Just as Jiraiya and the others faced off against Hanzo,
three children were crouched at the edge of a nearby hill, staring wide-eyed at the battle unfolding before them.
"That man is... Hanzo, the leader of Amegakure!"
Yahiko's eyes widened as he cried out.
"Shh!"
"Yahiko, keep your voice down! They might notice us!"
Konan whispered worriedly.
Hearing her, Yahiko came to his senses and immediately lowered his voice.
"Who are those three? They actually dare to face off against Hanzo. He's the strongest Rain Ninja!"
Konan gazed at the three figures, shook her little head, and murmured,
"I don't know... But... they look like Konoha shinobi."
Hearing Konan, Nagato paused in surprise and studied the people on the battlefield.
As the three of them talked,
two figures slowly appeared behind them amid the torrential rain.
They stood not far behind the children, completely silent and unnoticed.
"Is that child the one who possesses the Rinnegan? From the way he looks, there's nothing unusual about him aside from his red hair."
Sosuke gazed gently at Nagato, a hint of a smile on his lips, and spoke softly.
Hearing him, Minato replied gravely,
"Yes. So far, he hasn't shown any particular talent."
"But he hasn't trained in ninjutsu yet. Perhaps something will change once he comes into contact with chakra."
Sosuke nodded slightly. Looking at the three crouching children, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he spoke softly.
"Do you think highly of that child?"
Minato understood that Sosuke meant Yahiko and replied respectfully,
"I saw in that child's eyes a hatred of this world, as well as someone he wanted to protect. That's why I chose to believe in him."
Sosuke nodded and said warmly,
"Relax, Minato. If he's someone you believe in, then that's good. I'm