Danzo's Whereabouts
Koki said earnestly, "We must guide those who have gone astray back to the right path! To achieve anything in the Land of Rain, we need those workers who silently dig the ditches, so that every ninja can use their Ninjutsu for the right purpose."
"I will!" Konan's expression was firm, her eyes shining with confidence. "I will definitely not let Koki down." She bore a heavy responsibility on her shoulders, and she would strive for the future of the Land of Rain.
"Not disappointed, not disappointed!"
Although the Akatsuki's current territory is small and most of the area is low-lying, making it prone to flooding whenever it rains, its situation is still relatively satisfactory compared to others.
At least for now, Hanzo of the Salamander will not pose a threat, giving them valuable time to grow.
As time went by, many displaced people gathered here, perhaps seeking refuge, or perhaps searching for a new life.
For the Akatsuki, this was undoubtedly a golden opportunity.
If a factory could be established here, utilizing this workforce eager to make a living would bring enormous benefits. Lower wages than elsewhere, abundant labor, and low costs would provide strong support for the expansion of the Akatsuki.
However, reality is far from the ideal; the place is chaotic, order has vanished, and the risks of transporting supplies are not to be underestimated.
The roads were muddy and difficult to traverse, and bandits frequently appeared, making the flow of goods extremely difficult.
However, Koki's mood remained unaffected.
He had already taught these things to the three little ones— Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato —and he believed that after he left, they would not repeat the mistakes made in the anime.
"Then Nagato and I will go shopping first." Koki said, stretching leisurely, a hint of fatigue showing between her brows.
Last night, he wrote a reply until late into the night, and he did feel a deep weariness.
"Okay!" Konan's gaze shifted slightly, and she caught sight of Nagato following Koki wife. A playful smile flashed across her eyes.
She said gently, "Come back for lunch, okay?"
"No problem!" Koki readily agreed.
Konan's culinary skills are highly praised. She has been personally preparing lunches for us lately, and the food is delicious, especially the specialty of the Land of Rain —Sanshoku-o (Ibuse).
This fish has a tender texture, is rich in broth, and has a delicious flavor. It is a delicacy whether grilled or stewed.
However, this fish is poisonous and, if not handled properly, is as dangerous as a pufferfish. It is difficult for anyone but a skilled cook to handle, and a slight mistake could endanger the whole family.
As the two figures gradually disappeared into the distance, Konan slowly walked into the house. Halfway there, she suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked back.
"Boom!" A thunderous roar shattered the silence.
In mid-air, countless pieces of paper danced like snowflakes, gathering and swirling. Amidst the deafening explosion, a graceful figure slowly emerged, becoming increasingly clear.
The trench coat collar fluttered lightly, and the white floral crown swayed in the wind. The pure color contrasted sharply with the surrounding darkness, like a ray of starlight in the night.
Her face, expressionless like a puppet, was exquisite yet cold; nothing in the world seemed to stir any emotion in her.
She was a completely different person from when she was talking to Koki just now.
A cascade of long purple hair fell over her shoulders, radiating a unique charm in the dim light.
Konan hovered silently in the air, her eyes cold and sharp as she surveyed her surroundings, when a red-haired boy suddenly entered her line of sight.
The boy's fiery red hair stood out even more in the oppressive atmosphere, and his face was as cold and stern as stone.
Konan expressionlessly swept past the unfamiliar red-haired boy, her tone cold and hard as she warned, "Whoever you are, get out of here! This is Akatsuki territory."
Upon hearing the warning, the red-haired youth merely glanced at the ruins and then left indifferently, ignoring the warning.
Konan's gaze followed the direction he left in; that was where Koki had disappeared!
A sense of unease welled up in Konan's heart. She knew that the appearance of this mysterious red-haired boy was no accident, and his purpose must be related to Koki.
Konan resolutely pursued Scorpion's trail, her figure flashing past like the Hayate, her eyes fixed on the path ahead, afraid of missing any clues.
Finally spotting Scorpion in a secluded corner, Konan warily observed him. "Who are you? What is your purpose in tracking Koki?"
Scorpion slowly raised his head, his eyes calm and indifferent. "Who I am is irrelevant; I have my own goals."
"What is your goal? If you dare to hurt Koki, I will never forgive you!" Konan's eyes were gleaming, and she gripped the piece of paper tightly in her hand. If Sasori made any move, she would launch an attack without hesitation.
Scorpion narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"Ha, you really think you can stop me?"
"Enough with the nonsense!"
On that land of Land of Rain, covered in pristine white snow, snowflakes swirled like knives cutting into skin, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the air.
The snowflakes, dancing in the air like countless light white butterflies fluttering in the cold wind, are breathtakingly beautiful, yet they also exude a biting chill, as if to freeze all life in the world.
Danzo, accompanied by several loyal subordinates, resolutely trudged through the snow. Their small figures appeared lonely yet resilient against the boundless white snow, their eyes burning with a determined flame.
Every step he took left deep footprints, just like the indelible vow in his heart.
Danzo's face was cold and fearless; to him, the Land of Rain posed no threat whatsoever at this moment.
Before he left, he left Hanzo of the Salamander a meaningful "gift".
He firmly believed that Hanzo of the Salamander was currently engaged in a fierce battle with the old woman from the Land of Wind and had no time to spare for anything else.
Thinking of this, a smug smile flickered across Danzo's lips, as if everything was under his control.
After arriving in the Land of Rain, Danzo began a life of hardship and endurance, suffering endless contempt and torment. The people of the Land of Rain looked at him, an outsider, with disdain and wariness.
He was brutally beaten, his body bearing the marks of suffering, and he was even imprisoned, losing his once-powerful position in Konoha.
However, Danzo never abandoned his belief in revenge. That rage burned fiercely in his heart like a raging fire, and its source was the Uchiha Clan.
In his view, it was all because of the Uchiha Clan that he had fallen to this state.
From a powerful elder in Konoha to a prisoner in the Land of Rain, this stark contrast filled him with resentment and hatred, and he secretly vowed to make the Uchiha Clan pay for their blood debts.
Danzo pondered deeply as he walked, gradually sketching out a plan for revenge in his mind. The Uchiha Clan was exceptionally powerful, so he needed to act cautiously and patiently wait for the best opportunity.
His subordinates following behind him could feel the intense hatred emanating from him.
The snow fell even more heavily, as if trying to bury the entire world in pure white.