Chapter 166: The Entire Akatsuki Organization Meets with Hanzo

[Land of Rain, Hanzo of the Salamander's Residence]

In a quiet room, Hanzo sat cross-legged, eyes closed, meditating.

In front of him hung a samurai sword, symbolizing unwavering will.

He thought he would always be as sharp as this sword.

But at some moment, he suddenly realized, 'Even swords rust one day…'

'When did it begin?'

'Was it when I, full of ambition, simultaneously declared war on the surrounding three great nations and the Land of Iron, only to end up with a miserable outcome?'

'Even though on the frontlines, I held off Sand's Chiyo and defeated Konoha's Sannin, so what?'

'The country's resources couldn't keep up and I had to surrender…'

'After the war, the Land of Rain was full of ruins, with constant civil strife.'

'Is it that I didn't want to manage it?'

'No, it was that I was powerless. Rebuilding the country requires immense resources, not something a few sums of money can fix.'

So, a voice within him kept saying, 'This country is already rotten, what's the harm in it rotting a bit more?'

'Instead of pouring resources into a bottomless pit, why not pocket them myself… what's wrong with living in comfort?'

Hanzo trembled as he opened his eyes, drenched in cold sweat.

'Am I really becoming that kind of person?'

Just then, his deputy, Kanzō, walked in.

"Leader, Akatsuki just sent a message. They want to meet you to discuss a cooperation."

Hanzo quickly wiped away the sweat, regaining composure, "Akatsuki? That group promoting peace and mediating conflicts all across the Land of Rain?"

Kanzō nodded.

Hanzo's expression turned a bit complicated.

Akatsuki had risen in the Land of Rain, how could he, the leader, not know?

These people clearly wore the forehead protectors of Hidden Rain, yet they didn't acknowledge being under him.

By logic, he should've crushed Akatsuki at first notice, right?

But in the end, he chose to turn a blind eye.

Maybe because, in Akatsuki, he saw a reflection of his former self.

He also hoped this organization could change things, bring new hope to the Land of Rain.

But… the more beautiful the ideals, the easier they are to be crushed. This shinobi world has no place for such beauty.

He sighed and asked, "Kanzō, why would Akatsuki seek cooperation now?"

Kanzō had a trace of disdain in his eyes, "They don't even take missions. Mediating conflicts earns them nothing. I'm afraid they can't survive anymore, so they're coming to beg you."

"Is that so?"

Hanzo sneered.

Not sure if he was mocking himself or Akatsuki's naivety.

"Set up a meeting place. Tell them, if they want to cooperate, show some sincerity. I want the entire Akatsuki organization present. I want to see what they're really about."

Kanzō was stunned, "Leader, you really intend to work with Akatsuki? But among them… there are quite a few of our defectors."

Hanzo's expression turned a bit complex, then he waved his hand, "Just arrange it, no need to worry about the rest…"

"Yes!"

Kanzō retreated.

———

On the other side, Akatsuki received Hanzo's reply.

Upon hearing that Hanzo demanded the entire Akatsuki organization present, Madara sneered.

"The Demigod of the Shinobi World, what an attitude!"

"After Hashirama's death, does everyone now qualify to be called a god?"

"I'd like to see, does he even have half of Hashirama's strength?"

Beside him, Obito smiled bitterly, "In any case, the meeting is the day after tomorrow. Are you planning to go?"

Madara gave Obito a strange look, "Why wouldn't I?"

"If he wants the entire Akatsuki organization present, then so be it. It's time Akatsuki showed itself to the shinobi world."

'Is that so?'

Obito's gaze turned thoughtful.

He reminded him, "Madara, your identity can't be revealed just yet. Otherwise, with Danzō's cautious nature, he might run away."

Madara was a bit displeased, "That mere Danzō. You can kill him in Konoha. Why make things so complicated?"

Obito shook his head, "Assassination is one thing. Judgment is another."

"Danzō can't die without reason."

"Madara, you don't understand. This is about ceremony."

———

The next day, Obito brought Sara from Rōran to join the rest of the group for the occasion.

Soon, they arrived at the agreed location.

Obito was very familiar with this place.

In the previous life, Hanzo captured Konan here and forced Yahiko to his death.

In the end, Nagato went insane, Pain was born, and the second generation of Akatsuki was established.

History seemed to return to a similar point.

Only this time, Akatsuki's lineup was luxurious. Even his past self wouldn't dare provoke them.

If Hanzo tried to play dirty, he'd die terribly.

Rain poured down.

The entire Akatsuki organization gathered.

Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Obito, Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Sasori of the Red Sand, Sara, Kakuzu, Kyūsuke, Daibutsu, and the rest of the newly formed Akatsuki members, all wearing black cloaks with red clouds, stood solemnly.

Opposite them, Hanzo approached with a group of subordinates.

He looked at Akatsuki's orderly and imposing formation, his gaze deep and unreadable.

Finally, his eyes fixed on Yahiko.

"You are Akatsuki's leader, Yahiko?"

"I heard you wanted to talk about cooperation?"

Yahiko shook his head, "Lord Hanzo, you misunderstood. I am no longer Akatsuki's leader."

As he finished, he instinctively looked at the masked figure beside him, Madara.

Madara stepped forward, "Hanzo, I am the leader of Akatsuki."

Hanzo's brows furrowed, 'This mysterious man is actually Akatsuki's real leader?'

'Did he establish Akatsuki out of pure idealism for peace, or for some ulterior motive?'

'Moreover, this person is arrogant, lacking the proper respect toward me, even slightly condescending.'

He didn't like it, "If you want cooperation, then be sincere. Take off the mask and let me see your face."

Just after he spoke, Hanzo froze.

He suddenly felt a murderous intent from Akatsuki's leader, so strong it almost materialized and came crashing down on him.

That intensity, even with his experience in the bloody Second Great Ninja War, he couldn't compare.

Though they hadn't even exchanged blows, he suddenly had the strange feeling, 'I will die.'

'How can this be?'

He was confident that in this era, even if someone rivaled him, completely surpassing him was impossible.

'Who exactly is this Akatsuki's leader?'

At this moment, Madara spoke, his voice full of displeasure.

"What if I say no?"

Hanzo hadn't even replied, but his subordinates were already furious.

"How dare you talk to the leader like that!"

"Yeah, who do you think you are?"

Madara folded his arms, speaking calmly, "Oh really?"

Though he didn't adopt a combat stance, there was an eerie feeling, if provoked further, he'd attack immediately.

Moreover, as his words fell, all the Akatsuki members stepped forward, their intention was clear.

Hanzo was startled and quickly said, "Calm down."

Only then did the many Rain Ninja settle down.

Hanzo broke into a cold sweat, looking at Madara with unease.

Then, he glanced across the Akatsuki members.

Just one Madara was already terrifying, and he'd sensed earlier that several other Akatsuki members had unusual chakra as well.

First, he looked at Kakuzu.

This person had just released a bit of killing intent toward him. Though not as intense as Madara's, it was clearly powerful.

The more he looked at Kakuzu, the more familiar he felt.

Then, he was shocked.

"You're Kakuzu? That rogue ninja from Takigakure, the famous bounty hunter on the black market?"

═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═

patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator

🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.

https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y