations."

Having said this, the man named Yahiko turns his gaze toward a red-haired youth beside him and speaks with firm resolve: "We have come this far; no matter how difficult the path ahead, I cannot back down."

At this, the red-haired man also offers comfort to Konan: "Don't worry, Konan. Master Jiraiya once said that I possess the power to change the world. As long as we work together, we will surely realize our ideals."

These three are the founders of the Akatsuki organization: Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.

"But..." Although Konan hesitates, she knows she cannot stop her two companions from chasing their dreams, so all she can do is support them in silence.

Yahiko glances at the clock on the wall; the time agreed upon with Hanzo is drawing near.

"The time is almost upon us. Call everyone and let's move out."

"Understood, leave it to me." With that, a dozen paper cranes fly from Konan's sleeves to notify the other members of Akatsuki.

The first generation of Akatsuki members are all orphans like Yahiko and his friends, having survived only through sheer force of will.

Though their strength is generally modest, they all harbor the ideal and belief of creating peace, willing to endure harsh conditions to follow Yahiko in building a better world.

"Leader Yahiko, is our wish finally going to be realized today?"

"The time to negotiate with Hanzo has finally arrived. As long as our Land of Rain can unite, we will surely achieve our ideals."

Upon receiving the notice, the other members of the organization quickly gather, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

"Everyone is here, so let us go and make history! We move out now."

At Yahiko's call, the group steps out of the cave and heads toward the designated meeting place.

The Land of Rain is a place where the rain never ceases, but today it is particularly heavy. The figures of the Akatsuki members soon vanish into the downpour.

"Report, Lord Hanzo. The members of the Akatsuki organization have arrived."

On a cliff over ten meters high in the Land of Rain, the true master of the nation, the man known as the demigod Hanzo of the Salamander, listens to the report from his subordinate, while Yahiko and his group arrive at the base of the cliff.

"Lord Hanzo, it is I, Yahiko. We have arrived on time to discuss our cooperation with you."

Looking up at Hanzo on the cliff, Yahiko ignores the fact that the man tried to intimidate them from the start, his heart filled with grand ambitions.

Only then does Hanzo pretend to notice Yahiko and his group, walking to the edge of the cliff to look down upon the members of Akatsuki.

"So it is Yahiko. You finally came. In truth, I agree with your convictions; after all, only a peaceful Land of Rain can have the strength to protect itself."

As the ruler of a nation, how could Hanzo of the Salamander fail to see through the future Yahiko envisions? It is simply that this growing organization has begun to threaten his own rule over the Land of Rain.

Thus, Hanzo continues with malicious intent: "Yahiko, I ask that you surrender your position as leader of Akatsuki. From this day forward, Akatsuki shall be disbanded, and you and your people will be incorporated into my Amegakure. In this way, our strength can be united."

"What? We are to be incorporated into Amegakure?"

"That's right, we never heard of this before. Wasn't it agreed that we would negotiate for mutual cooperation?"

"Exactly! If we are absorbed into Amegakure, how are we to realize our ideals and beliefs?"

Hanzo's words cause an uproar among the Akatsuki members below the cliff; this situation was entirely unexpected.

"Lord Hanzo, the conditions we discussed previously were not like this." Despite the change in circumstances, Yahiko still tries his best to secure a path for cooperation.

Facing Yahiko's efforts, Hanzo says with disdain: "Naive Yahiko. I have never understood why so many are willing to follow someone as weak as you. Do you not understand the rules of the ninja world?"

"The Land of Rain only needs one leader, and that person is me, Hanzo of the Salamander." At this moment, Hanzo reveals his true colors.

Standing on the cliff, Hanzo's cold gaze sweeps over the crowd below through his mask. "Today, you have only two outcomes: either join my Amegakure, or remain here forever."

"Hanzo, you have no honor!" Konan, standing behind Yahiko, glares at the arrogant Hanzo, her eyes filled with fury.

However, among the members of Akatsuki, many have already begun to consider retreating, as Hanzo is not a merciful man, and his reputation in the Land of Rain has never been good.

Even Nagato, standing to the side, begins to lose heart and advises: "Yahiko, it seems Hanzo has no intention of negotiating today. While we still have the chance, shouldn't we retreat?"

Though he is unwilling, Yahiko is not a stubborn man; he knows that staying here will yield no results. Furthermore, facing Hanzo's threat, he feels a faint, lingering sense of unease.

"Notify everyone: we are retreating, but stay prepared for battle." Yahiko's order is quickly passed through the ranks.

This scene unfolds right under Hanzo's watchful eyes.

"Thinking of leaving now? Isn't that a bit too late?"

As soon as Hanzo finishes speaking, many Amegakure ninja emerge from the cliffs, clearly having been in ambush for some time.

Behind Yahiko and his group, a squad of Kirigakure ninja appears, led by three individuals wielding strange, distinct blades, their eyes fixed hungrily on the members of Akatsuki.