Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 323 What kind of demigod of the ninja world? He's just a nobody on the roadside.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was equally heavy inside the Akatsuki's simple underground base.

Yahiko stood in front of a makeshift table pieced together from wooden crates, his orange spiky hair standing out conspicuously in the dim light.

Before him gathered the current core members of the Akatsuki organization.

Besides Konan and Nagato, there were two other key members who were deeply trusted by Yahiko and whose strength was second only to the three of them in the organization: Idaten Kyusuke and Daibutsu.

Idaten Kyusuke has short to medium-length black hair, and what is most striking about him are his vertical pupils, which resemble those of a feline, and several symmetrical blue lines on his cheeks that look like tear stains.

He was a war orphan from Amegakure, meticulous and skilled in intelligence gathering and analysis. He was impressed by Yahiko and was one of the early veterans of Akatsuki.

The Great Buddha, true to its name, is exceptionally tall and robust, with a shiny bald head and a kind face like the Maitreya Buddha in a temple. But beneath this honest appearance lies considerable strength.

He was originally a wandering ninja, but after being impressed by Yahiko's ideals and personal charm, he joined the Akatsuki organization and gained Yahiko's deep trust. He was especially skilled in water-style ninjutsu.

Yahiko's gaze swept across the faces of each of his companions present. He took a deep breath and said in as calm a tone as possible, "I have gathered you all here because of an emergency."

"According to reliable intelligence, Amegakure is likely to be forced into a conflict that we cannot remain uninvolved in within a short period of time. Some extremely powerful ninjas have already infiltrated the village. If a battle breaks out between them, our primary task is to do everything in our power to protect the civilians of Amegakure and assist them in safely evacuating the conflict zone!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a suppressed gasp and whispers erupted in the conference room.

"What? A battle has broken out inside Amegakure?"

"Who dares to make a move on Lord Hanzo's territory?"

Wei Tuo Tian Jiu Zhu's vertical pupils narrowed slightly, his face showing obvious doubt. He stepped forward and asked, "Chief, Amegakure has Lord Hanzo in charge. He is known as the 'Demigod of the Ninja World'! Who on earth dares to attack Amegakure so openly?"

At this time, Hanzo the Salamander enjoyed immense prestige in Amegakure and even throughout the Land of Rain.

He is a hero who fought his way out of the mountains of corpses and seas of blood during the Second Shinobi World War and successfully protected Amegakure.

Although the Land of Rain remains turbulent and impoverished internally, at least in Amegakure and its surrounding areas, a relative calm has been maintained thanks to Hanzo's strong rule and deterrence.

Therefore, even the Akatsuki members, who took it upon themselves to change the Land of Rain, held a deep sense of awe and even worship for this "demigod" deep in their hearts.

Upon hearing Kyusuke mention Hanzo, Yahiko's mind involuntarily flashed back to the "future" vision that Menma had shown him.

The hero who once dedicated himself to ending the chaos in the Land of Rain, ultimately colluded with Danzo Shimura of Konoha out of fear that the Akatsuki organization would threaten his rule, setting up an ambush and almost wiping out the Akatsuki organization...

He shook his head vigorously, as if trying to banish the bloody and desperate image from his mind.

Yahiko composed himself, met the questioning gazes of Kyusuke and the other members, and explained firmly, "The opponent's strength... is extraordinary. Even Lord Hanzo probably wouldn't be able to defeat him easily in a short time."

He couldn't accurately describe the enemy's strength. If he said that even a "demigod of the ninja world" might not be a match for him, probably no one present would believe it; instead, they would think he was exaggerating.

Therefore, he chose this relatively vague, yet sufficiently attention-grabbing, statement.

Although the Akatsuki members found it a bit strange, they knew Yahiko's character and knew that he would never speak without reason.

They gathered here because they were attracted by Yahiko's burning ideals and sincere personal charm.

Therefore, despite lingering doubts, no one raised any objections.

"Understood, Chief!"

"Let's get ready right away!"

"If that's the case, not only should civilians be evacuated first, but sufficient food should also be prepared!"

Everyone accepted the order and prepared to act immediately.

“Konan, Nagato,” Yahiko turned to his two most trusted partners, “Go and take stock of the funds and essential supplies in the base, and be prepared to move them at any time. If the situation worsens, we will need these resources to resettle the refugees.”

Konan and Nagato nodded, and were about to turn around to carry out the order—

Boom——! ! !
A huge explosion came from outside without warning!

Immediately afterwards, the ground beneath my feet trembled violently, dust and small pebbles rained down from above, and the dim lights flickered wildly, as if they might go out at any moment!

"what happened?!"

"An explosion? Where did it come from?!"

"Is someone fighting in Amegakure?"

The Akatsuki members inside the base panicked instantly, quickly regaining their footing, their faces filled with horror.

"Let's go out and take a look!" Yahiko made a quick decision and rushed towards the base exit first.

Konan, Nagato, Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and others followed closely behind.

When they rushed out of the base and onto the wet streets, the scene before them made everyone gasp!
The sky to the north of the village was shrouded in thick smoke, which was clearly visible even in the continuous rain!
A blinding flame shot into the sky from that direction, casting an ominous orange-red hue over the low-hanging dark clouds!
Faintly, one could still hear the continuous screams of terror and the rumble of collapsing buildings coming from afar!
"It's the northern part of the village! The area near the port!" With his familiarity with the terrain, Idaten Kyūsuke immediately determined the approximate location of the explosion, his vertical pupils dilating in shock.

"That area is mostly residential and warehouses... How could such a massive explosion happen?! This is probably not an accident at all, it's a battle! There were ninjas fighting there!"

It was as if to confirm his judgment.

Boom!

boom--!
Several more, even more violent and terrifying explosions followed in quick succession!
The shockwave, visible to the naked eye, even parted the rain curtain in the air, creating rings of brief vacuum zones!
The northern part of Amegakure was completely turned into a sea of ​​fire and ruins. Thick smoke and sparks shot into the sky, and even from a distance, one could feel the destructive power!

Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and the other Akatsuki members stared at the apocalyptic scene in the distance, their Adam's apples bobbing as they swallowed hard, their faces filled with unprecedented shock and horror.

Only now did they truly and cruelly understand what the "powerful enemy" their leader Yahiko spoke of really meant!
This was not the kind of ninja battle they had always known; it was a natural disaster!

Yahiko quickly recovered from his initial shock and realized that what Menma had predicted was happening!
He forced himself to calm down, his voice carrying an undeniable determination, and loudly ordered: "Konan! Nagato! Immediately organize all available personnel and head to the edge of the northern district as quickly as possible to rescue the wounded and evacuate the residents there! Prioritize the protection of the elderly, women, and children!"

"Kyusuke! Daibutsu! All combat personnel, follow me to the epicenter of the explosion! We need to ascertain the situation and prevent the fighting from spreading to a wider area! Move out!"

"Yes, leader!" the crowd responded in unison. Although they were afraid, under Yahiko's command, they immediately found their leader and began to prepare weapons and equipment. Their faces were resolute and determined.

Just then, three figures landed on the open ground outside the Akatsuki base.

"Who goes there?!" Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and other combat members immediately became alert and drew their weapons, because they saw that the other party was not wearing any ninja village headbands.

Yahiko and Konan immediately recognized one of them as Vanilla Uzumaki, whom they had just parted ways with. They also vaguely remembered the middle-aged man beside her who looked terrified and was tightly protecting his daughter.

It was none other than the village's famous ninja tool repairman, Sanzu Amado, and his daughter, Akabiya.

“Miss Vanilla! Mr. Amado!” Yahiko immediately stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the three who looked somewhat disheveled, especially Akabby, who was being held tightly in Amado’s arms and seemed to be frightened.

He asked anxiously, "What's going on here...? What happened?"

Vanilla was breathing heavily, turning her head with some worry to look at the towering flames and thick smoke to the north. She said anxiously, "Mr. Yahiko! Lord Menma has already started fighting that enemy! The battle is very fierce! These two are Mr. Amado and Miss Akabby. Lord Menma instructed me to bring them here. Please make sure they are safe!"

"Chief Yahiko, it's been a long time." Amado didn't care about anything else at the moment. He carefully put his daughter down and showed a bittersweet expression of gratitude to Yahiko and the others.

He knew Yahiko and his Akatsuki organization, and knew that although these young people were idealistic, they were kind-hearted and often helped the poor.

When he occasionally receives orders from the Akatsuki, he puts in extra effort because he appreciates their philosophy.

Yahiko immediately understood the situation. He nodded without hesitation and turned to Konan beside him, saying, "Konan, arrange a team to escort Mr. Amado and Miss Akabby, along with the first batch of evacuated villagers, out of the village immediately. Make sure their safety is guaranteed!"

"Understood!" Xiao Nan replied coolly, and immediately called over several non-combatant members of the organization.

Amado quickly thanked him, saying, "Thank you!"

He held his daughter's hand, preparing to evacuate with Xiao Nan.

Before leaving, Akabby, whose face was still somewhat pale but whose eyes had regained some of their sparkle, looked worriedly at Vanilla Uzumaki, who was standing still, and asked softly, "Miss Vanilla...aren't you going to come with us to a safe place?"

Looking at the gentle girl who had just escaped the torment of illness, Vanilla Uzumaki gave a determined smile. She shook her head, her red eyes flashing with unwavering resolve: "Although my abilities are still limited, but... Lady Menma is fighting to stop that dangerous enemy! I cannot stand idly by! I also want to... do my part!"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a certain courage.

Looking into Vanilla's resolute eyes, Yahiko felt a surge of emotion. He stepped forward and solemnly said to Vanilla, "We are preparing to head to the core area of ​​the battlefield to scout the situation and rescue the wounded as much as possible to prevent the disaster from escalating. Miss Vanilla, if you are determined, then come with us! Together, we can exert greater strength!"

Vanilla looked at Yahiko, and behind Yahiko, Idaten Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and other Akatsuki members gathered behind him, their eyes sharp, ready for battle.

"Yes!" Vanilla nodded vigorously.

After quickly arranging the evacuation of the first batch of villagers, Nagato and Konan also brought several members of the organization who knew medical ninjutsu to Yahiko's side.

Their mission is to follow the main force and be ready to treat innocent people injured in the conflict.

Yahiko took one last look at the increasingly intense flames and the constant roar of explosions in the north, took a deep breath of the air thick with the smell of burning and the stench of rain, and suddenly waved his hand:

"Let's go! To the battlefield!"

…………

At the top of the tallest steel tower in the center of Amegakure.

In stark contrast to the wind, rain, and growing chaos outside, the rooms inside the tower were unusually quiet and solemn.

The room is in a traditional Japanese style, with tatami flooring and a simple wooden structure, but the view outside the window is replaced by crisscrossing steel pipes and a never-ending rain.

Hanzo the Salamander, the man hailed as the "demigod of the ninja world," was not wearing his signature full combat gear at this moment, but only a dark bodysuit, with his face covered by the gas mask he never took off.

He was hunched over his desk, dealing with a mountain of documents. In the dim light, his figure appeared calm and aloof.

In the shadowy corner of the room, as if blending into the environment itself, stood several Amegakure ANBU ninjas with restrained auras.

They are Hanzo's most loyal blade and shield, silently protecting their leader.

Ten years ago, the Second Shinobi World War turned Amegakure into a fierce battlefield where the three great ninja villages clashed, and even the Land of Iron and the Land of Grass were drawn into it.

It was in that desperate situation that Hanzo of the Salamander, with his powerful personal strength and iron-fisted methods, led the ninjas of Amegakure to fight their way out, saving the village's independence and dignity, and forcing the major powers to recognize the existence and rights of the Land of Rain and Amegakure.

He thus earned the reputation of "demigod of the ninja world," and in the hearts of many, he was the second most powerful ninja after the legendary "God of Ninja," Hashirama Senju.

However, the end of the war did not bring true peace.

While external threats have temporarily subsided, internal troubles have become increasingly severe.

As a "demigod of the ninja world," Hanzo sadly discovered that he was powerless to quell the complex internal conflicts within the Land of Rain.

His actual control was largely limited to Amegakure, the steel city.

Outside the village, the Land of Rain remains in chaos, teeming with rogue ninjas, bandits, and noble agents supported by various countries.

Even within Amegakure, the security situation is far inferior to that of other major ninja villages. Spies from various countries lurk in the shadows like ghosts, constantly eroding this disaster-prone land.

Hanzo put down a report in his hand, rubbed his temples, and let out a muffled breathing sound from behind his gas mask.

He picked up another document, his gaze sweeping over several names on it, and he murmured under his breath, "Akatsuki... Yahiko... Nagato..."

His eyes became serious.

This is intelligence about this emerging organization that the Dark Division has recently gathered and compiled.

The document details the Akatsuki's membership, scope of activities, and their idealistic concept of "achieving peace through communication and understanding between people."

Looking at these descriptions full of vigor and idealism, Hanzo's heart, hardened by the trials of time, couldn't help but ripple slightly, as if he saw his younger self from many years ago, who also harbored the dream of changing the fate of the country.

However, when his gaze fell on the last line of the intelligence report, specifically the note about the red-haired boy Nagato "suspected of possessing the Sage of Six Paths' Eyes," Hanzo's initial warmth vanished instantly, replaced by deep solemnity and a barely perceptible sense of apprehension.

"The Eyes of the Sage of Six Paths..." he repeated the legendary phrase in a low voice.

If this is true, if this organization truly possesses the power to overturn the existing order...

Hanzo's gaze gradually turned cold.

Amegakure only needs one voice, one leader!
That's him, Hanzo the Salamander!

The majesty of the "Demigod of the Ninja World" cannot be challenged!
Any potential threat must be nipped in the bud!
If the Akatsuki organization truly grows strong enough to threaten his position, he will not hesitate to completely eliminate them!

Just as murderous intent began to rise in his heart—

Boom——! ! !
A terrifying explosion, seemingly capable of tearing the sky apart, suddenly came from the north of the village!
Immediately following was a continuous, even more intense roar and vibration!
Even the tallest iron tower where he was located clearly felt the destructive energy impact!

"What's going on?!" Hanzo suddenly stood up, his voice coming through his gas mask, carrying both authority and a hint of shock and anger.

The document slipped from his hands and scattered on the tatami mat.

Swish!Swish!Swish!
Several figures instantly emerged from the shadows of the room, kneeling on one knee in front of Hanzo; they were the ANBU ninjas who were waiting for orders.

The leader reported rapidly, "Lord Hanzo! A violent explosion has occurred in the area north of the village, near the port! It's almost certainly a battle between ninjas! The scale... the scale is enormous! The destructive power is astonishing!"

Hanzo looked out the window at the thick smoke and flames rising into the sky to the north, his eyes narrowing suddenly behind his gas mask.

This level of commotion is something no ordinary ninja could create!
"Let's go immediately!" Without the slightest hesitation, he quickly walked to the weapon rack by the wall, picked up the peculiar scythe with chains that was his life's bond, and skillfully slung it over his back.

At the same time, the members of the Dark Guard next to him immediately handed him his full set of combat armor.

In just a few seconds, Hanzo the Salamander, fully armed and exuding murderous intent, led more than a dozen elite ANBU members, moving at high speed like ghostly black shadows among the intricate towers and pipes of Amegakure, rushing northwards towards the site of the explosion.

The closer they got, the greater Hanzo's shock became.

Through the misty rain, he could see that the once dense cluster of buildings had now turned into a sea of ​​ruins and flames, with blinding ninjutsu light flashing intermittently in the smoke and dust, each flash accompanied by a new collapse.

This scale of destruction is extremely rare, even in the history of the Shinobi World Wars!
Soon, Hanzo led his men to a relatively open area, but where a number of panicked villagers and busy ninjas had gathered.

This appears to be the edge of the battle zone.

"Who are you?!" Hanzo's ANBU immediately stepped forward and questioned the ninjas who were trying to save the wounded.

Hanzo's gaze swept over the same area, then his eyes narrowed slightly.

He recognized those people; they were the Akatsuki members he had just seen in the documents!
The leader, Yahiko, with his orange-haired spiky hair; Konan, a girl with blue-purple hair and a cool demeanor; and the most eye-catching red-haired boy, Nagato!
They are currently busy carrying the wounded out of the rubble, providing basic first aid, and transferring them to other areas.

When Yahiko saw Hanzo and his group, especially recognizing the imposing figure wearing a gas mask as Hanzo the Salamander, the ruler of Amegakure, he immediately put down his work and strode forward, his tone respectful yet neither servile nor arrogant: "Lord Hanzo! We are from Akatsuki, and we are here to treat the wounded. The center of the battle seems to be moving towards the port further north."

Hanzo narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, trying to glean more information from Yahiko's expression and words: "How long have you been here? How many enemies are there?"

Yahiko shook his head, his face grave: "We just arrived recently and haven't had time to go deeper yet. However, it seems that only two people were responsible for this destruction."

"Two people?!"

"What a joke!"

"How can this be?!"

As soon as Yahiko finished speaking, even the battle-hardened elite ANBU around Hanzo couldn't help but gasp in surprise!

The ruins stretching for hundreds of meters, almost completely leveled, and the horrific scene of countless dead and wounded, were all caused by a fight between just two people?!

Based on their experience during the Second Shinobi World War, this scale of destruction would require at least a large number of Jonin to engage in a massive clash of ninjutsu!
"Quiet!" Hanzo gave a low, authorizing order, immediately silencing his agitated subordinates.

But his heart was also in turmoil.

Hanzo's gaze swept over Yahiko again, lingering for a moment on Nagato's striking red hair behind him, before turning back to the hellish center of the battlefield in the north. His voice carried an oppressive force: "You continue to treat the wounded on the perimeter. The enemies inside... leave them to us."

Having said that, he didn't linger and abruptly waved his hand: "Let's go!"

A dozen figures shot off like arrows, closely following Hanzo, and charged headlong into the heart of the battlefield, where flames soared and smoke filled the air.

Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato stood there, watching Hanzo and the others quickly disappear into the distance, their feelings complex and indescribable.

At this moment, Hanzo the Salamander is still the "demigod of the ninja world" who protects Amegakure and inspires their awe.

But in the illusionary world, there's Hanzo who colluded with Shimura Danzo and ruthlessly assassinated them...

That stark contrast was like a thorn stuck in their hearts.

However, just as Hanzo and his companions rushed to the edge of the core battlefield, the billowing smoke and chaotic chakra fluctuations still obstructed their vision.

call out--!
A white figure was sent flying backwards from the thickest part of the smoke and dust at an astonishing speed!

It was Cixian!

At this moment, his face and bare arms were covered with strange black wedge-shaped marks, clearly indicating that he had activated the "wedge" state.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were filled with suppressed anger and ferocity.

He seemed to be adjusting his body hastily, and just happened to bump into Hanzo the Salamander who was charging straight at him!

"Good timing!" Hanzo's eyes flashed with murderous intent!
Although the person's exact identity is unclear, their presence in these ruins suggests they are one of the main culprits behind the destruction!

Without any hesitation, the chain scythe shot out instantly!

"Iai Slash!"

With a low shout, Hanzo's body and scythe seemed to merge into one, transforming into a sharp and unparalleled cold light, carrying the momentum to tear through the rain curtain, and slashed at the waist of Jigen, who was still in mid-air and seemed to have nowhere to get support!
This strike was swift, accurate, and ruthless!
It embodies the power of a "demigod" and the essence of his lifelong swordsmanship!

However, faced with this fatal blow that would make even ordinary Kage-level powerhouses take it seriously, Jigen, who was in mid-air, merely glanced at Hanzo with his eyes covered in black patterns, as if he were looking at an ant pouncing on a dragon.

Just as the scythe blade was about to strike, Jigen's body defied the laws of physics, performing an extremely small yet incredibly precise flip in mid-air, narrowly avoiding the sharp blade!
Hanzo's sure-fire attack missed, and his pupils dilated suddenly in shock!
As Jigen dodged the slash, he used the force of his body flip to deliver a powerful kick to Hanzo's abdomen with his right leg, which was covered in black patterns, like a long-awaited poisonous whip. With afterimages, Hanzo had no time to react.
boom--! ! !
A dull, resounding thud that made one's heart clench!
Hanzo the Salamander, the "demigod" who was famous throughout the ninja world, was unable to make any effective defensive or dodge moves. He was like a ball that had been kicked away with all its might, and he was sent flying backward at a faster speed than when he came!

The chain sickle flew from his hand, his burly body tracing a messy arc in the air before crashing heavily into a pile of twisted steel rubble dozens of meters away, splashing up mud and gravel, and then falling silent for a moment!

"Master Hanzo!!"

"How can it be?!"

The dozen or so elite members of the Rain Shadow Anbu who were following closely behind instantly changed their expressions from grim to extreme shock and horror, and they all exclaimed in disbelief!
Meanwhile, in the distance, Yahiko, Konan, Nagato, and all the members of Akatsuki who witnessed this scene were frozen in place, dumbfounded.

The "demigod of the ninja world" who was once as unshakeable as a mountain in their hearts was actually... was kicked away so casually like a stray dog ​​on the roadside?!

At that moment, a certain understanding of "power," a certain long-established belief, collapsed in their hearts.

Menma's words from before echoed once again in the ears of Yahiko and the other two:

"The so-called 'demigods of the ninja world' that you revere... are nothing more than stray dogs that can be kicked to death on the roadside in the presence of certain beings."

[Image: The First Generation of Akatsuki]

(End of this chapter)