Hanzo of the Salamander was more cautious than imagined.
Even with an invitation from Shimura Danzo, he led a large group of subordinates.
Just after arriving at the valley, a scouting ninja team from The Hidden Rain Village became active. Uehara Naraku also quickly discovered their traces and hurried forward to greet them.
After all, once you've decided to do something, you must do it thoroughly.
Uehara Naraku, under the guidance of a group of Hidden Rain ninja scouts, met Hanzo of the Salamander.
This man, renowned for standing at the pinnacle of this world's ninjas, claimed to be the one closest to the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
"Lord Hanzo, I didn't expect you to bring so many subordinates."
Uehara, in the guise of Yamanaka Fuu, approached, surveying the Hidden Rain ninjas, and said softly, "Our leader, Lord Shimura Danzo, to show his sincerity, only brought a team of Guardian Ninjas to participate in the negotiation."
That statement wasn't wrong.
At least on the surface, there were only four Pains in the valley.
Kandachi of the Salamander disdainfully retorted from the side, "Hmph, no matter how many ninjas you bring, it would be futile against Lord Hanzo!"
"Well, what Lord Kandachi said is also reasonable."
Uehara, in the guise of Yamanaka Fuu, displayed an awkward but polite smile, "With fewer numbers, it's also easier to avoid the Third Hokage's detection."
Upon hearing Uehara Naraku's explanation, Hanzo of the Salamander was put at ease.
This elder turned his head, chatting with Yamanaka Fuu in front of him with interest, "If the Third Hokage's control is strict, during our cooperation, how many Anbu can Danzo mobilize to join forces with us against Akatsuki?"
"I'm just a tool in Lord Danzo's hand, I'm not privy to that information."
Uehara, in the guise of Yamanaka Fuu, didn't directly promise, but solemnly said, "But please believe in Lord Danzo's sincerity. After the two lords discuss, they will ensure a satisfying result for Lord Hanzo."
Hanzo of the Salamander's eyes slightly hardened, staring at Yamanaka Fuu for a while before speaking, "You Konoha ninjas are truly loyal to Shimura Danzo..."
"You're too kind, Lord Hanzo."
Uehara, in the guise of Yamanaka Fuu, humbly lowered his head.
This time, Uehara Naraku's acting was quite good. Hanzo of the Salamander looked at him with a hint of envy. Who wouldn't want ninjas like those under Shimura Danzo, who only follow orders?
Hanzo of the Salamander casually asked a few questions about Shimura Danzo, to which Uehara Naraku replied fluently, even subtly praising Hanzo.
Hanzo of the Salamander then labeled the Root ninja in front of him.
These ninjas certainly had a way with words.
Hanzo of the Salamander looked up at the four figures standing on the cliff, frowning involuntarily, wondering why Shimura Danzo didn't come down to greet him?
Uehara Naraku noticed the ninja demigod appearing somewhat displeased and quickly said, "Lord Hanzo, we apologize. We didn't communicate the procedure well..."
"What procedure?"
Hanzo of the Salamander seemed puzzled. He intuitively felt something was off.
The Hidden Rain ninjas, who were initially disgruntled by Shimura Danzo's rudeness, also pricked up their ears, listening intently to Uehara Naraku.
"Our procedure, well..."
Uehara Naraku blinked, suddenly tiptoed up into the air, "How to put on a great show before killing you!"
Uehara Naraku slowly ascended into the sky, his form gradually changing to reveal his true appearance, causing the Hidden Rain ninjas' faces to change dramatically.
Uehara, looking down at the Hidden Rain members on the ground, helplessly spread his hands, "Unfortunately, it seems now we can skip the procedure!"
One could say Uehara was a bit disappointed.
Hanzo of the Salamander's mood changed drastically!
Raising his head to look at Uehara Naraku in the sky, his eyes turned sharp as he recalled several images, "That kid, is he the very active Akatsuki kid from a while back!"
"...It's him!"
Kandachi of the Salamander quickly nodded.
Hanzo of the Salamander's expression grew grim, coldly saying, "Where is Shimura Danzo? Did he betray me? Or...is this original plan of Akatsuki?"
Either way, it's not good news for Hanzo.
Uehara Naraku landed beside the four figures on the cliff, looking down at Hanzo of the Salamander and the many Hidden Rain ninjas, "Correct, yesterday, the Konoha ninjas had already informed us about your meeting here and hoped we would kill you."
Uehara Naraku, seeing the tense expressions of the Hidden Rain ninjas, chuckled and continued, "Lord Shimura Danzo from Konoha offered generous conditions. As long as we can kill you, Konoha will support us in becoming leaders of The Hidden Rain Village!"
Deva Path of Pain: "..."
Why did it feel so familiar listening to Uehara lie like this?
But such an obvious lie wouldn't be believed by anyone, right!
"Akatsuki kid..."
Hanzo of the Salamander's expression changed unpredictably, looking up at Uehara Naraku and the four black shadows with him, "Did Shimura Danzo, that bastard, think he could use them to kill me? Do you think the ninjas in the village will support you?"
Others may not believe it, but Hanzo of the Salamander did.
Because during the siege of the First Generation Akatsuki, many Hidden Rain ninjas and Konoha Root ninjas were killed by the Gedo Statue, and Hanzo barely escaped.
Obviously, in that encounter, Hanzo was at a disadvantage.
Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Danzo wanted to change partners?
No, it was also possible that Shimura Danzo, that bastard, intended to instigate the Hidden Rain's ninja demigod and the Rinnegan ninja to mutually slaughter each other!
Regardless of who won or lost, it was beneficial for Konoha.
Shimura Danzo, known as the Darkness of the Ninja World, no matter what outrageous actions he took, it seemed nothing would be surprising. Luring both the Hidden Rain and Akatsuki simultaneously was something Danzo would definitely do!
Hanzo of the Salamander abruptly raised his head to look at Uehara Naraku, asking in a booming voice, "Did you Akatsuki not speculate that this could be Konoha trying to provoke the two strongest organizations in the Land of Rain to fight each other?"
"That's an interesting question..."
Uehara Naraku smiled, and then asked Hanzo of the Salamander, "Didn't you, Lord Hanzo, think of the same question when you led people to attack the three leaders of Akatsuki back then?"
"..."
Hanzo of the Salamander was instantly stuck for words.
Uehara Naraku spread his palms softly, "Alright, Hanzo, there's no need for us to speak these high-sounding words... We just wanted you to know how it feels to be in the position of those you attacked back then."
"..."
Hanzo of the Salamander's face grew darker.
However, a hint of smile curled at the corner of Uehara Naraku's mouth, "I think I've said enough. It's time for the real Avenger to show up..."
"..."
Fear flashed in Hanzo of the Salamander's eyes, recalling Nagato and the Gedo Statue, who almost killed him back then. If it really was Nagato laying in ambush for him...
How could he possibly escape?
At that moment, the sound of a wheelchair gradually emerged.
Nagato and Konan appeared at the edge of the cliff, calmly observing Hanzo of the Salamander below, causing Hanzo's heart to tremble!
"Long time no see, Hanzo of the Salamander."
What terrified him even more was Deva Path of Pain slowly walking over, removing his disguise to reveal his true face.
It was a person who had been dead for many years!
Hanzo of the Salamander gripped his fingers tightly, anxiously looking at that red-haired figure, "You are that... dead kid from back then..."
"Other than Shimura Danzo, everyone who should be here is present."
Nagato coldly interrupted Hanzo of the Salamander, turning to glance at Konan and Uehara Naraku, "Konan, Uehara, shall we begin?"
Konan's fingers parted slightly, lifting gently, "...Then let us begin!"