In the Land of Rain, the sky remained lifeless, draped in the same listless weather as always.
Once, the civilians hurried through the streets, while ninjas and samurai moved like shadows in the dark, often cloaked in black, carrying out clandestine missions.
But now, an air of increased secrecy hung over the land, as if many had temporarily abandoned it.
Takeshi and Hiruko had arrived on bounty missions, hunting down those ignorant blood ninjas.
Yet, as the name of Uchiha Dragon spread like wildfire in the shadows, Takeshi maintained a low profile, his actions veiled in silence.
His "partner," Hiruko, remained nestled in a stronghold, fervently studying advanced human body research.
With Takeshi's assistance, Hiruko gathered a plethora of materials, accelerating progress significantly.
However, scientific research doesn't happen overnight. Mastery of high-level ninjutsu takes years of study, and forbidden arts are even more challenging.
Ninjutsu development demands countless explorations and experiments, while forbidden techniques exact a toll in lives.
Recently, Takeshi and Hiruko seemed to have vanished, leaving many with hidden intentions frustrated.
Currently, the only force entrenched in the Land of Rain was the army of Cloud Ninja.
Rain Ninja, stationed in the Land of Rain, faced the brutal and robust barbarians from the Land of Lightning. The Land of Rain, like a defenseless maiden, had no strength to resist.
The few Rain Ninjas attempted sporadic resistance but were brutally slaughtered. Land of Rain civilians then suffered a blood-soaked fate.
Countless people who sought refuge in this chaotic land faced death once again. Refugees from the Land of Whirlpools, survivors of ninja escapes from other regions, rebellious ninjas, and desolate samurai all met a grim fate.
The Cloud Ninja army couldn't sustain itself on plunder alone, and relying solely on the Land of Lightning's resources brought disaster to the already impoverished Land of Rain.
Starvation claimed countless lives, and people turned against each other. Yet, these "untouchables" received no care; they were abandoned by the protection of the five major nations.
While war brought misery and opportunity to other lands, the Land of Rain knew only 100% misery.
Perhaps, deep-rooted hatred also played a role.
"Damn, these bandits!"
A young samurai glared at Cloud Ninja in the no-man's land, witnessing the ruthless slaughter of resisting samurai. It was a one-sided battle.
This lone samurai, choosing not to die in vain, etched this scene into his memory.
"Ninjutsu... Is this the power of ninjutsu?"
The young warrior seemed to make a firm decision.
"None of the five major nations is virtuous; they've brought too much pain to this land. One day, I will use the blade in my hand to end this tormented world and bring peace to the Land of Rain!"
The samurai no longer observed the grim battle, departing from the scene.
"Lord Raikage, there's news from the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn!"
In Cloud Ninja's headquarters, a female ninja entered to deliver a report.
"Aiko, tell me quickly, how fared those two rascals?"
The female ninja spoke few words, exuding an air of calm arrogance.
She was a beauty with fair skin, short yellow hair, green pupils, and a short knife strapped to her back.
Aiko's presence was intense, with a prominently curved chest that leaned towards exaggeration.
"Lord Raikage, the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn suffered severe losses. It's confirmed they've retreated to the territory along the Land of the Moon. They may feel uneasy and return a step ahead to regroup their strength."
Aiko spoke calmly, maintaining an air of precision.
She was a member of the Raikage Shadow Guard, much like Ai's secretary, and her strength was not to be underestimated.
"Humph! These two individuals voluntarily left the battlefield. Do they still hold Lord Ai in their hearts?" C, standing at the side, scolded angrily. "This band of robbers and criminals is truly unreliable; they're all the same raccoon dogs!"
"Lord Raikage, their departure without a word is undoubtedly a plot. Acting without authorization is a serious offense. Since they dare to act on their own, they likely plan to rally wavering ninjas and challenge you. Be prepared!" Aiko warned.
"Hahaha, they are already at the end of the road. Those families have our people, and they won't dispute with them!" Ai laughed, confident in himself. "But they also know that once the war ends, I will settle scores with them. This is a desperate gamble on their part."
With a sneer, Ai continued, "The Land of Soup is no match for the Land of Rain; it's the backyard of the Land of Fire. Their wanton burning, killing, and looting are self-destructive! Even if Tobirama leads the troops, they won't fare any better. The golden horn and the silver horn clash with the barrel of the gun. They're like grasshoppers in autumn; they won't be jumping for long."
Ai appeared triumphant, his confidence evident.
"However, there are rumors that Tobirama's forces include ninjas capable of using the Wood Style. It's truly sinister!" Ai recalled information from Golden and Silver Horn. "There was a 'monster' that went berserk, killing indiscriminately. It resembled a 'tree man,' but things seem to have spiraled out of control. I wonder about the current situation."
"Moreover, there's a newly awakened Uchiha with the Mangekyo Sharingan causing confusion. Konoha is uneasy lately—why are all these mysterious figures appearing? It's truly baffling!"
"By the way, Lord Ai, our messenger has brought information from the Uchiha," Aiko said.
"Oh, share it with me!"
"Uchiha's people seem formidable. Elder Uchiha Takumi directly captured one of ours, tortured him for information using illusions, but in the end, Uchiha Takumi neither agreed nor disagreed and released the half-dead Cloud Ninja."
"Is that so? It seems the Uchiha clan is adopting a wait-and-see approach," Ai mused, stroking his beard.
"This guy is cautious. He won't agree easily, but he didn't refuse. It appears he harbors his own fantasies!"
"Master, can we succeed in this manner?" C asked directly.
"Even if the Uchiha clan agrees to a coup, it won't succeed. The promised Cloud Ninja army won't appear. Konoha is impenetrable now; Tobirama is at his peak. With the Uchiha weakened, if I were Uchiha Takumi, I wouldn't agree," Ai declared.
"Then how do you..."
"Hahaha, even if they don't rebel, the Uchiha won't decline.
At that time, I'll dispatch a team of elites to stealthily approach Konoha's vicinity, seeking opportunities. Once the Uchiha sends someone to contact them, let them intentionally and directly reveal themselves.
Imagine what Konoha will think when they discover this alliance and suspect a business council? They won't tolerate them unless they rebel against Konoha!"
Ai's dark countenance displayed a sinister smile as he spoke proudly.
"The Uchiha clan may not win, but they are the backbone of Konoha. When the time comes, losing both hands with Senju, Konoha won't be as formidable.
This time, we won't aid Konoha. Although Hashirama and Madara Uchiha are no more, their strength persists.
But the next time, who can say? Hahaha!"
Ai chuckled and added, "C, despite your impulsiveness this time, killing Kagami Uchiha is truly a great accomplishment!"
"Ha ha ha ha!"
C also grinned upon hearing Ai's analysis, as if they had successfully dethroned Konoha from the number one spot in the ninja world, unaware that they were all pawns in a certain conspiracy.
"It's time to prepare for peace talks. The issue of the golden horn and the silver horn can't be delayed. In a while, we'll—"
"Boom!"
Just as Ai finished speaking, a deafening roar echoed nearby!
"Lord Ai, it's not good! Tobirama is personally leading the troops for an assault!" A Cloud Ninja rushed in, horror etched across their face.
"What! Why... why didn't he visit those Uchihas?!"
Ai's smile instantly froze on his face!
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