Chapter 145

The Land of Ame, home to Rain Shinobi Village, may not rank among the five strongest Nations, but it has managed to survive amidst the territories of the Land of Fire, Earth, and Wind. This resilience speaks volumes about the tenacity of its people.

Since Hanzō of the Salamander took power, the country has adopted a strict policy of isolation, rarely engaging in diplomacy with other nations. While this approach minimizes the risk of foreign influence, it also limits outsiders' knowledge about the Amegakure. True to its name, the village is perpetually shrouded in heavy rainfall.

"It's strange," Shisui remarked, shaking the water from his hair. "I expected clouds, but I didn't think it would start pouring as we approached Rain Shinobi Village."

Tatsuya frowned as he sensed a hint of Chakra intermingling with the downpour. "Is the Rain Tiger at Will technique already in effect? This might be troublesome," he said, recognizing that Pain's Sensing technique allows him to detect unfamiliar Chakra entering the Land of Ame. It was a more sophisticated monitoring system than even the standard Fuinjutsu barriers.

Konoha's barrier can also detect unfamiliar Chakra; however, once someone passes through it in a concealed manner, they need not worry further. In contrast, Pain's technique ensures that as long as one remains within the rainfall of Rain Shinobi Village, escape from his surveillance is nearly impossible.

"There's no choice but to rely on speed," Tatsuya thought, feeling the urgency of the situation. For now, he couldn't counter this ability; his Jutsu and Skills were entirely focused on Fighting abilities, and he had no mastery in assassination and Stealth skills that might help to counter this Jutsu.

Without a second thought, he sprinted toward the tallest iron tower in the village's center, regardless of whether patrolling Rain Shinobi noticed him. He wasn't sure if it was Pain's base, but he knew it had once served as Hanzō's residence.

"Wait! Tatsuya-sama, wait for me!" Shisui called out, dashing after him despite the rain soaking him to the bone. He recognized the importance of this mission, especially given their fast journey from the Land of Fire to the Land of Rain.

Tatsuya had told him that the culprit who unleashed the Nine-Tails and placed the Uchiha under suspicion was likely hiding in Rain Shinobi Village. If he could capture him, it would clear the Uchiha of their unjust isolation in Konoha. This thought instantly jolted Shisui; if this could resolve the Uchiha's suspicion, it would bring monumental peace between the clan and the village.

However, Tatsuya had only mentioned this to Shisui in passing. His true objective in rushing to Rain Shinobi Village wasn't Obito but Nagato. As long as he could destroy the pair of Rinnegan, a cascade of future troubles would be eliminated.

...

...

The tallest tower, home to the leaders of Rain Shinobi Village, stood tall like Konoha's Hokage Building. It was a strong symbol of authority, dominating the village and serving as a base for those in charge. Konan, still in her early twenties and bearing a somewhat immature figure compared to her glamorous curves in the future, approached Tendo Pain to report.

"An intruder has broken in?"

She didn't need Pain's perception; Rain Shinobi had already informed him of the situation. Two unknown individuals were advancing toward the tower, and anything that obstructed their path had been eliminated.

Tendo Pain closed his eyes for a few seconds before slowly opening his Rinnegan.

"It's Jiraiya Sensei's companion from back then, Hatake Tatsuya, and the other is from the Uchiha clan," he stated coldly, devoid of emotion.

Konan's mind flashed back to their first encounter at the end of the Second Ninja War ten years ago.

"Is he? There are rumors in the ninja world that his strength is comparable to the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, and Uchiha Madara."

At that moment, Konan felt a twinge of doubt regarding Nagato's strength. Having recently experienced the anguish of Yahiko's death, she felt a sense of apprehension facing the infamous Tatsuya.

"How did he learn about the change in leadership here? Are there spies of Konoha in Rain Shinobi Village?" she pondered, immediately considering another pressing question.

"It doesn't matter; any question can be answered as long as you catch him," Nagato declared, exuding confidence. Having mastered the power of the Six Paths, he had easily defeated Hanzō of the Salamander, who had remained unbeaten against the combined forces of the Konoha Sannin. He had every reason to be confident.

"Don't fight him," a cold voice interjected from the shadows. The masked man, Obito, stepped forward slowly. "You are not his opponent right now. If you lose, it will create significant complications."

Tendo Pain turned his gaze toward Obito, pausing for a few seconds before responding. "Do you think I will fail, Madara?" Despite using an honorific, there was no hint of respect in his cold tone.

Nagato was not afraid of "Uchiha Madara"; rather, he understood that Obito possessed knowledge he lacked, information that could safeguard his peace plan. That was why he chose to cooperate with him. Strictly speaking, their relationship was one of mutual use, not subordination.

"Akatsuki's plan has just begun. Are you so eager to crush our efforts for peace in their infancy?" Obito retorted, his voice unforgiving. With both eyes bearing the Mangekyō Sharingan, he wielded double Kamui and Susanoo, alongside a host of Hashirama cells. Despite this, he remained merely a Jōnin in overall physical fitness.

But it was enough to contend with Kage-level opponents. Even against someone of Super Kage level, until they counter his specific abilities, he can rely on Kamui. He could easily outmaneuver them.

Just as the two stared at each other with indifference, a sudden whistling sound sliced through the air.

Boom—

In the next instant, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble violently, throwing off their sense of balance as if the very earth had skewed beneath them. Konan quickly manifested a pair of wings made of paper and soared out of the window. As she turned her head to look back, she was stunned by what she saw.

The main iron tower had been sliced cleanly in half!

"So this is the famous 'Angel of the Rain~" came a mocking voice.

Following the sound, Konan spotted a familiar face she hadn't seen in ten years, wielding a Katana. It was evident who had delivered the blow that severed the tower.

With no time to engage in conversation, Konan spread her wings wide and rushed toward the top of the collapsing tower.

---

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