After the meeting with Orochimaru, Kakashi didn't waste a moment and headed towards the nearest village.
'According to Orochimaru's Intel, the root had already delivered the messages only a few hours before I arrived. This means action was taken immediately after Ryuu died, and also, this means the ones we 'found' and tracked were decoys.'
Kakashi had already crossed the land of fire and was already within Amegakure borders;
Whoosh! A kunai flew by Kakashi's face.
He looked ahead and saw a squad of five Anbu blocking his path.
"You're now entering Akatsuki territory, leaf shinobi. Other than Ryuu Uchiha, your kind aren't welcome here.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, "I don't have time for this." He muttered.
"Where is Nagato?" He questioned with authority.
The Amegakure anbu shivered at the intent behind Kakashi's voice.
"Calm down, this is all just a misunderstanding." A voice called out.
Kakashi looked to his side and saw a man wearing an Akatsuki robe. He wore the old version of the cloak as he walked towards Kakashi.
"Everybody calm down. You're looking at Kakashi of the Sharingan. Don't you know who that is?"
The look on their faces completely changed. Drops of sweat covered their faces as their eyes lit up.
"We are sorry, Kakashi-sama!" They all bowed and vanished.
"Please follow me, Kakashi-sama. Nagato sama is busy elsewhere. Otherwise, he would be here instead of me. However, he will return when we get to his tower."
Kakashi nodded. "Let's go then."
Kakashi followed the hidden rain shinobi as they walked towards Nagato's tower. Running over water and jumping on the steel towers of the hidden rain.
As they ran towards the towers, Kakashi looked at the hidden rain village. 'Amegakure has undergone a significant change in the last few years.' Kakashi thought as he looked at the village.
The ever-so-gloomy Amegakure had brightened. A giant tree connected some buildings. The village was buzzing as many people talked and went on with their lives. Children played on swings and water slides and climbed trees.
"I see the treaty is doing well," Kakashi spoke to break the silence.
The shinobi leading Kakashi nodded with a smile. He looked back and said, "By the way, I'm Akito." Kakashi nodded.
"Kakashi senpai, thanks to your efforts, along with Ryuu senpai, my village can smile like this again. Forgive my colleagues' rude welcome. However, we don't let outsiders through, " he explained.
"Other than Ryuu senpai, of course."
Kakashi nodded.
"We're here," Akito said, stopping by the entrance gate.
"Open up, it's me."
Kakashi followed Akito through the gates, nodding in acknowledgment to the guards as they passed. The atmosphere inside the tower was much different from the lively village outside. It was quiet and somber, a stark contrast to the energy of the bustling streets. As they made their way through the corridors, Kakashi couldn't help but notice the deep sense of loss that seemed to hang in the air.
Finally, they arrived at a large, ornate door guarded by two imposing figures. Akito exchanged a few words with them before gesturing for Kakashi to enter. Inside, Nagato sat in a grand chair, his expression serious and contemplative. He was listening to a kunoichi as she gave him a report.
"Kakashi, it's good to see you," Nagato said, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "I trust Akito has made you feel welcome in our village."
Kakashi nods in response, taking a moment to study Nagato's piercing gaze. 'So that's the Rinnegan... I've never actually seen it up close.'
"I've heard about the recent developments in your village. But I never saw it until today," Kakashi begins, getting straight to the point. "I'm here to call in a favor for Ryuu."
Nagato's eyes soften slightly as he hears Ryuu's name.
"So... the report was accurate. Ryuu Uchiha is dead."
Kakashi shakes his head, "Technically... no. It's difficult to explain the situation, but he's not here."
"And the whole world is paying for it." Nagato finishes. His softened expression faded as he continued, "The world is going through another war. From the remnants of battle, it will be Pain and suffering. All for one man."
"He's not just any man; this isn't for him. We're fighting for what he stands for and has done for everyone."
Nagato remains silent for a moment, his Rinnegan reflecting a series of thoughts,
"Many will fight for their lives, some for their loved ones. This won't be about Ryuu Uchiha or his ideals." He says,
Kakashi nods, "In times like this, that will always happen."
Nagato closes his eyes briefly and then nods, "Fine, let the Hokage know that Amegakure will stand with Konoha."
Nagato stands from his chair, "Come, let's go."
As Nagato and Kakashi moved to discuss the alliance between their villages, Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, was escorted across a desolate landscape not far from the Land of Waterfalls. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the terrain was harsh and unforgiving. Skeletal remains of animals and people littered the parched earth.
"This seems sketchy," Kurotsuchi, Ōnoki's granddaughter, remarked, her brow furrowed with suspicion.
"This new generation is truly useless if you can't even walk here without complaining," Ōnoki grumbled. "Back in my day—"
"Not again!" Kurotsuchi muttered under her breath. "Stubborn old fool won't stop talking about his generation."
Thud!
A kunai whizzed past their faces, embedding itself in the ground ahead.
"Don't move!" a voice boomed from the shadows.
In an instant, Ōnoki was shielded by a towering figure. "Don't worry, Tsuchikage-sama! I'll protect you!" Akatsuchi, one of Ōnoki's most loyal shinobi, declared.
A gust of wind swept through the area, kicking up dust and obscuring their vision.
"I told you this meeting was sketchy!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed, her hands glowing as she prepared to unleash her lava-style jutsu.
"Keep quiet," Ōnoki snapped. He narrowed his eyes, trying to pierce the dust cloud. "Raikage," he called out, "don't tell me you're betraying us right before the attack!"
As the wind dissipated the dust, a tall figure emerged. Ay, the Raikage, stood confidently atop a weathered bone.
"Hn. Unlike you, I am a man of my word," he grinned. "Your age has clouded your judgment, Ōnoki. It makes me wonder if you're truly up to this task."
Ōnoki's gaze shifted past Ay, and he noticed the numerous traps hidden within the terrain. He realized they had been led into an ambush.
"Akatsuchi, Kurotsuchi, stand down!" he commanded.
After a moment of hesitation, they lowered their guard.
Whoosh!
Ay and his two companions swiftly descended from their concealed positions.
"She is waiting for us," Ay announced.
"Then let's not keep her waiting," Ōnoki replied, his confidence regaining. "After all, she's the one who will help us end Ryuu Uchiha's false era of peace."