Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 334: Konan: Have You Ever Seen Konoha at 4 AM?

The train sped across the plains of central Hi no Kuni, entering the rainy southwestern regions.

The previously sunny skies quickly turned gloomy, with intermittent gusts of wind and heavy rain.

After passing through the mountains that separated the Land of Rain from the Land of Fire, the train entered Ame no Kuni, plunging into a perpetual downpour.

Torrential rain hammered against the train's windows, accompanied by resounding thunder, but the vehicle continued smoothly, the elements firmly shut out.

Haneda found himself wondering how the train managed to avoid being struck by lightning and remained stable in the storm.

He didn't understand the mechanics and ultimately chalked it up to Orochimaru's advanced technology.

By nightfall, the train gradually slowed as it approached Amegakure's clean and brightly lit central station.

The last time Haneda had been to Amegakure was only a couple of years ago, but it felt like a completely different place.

The once gloomy, oppressive atmosphere had been replaced with light and vibrancy.

Haneda turned to Kakashi and said, "Stick to the plan. You'll move in the shadows and locate Hiruko and Sasori."

"Deidara and I will meet with the Akatsuki leader, Pain, to see if we can negotiate."

"Understood," Kakashi replied with a nod.

The three of them had already finalized their strategy on the way here.

As the Hokage, Haneda could leverage Konoha's current cooperative relationship with Amegakure to formally request a meeting with Pain.

If diplomacy failed to secure the Gigerou no Jutsu, then Kakashi's covert operation would serve as their backup plan.

Once they exited the station, the trio split up.

…

"This place has changed so much," Haneda remarked as he walked through the streets of Amegakure, observing its modern streetlights and surveillance cameras—clearly inspired by Konoha.

The last time he'd been here, streetlights were scarce, and the nights were shrouded in darkness. Pedestrian traffic had been minimal.

Now, the streets bustled with activity. Cars moved like streams, and the city buzzed with nightlife.

Aside from the architectural differences, Amegakure's recent transformation mirrored Konoha's development.

Haneda couldn't help but suspect that Pain had been "borrowing ideas" from his playbook.

"Changed? Haneda-san, hasn't Amegakure always been like this? Hmm."

Deidara, who had visited Amegakure more recently, didn't share Haneda's sense of awe. To him, the village looked the same as before.

Haneda decided not to dwell on the topic, sensing a generational gap between him and Deidara. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a more mutual interest: food.

As they strolled, they sampled various local delicacies unique to Amegakure, filling their stomachs before heading to a sleek, modern hotel.

Upon entering the hotel, Haneda immediately noticed two familiar figures—Pain and Konan—seated in a lounge on the second floor.

Their gazes locked onto Haneda with intensity, as if they had been expecting him.

Deidara's eyes widened in surprise. He remembered a similar experience during his previous visit to Amegakure. Despite not notifying anyone of his arrival, Pain and Konan had pinpointed his exact location with uncanny accuracy.

And now, history was repeating itself.

Deidara muttered in disbelief, "We didn't reveal anything. We acted like regular tourists, just eating and strolling. How do they always find us?"

Haneda leaned in and whispered, "The Rain Tiger at Will Technique. It infuses Pain's chakra into the rain, allowing him to sense any ninja who enters Amegakure."

Before Deidara could respond, Pain and Konan descended from the second floor to greet them.

"It's been a while, Haneda," Konan said with a warm smile.

She had applied light makeup for the occasion, enhancing her already stunning features.

Of course, neither Haneda nor Deidara seemed particularly interested.

Pain added, "Haneda-san, I assume your visit to Amegakure is to discuss new collaborative opportunities?"

The people of Amegakure widely recognized their leader, Pain, and his angel, Konan. Seeing them conversing with "strangers" immediately drew the curiosity of bystanders.

A young girl even approached, holding a pen and paper, asking Pain for an autograph.

The typically stern and aloof Pain, forced into a brief moment of warmth, signed the paper and posed for a photo with her.

Once the ordeal ended, Pain quickly led Haneda and Deidara to the hotel's most luxurious suite to avoid further interruptions.

The suite, known as the "Kage Suite," was soundproof and off-limits to outsiders, making it an ideal location for discussions.

The name "Kage" wasn't official but stemmed from Amegakure's citizens affectionately referring to Pain as their "Rain Shadow" (Amegakure no Kage).

Once inside, Haneda didn't immediately broach the topic of his visit. Instead, he began with compliments.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, he gazed at the illuminated streets below, rain pouring relentlessly but failing to dim the vibrant city.

"Returning here after a few years, seeing these familiar roads, familiar lights, familiar surveillance cameras, and the lively nightlife... It feels like I've returned to Konoha, save for the crying rain."

Konan smiled gently and said, "Amegakure's development has always taken inspiration from Konoha."

"When you were preparing for your inauguration as Hokage, our leader often remarked on how Konoha's public security far surpassed that of Amegakure."

"He said Konoha's people had a stronger inclination toward peace, with everyone embodying the spirit of pacifism."

Konan continued, her voice filled with admiration, "When he returned to the village, he frequently asked the council, 'Have you ever seen Konoha at 4 AM?'"

"The streetlights are always on. Even the rowdiest pubs don't see any disturbances.

"Even in the most secluded areas, surveillance cameras and patrolling shinobi maintain order."

"Many of his subordinates praised how Konoha had become such a wonderful and peaceful place under your leadership, Haneda. Even the air there seems sweet."

Haneda felt a pang of embarrassment.

The truth was, at 4 AM, he was most likely still in bed, fast asleep.

If anyone in Konoha were burning the midnight oil, it would probably be Shikaku, staying up late to handle unfinished work.

Unaware of Haneda's inner turmoil, Konan continued to shower him with praise.

"Our leader often reminded himself and others of Konoha's example."

"He'd say, 'At 4 AM, even the Hokage works tirelessly for the people.'"

"He admitted he couldn't match your dedication, but he resolved to wake up at 5 AM daily to begin his duties."

Pain chimed in, "Indeed, Haneda-san. The night before your inauguration, I saw you working in your office at 4 AM."

"Is... is that so?" Haneda's smile twitched awkwardly.

If Shikaku knew his hard work had been attributed to Haneda, what kind of expression would he make?

Deidara, unaware of the reality, listened with growing admiration for Haneda.

Meanwhile, Konan and Pain mistook Haneda's awkward expression for humility.

To them, Haneda had always been a modest and unassuming leader.

Recalling Konoha's orphanage initiatives, Konan continued her glowing praise...

…