Chapter 289: Land of Grass

The Land of Rain, where it seemed like the heavens never ceased to weep, as continuous rain enveloped the country.

Inside a dim and gloomy cave somewhere, several mysterious ninjas clad in black cloaks with red clouds continued to gather.

"The mission failed? Konan..."

The Deva Path Pain opened his eyes in the darkness, his pair of eerie purple Rinnegan constantly emitting a daunting pressure, yet his tone seemed tinged with surprise.

"Yes..."

Recalling the terrifying strength of the Haku-haired youth, Konan's calm face seemed to reveal a lingering fear as she solemnly said, "We underestimated Scarlet Yu's strength. Even Juzo fell to his hands."

"Even you, Sasori, along with Juzo, were no match for him?"

Looking at the disheveled appearance of Konan and Sasori as they returned empty-handed, a hint of peculiarity flashed in Pain's purple Rinnegan. "It seems that the rumors in the ninja world aren't always inaccurate. That guy is even stronger than I imagined."

"Hmph, I've said it before..."

At this moment, Kakuzu standing beside him let out a low, cold snort. His deep red and green eyes glowed like ghostly flames in the darkness. "The guy who nearly destroyed my five hearts is no simple ninja. You should have sent me to deal with him"

"No need..."

Hearing Kakuzu's words, Pain's icy expression remained unchanged. Only the purple Rinnegan emitted a stronger power. "By refusing the invitation from Akatsuki and killing its members, he will face—divine punishment next time."

"After this mission is over, I will personally go and meet the legendary Scarlet Yu."

'Planning to take matters into his own hands, huh...'

Hearing the leader of the Akatsuki Organization, Pain, intending to personally deal with the legendary Scarlet Yu, each ninja present harbored their own thoughts. Their eyes betrayed a hint of anticipation, except for Konan, who cared about Nagato. In her cold and silent eyes, there flashed a faint worry and hesitation.

"Furthermore, a replacement for Juzo has been chosen."

At this point, Pain slightly raised his deep voice, and the gaze of his Rinnegan turned to the dark corner beside him. "Come out, Orochimaru. From today onwards, you are the 'Sky Seat' of the Akatsuki. (Sky correspond to the rings he will wear. Each Akatsuki member has a ring)"

"Hehe... It's an honor to meet you all."

"But from the looks of it... it seems you've all suffered at the hands of Scarlet Yu."

A distinctively deep, hoarse voice echoed. All members of the Akatsuki saw a man draped in a black and red cloak gradually emerge from the dark corner, a man whose body was housed in the skin of a woman.

A pair of cold and narrow serpent-like eyes gleamed in the darkness like a venomous snake choosing its prey. A long tongue greedily licked the corner of the mouth, while on the pinky finger of the left hand, there was a Haku ring engraved with the word 'Sky'.

"So it's you... the stinking snake," Sasori, who had dealt with Orochimaru before couldn't help but sneer. He mockingly continued, "Your Sound Ninja Village was destroyed by that kid, Yakushi Yu... so you've come to seek refuge with us Akatsuki?"

"Hehe... You're still as foul-tempered as ever, Sasori..."

"But now our enemies and interests align... and there's something here that interests me as well..."

Hearing Sasori's mockery, Orochimaru's face darkened momentarily with a hint of discomfort, but it quickly transformed into a wicked smile. His greedy gaze glanced briefly at Pain, whose Rinnegan shone purple in the darkness.

"So let's cooperate well from now on, everyone..."

With thoughts swirling in the minds of those in the cave, the rain outside seemed to be pouring even harder...

...

"Yu-sama..."

"It seems like there's a battle going on here..."

Meanwhile, Haku and Kimimaro, who had left the Land of Rice Fields with Yu, had traveled through the Land of Frost and the Land of Waterfalls, arriving at the Land of Grass where the Grass Ninja Village was located. However, to their surprise, they found themselves amidst a full-blown war.

"Even though the Great Ninja War has ended..."

"It seems that these smaller nations around here still can't avoid localized conflicts..."

As they traversed the vast grasslands of the Land of Grass with Haku and Kimimaro, they witnessed hundreds of Grass Ninja Village ninjas engaged in battle with their enemies. The boiling shouts of combat, intermittent explosions, and clashes of weapons around them couldn't help but remind Yu of the Great Ninja War he had experienced.

It's worth mentioning that the countries in the world of Naruto seem to be named according to the characteristics of each country. The Land of Fire is rich in resources and abundant in endless forests like Konoha, the Land of Wind is known for its perennial sandstorms, the Land of Earth is characterized by rocky terrain, the Land of Lightning is dotted with countless peaks echoing with thunder, and the Land of Water is shrouded in thick fog, situated on islands.

Even the surrounding smaller countries follow this pattern. The Land of Rice Fields they previously visited was filled with endless farmland, the Land of Rain experiences uninterrupted rainfall throughout the year, and the current Land of Grass they are in is covered in lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

In fact, apart from the five major nations of the ninja world, the Grass Ninja Village in the Land of Grass is considered a strong ninja village among these neighboring small countries. This village has established good diplomatic relations with Konoha and its ninjas are adept at studying ninjutsu from other countries, making it a village skilled in learning.

However, internal political corruption plagues the country, often leading to turmoil and war. The scene before Yu and Haku now is a prime example of this.

"Be careful! Yu sama!!"

Just as Yu was somewhat lost in thought, nearby in the midst of the battling ninjas, countless kunai carrying explosive tags suddenly flew towards them. Haku, who was walking beside Yu, reacted immediately.

"Water Release: Water Wall!!"

After swiftly forming hand seals, Haku opened his mouth slightly and then forcefully expelled a large amount of water. Instantly, a continuously rushing wall of water formed in front of Yu and Kimimaro, blocking all the kunai and explosive attacks.

"Well done. Being able to perform a C-rank Water Release in a place without a water source like this shows progress, Haku."

Seeing Haku beside him manage to unleash C-rank Water Release Ninjutsu in such a place without a water source, Yu couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. In terms of Ninjutsu talent, Haku could be considered exceptional.

"This trio are ninjas!!"

"They must be sent by the enemy! Kill them!!"

At this moment, the Grass Ninjas not far away seemed to have successfully dealt with most of the opponents in front of them. Seeing Haku performing the Water Release Ninjutsu, a group of them rushed over, brandishing their weapons.

"You're asking for it... Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Willow!!"

Upon seeing the approaching group of ninjas, Kimimaro standing to Yu's left immediately turned cold, unleashing the power of his Kekkei Genkai, Shikotsumyaku. Sharp white bones were released from every joint of his body as he lightly stepped on the ground and charged forward!

"Aaargh!!"

Following this, a series of screams erupted from the group of Grass Ninjas. Kimimaro's petite figure moved incredibly agilely among the ninjas, employing Taijutsu that was both gentle and devoid of any unnecessary movements, coupled with attacks using his bones, which directly brought down the surrounding ninjas.

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