A New Broom in Hidden Rain Village!

Rain tapped against the window lattice, and the room was dimly lit.

Kamizuki Yu lightly tapped Hidden Rain Village's location on the map with his fingertip.

"The new Akatsuki's first step is to take complete control of Hidden Rain Village."

Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan stood solemnly before him.

"As for the structure, I suggest flat management to reduce unnecessary layers. Efficiency is the lifeline of the new Akatsuki."

Kamizuki Yu looked at Yahiko. "You will handle the public coordination and external affairs. You need decisiveness, but also a certain degree of approachability."

Yahiko nodded. He understood his role.

"Konan." Kamizuki Yu turned to her. "The establishment and infiltration of the intelligence network, as well as screening and managing internal members, will be entrusted to you. You need to be meticulous, but even more importantly, you need sharp insight."

The paper at Konan's fingertips silently unfurled before quietly gathering again.

"Nagato." Kamizuki Yu finally looked at him. "Your Rinnegan is Akatsuki's greatest deterrent and its final trump card. You only need to do one thing—become stronger, at any cost. At the same time, I will teach you how to truly use those eyes, for more than mere destruction."

The purple ripples in Nagato's eyes spread slightly, and an inexplicable stirring rose within his heart.

"As for the plan of action," Kamizuki Yu continued, "the early stage will focus on covert infiltration and building strength. Externally, we will present an attitude of cooperation and assistance. Internally, we will eliminate every destabilizing factor. The goal is to unite every minor force that can be united, shelter war orphans, and gradually erode the fringes of the old order."

Yahiko said, "Sir, what about funding...?"

Kamizuki Yu took a scroll from his robes and gently pushed it toward them.

"This is a map to Hanzo's secret treasury. The wealth inside is enough to launch the first phase of your plan. Using his money to build your village—it's interesting, isn't it?"

His tone was calm, as though he were discussing something utterly insignificant.

The three opened the scroll. Seeing its densely packed markings and the estimated immense fortune, their hearts shook once more. The wealth Hanzo had amassed over many years had now become the foundation of their rebirth.

Kamizuki Yu took out three jade slips of different colors.

"These contain cultivation insights I improved based on each of your traits, along with some practical ninja techniques. Yahiko, focus on Water Release and honing your leadership. Konan, the ultimate transformations of Paper Release and intelligence-gathering techniques. Nagato, basic control of the Rinnegan and preliminary guidance in the power of the Six Paths."

The three accepted the jade slips, and all were moved by the exquisite information contained within.

"Sir..." Yahiko's voice carried a trace of complicated emotion.

Kamizuki Yu waved a hand. "No need for words. Remember, the growth of strength is for the sake of achieving your goals more effectively."

He rose and walked to the window, looking out at the rain still falling in a steady drizzle.

"Hanzo's diehard remnants within Hidden Rain Village, along with the opportunists seeking to profit from the chaos, need to be thoroughly purged."

Before his words had even faded, Kamizuki Yu vanished from the window.

Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan exchanged glances and immediately understood what he meant.

The next moment, brief, shrill screams came from several shadowy corners of Hidden Rain Village almost simultaneously, only to be completely swallowed by the sound of rain.

The sounds were faint, yet they struck the hearts of Hidden Rain Village's restless schemers like heavy hammers.

In less time than it took to burn a stick of incense, Kamizuki Yu reappeared in the room. Not a speck of dust stained him, as if he had merely gone out for a stroll.

"I've cleared away some of the obstructing stones for you."

He calmly sat back down.

"Next comes the consolidation of Hidden Rain Village's internal forces."

Yahiko immediately understood. "I'll summon the representatives of every clan at once."

"There's no need for that trouble." Kamizuki Yu pointed outside. "They should be arriving soon."

Sure enough, a moment later, a respectful announcement sounded from outside. The heads of Hidden Rain Village's prominent ninja clans, along with the leaders of several smaller ninja organizations, filed in under the guidance of a Rain ninja whose face was filled with panic.

Most of them were pale, clearly having heard certain news or witnessed some bloody scenes firsthand.

When they saw Kamizuki Yu seated at the head of the room, with Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan calmly standing beside him, the awe in their hearts deepened further.

No one dared speak first. For a moment, the room was so quiet that a pin could have been heard dropping.

Yahiko cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"From today onward, Hidden Rain Village's order will be rebuilt by our Akatsuki."

His words were simple, yet carried unquestionable force.

The clan representatives looked at one another. One elderly man, somewhat prestigious in the village, tremblingly stepped forward.

"We... are willing to recognize the new Akatsuki as our leader and obey your commands."

With someone taking the lead, the others promptly bowed in submission.

The situation changed with unimaginable speed. Kamizuki Yu's thunderous methods had directly crushed every potential will to resist.

At that moment, power passed smoothly into the hands of the new Akatsuki.

Kamizuki Yu seemed utterly indifferent to this. With a flick of his finger, an imperceptible ripple swept across every person present.

"Very good. Yahiko will discuss the specific matters with you."

He looked at Yahiko and the other two.

"Remember your duties. Yahiko, you are the public leader. Your decisions must be decisive, and you must learn to listen to differing opinions, but the final say rests with you. Nagato, your very existence is a deterrent. Focus on cultivation; I will regularly inspect your progress. Konan, logistics and intelligence are the lifeblood of the village's operations. There must not be the slightest mistake."

The three bowed in unison. "Yes, sir!"

Kamizuki Yu nodded slightly, then addressed Nagato alone. "The power of the Rinnegan is only the tip of the iceberg compared to what you currently know. Destruction is merely its most superficial manifestation. The power of the Deva Path can control attraction and repulsion; if used for construction, it can level foundations stretching thousands of miles in a single day. The power of the Human Path can sense souls; if used to discern people's hearts, it can preserve the organization's purity. The power of the Asura Path can grant mechanical bodies; if used to compensate for comrades' disabilities or strengthen loyal and brave warriors, it can add countless sources of aid..."

Nagato's purple eyes flickered violently. He had never imagined that the eyes which had brought him endless pain and hatred possessed such wondrous power of creation.

Kamizuki Yu said no more, stopping at just the right point. Some things needed to be comprehended by Nagato himself.

"Hidden Rain Village is in ruins and awaiting renewal. Hanzo's harsh policies are to be abolished immediately. Issue new laws centered on recovery and restoration. Encourage production, reduce taxes, settle orphans, and provide relief for the wounded and disabled."

Kamizuki Yu's voice was not loud, yet it reached every person's ears clearly.

"I want Hidden Rain Village to regain its vitality in the shortest possible time—and to prosper more than it ever has before."

Yahiko's blood surged with passion. "Rest assured, sir. We will never disappoint your expectations!"

Every exchange with Kamizuki Yu deepened their understanding of this mysterious powerhouse. He possessed not only strength capable of destroying heaven and earth, but also the talent to shape the world.

Unnoticed, the feelings Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan held for Kamizuki Yu had gradually changed from initial awe and gratitude into a reverence almost like that for a mentor.

"I will remain here for a while to help you stabilize the situation. After that, I will leave." Kamizuki Yu delivered this news.

The three tensed.

Yahiko hurriedly asked, "Sir, you're leaving?"

"I cannot protect you forever. True peace is something you must safeguard yourselves." Kamizuki Yu looked at them. "I will leave behind a Flying Thunder God Mark and a special means of communication. If you encounter a crisis you cannot resolve, you may contact me at any time."

He added, "As for those restless small nations around Hidden Rain Village, I will 'have a word' with them for you. Before I leave, I will give them a clear warning."

His words put the three somewhat at ease.

Kamizuki Yu stood.

"Go. Hidden Rain Village's future lies in your hands."

Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unprecedented resolve.

They bowed, then turned and left the room with the clan representatives.

The rain seemed to have lightened somewhat.