Warlock Invasion of Naruto.

Just to avoid the rain, he released chakra from every angle of his body.

Not to mention how much chakra this behavior wastes.

What terrifying chakra control!

I had long heard that Yagami Shiraha's talent in medical ninjutsu was in no way inferior to Tsunade, the medical expert among the Sannin, and now it seems that the rumors were not exaggerated at all.

What exactly is going on in Konoha?

They couldn't even keep such strong individuals, and they even let two of them go at once.

......

Bai Yu only waited in the room for a few minutes, and before he could even take a couple of sips of tea, he heard a distinct sound of footsteps.

As the Hidden Mist Jonin stepped back from the door, a muscular middle-aged man wearing a gas mask and a short black cloak walked in. He was none other than Hanzo of the Salamander, the leader of Amegakure, who was known in the ninja world as a 'demigod'.

"Are you Yagami Shiroha? You're even younger than the rumors say. Truly, heroes emerge from among the young! Konoha is so lucky; it makes one envious!"

With admiration and envy in his voice, Hanzo the Salamander extended his hand.

Bai Yu stood up and shook hands with Hanzo, smiling as he said, "Lord Hanzo is as powerful as the rumors say. However, there is one thing I must clarify: I am now part of the Uzumaki clan. Although we are allies with Konoha, we have become independent and will not be subject to Konoha's control, nor will we obey Konoha's orders."

While the two were exchanging compliments, they also conducted a test of each other's abilities.

Hanzo appeared to be praising Shiraha and expressing envy of Konoha, but he was actually testing Shiraha's attitude towards Konoha.

Although he and Kushina had left Konoha, the specific details were considered a disgrace by the Konoha leadership, who naturally forbade the Jonin to disclose them. Hanzo, unaware of the reason, was naturally afraid that the Uzumaki clan would maintain a close relationship with Konoha as before, so he probed the matter by speaking.

Bai Yu's answer also revealed his and the Uzumaki clan's attitude.

As Kushina's husband, his words and actions were representative of the Uzumaki clan.

“I believe Lord Baiyu doesn’t like beating around the bush, so I’ll be frank.” Hanzo’s eyes lit up upon hearing Baiyu’s reply, and he continued, “I fully support the Uzumaki clan’s alliance with our Amegakure. However, I think we should clarify the extent of each other’s sincerity beforehand.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Yu cursed inwardly. As expected of an old fox, he spoke so eloquently. However, to be able to keep Amegakure in a corner of the world during a chaotic era, Hanzo must not be a simple person.

It should be noted that Amegakure is located in the center of the border between the three kingdoms. The terrain is low-lying and mainly consists of plains, making it most suitable for large-scale military advances. If it weren't for the fear of Hanzo, the three kingdoms could have easily destroyed Amegakure.

"Lord Hanzo is indeed very direct, so I will be frank as well." Bai Yu said solemnly, "The Uzumaki clan hopes to form an alliance with Amegakure to jointly resist the invasion of a great power."

Hanzo frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Now that the Second Shinobi World War has ended, Amegakure has been affected by the Second Shinobi World War and has not yet recovered."

The Hidden Stone Village is about to make a complete ceasefire with us. At this time, it would be possible to form an alliance with the Uzumaki clan, but if we form an offensive and defensive alliance, wouldn't that just create a few more major enemies for us?

After all, the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools must have involved Kirigakure, as well as other ninja villages, and it's hard to say whether Iwagakure and Sunagakure were not involved.

Amegakure is located at the border of three countries. If it becomes hostile to Iwagakure and Sunagakure because of this, and a war really breaks out, will the Uzumaki clan be able to come to its aid in time?

Moreover, the Uzumaki clan is more likely to be attacked.

I can't risk Amegakure with that.

"Lord Hanzo's answer was within my expectations. After all, other countries had similar concerns when they allied with us," Bai Yu nodded.

Hanzo looked puzzled: "The other countries?"

Bai Yu replied, "The Land of Demons, the Land of Stones, the Land of Birds, and the Land of Bears have all formed an alliance with our Uzumaki clan."

Bai Yu saw no need to hide the alliance; it wouldn't matter if it were made public.

In any case, if the enemy wants to deal with the Uzumaki clan, they will definitely attack the Land of Whirlpools, their main base, first, rather than directly attacking other small countries.

If the enemy truly lacks martial ethics, then Bai Yu will directly enter the enemy country to carry out sabotage.

As for the Land of Snow, it is currently the organization's headquarters and a heavy industrial base. In addition, with the Ice Ocean as a barrier, Shiraha has no intention of exposing himself for the time being.

"What?" Hanzo looked surprised and somewhat incredulous. Although Bai Yu was talking about small countries, it was precisely because they were small countries that he needed to be more cautious.

Small countries either survive by remaining neutral and not forming alliances with any country, or by becoming dependent on the larger neighboring countries.

These countries are all located in the northwest of the Land of Fire, while the Land of Whirlpools, where the Uzumaki clan resides, is on a peninsula on the southeast coast of the Land of Fire. The distance is great, so if an accident were to occur, the Uzumaki clan's army would need to cross the entire Land of Fire to arrive.

Because they are so far apart, Hanzo is not keen on forming an alliance with the Uzumaki clan.

"Because these countries all know that allying with the Five Great Nations means being abandoned at any time. Only by closely uniting with the Uzumaki clan can they have a chance to be on par with the Great Nations. The choice between a Great Nations and a Small Nations is often a matter of choosing one or the other. So, whether to form an alliance with our Uzumaki clan or to continue to depend on the Great Nations and be abandoned again during the Shinobi World War is something that Lord Hanzo needs to carefully consider and decide."

Bai Yu said in a deep voice.

Hanzo remained silent for a long time before replying, "I don't know if you want to use Amegakure, but what you said makes a lot of sense. However, if you want me to trust you, you must show true sincerity!"

Bai Yu's heart stirred, but his face remained expressionless as he calmly asked, "What sincerity?"

He didn't necessarily want to ally with Amegakure; his main goal was to obtain information about Akatsuki and Danzo, and to figure out Danzo's purpose.

However, he is genuinely sincere about forming an alliance.

Hanzo's chakra strength is slightly weaker than that of the Third Raikage, A, but it is comparable to that of the Third Hokage. Moreover, his specialty is the poison of the salamander, which can affect even the presence of an antidote. Therefore, he is an army in himself, and his combat power should not be underestimated.

If Amegakure can be brought onto the Uzumaki clan's bandwagon, their overall strength will increase significantly, making it a powerful alliance.

However, Bai Yu believed that Hanzo would not agree easily.

The same is true.

“In recent years, an organization called ‘Akatsuki’ has emerged in the Land of Rain. I recently met with the leader of this organization, and they want to cooperate with me.”

However, the Akatsuki's true goal is to seize power and overthrow my rule in Amegakure.

Recently, I have been preparing to take action against the Akatsuki organization and completely eliminate them.

"Since the Uzumaki clan truly intends to form an alliance with us, let's use this matter to demonstrate their sincerity and help us completely eliminate the Akatsuki."

Hanzo explained, his eyes fixed on Shiraha.

After a moment of contemplation, Bai Yu replied, "Okay, I can help with this."

"Then I wish us a pleasant cooperation!" Hanzo extended his hand again.

Bai Yu smiled and nodded, shaking hands with Hanzo, but he had another thought in his mind.

It seems that the right to choose an alliance is in Hanzo's hands. Bai Yu needs to offer a pledge of loyalty and help Hanzo resolve this trouble in order to gain his trust.

But in reality, the initiative lies with Bai Yu.

Bai Yu didn't know much about the Akatsuki organization, but he knew that at the beginning of the story, the Akatsuki's goal was to collect the Tailed Beasts, which meant that the Akatsuki would definitely be extremely powerful in the future.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. It's still unclear whether Amegakure is friend or foe. Should we choose the currently powerful Amegakure or the mysterious and powerful Akatsuki?

Bai Yu needs to think this over carefully.

10132322

[Chapter 148 The Price of Naïveness]

Rain-Hidden Village.

Hanzo personally escorted Bai Yu to the gate and watched him leave until his figure completely disappeared from sight. Hanzo's expression was uncertain.

"Lord Hanzo, Lord Shiraha, representing the Uzumaki clan, wants to form an alliance with our Amegakure. Isn't that a win-win situation? Why do you look unhappy?" A Jonin from Amegakure, noticing Hanzo's serious expression, couldn't help but ask.

Hanzo glanced at his subordinates beside him and sighed inwardly.

Although Amegakure has some excellent Jonin, these people have too little political acumen and don't even understand such a simple principle. They were clearly swayed by Yagami Shiraha's diplomatic rhetoric.

Hanzo could only patiently explain, "We have never had any dealings with the Uzumaki clan. Although they have two top-tier experts, Yagami Shiroha and Uzumaki Kushina, their foundation is still too shallow compared to Konoha."

Furthermore, I had already promised Danzo beforehand, and if I were to form an alliance with the Uzumaki clan now, I might offend Danzo.

After all, the Land of Rain borders the Land of Fire, while the Land of Whirlpools is separated from the Land of Fire by the entire territory of the Land of Fire. Even if a defensive alliance is formed, it is still unknown whether the Whirlpool Clan will keep their promise. It is not worth the risk for uncertain benefits.

For now, we can only try to stabilize Yagami Shiroha and see how things go.

If Danzo can keep his promise, then the alliance with the Uzumaki clan will be dispensable.

Ultimately, our own strength is fundamental. In this chaotic world, allies are often betrayed, especially for a small country like ours; we must proceed with extreme caution.

"Lord Hanzo, are you saying that Yagami Shiraha said all that just to deceive us, trying to use the power of Amegakure to attract the attention of a major power? He's so insidious!" The Amegakure Jonin looked terrified, then realized what he meant and asked, "What if he really helps us destroy Akatsuki?"

"At that time, forming an alliance wouldn't be out of the question, but the Uzumaki clan would have to pay a higher price. Our Rain Kingdom is located at the border of the three great powers, so the possibility of war is higher. At that time, we'll have to see the sincerity of the Uzumaki clan and whether they are truly prepared to form an offensive and defensive alliance with us."

Hanzo explained.

If Bai Yu and the Uzumaki clan are truly so sincere, then Hanzo is genuinely willing to form an alliance with the Uzumaki clan to jointly resist the threat from the great powers.

Of course, this possibility is low.

Hanzo has controlled Amegakure for decades. He has a clear understanding of the treachery and deceit in the ninja world. He believes that there are only permanent interests between nations, not permanent friends. He also believes that when the Uzumaki clan becomes powerful, they will easily abandon the Land of Rain.

The Uzumaki clan and Konoha are now allied and have a relatively friendly relationship; at least Konoha is unlikely to take military action against the Uzumaki clan.

The Uzumaki clan, located on the southeastern peninsula of the Land of Fire, only needs to deal with the threat from Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) in the Land of Water to the east to develop peacefully.

To the southeast of the Land of Whirlpools lies another Sea Country, composed of archipelagos. The vast expanse of islands facilitates the Land of Whirlpools' outward expansion.

If Yagami Shiroha and Uzumaki Kushina lie low for a decade or so, waiting for the next Shinobi World War to break out, they can seize the islands of the Land of the Sea, and the Land of Whirlpools will become even stronger.

Hanzo had similar thoughts, but the Land of Rain was located in the center of the three kingdoms of wind, fire, and earth. The Land of Birds, the Land of Demons, the Land of Bears, and the Land of Stone to the west were originally neutral countries, while the Land of Grass to the northeast was an ally of Konoha. Above that, the Land of Waterfall was even stronger than the Land of Rain and possessed a tailed beast.

Above that lies the neutral samurai superpower, the Iron Country.

The Land of Rain is geographically unfavorable. If it wants to expand its territory, it can only expand westward, but the neutral countries to the west have all allied with the Uzumaki Clan.

In the past, the best way for the Land of Rain to develop was to abandon its homeland and migrate to other countries. This would have allowed the Hidden Rain Village to grow stronger more quickly and avoid being hit by repeated Shinobi World Wars. The Land of Rain's poor economic development was directly caused by its geographical location.

However, Hanzo was reluctant to abandon his homeland, so he could only try his best to make the Land of Rain stronger on the land that gave him birth.

However, his ambitions have gradually been worn down by reality.

Bai Yu has given him hope, but Hanzo feels that this hope is too beautiful and that it is more likely to be a conspiracy.

Having witnessed too much darkness in the ninja world, when facing the sunlight, his first thought was of the shadows behind it.

"Lord Hanzo, I understand." The Amegakure Jonin couldn't help but admire Hanzo's wisdom. At least for now, Amegakure was stronger than the Uzumaki clan, so this alliance was actually the Uzumaki clan begging Amegakure, and the initiative was in their hands.

"Lord Hanzo, do you think that Yagami Shiraha might leak information about our plan to take action against Akatsuki, perhaps by telling Akatsuki's leader, Yahiko?"

The Amegakure Jonin changed the subject and couldn't help but ask.

“That’s possible.” Hanzo nodded and said, “However, the strength of Amegakure and Akatsuki is not commensurate. Regardless of whether they are truly allied with us, purely considering the interests, choosing Amegakure is more advantageous than choosing the weak Akatsuki.”

"Should we go and keep an eye on him, see if he'll..." the Amegakure Jonin suggested, but after noticing Hanzo's gaze, he immediately shut his mouth and couldn't help but slap himself twice. How could he say such a stupid thing? Keeping an eye on a strong person like Bai Yu would be asking for trouble; he'd probably be discovered as soon as he arrived. If the other party was genuinely here to form an alliance, wouldn't his actions just backfire?

......

After leaving Amegakure, Shiraha headed to the Akatsuki base based on the information provided by Kodama.