At the edge of the Land of Fire.
At the junction of the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Fire.
In a low-lying region lay a country whose people lived beneath rainy skies all year round. Because of its frequently rainy climate, it was known as the Land of Rain.
Unlike the Land of Fire, with its abundant resources and pleasant climate, the Land of Rain's harsh weather made it nearly impossible for its people to live peaceful, stable lives!
And compared with the Land of Fire, the two neighboring great nations were both far worse off, whether it was the Land of Wind, battered by blowing sand and flying stones, or the desolate, bleak Land of Earth.
At the center of the Land of Rain, beneath the year-round curtain of damp, gloomy rain, stood a village: Amegakure!
Amegakure was known for its many assassination techniques. Though the country was very small, the village's unique location allowed it to maneuver between the three great nations.
The village was filled with towering buildings. With large quantities of rainwater pooled below, the villagers could move around only by way of the various aerial bridges built high above.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Amegakure's gloomy downpour, inside the tallest building—
Bang!
A burly, middle-aged man wearing a breathing mask slammed his hand on the table!
"What does Konoha mean by this!? Are they planning to settle old scores now!?"
He spoke in a low voice.
Before him, several high-ranking Rain Ninja began to discuss the matter.
"Konoha's activity along the border has grown more and more frequent lately. They're finding it increasingly difficult to hide their ambition to provoke a war!"
One of them said indignantly.
"They're not trying to provoke a war. The war has already begun!