Encountering Nagato

Amid the man's curses, she resolutely ran out, heading straight for the direction of Wenten Temple —even though she knew perfectly well that it wasn't a real temple, but merely a bustling street.

However, this street is located in the heart of the Land of Rain, so the chances of encountering wealthy people might be higher.

Of course, these so-called wealthy people are not the high-ranking nobles or the mysterious ninjas, but simply ordinary people with a little money.

The nobles lived in a heavily guarded special zone. Sachiko was not stupid; she knew she could not approach rashly, for she would likely be mercilessly killed by their guards before even getting close to their residences.

As she ran, Sachiko's gaze inadvertently swept over the Forehead Protector on Koki's forehead, revealing Koki's identity as a ninja.

In the Land of Rain, ninjas often represent death and threat to ordinary people. They wield power and are frequently accompanied by bloodshed.

But at this moment, Sachiko had no way out and no other choice but to take a desperate gamble! Even if it meant risking her life, she was willing to try.

As if grasping at a last straw, she rushed over without hesitation, knelt before Koki, and tearfully begged for his help.

Lady Luck finally smiled upon her; her gamble paid off!

They wandered through narrow, muddy alleyways, the air thick with the smell of dampness and decay, until they arrived at a dilapidated house.

Sachiko pushed open the door and entered. A damp smell hit her. In a corner of the room, a woman lay on the verge of death. Her face was as pale as a sheet of paper, and her breathing was so weak that it was almost imperceptible.

After leaving Sachiko's house, Koki let out a long sigh, but that long sigh was instantly swallowed by the pattering rain, just as the helplessness in his heart seemed insignificant in this sea of suffering.

Having lived in Konoha for many years, he had always enjoyed a relatively stable and affluent life, and he had always thought he understood the hardships of the world. However, he now realized that the reality of the Land of Rain was far beyond his imagination.

He never expected that such a corner of the world existed.

In retrospect, his previous ideas about coming to the Land of Rain seem like a joke. He had harbored some self-righteous plans and ambitions, thinking he could easily make a name for himself here.

Only now do I realize that I truly am someone who doesn't understand the ways of the world.

In a corner not far away, a light drizzle fell, and the thin raincoat clung tightly to the red-haired boy's body, as if it were melting into his skin.

The icy raindrops seemed to come alive, flowing freely down his cheeks, coldly sweeping over every inch of his skin, until they slowly stopped at his thin ankles.

Nagato involuntarily shivered, trying to warm her heart with a breath of hot air, but the white mist vanished in an instant in the rain, leaving only a chill.

Raindrops, like scattered pearls, fluttered and struck Koki's clothes, creating ripples.

He trudged along the muddy path, the rain making it even more slippery, yet Koki's steps remained steady and unwavering.

Meanwhile, Nagato, who had been stealthily following her like a Nagato, was experiencing a turbulent internal struggle. He silently watched Koki's receding figure, his eyes filled with endless turmoil.

Finally, just as their figures were about to disappear from each other's sight, he steeled himself, rushed forward, and shouted, "Wait!"

Upon Koki quickly turned around, secretly delighted: You finally came out!

In fact, he had already sensed the person following him and discovered that he was still the one he was trying to save— Nagato, one of the members of the Frog Squad.

Koki chose to remain still and patiently wait for Nagato to reveal his identity. Now, everything is going as he expected, and Nagato has finally lost his patience and shown himself.

Just as Koki was about to ask a question, something unexpected happened! A group of people rushed out of the narrow alley.

"Grab him! Don't let him get away!"

"You little brat, you dare steal our things? You don't want to live anymore?!"

Koki immediately realized the purpose of the visitors—they had come to capture Nagato.

His face, like a sky filled with dark clouds, instantly turned gloomy, and he then gave the monk beside him a sharp look.

The monk understood his intention, put his hands together, moved his lips slightly, silently recited ancient scriptures, slowly turned around, and faced the group of fierce and menacing ninjas. His gaze was deep and calm, as if he were facing not enemies, but people in need of salvation.

The ninjas didn't seem to take the monk seriously, regarding him merely as a busybody outsider.

One of the leading ninjas sneered, "Hey, monk, you want to meddle in our business too? We'll take care of you too!"

The monk moved like an arrow released from a bow, his movements so fast that it was impossible to follow. His hands quickly changed mudras, and with each gesture, an invisible energy spread around him.

A powerful palm strike, like an arrow piercing the air, struck the ninja charging ahead.

The ninja felt an overwhelming force rushing towards him. Before he could react, he was sent flying and crashed into the mud, raising a cloud of dust.

The remaining ninjas were horrified at the sight; retreat was now hopeless.

They brandished their weapons and lunged at the monk.

The monk remained calm and composed, skillfully countering each attack with his agile movements. Every counterattack he made was incredibly precise, either striking the enemy's vital points or knocking their weapons away.

These ninjas were like a group of helpless children in front of him.

In an instant, the earth was covered with fallen corpses, the rain relentlessly washing over them, blood and mud mingling and flowing silently along the muddy path.

Nagato stood to one side, speechless with shock at the horrific scene before him, his mind filled with questions as he wondered why Koki had offered him help.

The drizzle seemed endless. Koki stood in the rain, his gaze sharp and deep, carefully examining the boy before him.

At this moment, Nagato's soft, red hair draped limply over her shoulders, looking even more disheveled after being soaked by the rain. A few stray strands of hair just happened to cover her right eye, adding a touch of mystery to her appearance.

His face was as pale as snow, and his almost transparent skin revealed years of poverty. His thin body looked particularly frail in the rain.

Noticing Koki's gaze, Nagato tightly closed his lips, avoiding eye contact with Koki, seemingly trying his best to hide his inner turmoil.

Koki, however, remained calm and composed. He stood leisurely in the rain, taking advantage of the moment of tranquility to once again turn his gaze to the legendary Rinnegan that Nagato had revealed.

That ultimate pupil power, known as the "Eye That Controls Life and Death," made its purple eyes gleam in the rain, like dazzling purple gemstones.