This Danzo Is Weird!

Amid Hanzo's inner conflict and lingering concerns, Danzo finally arrived at the Hidden Rain Village.

To prevent any potential schemes, Hanzo specifically ordered his men to wait for Danzo at an outpost on the village outskirts. They were instructed to escort him directly to Hanzo without allowing him to wander around the village.

"I didn't expect that old guy Hanzo to be so wary of me. After all, I'm a good person," Danzo said, cloaked in a black raincoat, with a faint sigh.

The Rain ninja leading the way couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat upon hearing this.

Shimura Danzo, a good person? That might be the funniest joke he'd ever heard.

If a man like Danzo, who had a body count too high to measure, could claim to be a good person, then who in this world could possibly be called evil?

Though he thought this inwardly, he dared not voice it.

"I apologize, Lord Danzo. Since this meeting is of great importance, Lord Hanzo specifically instructed us to act discreetly."

Danzo didn't mind and merely waved his hand. "It's fine. I understand."

With that, he began observing the surroundings of the Hidden Rain Village.

Unlike Konoha, the architectural style of the Hidden Rain Village leaned heavily toward industrialization.

Due to the unique weather of the Land of Rain, the exterior walls of every building were equipped with intricate drainage systems, giving the village a distinctive appearance.

Moreover, the drainage system of the Hidden Rain Village was extraordinarily advanced. The underground was lined with expansive sewer systems, large enough to accommodate battles between Pain and Jiraiya.

The streets were illuminated with neon lights, their hazy glow creating an ambiguous and surreal atmosphere through the constant rain.

It was truly peculiar—a world dominated by cold weapons, yet bearing such a striking industrial style.

As Danzo was lost in thought, a raggedly dressed child approached them.

The leading Rain ninja reacted swiftly, stepping forward to block the child.

"Kid, what do you want?"

A stern voice emerged from beneath the Rain ninja's hood, inadvertently revealing his forehead protector—the mark of a ninja.

Sure enough, upon seeing the forehead protector, the boy immediately regretted his rash decision and dropped to his knees.

"I'm sorry, Lord Ninja! I just wanted to ask for some money to buy medicine for my mother..."

"Do you even realize who you're standing in front of?"

The Rain ninja's gaze turned icy as he prepared to kick the boy aside. However, a hand suddenly pressed down on his shoulder.

"It's fine," Danzo said calmly.

He stepped past the Rain ninja, bent down slightly, and pulled a few bills from his pocket.

"Take it. Take good care of your mother."

He patted the boy's head gently and placed the money into his hands.

Before the boy could react, Danzo had already risen and moved on.

"Detected Kamimura Amada's gratitude. Skill point +1."

The Rain ninja glanced back at the boy, who was now thanking them profusely, and muttered, "Lord Danzo, is this really appropriate? That kid is just a civilian."

Danzo replied indifferently, "Send someone to keep an eye on that child. I don't want my money being stolen or used for any other purpose."

Though puzzled, the Rain ninja had no choice but to comply. At the very least, he had to show this high-ranking Konoha official some respect.

He summoned another Rain ninja hidden in the shadows, gave a few instructions, and disappeared.

Before long, a massive building appeared before Danzo.

This was the heart of the Hidden Rain Village—the place where its leader, Hanzo of the Salamander, resided.

　　After announcing his name, Danzo was granted smooth passage to Hanzo's office, successfully meeting the legendary ninja known as the "Demi-God" from the Second Shinobi World War.

Hanzo, in turn, scrutinized the man referred to as the "Darkness of the Shinobi," the older figure standing before him.

Though Hanzo was confident in his superior strength, when it came to cunning, ruthlessness, and manipulation, he knew he was no match for this man.

The saying that Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo, as light and shadow, together brought about Konoha's glory was not an exaggeration.

Countless powerful individuals had met their demise at Danzo's hands in the shadows over the years. It was no stretch to say that without Danzo, Konoha would not have reached its current level of greatness.

Hanzo, aware of Danzo's reputation and the power Konoha represented, knew he had to tread carefully in dealing with him.

"Lord Danzo, you have been in the Land of Rain for several days now. I apologize for not hosting you sooner," Hanzo said, rising slightly, his tone sharp and probing.

The underlying message was clear: What have you been up to during your time in the Land of Rain, Danzo?

Leaning on his cane, Danzo smiled faintly. "I originally intended to visit Lord Hanzo directly, but I came across some pitiful, homeless people along the way. I couldn't ignore their plight, so I had to stop and lend a hand."

Hanzo scoffed inwardly, his gaze critical. "I wasn't aware that the famed 'Darkness of the Shinobi' had such a compassionate hobby."

Danzo merely waved his hand dismissively. "It's simply a matter of conscience," he replied with a sigh, his tone filled with a sense of lament. "I'm getting old. I can't bear to see others suffer."

Listening to Danzo's seemingly heartfelt words, Hanzo thought, I don't believe a word of it!

Investigate! This must be thoroughly investigated!

Until Hanzo uncovered what Danzo had truly been up to in the Land of Rain, he doubted he'd be able to sleep soundly. However, for now, his main concern was not Danzo but that accursed Akatsuki organization.

"So, Lord Danzo, may I ask what brings you to see me?" Hanzo inquired.

In truth, Hanzo had been the one to initiate this meeting. But some matters could only be addressed in private, not openly acknowledged.

Hearing the question, Danzo knew it was time to get to the point.

With a subtle hand gesture, a Root ninja, already prepared, produced several corpses wrapped in body bags from a scroll.

"What's the meaning of this?" Hanzo asked, feigning a cautious demeanor.

Danzo smirked internally but maintained his outward composure. "These are the bodies of Rain ninjas killed by the Akatsuki."

His gaze darkened. "Lord Hanzo, don't you think you've been a little too lenient with this organization?"

After verifying the identities of the corpses, Hanzo flew into a rage.

"I thought they were a rising force in the Land of Rain, but they're nothing more than a pack of treacherous wolves!"

Hanzo roared with anger, putting on a performance so convincing that even Danzo had to silently acknowledge his acting skills.

With Danzo's tacit approval, the other Rain ninjas present were naturally even more convinced of the Akatsuki's threat. In their hearts, they quickly united against the organization, condemning it with righteous fury.

Having completed his political theatrics, Hanzo turned to Danzo and asked, "What does Lord Danzo suggest we do about them?"

Danzo's lips curled into a faint smile as he raised a single finger. "I have a plan that can eliminate the Akatsuki."

---

After the meeting, Danzo stood in a rest area, gazing down at the weathered village through a large floor-to-ceiling window.

"Lord Danzo, you summoned me?"

Aburame Ryoma appeared beside him, kneeling on one knee as always.

This time, Danzo didn't waste words. He pulled out an envelope and handed it to him.

"Go to the Akatsuki and meet those three young men on my behalf. Relay Hanzo's plan to them."

"Remember, do it in my name."