Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha is not motivated.

Pfft!
The middle-aged executive, scorched beyond recognition by the intense heat, collapsed to the ground with a thud. Xiao Zi, who had fought fiercely with him, fared no better; his incredibly strong Lava Release armor was riddled with cracks, and dark red fragments fell like snowflakes with each movement.

On the head of the Lava Release armor, several clearly visible fist marks were visible, and half of Xiao Zi's face, covered in bruises, was exposed, making her unrecognizable.
"How embarrassing, Purple."

Han kicked the half-cooked middle-aged executive on the ground, then looked up at the panting Xiao Zi with an expression of amusement.
"Hmph. This guy is something else. He forced me to borrow power from Old Sun."

Exiting Lava Release Chakra Mode, Komurasaki touched her bruised cheeks and looked at the enemy lying on the ground, his life hanging in the balance, a hint of admiration barely perceptible in her eyes.

This Rain Ninja, even with his balls smashed, could still unleash astonishingly powerful energy despite the excruciating pain. If it weren't for the Four-Tails card he carried, allowing him to borrow some of Goku's chakra, he would have almost been defeated.
"Lord Moyu actually lost."

The Rain Ninja, who were fighting the enemy nearby, noticed the fallen middle-aged high-ranking official. Their movements, even as they threw kunai, slowed down slightly.

This man, whose strength is second only to Lord Hanzo in the village, was actually defeated by a young Iwa ninja.
An atmosphere of defeat instantly filled the entire battlefield. Seeing the morale of the Yu Yin army crumbling, Xiao Zi immediately forced herself to sit up and issued a cruel order to her outnumbered subordinates.

"Break them down!"

"Yes!"

With their core leadership gone, the Rain Shadow Squad's strength has plummeted along with their morale collapse, presenting them with an excellent opportunity for a counterattack.

"Don't panic, everyone! We outnumber them!"

In the leaderless Rain Ninja, a few trusted confidants of the middle-aged high-ranking officers attempted to revitalize the army, but with little success, leading to a comical scene on the battlefield.
Several hundred Rain Ninja were chased and attacked by only a hundred or so Iwa Ninja, and retreated steadily towards the Amegakure headquarters.

"Damn it! If Heiji-sama were still awake, he could definitely turn the tide!"

In the Rain Ninja group, the Rain Village Jonin, whom Heiji had once saved, carried his unconscious benefactor on his back, his face filled with indignation.

In his opinion, Heiji Doura, who could hold off the Iwa ninja army single-handedly, was definitely much stronger than the defeated Mae!

The outer walls of Amegakure were brightly lit. A withered old man with white hair and beard watched the retreating Amegakure ninja in the distance, his eyes filled with despair and somber expression.

"Mo Yu has lost."

He clenched his fists, but ultimately let them loosen in defeat. If Elder Moyu, the second strongest in Amegakure, had been defeated, how could they possibly withstand the invasion of the Iwa ninja?
"How is the civilian evacuation going?"

"They have all entered the air-raid shelter."

Hearing his subordinate's report, his expression improved slightly. With a formidable enemy at hand, the civilians, the foundation of Amegakure, could not be allowed to be affected by the war.
"By the way, is Lord Hanzo's surgery still not over?"

Now, their only hope lies with Hanzo, who is still undergoing secret surgery.

"Reporting to the elder, there has been no news from the research institute yet."

The Rain Ninja responsible for relaying intelligence shook his head. Not to mention now, they hadn't received any news about Hanzo for a week.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

"Let me go and have a look at them!"

Just then, a piercing metallic clang of swords clashing rang out from the city wall, followed by the emergence of a Rain Ninja whose limbs were all prosthetic swords.

"Yu Liu, your body hasn't recovered yet, don't act rashly."

Seeing the dark red blood seeping from the joints between the other person's hands, feet, and prosthetics, the withered old man's gray eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Are we just going to stand by and watch the Iwa ninja invade our homeland?"

Amedo, who survived after having his limbs removed by Onoki, harbored an irreconcilable hatred for the Iwa ninja. Even if it meant sacrificing his own body, he would tear a piece of flesh from the Iwa ninja.
Upon hearing this, the withered old man fell into a deep silence. After a moment, he abruptly threw off the ornate silk draped over his body, revealing his slightly worn military uniform underneath.

"Everyone, listen to my command! Defend the city gates to the death! Do not allow the Iwa ninja to enter Amegakure alive!"

"Yes!"

As if sensing the old man's determination, the Rain Ninjas on the city wall raised their weapons high, their muffled voices conveying a resolute resolve to die for their cause.

The Iwa ninja, their fighting spirit unstoppable, grew stronger with each battle. Komurasaki, leading the charge, could already see the towering walls of Amegakure in the distance. With his superior eyesight, he could even make out the throngs of heads thronging the walls.

Outnumbered and outgunned, the fastest way to end the battle is to find another way.

"Han, you lead your men straight to the main entrance of Amegakure, while I'll lead an elite team to circle around to the outer perimeter, pass through the residential area, and strike at the heart of the enemy!"

Recalling the map of Amegakure in her mind, Komurasaki turned her head and briefly explained her battle plan to Han beside her.
Their main task this time is not to kill a lot of people, but to behead them. Only by taking down Hanzo will Amegakure completely give up resistance.

"A frontal assault? That suits me perfectly."

After hearing Xiao Zi's plan, Han had no objections. On the contrary, he enjoyed these dangerous missions involving charging into battle. He stretched his limbs, which he had just warmed up, eager to try, his burning gaze fixed on the tightly closed gates of Amegakure.

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you."

Xiao Zi nodded and made a gesture that only they understood to his trusted confidants behind him. Ten elite Iwa ninja quietly broke away from the main attacking force and disappeared into the dark forest with him.

"My men, charge!"

Having temporarily taken command, Han assumed a sprinting stance, and scorching gas suddenly erupted from every joint in his body.

"Buzz! Buzz!"

With a deafening roar, he transformed into a fully insured semi-trailer truck, charging into the retreating Rain Shadow troops with unstoppable force, instantly shattering their already chaotic formation.
Seeing this, the Iwa ninja immediately followed, and a one-sided battle was about to come to an end.

"Cover them!"

The withered old man on the city wall stared with bloodshot eyes at the red figure that had left a bloody mark on the Rain Village troops, and commanded the Rain Ninja on the city wall to provide support.
"Here I come!"

Ignoring his subordinates' advice, Yu Liu resolutely jumped off the city wall, his gaze fixed on Han, who was wreaking havoc among the Yu Yin troops.

"Shh! Shh! Shh!"

The modified prosthetic limbs, honed from swords and blades, whistled through the air as he spun. Seeing the sharp tornado rushing towards him, Han showed no hesitation, charging head-on into it.

"boom!"

With a piercing metallic clang, Yu Liu's swords and prosthetic limbs slashed through Han's thick crimson armor, sending sparks flying.

"What ruthless swordsmanship!"

Looking at the sword deeply embedded in his shoulder, Han, who had crossed his arms to protect his face, nodded in approval.

His armor was crafted by top artisans from the Land of Waves at great expense by Iwagakure, boasting astonishing defensive capabilities; even weapons made of chakra metal could hardly leave a mark on it.
"Boom!"

Hearing Han's seemingly admiring voice, Yu Liu, feeling insulted, gritted her teeth and increased her strength. A sickening snapping sound echoed from the blood-soaked bandages binding the prosthetic limb to her flesh.
Before Onoki broke his limbs, Amegakure was one of Hanzo's trusted confidants, on whom he placed great hopes. His swordsmanship, honed through countless battles, was exceptionally fierce and ruthless. He was once hailed as the strongest man in Amegakure.

"Zhiba."

Feeling that her flesh was about to give way to the sword made of her prosthetic limb, Yu Liu gritted her teeth, suddenly twisted her body, and the sword embedded in the enemy's shoulder made a chilling scraping sound.
"Die!"

Even at the risk of turning back into a limp body, he was determined to dismember the man before him.
What a ruthless man!
Han hadn't expected that this Rain Ninja, whose limbs were all swords, would be so ruthless; the sharp blades were visibly embedding themselves deeper and deeper.

"Don't underestimate my power, or you'll get hurt."

At this critical moment, a confident smile suddenly appeared on the face of the man in the mask. His thick arms suddenly shook, and a burst of scorching steam sent Yu Liu flying, landing awkwardly on the ground.

"Hiss."

Yu Liu looked down at the large areas of skin on her chest burned by the high temperature, her face filled with resentment and a hint of unwillingness.
"Bloodline?"

"I've only mastered the Boiling Release technique, so I'll make a fool of myself."

Han nodded, not denying that he had borrowed the power from the Five-Tails.
"Is this the foundation of a great power?"

With a self-deprecating smile, Yu Liu struggled to his feet, his prosthetic arm stained with blood. Looking at the tall, imposing man, he gritted his teeth and questioned him...

"We just want to improve our lives and make everyone in the village live a more prosperous life. Where did we go wrong?"

Even nestled between powerful nations, the Rain Village tenaciously strives for growth; everything they do is solely to help their country escape poverty.

But in the eyes of powerful nations, Amegakure seemed to have broken some kind of taboo.
Despite Iwagakure stealing the secret treasure from Amegakure's forbidden area, the one who ended up with broken limbs and thrown back like a dog was the one in the right.
Not only that, but Iwagakure also brazenly invaded their homeland without warning or reason, as if it were all perfectly justified.

"Sorry, I was just carrying out a mission."

Silently watching Yu Liu howl like a mad dog, Han shook his head slightly, his expression complex.

In reality, Han wasn't particularly intelligent or politically astute. His only redeeming quality was his obedience; he rarely questioned anything when carrying out missions, which was why Onoki valued him.
"Heh. A mission?"

Yu Liu gave a bitter laugh. Overwhelmed by intense grief, the excruciating pain in his limbs seemed insignificant. He had very little strength left; at most, he could only muster enough energy to swing his sword one more time.

"You really are like a ninja. I wish I could be like you."

Shaking his head, he uttered a nonsensical remark. Yu Liu crossed his prosthetic arms, forming a cross stance. Sensing a surprisingly sharp aura, Han frowned.
"Cross Slash!"

Two sharp blade beams shot out, forming a giant cross in mid-air. Their sharp aura seemed to tear an X-shaped wound in space. Yu Liu followed closely behind, raising his sword with one hand and pointing it at Han's heart.
This was his final, life-burning strike; whether successful or not, he would perish.
"You are a worthy opponent."

Faced with the impending attack, Han did not choose to evade; he wanted to give his enemy a dignified exit.

"Boiling Release: Super Strength"

With a roar, the steam emanating from his body instantly condensed into his right hand, which was tucked back to his waist.

"Peerless!"

Without lingering, he unleashed a powerful punch, his fist enveloped in scorching heat, sending a visible white beam of light shooting out.

"Fuck!"

The first thing it struck was the cross-shaped blade aura, but the sharp blade aura only lasted for less than a second before being dissolved by the high-temperature chakra.

Then, Yu Liu's prosthetic sword also vaporized the moment it made contact.

Looking at the white light that was about to engulf her, Yu Liu's face showed no fear, only a faint trace of regret.

Lord Hanzo, I will repay your kindness in my next life.

"boom!"

A white light, radiating scorching heat, shot into the sky from the center of the battlefield. The withered old man on the city wall closed his eyes with a sorrowful expression.
"Yu Liu, you are a hero of Yu Yin, you were, you are, and you will always be."

"Continue to move forward."

Han slowly lowered his fist. The spot where Yu Liu had just been was now empty. His resilient body had vaporized completely under the intense heat, and the prosthetic limbs that replaced his hands and feet had not been spared either.

"This is..." However, nothing was left behind. Han looked down at a strange, cylindrical weapon on the ground, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Diamond?"

Picking up the only relic left behind by Yu Liu in the world, Han examined it with a complex expression for a moment before silently putting it into his pocket as a keepsake.

……

the other side,
Komurasaki, who had led her elite squad to a weak point in the defenses of Amegakure, turned around and looked at the scorching white light shooting into the sky, her face filled with intense curiosity.
"Did they encounter a formidable enemy? It actually forced Han to use that move."

Like his Lava Release ultimate technique, Han's Boil Release: Unparalleled Strength also borrows the power of the Tailed Beast.

"Sir, a patrolling Rain Ninja has been spotted ahead."

Just then, her subordinate reported, but Xiao Zi shook her head, suppressing her curiosity; the mission was more important.
"Take action and deal with them."

With most of their forces engaged in frontal combat, the patrolling Rain Ninja were mostly low-level Chunin and Genin. Faced with a sneak attack from elite Jonin, they didn't even have a chance to sound the alarm before being quietly eliminated.

"Change into their clothes and infiltrate. Remember, our only target is Hanzo."

Xiao Zi nodded in satisfaction, her sharp gaze fixed on the Rain Ninja headquarters located in the center of Rain Village.

"Lord Zi, what if the commoners find out?"

"Under normal circumstances, we cannot harm civilians."

"I understand!"

Hearing Komurasaki's solemn warning, the group of Iwa ninja immediately nodded vigorously, a bloodthirsty smile appearing on their faces.
If it's something special, then it'll be fine, right?
……

at the same time,

Upon receiving the notification from the Rain Village ninja, the villagers were gathered in the pre-built air-raid shelter. Knowing that an enemy had invaded the village, everyone's expression was grave, and the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

Several solemn-faced rain ninjas stood guard in front of the heavy iron gate, dutifully protecting the safety of the civilians.
Ordinary people who knew each other gathered in small groups, whispering about what was happening outside.
"Did you know? I heard that Iwagakure has attacked."

"Huh? Iwagakure? Does that mean we're doomed?"

"Sigh, I should have known better than to do business here. It's a waste to make too much money if you don't live to enjoy it."

"I am from the Land of Wind! I want to leave, I want to apply for asylum!"

"Stop yelling. If Iwagakure attacks, the first people they'll deal with are you people from the Land of Wind."

"."

As the discussion progressed, the full spectrum of human nature was revealed.
However, compared to the adults who were on the verge of collapse, the children were much quieter, perhaps because they hadn't yet grasped the reality of their families being destroyed.
"So boring~"

Yahiko lay listlessly on the ground, staring at the dark ceiling of the air-raid shelter, his legs crossed and bobbing.
"Xiao Nan, what are you looking for?"

Nagato, noticing her friend's odd behavior, asked curiously,
"Why didn't Madara 33 and the others come in?"

Standing on tiptoe, Xiao Nan looked around and spotted many familiar faces.

For example, the brown-haired older sister who has been running an illegal clinic for many years, the star employee of the Yahiko family, and Miroku and her master.
But I couldn't find my dance teacher anywhere.
"Uh? Perhaps they've taken refuge somewhere else?"

Yahiko turned his head, hesitated for a moment, and offered some words of comfort.

"But I heard from the ninja just now that there's only one air-raid shelter in the village. The teachers must have been busy choreographing the dance and didn't notice the notice on the gate."

Xiao Nan pursed her lips, her face full of worry. Recalling her teacher who had taken such good care of her, she mustered her courage, approached Yu Ren by the gate, and timidly bowed.

"Master Ninja, Master Ninja, there are still people who haven't come to take refuge."

"I'm sorry, child, time was tight, and oversights were inevitable."

Rain Ninja looked down at the adorable Konan, his heart heavy. He shook his head and explained, "We have limited manpower; we can't possibly take care of everyone in the village."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Nan's face scrunched up.
"Could you please help me?"

"Go back, young lady, we really don't have any more manpower right now."

Before Konan could even voice her request to find someone, Amegakure waved her hand first.
"What should we do now?"

Xiao Nan returned home dejectedly, her head hanging low, her spirits very low.
"Don't worry, Lord Hanzo and the others will definitely drive the enemy away. Your teacher will be fine!"

Yahiko sat up, his eyes shining with wonder as he spoke of Hanzo.

"Have you heard? Lord Hanzo seems to have gone missing."

"Shh! Keep your voice down. I heard from my second master, who guards the gate at the Rain Ninja headquarters, that Lord Hanzo has suddenly fallen seriously ill and is receiving secret treatment."

"That doesn't seem right. Why did I hear from my brother-in-law's neighbor's classmate's former owner's student that the ninja dog was talking about?"

"."

Just then, a whisper reached Yahiko's ears, and his confident expression instantly froze on his face.
"Oh, this."

"How about we sneak out and go find your teacher?"

Nagato touched her chin with her gloved hand and whispered a suggestion in their ears,
"Huh?" *2
"But how can we get out?"

Konan was clearly tempted, but when she glanced at the Rain Ninja guarding the entrance, a look of hesitation appeared on her face.
"Getting out is easy, look at this!"

Nagato glanced around mysteriously, and finding no one paying attention to the group of little kids, he relaxed and secretly pointed to the side.
"This is?"

The other two then noticed a ventilation opening at the base of the wall in their corner, just large enough for them to crawl through. Gentle breezes wafted out, providing oxygen to the sealed air-raid shelter.

"Would you like to go?"

Nagato raised an eyebrow at the two bewildered people. Konan hesitated for a second, then nodded firmly.
"go!"

"But what if there are enemies outside?"

Yahiko seemed somewhat hesitant; without Lord Hanzo's presence, he felt insecure.

"Don't worry, the teachers live very close by. We'll be back soon after we notify them."

"OK then."

Having made their decision, the three little ones immediately got to work. Nagato was the first to stick her little bottom out and crawl inside, followed by Yahiko, and finally Konan.
However, the children were unaware that their entire action was being watched by several pairs of eyes.

"Jiraiya, your son has run away."

Orochimaru nudged Jiraiya with his elbow, seemingly amused, and watched with interest as Jiraiya's face fell into a miserable state.

"That kid Yahiko is such a worry."

Jiraiya glanced furtively at the landlady chatting gossiped with other women in the distance, and without denying that he was about to become a father, he scratched his head helplessly.

Who will go?

Tsunade reluctantly pulled her gaze away from her gambling buddies who were rolling dice in the distance, and asked in a cryptic tone,

"I'm all alone, I'll go."

Orochimaru nodded slightly. Unlike Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had become integrated into the daily life of Amegakure, no one here recognized him, as he spent most of his time streaming from his rented apartment.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, you stinky snake."

Jiraiya breathed a long sigh of relief, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"I'll treat you to barbecue when I get back."

Finding a secluded corner, Orochimaru formed a hand seal, his body instantly becoming as supple as a snake. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he slid along the wall and disappeared into the ventilation shaft.

"Phew, I finally made it out!"

In the woods behind the air-raid shelter, Nagato's small head was the first to emerge from the ventilation shaft. Once he confirmed he was outside, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's quite quiet; it seems the enemy has been driven back."

After the three of them emerged, they made their way to the deserted street and found no signs of a fight. Yahiko's expression relaxed.
"Not necessarily, maybe the battlefield isn't here?"

Nagato, who was also looking around, shook his head.

"Hurry up!"

Xiao Nan came with a mission, so she didn't have time to leisurely look around like the other two. She took off running towards the dance studio with her chubby little legs.
"Wait for us."

By the time Nagato and Yahiko came to their senses, Konan had already run almost half a block ahead, and the two quickly gave chase.
"Boom!"

But they had only run a dozen meters when a figure suddenly emerged from the alleyway beside them, startling Nagato and Yahiko.
"Two brats? Didn't they have time to take refuge?"

"call"

After seeing the rain-covered headband on the newcomer's head, the two finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"us."

Seeing that they were family, Yahiko smiled and raised his hand, preparing to explain to the Rain Ninja who had a strange smile on his face.
"careful!"

However, just as he spoke, Nagato's heart tightened suddenly, and a certain talent inherent in his bloodline was instantly activated. Without saying a word, he pounced on Yahiko.
"what?"

Looking at Nagato who had suddenly tackled him with a puzzled expression, Yahiko was filled with confusion.
Just as he was about to question them, he suddenly noticed that it had started to rain. He reached up and wiped his head, his palms feeling warm and sticky, along with a metallic smell that he often smelled in the kitchens of barbecue restaurants.
"Tsk tsk tsk"

"Ok?"

Hearing the chilling smacking sound behind him, Yahiko belatedly turned around, only to be horrified to find that the Rain Ninja he had just encountered was already decapitated.

A head, filled with astonishment, rolled on the ground; the convulsing body had not yet collapsed, and crimson blood gushed out like a fountain from the wound on its neck.

"How should we punish this disobedient brat?" (End of Chapter)