Hearing Saigoji Youmu's voice, Konan turned eagerly, her bright eyes lighting up.
"Brother Youmu!"
Not far away, Saigoji Youmu approached at a steady pace, his usual calm demeanor unchanged.
"How's the training going?" he asked.
Konan beamed.
"Master Tsunade says I'm doing well!"
She looked up at him expectantly, anticipation clear on her delicate face.
Saigoji Youmu chuckled, gently ruffling her hair.
"Good. What reward do you want?"
Konan giggled.
"Just visit me more, Brother Youmu!"
For her, nothing was more precious than his attention.
Saigoji Youmu smiled.
"Of course."
Beside them, Tsunade crossed her arms, watching the exchange with mild amusement.
"Konan is quite talented, especially in chakra control." She smirked. "No wonder you asked me to be her teacher."
Saigoji Youmu gave a knowing smile but said nothing.
He had his reasons.
Tsunade was not just a master of chakra control, but also the most protective among the Sannin.
Saigoji Youmu was well aware that his involvement with Konoha would inevitably pull him into the village's political web—where figures like Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu wouldn't hesitate to exploit Konan against him.
But under Tsunade's protection, even Danzō wouldn't dare make a move openly.
As for any covert threats—he would deal with those himself.
Tsunade clapped her hands.
"Konan, keep practicing. Brother Youmu and I have business to discuss."
Konan nodded obediently.
"Understood!"
With that, she ran off, resuming her chakra control exercises.
Saigoji Youmu turned to Tsunade.
"Let's go."
She nodded.
"Right."
The Konoha command tent stood tall in the center of the war camp.
Inside, the high-ranking commanders responsible for the Land of Rain battlefield were deep in discussion.
Among them were not only the Sannin but also prominent figures from the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akamichi clans.
A Nara tactician summarized their position.
"Overall, we're in a strong position. The only real concern is Hanzō of the Salamander."
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed.
"What of Iwagakure and Sunagakure?"
A Yamanaka commander shook his head.
"No major movements from them yet."
Jiraiya grinned.
"Perfect! Then let's settle this."
With a decisive clap, he declared:
"Hanzō is ours."
At that moment, a Nara elder turned his sharp gaze toward Saigoji Youmu.
"One last matter."
The room fell silent as the attention shifted.
"Master Orochimaru. Master Jiraiya. Master Tsunade."
The elder gestured toward Saigoji Youmu.
"Who is this boy?"
The other clan leaders nodded in curiosity.
They had noticed him days ago, but out of respect for the Sannin, they had refrained from asking—until now.
Tsunade hesitated, unsure of what to say.
To be honest, even she didn't fully understand who Saigoji Youmu was.
Orochimaru stepped in.
"He is our ally, here to assist us."
His voice was calm but firm.
Then, to silence further questions, he added:
"This arrangement has been approved by Lord Third Hokage himself."
That caught the council's attention.
"Lord Third Hokage approved?"
The clan leaders exchanged glances, their curiosity deepening.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi had given his approval, that meant this boy's background was significant.
Still, seeing that the Sannin weren't willing to share more, they tactfully dropped the subject.
"Then let's move to battle strategy."
The room returned to discussion, finalizing the details of their upcoming clash with Hanzō.
At that same moment—
Deep within Rain Shinobi Headquarters, Hanzō of the Salamander sat alone.
His commanders had just left, carrying out his orders for the upcoming battle.
Now, only silence remained.
He raised his head, staring up at the eternal rain falling over his land.
His gaze darkened.
Anger. Hatred. Frustration. Helplessness.
Despite his legendary strength, despite being known as the Demigod of the Shinobi World—
He could only watch as his homeland became a battlefield, torn apart by foreign wars.
No matter how hard he fought, he could only protect so much.
The rain fell heavier.
And in the depths of Hanzō's eyes—
A storm began to brew.