Two days later, at dawn.
Hanekawa stood in the First Training Ground. Under the watchful eyes of Might Duy, he activated the Eight Gates Formation.
In an instant, his body shuddered, and he felt as if everything had changed.
His mind became more active, and his vision, hearing, and sense of smell all heightened.
Most notably, the boiling chakra within his body made him feel as though he had limitless energy.
Hanekawa couldn't help but marvel at the Eight Gates Formation. Even just opening the First Gate had such a significant effect.
But there was a cost.
His chakra was now too turbulent and difficult to control.
If Hanekawa attempted to perform an ordinary jutsu now, such as a Fire Release, there was a high chance he would fail.
Looking at it from another perspective:
If he managed to successfully perform a jutsu, it would mean his chakra control had reached an entirely new level.
The first three gates might be manageable, but the later five gates would be almost insurmountable.
Even so, Hanekawa was more than satisfied.
"Your talent really isn't bad!"
Might Duy said excitedly.
He had no sense of exclusivity and was genuinely happy to see another Eight Gates user.
"Thank you, Uncle Duy."
Hanekawa deactivated the Eight Gates Formation and immediately felt a wave of exhaustion.
The Eight Gates Formation essentially pushed the body into an overloaded state. When deactivated, the body would naturally feel discomfort.
At that moment, the sound of rushing wind caught their attention, and a familiar figure appeared.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Might Duy quickly greeted the newcomer when he recognized her.
"Hmm."
Tsunade gave a slight nod, then turned to Hanekawa and said, "Come with me to see the old man."
"Uncle Duy, I'll see you later," Hanekawa said, nodding to Might Duy before following Tsunade.
"It's about the Akatsuki."
Before Hanekawa could ask, Tsunade explained.
"The Akatsuki?"
Hanekawa looked puzzled. "Shouldn't this be Jiraiya's responsibility?"
It was Jiraiya who had previously negotiated a partnership with the Akatsuki.
"He's busy looking for the Child of Prophecy. He only stayed with the Akatsuki for a week before leaving the Land of Rain."
Tsunade snorted lightly. "The only reason he even went to the Akatsuki was that it was founded by his student."
"That's not surprising," Hanekawa said, shaking his head.
"With Jiraiya unavailable, they had no choice but to turn to me," Tsunade said with some annoyance. "Can't the old man handle this himself?"
Hanekawa could roughly guess Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions.
He was likely trying to help Tsunade gain more prestige.
Of course, this didn't necessarily mean Hiruzen had chosen the next Hokage. It simply meant Tsunade had a high probability.
The two soon arrived at the Hokage's office.
"This is a secret letter from the Akatsuki," Hiruzen said without preamble.
"You look so serious. Does this have something to do with Hanzo?"
Tsunade glanced at him as she took the letter.
"It does," Hiruzen admitted.
"Oh?"
Tsunade's interest was piqued as she opened the letter to read it.
The contents were brief: Hanzo was proposing a collaboration with the Akatsuki and was asking for Konoha's opinion.
"What is Hanzo up to?"
After reading the letter, Tsunade frowned. "First he fights them, now he wants to collaborate? His attitude has shifted so drastically."
Hanekawa's heart skipped a beat.
Isn't this the trap from the original story?
"Based on my understanding of Hanzo, he wouldn't agree to collaborate at this point," Hiruzen said after a moment of thought. "I believe it's a trap."
Hanzo used the pretense of collaboration to ambush the Akatsuki, resulting in Yahiko's death and Nagato's injury and descent into darkness.
"It's highly likely a trap," Tsunade agreed.
She recalled her battle with Hanzo during the Second Shinobi World War.
Back then, the Hidden Rain Village and the Hidden Leaf Village were mortal enemies. Hanzo wasn't someone who would let his enemies go out of generosity.
The title of "Sannin" was only granted because Hanzo couldn't defeat them, so he turned the situation to his advantage and gained fame.
"Send a reply to the Akatsuki advising them to reject Hanzo's proposal," Tsunade said, tossing the letter onto Hiruzen's desk.
"I suggest you visit the Akatsuki in person," Hiruzen said, shaking his head. "Based on my understanding of Hanzo, he must have a backup plan."
His reasoning was simple:
If the Akatsuki were destroyed, Konoha's support for them would become a joke.
And it had only been less than half a month since this started.
"Very well," Tsunade said after some deliberation.
The fact that she hadn't defeated Hanzo back then was a sore point for her. Now, she had the chance to face the so-called "Demi-God" again.
"Be careful."
Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the table. "This mission is classified as S-rank. You'd best select two more jonin to accompany you."
"No need. The war is about to start. It's better to have them focus on the movements of the Hidden Cloud Village," Tsunade declined. "Besides, the Akatsuki's strength isn't weak; they can be of help to us."
"Sensei," Hanekawa suddenly interrupted, "I have someone in mind. What do you think about bringing Uncle Duy along?"
Hanekawa had been training with Might Duy recently, and he came to mind immediately.
Although he was technically a genin, once he opened the Eight Gates Formation, he was undoubtedly one of the strongest shinobi. Moreover, Might Duy had always lacked an opportunity to gain recognition.
Taking on the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist alone would bring fame through sacrifice—not worth it. But against Hanzo, with Tsunade present, he wouldn't need to die.
On the flip side, if Tsunade managed to defeat Hanzo with Might Duy's help, her reputation would skyrocket, even surpassing Sakumo Hatake's.
If she didn't become the next Hokage after that, there would undoubtedly be foul play.
Such an outcome wouldn't be exaggerated, given that the Uchiha with their powerful Sharingan hadn't yet made their mark.
Hanzo was widely recognized as one of the strongest shinobi in the world.
"Might Duy will do," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile. "If he completes an S-rank mission, I'll finally have a reason to promote him to chunin."
"Alright," Tsunade said, turning to leave without further comment.
"Sensei, when are we departing?" Hanekawa asked as they walked.
"Around 2 PM," Tsunade replied after some thought. "Go inform them."
"Got it."
Hanekawa bid Tsunade farewell and headed to the First Training Ground.
On the way, he recalled the details of Yahiko's death in the original story.
Two key factors stood out: Hanzo's fake peace offer and Konan being captured.
Hanekawa stroked his chin thoughtfully.
He remembered that Konan's capture wasn't Hanzo's doing but rather the work of Danzo's Root division.
Would that still happen this time? He couldn't be sure and decided he'd only know once they reached the Akatsuki.
"Hanekawa!"
From a distance, Might Duy waved enthusiastically. "Come join the fiery training of youth!"
"Uncle Duy, training can wait," Hanekawa said as he approached. "The Hokage has a mission for you."
"What?!" Might Duy's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Hokage personally gave me a mission?!"
"This afternoon at 2 PM, we're heading to the Land of Rain as part of our squad," Hanekawa said with a smile.
"Fantastic!" Might Duy's eyes suddenly welled with tears. "The Hokage has recognized my youth!"
"Uncle Duy, go prepare," Hanekawa said, already accustomed to his emotional outbursts.
"I won't let the Hokage down!" Might Duy turned and ran off.
Hanekawa chuckled.
After a brief moment of thought, he headed toward Rin Nohara's home.
It wasn't long before he arrived.
Under the warm sunlight, not far from the doorway, Rin extended her hands.
A soft green chakra emanated from her palms, enveloping a koi fish. The fish twitched slightly, showing signs of recovery.
But soon, the chakra flickered like a faulty lightbulb and finally vanished completely.
"Did I fail again?" Rin murmured, biting her lip in frustration.
"Palm Healing is inherently difficult; don't be too discouraged," a familiar voice said.
"Hanekawa?" Rin looked up, her face lighting up with surprise.
"Good afternoon," Hanekawa greeted with a smile.
"Good afternoon," Rin said, pulling back her hands. "What brings you here?"
"Here, wipe off your sweat." Hanekawa handed her a tissue.
"Thank you." Rin hesitated for a moment before taking it and wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Hanekawa observed her.
Her pale forehead glistened faintly with sweat. Strands of her brown hair clung together from the moisture.
The sight of the hardworking girl, glowing slightly from exertion, was subtly captivating.
"Uh… Is there something you need?" Rin asked nervously, noticing his gaze.
"There's a mission this afternoon to the Land of Rain," Hanekawa said seriously.
"I see," Rin said, a little flustered. "I… I'll be ready on time."
"Good to hear," Hanekawa replied, turning to leave.
"Hanekawa, why don't you stay for lunch?" Rin asked, summoning her courage.
"That wouldn't be appropriate," Hanekawa said, startled. "It'd trouble your parents."
"They're not home," Rin blurted, then quickly realized how that sounded.
Her face turned red as she tried to think of a way to explain but couldn't find the words.
"How about I cook instead?" Hanekawa offered after a brief pause.
Rin had already gone out of her way to invite him; refusing would feel rude.
"Eh?" Rin looked surprised.
Wasn't it unusual for a guest to offer to cook?
Hanekawa's cooking was undeniably delicious—just thinking about it made Rin's mouth water.
"Alright then," Hanekawa said, patting her on the head before heading to the kitchen.
Rin stared at his retreating figure, momentarily lost in thought. After a while, she snapped out of it, lightly patting her flushed cheeks with her hands.
She packed up the koi fish and walked into the kitchen. However, instead of disturbing Hanekawa, she picked up some bowls and utensils and left.
After setting the table, Rin sat down, listening to the faint sounds from the kitchen. Her emotions were a swirl of inexplicable feelings.
"Here it is!"
Hanekawa emerged from the kitchen carrying two dishes.
"Thank you, Hanekawa," Rin said, her face slightly red. "You're the guest; I should've done this."
"It's nothing," Hanekawa replied casually. "There's no need for formalities between us."
"Right!" Rin nodded enthusiastically, a bright smile spreading across her face.
"Try it," Hanekawa said, picking up his chopsticks.
"It's bound to be delicious," Rin said truthfully.
She picked up a piece of chicken and placed it in her mouth. Her eyes lit up—it was indeed a culinary masterpiece.
Hanekawa chuckled at her expression.
Even with just a 50% boost in flavor from his cooking skill, it was already so good. He wondered how much more impressive the upgraded "Master Chef" skill could be.
---
2 PM, Konoha's main gate.
Tsunade, Hanekawa, Rin Nohara, Kurenai Yuhi, and Might Duy had all assembled.
"Let's move out!"
With that command, the group accelerated westward, heading toward the Land of Rain.
---
Morning of the third day, Akatsuki base.
"Lord Yahiko," a middle-aged ninja said, stepping into the hall. "A message has arrived from Konoha."
"That was quick," Yahiko said, taking the message.
"What does it say?" Konan asked, glancing at him.
Nagato, sitting emotionless in a chair, gave no reaction.
Nagato had opposed accepting Konoha's aid, harboring deep resentment since his parents were killed by Konoha shinobi. However, Yahiko and Konan had agreed, so he had no choice but to temporarily suppress his hatred.
"Konoha has sent emissaries to assist us," Yahiko said after reading the letter. "They don't know our exact base location, so Konan, can you go meet them?"
"Understood," Konan nodded before leaving.
Using her Dance of the Shikigami technique, she could fly, making her the ideal candidate for the task.
---
Not even ten minutes later, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Yahiko said, looking up. "What's the matter?"
"Lord Yahiko, the emissaries from Konoha have arrived," the middle-aged ninja reported.
"That quickly?" Yahiko was surprised but said, "Bring them to the hall. No, I'll meet them myself."
"Understood." The ninja bowed slightly and left.
"Nagato, are you coming?" Yahiko asked as he stood up.
"No," Nagato replied curtly.
Yahiko sighed but didn't press him further.
He exited the hall and soon spotted the Konoha ninjas.
Wait… Is that Tsunade?
Yahiko was both surprised and honored. He hadn't expected Konoha to send someone so significant. Two of the legendary Sannin had now been involved with their cause.
"Lady Tsunade," Yahiko greeted, introducing himself. "I'm Yahiko. It's been a while."
"Where's Konan?" Tsunade asked, looking around.
"Konan? Didn't she go to meet you?" Yahiko asked, puzzled. "You didn't see her?"
"No," Tsunade replied, her brow furrowing. "Could we have missed her?"
"Wait!" Yahiko suddenly realized something. "Lady Tsunade, did you send this message to us?"
"No," Tsunade said after taking a glance at it.
"But this letter came through Konoha's official channels," Yahiko said, confused.
After Konoha began supporting the Akatsuki, a special communication channel had been established between them. Very few people were aware of it.
Tsunade frowned as she considered this.
Someone was interfering!
"The most important thing right now is finding Konan," Hanekawa quickly reminded them.
He had already guessed who was behind this—Danzo Shimura, the shadow manipulator.
"Let's go!" Tsunade decided decisively. "We'll split up and search. Find her as quickly as possible!"
__
New entry: This Danzo Is Weird
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