Early the next morning, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan set out at dawn.
After half a day of travel through the ceaseless rain, they finally arrived outside Amegakure around noon.
"Hello," Yahiko said as he stepped forward. "I'm Yahiko of the Akatsuki. We were invited by Lord Hanzo and have come to pay our respects."
The Rain shinobi guarding the village gates had clearly been briefed in advance. After confirming their identities, one guard hurried off to report to Hanzo's residence while another gestured politely.
"Lord Hanzo has prepared a luncheon. Please follow me."
The warmth in the man's tone caught the trio off guard.
They had expected scrutiny. Interrogation, perhaps.
Not hospitality.
With equal parts nerves and anticipation, they followed their escort through the rain-drenched streets of Amegakure. Before long, they arrived at Hanzo's sprawling estate.
Tenyu was already waiting at the entrance.
He smiled when he saw them.
"I am Tenyu, Lord Hanzo's aide. You three must be the founders of Akatsuki."
"I'm Yahiko."
"Konan."
"Nagato."
After brief introductions, Tenyu led them inside.
As they walked through the compound, Yahiko's excitement gradually gave way to unease.
The security was intense.
Guards posted at nearly every junction. Patrols moving in overlapping routes. The air carried the kind of tension that lingered after something had gone wrong.
After hesitating for a moment, Yahiko finally asked, "Senior Tenyu… has something happened recently? Why is Lord Hanzo's residence guarded so heavily?"
Tenyu gave a small, reassuring smile.
"There's no need to worry. It has nothing to do with your visit."
He paused before continuing.
"Lord Hanzo was the target of an assassination attempt two days ago. As a precaution, we strengthened security."
"An assassination attempt?!" Yahiko's face went pale. "Is Lord Hanzo unharmed? Do you know who was responsible?"
His concern was genuine.
Hanzo wasn't just the leader of Amegakure—his presence alone stabilized the fragile balance of the Rain Country. If something happened to him, the entire region could erupt.
"Lord Hanzo is unharmed," Tenyu said calmly. "But the matter is complicated. He suspects someone is attempting to reignite the war. Amegakure has already begun pulling back its forces."
He glanced at them meaningfully.
"You should also exercise caution. Don't be too active on the battlefield for the time being. You may walk into a trap."
The three exchanged looks.
They immediately thought of yesterday's ambush.
Even Hanzo had been targeted.
The situation was worse than they had imagined.
"Thank you for the warning," Yahiko said sincerely.
He chose not to mention their own encounter just yet. He wanted to hear Hanzo's stance first.
"Here we are," Tenyu said, stopping before a room. "You must have left early this morning. Please have lunch and rest first. I'll take you to meet Lord Hanzo afterward."
Inside, a table had already been set.
The dishes weren't extravagant, but they were abundant—and far better than anything the three were used to.
Yahiko blinked.
"We thought we would be dining with Lord Hanzo…"
Tenyu chuckled softly.
"You've likely heard about Lord Hanzo's condition. His body constantly emits poison. To avoid harming others, he eats alone."
"He didn't wish to disturb your meal. Please forgive any unintended discourtesy."
The trio suddenly remembered the rumors—Hanzo the Poison Salamander, whose very breath carried toxins.
"No, no—he's being very considerate," Yahiko said quickly.
"Then please, eat. Don't hold back."
At first, they were reserved.
But hunger and the unfamiliar taste of properly prepared food gradually overcame their caution.
Soon, they were eating with genuine appetite.
Tenyu only sampled a few bites before setting down his chopsticks, watching them quietly.
Yahiko relaxed enough to ask, "Senior Tenyu… when did Lord Hanzo start paying attention to Akatsuki?"
"We keep an eye on all forces operating within the Rain Country," Tenyu replied openly. "In fact, I was the one who first reported your existence to Lord Hanzo."
Yahiko immediately put down his chopsticks.
"And how did he react?"
Nagato and Konan also looked up.
Tenyu smiled.
"He said your ideas are still somewhat naïve… but your intentions are sincere. More importantly, you act on your beliefs."
"That is rare."
"You are fresh blood for this country. Once your organization gained traction, Lord Hanzo wished to meet you personally."
Yahiko's eyes lit up.
Even Nagato and Konan couldn't hide their smiles.
To be acknowledged by Hanzo of the Salamander—
—a legend of the Second Shinobi War—
was more validation than they had ever dreamed of.
The meal ended in high spirits.
Their hearts were lighter now.
Afterward, Tenyu produced three specially crafted gas masks.
"Although Lord Hanzo takes precautions himself, it is best that you wear these when meeting him—just in case."
They had no objections.
One by one, they secured the masks over their faces.
Tenyu nodded.
"Very well."
"Let us go meet Lord Hanzo."
And with that, he led Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan toward the office of Hanzo of the Salamander—
toward a meeting that would quietly change the course of the Rain Country forever.
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