A fine drizzle shrouded the village, where steel pipes crisscrossed in a unique style that stood out even in the entire ninja world.
This was Rain Ninja Village, a place that suddenly rose to prominence after the Third Great Ninja War.
White Zetsu pressed down the edge of his straw hat, then suppressed his aura and spiritual energy, blending quietly into the passing merchant caravans. He slipped silently into Rain Ninja Village.
Inside, the village environment was quite good. It had a dedicated drainage system, so even during the continuous rainy weather, the streets remained lively.
Many people walked about, their faces beaming with warm smiles as they greeted the merchants and passersby. The whole village radiated an atmosphere of thriving prosperity.
White Zetsu casually picked a tavern, lifted the curtain, and stepped inside. "Boss, bring me some specialty dishes and a pot of sake."
Taverns like this usually had just one table separating the dining area from the owner's space—a typical Japanese style that let diners watch the cooking process and helped build a closer bond with the shopkeeper.
White Zetsu took off his straw hat and raincoat, placing them aside, then sat down on a stool.
Since it wasn't evening yet, he was the only customer inside.
The owner responded with a nod and busied himself preparing the order.
Before long, several exquisite side dishes and a bottle of clear sake were brought over.
"Your dishes are all here, sir. Please enjoy at your leisure," the owner said warmly.
"It's been many years since I last came. I didn't expect Rain Ninja Village to change so much," White Zetsu remarked.
His true intent wasn't the sake. His eyes quietly flickered to a pale gold as he subtly cast a psychological suggestion on the owner.
"Of course!"
The shop owner grew even friendlier toward the visitor and began to chatter nonstop about the changes in Amegakure.
Ever since the Akatsuki eliminated Hanzo and took full control of the Village Hidden by Rain, the entire village seemed to have been reborn with new vitality.
The dark clouds that forever hung over Amegakure no longer felt as heavy and oppressive.
People who had lived there before seemed as if their souls had been stolen away.
But in just over a decade, under a series of policies from the Akatsuki, the lives of the people had greatly improved.
During the Third Great Ninja War, the Five Great Shinobi Nations suffered heavy losses, but under the Akatsuki's leadership, Amegakure took the opportunity to annex large, fertile lands from Sunagakure.
Moreover, with Sunagakure's elite forces severely weakened, Amegakure finally broke through decades of stalemate and began to rise at an astonishing speed.
All of this was thanks to the Akatsuki!
If it weren't for their powerful strength, which repelled Sunagakure many times, Amegakure would probably have long since fallen back into the miserable state of being bullied by the great powers.
Now, with the Akatsuki running the village, hope shone on every face in Amegakure.
"So, the Akatsuki are really powerful, huh?"
White Zetsu twirled his wine glass thoughtfully and said, "To bring such huge changes in such a short time... If I ever get the chance, I'd really like to meet them."
"Hahaha, that's impossible. Don't even think about it."
The owner shook his head and said, "No one has ever seen the Akatsuki members. People say they're like ghosts. But if you dare break the rules, they'll suddenly appear and punish you. Ordinary folks never get to see them."
"I noticed a tall tower in the village. What's it for?" White Zetsu asked.
"That tower?" The owner scratched his head. "I heard the 'Angel' is there. Ordinary people aren't allowed near it. If you want to tour, I'd suggest going somewhere else."
Angel-sama?
White Zetsu smiled faintly, took a sip of his wine, then pulled out some bills.
"Thanks for your hospitality, boss."
"All right, take care, guest."
The shopkeeper smiled and waved his hand.
But after lowering his hand, a look of confusion appeared on his face. "Huh? That's strange. What was I just doing?"
After 'deleting' the memory from the shopkeeper's mind to avoid exposure, White Zetsu put on his straw hat again and draped his raincoat over his shoulders, striding confidently down the streets of Rain Ninja Village.
"Now it's certain. There must be members of the 'Twilight Hermit Order' within the Akatsuki."
Through the continuous rain and mist, White Zetsu's gaze fixed on the central tower of Rain Ninja Village, the tall spire piercing the clouds. A cold smile appeared on his lips.
"Good. Another one found. But where exactly did Adam hide the 'Groselle's Travels'?"
The only clue it knew was that the 'Groselle's Travels' was hidden somewhere in Rain Ninja Village.
But where exactly it was hidden—that White Zetsu did not know.
"No matter how deep you hide it, I'll dig it out!"
White Zetsu sneered coldly and silently took control of the surrounding passersby, implanting a single thought into their minds.
Rain Ninja Village.
The tower.
Konan looked up at the cloudy, drizzling sky and the village shrouded beneath it, feeling uneasy inside.
"Konan, you've been staring at the village a lot lately. Is something on your mind?"
Nagato, dressed in the black cloak with red clouds, slowly emerged from the shadows behind her, concern evident on his face.
"It's nothing. Maybe I'm just overthinking."
Konan sighed and shook her head but did not reveal her true feelings.
"You have given so much to Rain Ninja Village, Konan."
Nagato looked at her tired face, his eyes showing a trace of pity. "No matter what happens, I will firmly stand by your side."
"Have there been any suspicious people recently?"
Konan suddenly spoke up.
Though unsure of her intent, Nagato answered truthfully, "Apart from a few spies sent from other villages, there's no one suspicious."
His Rain Tiger Freedom Technique allowed him to blend chakra into the rain, sensing everyone who stepped into the village, thus identifying those with ill intent like spies.
"These past few days, thank you for your efforts. Please keep a close watch."
Konan frowned slightly but still felt uneasy.
"Is it an enemy?"
Nagato furrowed his brow and said in a low voice, "It's related to the last time you disappeared, isn't it?"
The last time, Konan suddenly left the Rain Village. When she returned, it was as if she had been through fierce battles—an unsettling aura radiated from her.
She stayed locked in her room for three whole days before coming out, which worried him deeply.
"Don't ask so many questions, Nagato."
Konan bit her lip lightly. Seeing the disappointment in Nagato's eyes, she gently shook her head.
"These past days will be tough for you. I have other matters to attend to. I'll go now."
Without waiting for Nagato to speak, she turned into a paper sheet and disappeared.
Deep inside the tallest tower was a secret room where the paper reassembled back into Konan.
This was the most hidden place in the entire Rain Village, unknown even to Nagato.
Konan took a deep breath, lit the lamp bead in her hand, and followed the dark passage until she reached an old iron door.
She placed her palm on the door, releasing a faint spiritual energy.
The iron door transformed into a ghostly blue water curtain. Without hesitation, Konan stepped through.
Inside, the space was vast and bright despite the emptiness.
Konan approached the altar at the room's farthest end, staring at a book made from parchment, bound together.
The dark brown cover bore a line of mysterious writing.
"Lord Adam, I've been feeling uneasy lately."
Her eyes reflected the book as she whispered softly, "Did you sense something? Is that why you sent me this warning?"
*******
Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/c/Unique_Writer