Amegakure, the Village Hidden in the Rain, lives up to its name. Rain falls constantly, creating a somber atmosphere. The never-ending downpour shrouds the village in gloom, and the endless wetness dampens the spirits of its inhabitants. The relentless rain has ruined agriculture, and the ensuing poverty has wiped away the smiles from the people of the Land of Rain.
Fumori Masaki and Shimura Danzo, tasked with leading a team of 21 to the Land of Wind, carefully chose their comrades. Masaki selected trusted allies such as Rimi and Hyūga Kei, while Danzo also picked subordinates he knew well. As they made their way through the Land of Rain, Masaki couldn't help but take in the depressing scene. Pressing down on the brim of his hat to shield himself from the rain, he sighed deeply.
Ever since the First Great Ninja War began, the smaller nations like the Land of Rain have been drawn into the conflict. The larger countries use these smaller ones as buffers, forcing Ame Ninja Village into the quagmire of war.
Despite Masaki's belief in a just war and diplomacy, the larger countries, including Konoha, have not been entirely innocent. The small countries, including Ame Ninja Village, have accumulated resentment toward the bigger powers. Konoha's attempts at diplomacy had kept some of that resentment at bay, but the oppression had not completely disappeared.
Without Masaki's influence, Konoha's actions might have only worsened the situation. Ame Ninja Village would have become a true "Village of Endless Rain," drowning in its sorrows. While Konoha has maintained a façade of friendship, the tension was palpable—one wrong move, and Amegakure might rebel.
"To think they would become this lax," Masaki muttered to himself. "If we push the Land of Rain too far, it could lead to serious trouble."
Danzo, walking beside him, overheard and scoffed. "I still think you're too soft on these smaller nations, Masaki."
Masaki gave him a sideways glance. "You've seen the benefits with your own eyes. This approach has kept the peace longer than any amount of force would have."
Danzo shook his head dismissively. "It's only temporary. Give these small nations a taste of success, and they'll grow arrogant. They'll cause more trouble for us in the future. The balance we've struck now is just right."
"Danzo, your distrust of other villages is too deep," Masaki sighed. "If you don't correct this mindset, it'll lead to unnecessary conflict in the future."
Danzo's outlook, while useful in some situations, often led to excessive hostility. His reliance on violence and disdain for diplomacy could alienate potential allies, creating enemies where there were none.
"There's nothing wrong with staying vigilant," Danzo replied sharply. "You should remember your role, Masaki. Don't waste sympathy on the enemy."
Masaki met his gaze. "I'm not saying to ignore threats, but not every problem can be solved through force. We need to approach different situations with different strategies. That's the way forward."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps. But violence is the quickest way to end a conflict."
Masaki sighed again. "You need to reconsider that attitude. If you continue down this path, you'll lose sight of what's important."
Danzo smirked. "We'll see whose methods prove more effective in the end."
"Time will tell," Masaki replied calmly.
Despite the ongoing wars in Amegakure, Konoha had established a safe route through the Land of Rain to reach the Land of Wind. It was this path that Masaki, Danzo, and their team took as they neared the border.
The torrential rain battered their cloaks as they ran. The only sounds were the patter of rain and the splash of their feet on the wet ground. Suddenly, Masaki and Hyūga Kei both halted, their senses sharpening.
"Be careful," Hyūga Kei warned. "There's someone ahead."
The team stopped abruptly, water spraying around them as they landed. Slowly, a group of figures emerged from the rain. They were clad in typical Amegakure attire: cloaks, respirators, and a distinct grimness that matched the rainy landscape. Though they appeared to be Ame ninja, Masaki knew better than to trust appearances—shinobi often disguised themselves.
The leader of the Ame team stepped forward. "Konoha shinobi?"
"That's right," Masaki answered. "Is there a problem? As far as I'm aware, the alliance between Konoha and Amegakure still stands."
"Perhaps," the Ame leader replied, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "But we must be cautious. Who knows when shinobi from a major village might decide to stab us in the back? You must be new here. The other Konoha ninja know our rules."
Masaki kept his tone calm. "I understand your caution, but we have no intention of violating our agreement. We're here to help you fight against Suna. They are your enemies, and we're here to support you."
He shot a brief glance at Danzo, who merely grunted in response. Though Danzo harbored hostility toward Amegakure, Masaki knew he wouldn't act recklessly—not without reason.
The Ame leader studied Masaki for a moment, clearly surprised by his calm demeanor. Unlike many Konoha shinobi, Masaki showed no arrogance or hostility, only quiet respect. This intrigued the Ame leader.
"You're different from the other Konoha ninja," the Ame leader said, softening slightly. "What's your name?"
"Fumori Masaki," Masaki replied. "And yours?"
"Hanzō," the Ame leader team responded, stepping aside to let Masaki and his team pass. Though he and his men would follow to ensure Konoha kept its word, it was clear Hanzō had no intention of fighting them unless provoked.
At the mention of his name, Masaki's eyes widened slightly. Hanzō, the Salamander, the legendary Ame shinobi. Known as a demigod in the shinobi world, Hanzō's reputation was enough to send a chill through even the most seasoned warriors. The man who gave the Sannin their title—could this be why Hanzō easily cooperated with Danzō in the original timeline? Masaki set these thoughts aside for now; he had a mission to complete.
Masaki and his team continued onward, but the encounter with Hanzō left him with much to think about. Little did they know, this would not be their last meeting with the mighty shinobi of Amegakure.