"Rain Ninja Village has changed a lot over the years!"
Looking at the cyberpunk-style buildings in the distance, Uzumaki Raiden slightly lifted his hat and let out a sigh.
In the distance, a city full of towering buildings appeared before Raiden and his companions. When Raiden first visited Amegakure, it didn't have nearly as many high-rises. Due to war and economic struggles, the village's modernization was minimal at the time.
Forget about skyscrapers—even most houses were simple wooden structures, and the roads were nothing but dirt paths that turned into muddy swamps when it rained. The village standing before Raiden now was completely different. It had undergone rapid modernization, appearing even more advanced than Konoha.
"The Land of Rain has developed quickly in recent years. It no longer looks like it did back then."
"Under Yahiko's leadership, this country has truly grown stronger and wealthier."
As the three approached Amegakure, the city revealed itself in full. Unlike Konoha, this village had no towering walls at its perimeter. Instead, roads extended outward, connecting it to other regions. Even in this rainy weather, merchants still bustled about on these roads.
The city entrance was guarded by ninja, the only indication that this commercial hub was still a shinobi village.
"The security isn't particularly tight. Sneaking in wouldn't be too difficult."
"Master Raiden, should we sneak in?"
Rather than marveling at the city's development, Kisame was more focused on the strength of its defenses. After scanning the area, he softly asked Raiden.
"Sneak in?"
"Heh, no need. They've already noticed us."
Raiden raised his head and stretched out his right hand. Cold raindrops fell into his palm, creating tiny splashes. Within the rain, he sensed a faint trace of chakra—one that felt both familiar and unfamiliar.
Then, activating Kagura's Mind Eye, he expanded his perception, enveloping all of Amegakure in his sensory field, searching for chakra signatures that matched the one hidden in the rain.
After a brief silence, Raiden took another step toward the village.
"Let's go. I've found who we're looking for."
Uchiha Fugaku and Kisame exchanged glances, both reading the surprise in each other's eyes. Kisame silently lowered his head and followed Raiden, while Fugaku curiously asked:
"Raiden, have you already located the Akatsuki members?"
"But we haven't even encountered them yet. How did you pinpoint their location so quickly?"
"I've met a few members before. This time, I came specifically for them."
"Akatsuki's leader is hiding here, and I'm going to find him."
"Though, I must say... that leader is quite pitiful."
Raiden quickened his pace and vanished in a blur. Seeing this, Kisame and Fugaku immediately followed, using the Body Flicker Technique. The Ame shinobi guarding the gate barely saw a shadow flash past before a gust of wind rushed by them. Though they lacked the strength to intervene, they knew someone had infiltrated the village and immediately sounded the alarm.
In an instant, the entrance to Amegakure erupted in chaos.
Inside Amegakure
In a dimly lit chamber atop a tall, black tower, Nagato suddenly opened his eyes, astonishment flickering across his face before shifting to deep nostalgia. Then, as if struck by something, he began coughing violently.
At that moment, the door creaked open, allowing a sliver of light to cut through the darkness. Konan stepped in, illuminating the room.
Nagato lay within a large container, his frail, skeletal body barely sustained by the nine black rods embedded in his back in a three-by-three formation. Despite being in his thirties, he appeared aged and weak. His once-vibrant red hair, now dull, swayed slightly with each cough.
"Nagato, are you alright?"
Konan had rushed in upon hearing his coughing fit. Seeing his weakened state, she quickly approached, placing a gentle hand on his chest in an attempt to soothe his pain.
Moments later, two more figures emerged from the shadows.
"Black Zetsu, why are you here?"
With Konan's help, Nagato steadied himself and gazed coldly at the newcomers. His Rinnegan eyes narrowed, emitting a faintly murderous aura.
"You should already know the answer," the masked man stated, his Sharingan gleaming beneath the mask.
"Uzumaki Raiden has arrived in Amegakure."
Nagato scoffed, coughing twice before sneering. "So what? His arrival has nothing to do with me."
"Hmph. Don't forget, Yahiko and Konan are still under my control."
"Nagato, don't try anything foolish."
"I've already sent our forces to intercept him. The Six Paths of Pain will handle it."
"I will be watching. If you attempt to betray us or go easy on him, all three of you will die."
With a cold snort, the masked man vanished into the shadows. Black Zetsu giggled and added, "Nagato, don't get any ideas. Even if Uzumaki Raiden is strong, he cannot save you."
"Cooperate with us, and Yahiko and Konan will survive in the new world. Resist, and you all perish. You understand, don't you?"
With those words, Black Zetsu sank into the ground and disappeared.
Only then did Nagato allow his emotions to surface. His gaze burned with hatred as he stared at the spot where they had vanished.
"Nagato..." Konan whispered painfully, gripping his hand. She knew that if not for her and Yahiko, Nagato wouldn't have ended up in this state.
"Don't be sad, Konan. I'm the one who has dragged you down."
"But soon... soon, you'll be free."
"I won't let anything happen to you. This is my choice."
Despite his frailty, Nagato's eyes held a glimmer of determination. He knew that Konan and Yahiko weren't his burdens—on the contrary, he was theirs.
And yet, as he sensed the immense chakra approaching Amegakure, he knew that their opportunity had finally arrived.
The streets of Amegakure bustled with life despite the rain. Shoppers moved in and out of stores, undeterred by the weather.
Raiden, Kisame, and Fugaku had slowed their pace upon entering the village, casually making their way toward the towering black tower in the center while taking in the sights.
The city's prosperity was beyond their expectations, almost reminiscent of Konoha.
"Raiden."
Fugaku suddenly placed a hand on Raiden's shoulder, nodding in a specific direction.
Raiden silently acknowledged him before the three of them vanished.
They reappeared in a desolate training ground. Amegakure covered a vast area, and this site was as large as Konoha's Training Ground 44. Stretching for 10 kilometers, it was nearly uninhabited—an ideal place for battle.
Moments later, powerful chakra signatures began gathering around them.
"So, you walked right into my trap."
The air trembled, and a masked figure materialized before them. Beside him, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground, his eyes locked onto Raiden.
Then, a series of whooshing sounds filled the air as six individuals wearing black cloaks with red clouds appeared. Their bodies bore black rods, and their eerie Rinnegan eyes all fixated on Raiden and his team.
Even for battle-hardened warriors like Kisame and Fugaku, their skin prickled under the oppressive aura.
"Long time no see, Master Raiden," one of the Six Paths stepped forward and greeted him.
Raiden narrowed his eyes. "Uncle? I don't recall having a nephew like you."
With a tight grip on his blade, he smirked.
"Well then... let's start with you."
Lightning surged around him as he charged forward.
(End of Chapter)