Naruto : Rise From The Rain

Yahiko, along with Konan and Asahi, carried out several reconnaissance missions, mapping out all the Iwagakure and Kusagakure outposts located at the tri-border area. These efforts significantly reduced Konoha's casualties in subsequent operations.

Meanwhile, Konan's reputation began to spread throughout the camp, largely thanks to Kyusuke, who tirelessly boast Konan's abilities to the Rain Shinobi. For most ninjas, the ability to fly was extremely rare, making Konan an awe-inspiring figure.

Later, Yahiko learned that Konoha had dispatched a reconnaissance team deep into the Land of Grass to locate the enemy camp. Unfortunately, none of the team members made it back alive.

Yahiko couldn't help but sigh deeply at the news.

Two days later, Jiraiya personally came to meet Yahiko. However, Kyoso remained by Yahiko's side, refusing to give the two any chance to speak alone despite Jiraiya's various excuses. Left with no other choice, Jiraiya departed.

Afterward, Kyoso said to Yahiko, "He may be your teacher, but you should understand your position."

"I know what I need to do," Yahiko replied calmly.

Kyoso nodded. "Lord Hanzo values you highly and intends to groom you as his successor. Everything you do must be for the benefit of the Land of Rain."

Yahiko did not respond. If Kyoso had said this to him earlier, he might have believed it and felt elated. But now, whether it was true or not, Yahiko felt indifferent.

Kyoso was undoubtedly a skilled ninja, but like Hanzo, he was indifferent to human life. It was because most ninjas shared this attitude that the world had become so twisted and sick.

Several more days passed, and Yahiko's team continued to undertake reconnaissance missions due to their unique abilities, always completing them successfully. However, whenever Konoha requested they investigate deeper into Kusagakure, Kyoso consistently declined.

One day, Yahiko received an urgent mission: they were to rescue a Konoha reconnaissance team trapped at the tri-border area. It was said this team might have critical information regarding the enemy's base.

Because it was a rescue mission, Konoha also dispatched personnel. With Kyoso away on another mission, Yahiko immediately gathered Konan, Asahi and Kyusuke. Together with the Konoha team, they formed a seven-person squad and quickly set out for the target location.

"Looks like Konoha has some skills after all, managing to pinpoint the enemy base," Kyusuke muttered during the journey.

Yahiko reflected, "Konoha wants to win this war as quickly as possible. Information about the enemy's base is extremely valuable to them, and they'll stop at nothing to obtain it."

Over this period, Konoha had sacrificed countless ninjas to gather such intelligence. Since this information was obtained by Konoha themselves, Yahiko felt it did not violate the directives from Hanzo and Kyoso. Besides, he believed the sooner the war ended, the better.

The group reached the Rain Country's border as quickly as possible, then slowed down, proceeding cautiously while staying alert. Konan flew ahead with her paper wings to scout the path from above.

After about half an hour, Konan returned to the group and reported, "Found it. About two kilometers northeast, on a cliff, there are over twenty Iwagakure ninjas surrounding the area."

"Northeast…" Asahi paused in thought.

Yahiko frowned. "More than twenty Iwagakure ninjas?"

With only seven in their group, even if the trapped reconnaissance team survived, they would still have only ten people.

"We must act immediately and ensure the safety of this information!" one of the Konoha ninjas declared before sprinting toward the location Konan mentioned.

Yahiko set aside his doubts and followed.

Asahi moved beside Yahiko and whispered, "Yahiko, something's not right."

Yahiko was startled. Glancing at the three Konoha ninjas ahead, he asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

"The northeast direction is the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Grass. Would the enemy really set their base there?"

Yahiko's mind raced with possibilities as he continued to probe, "What are you trying to say?"

Asahi pondered briefly before adding, "Something just doesn't feel right, but I can't say for sure."

Currently, Konoha and Iwagakure weren't engaged in any large-scale battles. If this were truly an urgent rescue mission, there were plenty of Jonin in the Konoha camp. Why specifically request assistance from them, the Rain ninjas?

Moreover, if Konoha ninjas had indeed infiltrated the enemy base, it didn't make sense for the pursuing Iwagakure force to consist of only twenty or so ninjas.

The surrounding area was littered with enemy outposts.

Asahi couldn't shake the feeling that something about this mission was off.

Yahiko said, "If something doesn't seem right, we'll adapt as the situation unfolds."

Soon, they reached the cliff Konan had mentioned, where numerous Iwagakure ninjas were stationed.

The Iwagakure shinobi were far more formidable than the Kusagakure ninjas. Currently, the enemy also had the upper hand in numbers.

The group stopped a few hundred meters away, observing in secret.

Midway up the cliff, several caves were visible. It was likely the Konoha reconnaissance team was trapped inside, and the Iwagakure ninjas were planning to trap and capture them.

Yahiko and the Konoha ninjas began discussing a rescue strategy.

"We three will create a diversion and draw the enemy's attention while you take the opportunity to rescue the team."

Yahiko frowned and asked, "How many can you draw away?"

One of the Konoha ninjas replied, "We can use Shadow Clones to create the illusion of greater numbers. Shadow Clones are difficult to distinguish, and if the enemy believes they're under a large-scale attack, they'll shift their focus to us."

Hearing this, Yahiko thought the plan was feasible. Their goal wasn't to fight the enemy head-on—just to rescue the team and retreat safely.

Moreover, this division of tasks put the Konoha ninjas in greater danger than them.

"Why don't we switch roles? We'll handle the diversion, and you focus on the rescue,"

At that moment, Asahi suddenly interjected, causing Yahiko to pause. Seeing it was Asahi, Yahiko didn't argue further.

One of the Konoha ninjas frowned and said, "The enemy outnumbers us. You won't be able to handle it. Ensuring the mission's success is the top priority."

At this point, if Asahi said anything more, it might seem as though he was sabotaging the mission.

Yahiko could only say, "In that case, please be careful."

The Konoha ninjas nodded lightly. With the tasks divided, they prepared to act.

Asahi's gaze swept over the three Konoha ninjas. They all wore standard Konoha uniforms, and their appearances were unremarkable.

"May I ask your names?" Asahi inquired.

The three turned their calm gazes toward Asahi.

"Aburame Shibi," one replied.

"Yuhi Shinku," said another.

"Hayama Shirakumo," answered the third.