The Land of Rain was enjoying a rare sunny day.
The sun peeked out from behind the thick clouds. A day this bright was exceedingly rare in the Land of Rain.
Everyone with time to spare came outside to enjoy the rare warmth of the sunshine, sitting on their doorsteps or strolling along the streets.
A figure clad in tattered sackcloth slipped silently among them.
He was gaunt and sallow, his eyes dull, looking like any ordinary vagrant who might live through today but not tomorrow. Yet the sharpness hidden deep in his eyes hinted that he was anything but ordinary.
I never imagined there were still places in today's shinobi world where people couldn't get enough to eat. After living in Konoha so long, I thought everyone lived in peace and prosperity. Who would've thought there was a hell on earth this close to the Land of Fire?
Jiraiya had disguised himself with the Transformation Technique as he mulled this over.
He had just finished learning all the senjutsu at Mount Myōboku and was gathering intelligence on the Jashin Cult near the Land of Fire.
A cold voice answered in his mind, "The Land of Rain brought this upon itself."
"Hmm? Big Brother Leaf Dragon, what do you mean?" The devastation all around tugged at Jiraiya's heart, and he asked inwardly, curious.
Leaf Dragon paused for a moment, seemingly recalling something. He gathered his thoughts and slowly unfolded the history, explaining in an even voice.
"I don't know how the Land of Rain has developed over the past three years, but judging by the intelligence I have, its decline stems from its own weakness and greed."
"Ever since Konoha was founded, it offered the Land of Rain considerable protection. With rain falling year-round, the country's grain production was extremely