Chapter 166 : Rain Village officially joins the war!!

The sky was overcast and drizzling.

Since the assassination of Hanzo, the previous leader of Rain Village, by the Akatsuki organization, Hanzo's former forces had been steadily losing ground.

Under the leadership of "Pain," Akatsuki had quickly taken control of the remaining forces in Rain Village, seizing the entire village within a few months.

Now, Akatsuki was the true power in Rain Village, and Lord Pain, who called himself a "God," resided in the tallest building.

No one had ever seen Pain's true appearance, and there were rumors that anyone who had tried had ended up dead.

In the building filled with steel pipes, Nagato, who had overused the Rinnegan and sustained severe injuries, could no longer walk. He lay in an egg-shaped device filled with tubes.

"Konan, someone is coming," Nagato said suddenly, his voice hoarse.

He had used chakra mixed with the rain to create a detection barrier and had sensed an intruder.

A young girl with a cold expression emerged from the shadows. "I know. I'll check it out. Let the Animal Path follow me."

"Alright," Nagato replied, a complex look in his eyes.

Since Yahiko's death, everything had changed. Not only had Nagato changed, but even Konan had changed.

People said it was Pain who transformed Rain Village, but Nagato knew that Konan was the mastermind behind the plans to defeat Hanzo's forces and consolidate power in the village.

"Konan," Nagato called out as she was about to leave.

"What is it?"

Konan's voice was cold, and she didn't turn around.

Nagato hesitated, unsure of what to say, and finally whispered, "Be careful. If anything happens, I'll have the other five paths support you."

Konan was silent for a moment before replying softly, "Okay."

Her paper wings unfolded behind her, and she flew through the drizzle like a holy angel, disappearing into the distance.

Guided by the animal path, she soon found the intruder.

In the drizzle, a man wearing a simple white robe and a silver cross pendant stood. He held a black book and had a light golden beard. His pure eyes and gentle smile gave off a warm presence.

"Adam?"

Konan's cold expression softened a bit at his warm demeanor.

"It's been a while, Konan."

Uchiha Sogetsu nodded slightly, his lips curving into a warm smile. "It's clear that a lot has changed here, both in the Rain Village and with you."

"No, it's all thanks to your teachings."

After the initial shock, Konan quickly composed herself and bowed slightly. "If it weren't for you clearing the fog of fate for me, Nagato and I might still be deceived by fate. I sincerely thank you, Mr. Adam."

"Only those who dare to challenge fate will be favored by the gods."

Uchiha Sogetsu smiled faintly. "Instead of thanking me, you should thank yourself. Your choices have attracted the Lord's attention."

"Mr. Adam, are you here to see me?"

Konan's anxiety showed as she worried that Adam's appearance might mean her "fate" was about to change again.

"Do you remember what I said before?"

Uchiha Sogetsu read Konan's thoughts through her expressions and calmly added, "I am a 'spectator.' I'm here to witness the ripples of fate."

"Is that possible?"

Konan's eyes widened in horror at the implication. The brief statements carried heavy meaning, making her anxious.

Ripples of fate?

Having learned from Yahiko's tragic death due to ignoring fate, Konan was now even more nervous. 

She didn't want to suffer the loss of Nagato again!

"Mr. Adam, what should I do?" Konan asked urgently.

"Don't panic, Konan."

Uchiha Sogetsu's voice was soothing, his gentle gaze reaching deep. "Remember, our purpose is to 'guide' destiny."

Looking into Adam's eyes, which were as clear and innocent as a baby's, Konan began to calm down. She asked, "I understand. Can you tell me where the ripples appeared?"

As she spoke, her eyes were filled with a cold determination.

She would never allow another ripple of fate to emerge. Anything or anyone causing such ripples would be completely eradicated!

Uchiha Sogetsu looked at her and simply said, "War."

"Konoha. Sand Ninja."

With just this hint, Konan quickly connected the dots with recent events in the ninja world and identified the culprit.

"It seems you understand."

Uchiha Sogetsu nodded and smiled, "But I came here for another reason, something related to you, Konan."

"Mr. Adam, what is it?" Konan asked.

Uchiha Sogetsu handed her a badge, saying with a smile, "Consider this a gift to celebrate your joining the Twilight Hermit Order."

The badge was small, about the size of a coin, and appeared to be made of brass. It was decorated with intricate and mysterious symbols that seemed to hold some power. 

As Konan held it, she felt a secret connection with 'Adam.'

"Mr. Adam, what is this?" Konan asked, puzzled.

"This badge represents the Twilight Hermits and is part of a simple ceremony," Uchiha Sogetsu explained with a smile. "As long as you have it, you can connect with me. At the right moment, I will use it to call you to meet the other members."

"I understand, Mr. Adam!"

Realizing the badge's significance, Konan clutched it tightly. "I will take good care of it."

She felt a sense of achievement and was pleased to have gained Adam's recognition. From this moment, she was officially a member of the Twilight Hermit Order. She was also curious about the other members.

The members of the Twilight Hermit Order must be very powerful, right?

"Well, see you next time."

Uchiha Sogetsu's figure gradually became transparent and disappeared like a gust of wind.

Konan's vision blurred.

"Konan, what happened?"

The Animal Path asked nervously, "You've been standing still for a while. Are you under some kind of illusion?"

"I..."

Konan, who had just been jolted awake, took a moment to regain her focus before her eyes settled on what was in front of her.

It was as if Adam had never been there; everything that had happened seemed like a fleeting dream. But the badge in her hand reminded her that it was all too real.

Holding the badge tightly, Konan realized that the so-called 'invader' was merely an unfortunate Sand Ninja.

"More and more ninjas from other villages have been showing up lately."

The Animal Path frowned, anger flashing in his eyes. "They want to drag the Rain Village into the war. This is unforgivable!"

"Nagato, I've made my decision."

Konan looked at the unconscious Sand Ninja on the ground, her eyes filled with resolve. "We have to join the war!"

Hearing this, the Animal Path's eyes narrowed slightly. "Konan, are you serious?"

"You can't hide from the Rain Village forever, Nagato."

Konan looked up at the overcast sky and declared firmly, "It's time for those powerful nations to understand our suffering!"

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