Yahiko's Sacrifice

In a wilderness somewhere in the Land of Rain, Hanzo stood alone atop a small hill.

Ever since Nawaki had successfully opened two airflow channels in the Land of Rivers, the Land of Rain's climate had returned to normal. But that did not mean rain no longer visited this land.

The weather was particularly unkind today. It was a dreary, rainy day, with dark clouds blanketing the sky and cold raindrops falling like tears mourning the tragedy that was about to unfold.

However, the ninja of the Land of Rain had long since adapted to such wet conditions and stood in the rain without a care.

Feeling rainwater streaming down his skin, Hanzo even felt a long-forgotten thrill. Since the last great war, he had not made a move in ten years. Now, he would personally kill several young juniors.

Given Hanzo's nature, he naturally would not truly meet an unknown force alone. Hundreds of elite Rain Ninja lay in ambush behind the hill, while, according to their agreement, allies from Root would launch the first ambush along Akatsuki's inevitable route.

Once the enemy stepped into the encirclement, there would be nowhere to escape. After their recent dealings, Hanzo had come to understand the leader of this mysterious organization very well. The man was an idealist, and far too young—easily deceived. Hanzo was certain he had no defenses against this attack.

Youth was both an advantage and a weakness. Not everyone was a monster like that fellow from Konoha.

Thinking of that monster he had once fought alongside, Hanzo could not help feeling uneasy. Under the terms of his cooperation with Danzo, once Akatsuki was eliminated, he would have to support Danzo's bid for the position of Hokage. Yet that monster was also determined to become Hokage. The thought that