Inside a Cave.
Akihara Kagura seemed to know nothing at all.
When Jiraiya returned here, he saw Akihara Kagura still obediently waiting for him in the cave.
This tall man had a belly full of worries and didn't know how to start talking to his disciple about them, because all these matters were actually unrelated to Akihara Kagura.
"Teacher Jiraiya."
Akihara Kagura looked up, asking in surprise, "What happened? Didn't you say you were going to the battlefield to capture ninjas from the Akatsuki organization to gather intelligence?"
"Yes."
Jiraiya felt that he had gathered too much intelligence today and sighed deeply, "We have almost gathered all the intelligence, what remains is to slowly investigate and find out the base of the Akatsuki organization…"
"Wait…"
A hint of confusion flashed in Akihara Kagura's eyes, he asked in surprise, "Isn't this the intelligence Teacher Jiraiya went to the battlefield to gather? Why do you say we have almost gathered all the intelligence?"
"Ah, this…"
Jiraiya was somewhat at a loss for words and tried to equivocate to his disciple, "The situation with the Akatsuki organization is very complicated, more complicated than I had anticipated. We might have to stay in the Land of Rain for a while longer…"
"Is it complicated?"
Akihara Kagura didn't think the situation with the Akatsuki organization was complicated at all and proactively suggested, "If it really comes to it, we can report the information to Lord Danzo and the Third Hokage, letting them…"
"No!"
Jiraiya immediately interrupted Akihara Kagura's words.
The trouble with the Akatsuki organization was caused by Shimura Danzo in the first place. Letting that guy come to solve the problem with the Akatsuki organization would only make things worse!
Moreover…
He must make Nagato and Konan leave the Akatsuki organization! Because Nagato, his disciple, was still alive, and with the Rinnegan similar to the Sage of Six Paths, he was very likely the "Child of Prophecy" mentioned by the Great Toad Sage!
Nagato…
Was the hope for a revolution in the ninja world!
In any case, Shimura Danzo must not be involved in this matter.
Jiraiya thought of a reason, intending to persuade his disciple, "The Akatsuki organization is a dangerous organization. Once more people know about its intelligence, it might scare them off, and finding them again would not be so easy…"
"What should we do then?"
Akihara Kagura's eyes sparkled, continuing, "If it's just the two of us, can we really solve the trouble with the Akatsuki organization? The strength of Orochimaru and that puppet master is not weak…"
"The two of us are enough."
For a moment, Jiraiya did not notice the loophole in his disciple's words.
Actually, Jiraiya intended to deal with the Akatsuki organization on his own. He wanted to send Akihara Kagura back to Konoha, but he was afraid that this disciple would report about the Akatsuki.
If he didn't let this kid go back, then he must keep the disciple, Akihara Kagura, by his side to prevent any trouble the disciple might cause. Allowing him to continue participating in the pursuit of the Akatsuki seemed to pose no issue...
Upon reconsideration, Jiraiya thought that even if he could persuade Konan and Nagato to leave the Akatsuki, a battle in the future was inevitable, and the disciple Akihara Kagura could still be of much help.
After all...
The leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, was definitely powerful, in addition to several S-class rogue ninjas.
While Jiraiya and Akihara Kagura were still discussing the Akatsuki, Hanzo of the Salamander had already sent someone to deliver the location information of the Akatsuki base, hoping that Jiraiya could help investigate the Akatsuki's details.
"Was it found this quickly?"
Jiraiya felt that Hanzo of the Salamander's efficiency was quite high.
"Yes."
The person was Hanzo's right-hand man, barely qualifying as a capable subordinate, seriously reporting the task Hanzo had entrusted to him.
"I hope Lord Jiraiya can clarify the Akatsuki's details as soon as possible."
"If Lord Jiraiya wishes to peacefully resolve the internal conflict between the Akatsuki and the Rain Village, although Lord Hanzo thinks your idea is naive, he will still choose to respect the ally's opinion..."
"If Lord Jiraiya cannot resolve the internal conflict of the Land of Rain peacefully, then it is hoped that Lord Jiraiya will meet with Lord Hanzo as soon as possible, to fulfill the alliance between the Rain Village and Konoha, and discuss the matter of eradicating the Akatsuki. This matter cannot be delayed."
"The timing of war is fleeting. Now that we have finally found the base intelligence of the Akatsuki, we must seize the opportunity no matter what."
"I understand."
Jiraiya felt that Hanzo of the Salamander was quite generous in his actions.
In the midst of a great ninja war, such an opportunity would definitely not be missed. Once the enemy's base was discovered, an attack must be launched as soon as possible. How could there be a chance for peaceful negotiations? Wouldn't that just give the enemy time to react?
Perhaps...
Hanzo of the Salamander also wanted to resolve it peacefully?
"I hope Lord Jiraiya does not delay too much."
This Rain ninja felt that Jiraiya did not take it seriously, and voluntarily complained, "For Lord Jiraiya, this may be a routine mission; but for the Land of Rain, it is an opportunity to finally end the internal conflict."
"Whether it's the civilians of the Land of Rain or the ninjas of the Rain Village, they have all had enough of the hardships of this internal conflict. Lord Hanzo believes he is old, and even if this attack is likely to fail, or even if the ruling power over the Rain Village is lost, this opportunity to end the internal conflict must be seized."
Clearly.
The Rain Ninja all agreed with the approach of Hanzo of the Salamander.
The people of the Land of Rain and the Rain Village suffered greatly from the civil war.
Ending this civil war as soon as possible was the consensus of everyone.
This is also why the ninjas of the Rain Village were willing to set aside their dissatisfaction with Hanzo of the Salamander's rule and continue to follow this demigod ninja.
"I understand."
Jiraiya's expression suddenly became grave.
Hanzo of the Salamander actually gave him a chance for peace, and he indeed could not betray the trust of this demigod ninja.
"Kagura, we're leaving immediately."
Jiraiya looked at his disciple, Akihara Kagura.
"Yes, Teacher."
Akihara Kagura nodded and agreed.
Just when Jiraiya thought that Hanzo of the Salamander had sent him to gather information on the Akatsuki organization, thinking that the matter could be peacefully resolved... Inside the Rain Village, Hanzo of the Salamander was making the final war mobilization.
Rain Village.
The heavy rain continued to pour.
Atop a high tower, Hanzo of the Salamander stood there.
A group of Rain ninjas stood beneath the tower, heedless of the torrential rain soaking their clothes, still standing in the rain listening to the speech of Hanzo of the Salamander.
"The war must come to an end."
"Perhaps this war should never have begun."
"The root of this war can be traced back to the time of the Great Ninja War…"
"Many people know, the Akatsuki organization was born in the Land of Rain during the Great Ninja War, gathering many ninjas who longed for peace, and also once thought of integrating with our Rain Village…"
"However, the Konoha Village feared that the Rain Village would become powerful and threaten the great village status of the Konoha, so they sent Shimura Danzo to force us, who had failed in the Great Ninja War, to declare war on the Akatsuki, while inciting the Akatsuki to seize power in the Rain Village…"
"It is because of this that led to today's chaos in the Land of Rain."
"Never mind, perhaps I should never have coveted power and should have ceded it to the Akatsuki…"
"However, talking about this now is meaningless. I am the leader of the Rain Village, it is my lack of strength, my inability to protect this land, no matter how many mistakes this land has made in the past, they should all be attributed to me."
"During this time, I have been seeking an opportunity to peacefully resolve the civil war. I did not hesitate to lower my dignity to invite my former defeated ninja, one of the Legendary Sannin of the Konoha, Jiraiya, to act as a mediator to negotiate peace…"
"This is only because Jiraiya has close ties with the Akatsuki, I was willing to put aside my dignity, to flatter that Konoha junior who once lost to me, just hoping he could help us reach a peace agreement with the Akatsuki…"
"Even if it means giving up the power of the Rain Village…"
"However…"
"I received the news."
"The Akatsuki refused Jiraiya."
"The Akatsuki refused my peace proposal to them."
"The leader of the Akatsuki claims that the Rain Village should have been theirs long ago, demanding that everyone in the Rain Village must unconditionally surrender to them and accept the rule of those rogue ninjas, as well as demanding that all the Rain ninjas who had once been loyal to me commit suicide, which is something I absolutely cannot accept."
"It's time to end this civil war."
"I will not entrust the future of the Rain Village to the will of the enemy, but will hold the fate of the future in our own hands."
"We may fail…"
Hanzo of the Salamander stood atop a high tower, allowing the rain to wash over his body, and loudly proclaimed, "If I die in this war, then cover my body with the ninja forehead protectors of your past!"
"Then!"
"Forget the past where I was the leader of the Rain Village!"
"Forget that you were all once my subordinates! Forget my name!"
"Choose a new leader for the Rain Village. What this land needs is a peaceful Rain Village, not one under Hanzo of the Salamander!"
"Perhaps this way…"
"Those who were loyal to me might be able to avoid his purge…"
"If we win, I will pardon everyone who ever harbored resentment towards me, allowing them to become ninjas of the Rain Village again, to wear the ninja forehead protector of the Rain Village, to bear the name of Rain Ninja, and to act under my name once more!"
Hanzo of the Salamander watched as the spirits of the ninjas below him gradually lifted, and he continued loudly, "This is not a gift; it is a mistake I ought to rectify. I should never have succumbed to the threat of Konoha. Now, I want to solemnly tell everyone in this world that the Rain Village has always belonged to all the Rain Ninjas, and it is up to us to decide the future of the Land of Rain!"
"Lord Hanzo!"
"Lord Hanzo, this is not your fault!"
"Lord Hanzo, we will surely not lose!"
"Annihilate Akatsuki!"
"End the civil war! Attack Konoha!"
A group of Rain ninjas roared loudly in the rain.
Although they might have had grievances against Hanzo of the Salamander, hearing him publicly admit his mistakes, even ones he didn't need to acknowledge, immediately softened their hearts towards their former superior.
That was the demigod ninja who had once made the Rain Village renowned in the ninja world!
It was with the reputation of this demigod ninja that the Rain Village was able to survive between the three great villages!
After all, Hanzo of the Salamander had truly sacrificed a lot for this land, and they had even welcomed a visit from one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, Jiraiya, witnessing the exchange between Hanzo of the Salamander and Jiraiya with their own eyes.
Clearly.
Hanzo of the Salamander spoke the truth.
This demigod ninja sacrificed the dignity of a demigod to end the civil war!
The guardian deity of the Rain Village and the Land of Rain, in pursuit of peace, has secretly done so much instead of enjoying his leadership power as everyone imagines...
"Swear loyalty to Lord Hanzo until death!"
"Eliminate the Akatsuki organization! Never hand over the Rain Village to them!"
"Only Lord Hanzo is the true leader of the Rain Village!"
"We only trust Lord Hanzo!"
The ninjas of the entire Rain Village were stirred up, clamoring to reclaim everything for Hanzo of the Salamander, to destroy the Akatsuki organization wanting to seize power, and to continue their loyalty to this demi-god ninja forever!
"Let's go!"
Hanzo of the Salamander raised his palm, loudly declaring: "Let this land regain peace, let this land become stronger, and ensure this land's future is never bullied again!"
With that, Hanzo of the Salamander donned a raincoat and leaped down, leading the charge outside the Rain Village!
A group of Rain Village ninjas followed closely behind him, leaping up in the rain like swallows, densely flocking towards the outside of the Rain Village!
"Incomprehensible..."
As Hanzo of the Salamander dashed towards the Akatsuki organization, his eyes darkened slightly, asking in his mind: "Just by acknowledging a mistake and showing a willingness to end the civil war, how could it win their following again..."
"Did I really admit the mistake?"
The voice of Akihara Kagura appeared in Hanzo of the Salamander's mind, continuing: "That was only Lord Danzo's mistake, what does it have to do with you?"
"Moreover, you said these things in public, stating that for the peace of the Rain Village, you are willing to lay down the dignity of a demigod ninja, a dignity more important than life itself, they will definitely believe you..."
"Dignity..."
Hanzo of the Salamander had never thought about these things.
"Ah, haven't played at this high level, have you?"
Akihara Kagura chuckled lightly, explaining: "When you are willing to lay down your dignity and everything else for them, they will also be willing to sacrifice their lives to help you reclaim the lost dignity and everything else."
"Yes, I even feel that I haven't lost any dignity..."
Hanzo of the Salamander had never experienced this feeling, as he was never willing to lose face as a demigod ninja.
The leader of the Rain Village sighed, unable to help but say in his mind: "Kid, you might be more suitable to be the leader of a village than I am, have you considered taking on the future of this village?"
"Not interested."
Akihara Kagura had no interest in the position of leader for the Rain Village: "I am a candidate for the Hokage of the Konoha Village, the most likely successor to the Hokage position in the future…"
"..."
Hanzo of the Salamander immediately stopped talking.
Compared to the position of Hokage in the Konoha, the leadership of the Rain Village indeed seemed less appealing.
Although what this kid said sounded too fake, not really like a serious candidate for Hokage, more like he was dreaming…
Hanzo of the Salamander remembered that this kid seemed to have some relationship with Shimura Danzo and brought up another matter: "Are you really a ninja from the Konoha Village? Do you have any grudge against Shimura Danzo?"
"I was once Lord Danzo's favorite subordinate."
Akihara Kagura smiled and responded to Hanzo of the Salamander's skepticism: "Lord Danzo had long allowed me to act in his name, don't think that Lord Danzo is weak, he can solve all the matters of the ninja world, these are all just minor issues now…"
This was personally admitted by Shimura Danzo!
"..."
Hanzo of the Salamander was immediately choked up.
This kid seemed to have a bit of respect, but not too much.
This kid did not hold back at all when throwing dirt and shifting the blame onto Shimura Danzo, how did he really think Shimura Danzo could solve all the troubles? Was Danzo just a coward?
Hanzo of the Salamander felt this was more absurd than what this kid was saying and changed the topic again: "Where is Jiraiya, that young man? That young man indeed has some of the traditional ninja's rigidness and naivety, actually thinking that wars can be solved just by talking…"
"Yes…"
Akihara Kagura said this with some sighs about his teacher's naivety: "Even Teacher Jiraiya's eloquence is not as good as mine, how could he possibly convince the other party to give up war? This negotiation was a futile effort from the beginning…"
Jiraiya was an excellent ninja.
Only in the aspect of eloquence, he was not skilled.
Jiraiya hoped that through a conversation, he could save his misguided students and friends who left the village; it was destined to be a conversation that would not yield any results.
"Alright."
"We are almost arriving at the base of the Akatsuki organization now."
Akihara Kagura injected enough chakra into Hanzo of the Salamander's body to support his movement, and softly instructed in his mind: "Animal Path, as soon as our negotiation breaks down and we start fighting with the other side, you immediately order the Rain ninjas to launch an attack on the base of the Akatsuki organization…"
"The people of the Akatsuki organization must understand one thing…"
"Without me, the fate of this organization is destined to head towards destruction."
~~~
A bit late, I'm doing the next tier ($20) in Patreon! It's gonna be 100 Chapters you can read in Advanced. If you subscribe, Nothing gonna change in WN though? That's why I just didn't upload yesterday, just got immerse but here you go.
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