Naruto : Rise From The Rain

Kurozuna suddenly convened an emergency meeting.

Yahiko attended with Asahi as an observer, where the attendees learned urgent news: Konoha, in its recent battle against Iwagakure, had suffered a disadvantage and sent a plea for assistance.

Kurozuna detailed the situation: although Konoha had temporarily repelled Iwa forces, the village had sustained heavy casualties. If Iwagakure launched another large-scale offensive, Konoha might not be able to hold its ground.

"Konoha is in such dire straits?"

Everyone present was shocked. Konoha's strength was well known, and no one expected Iwagakure to push them to this point.

As allies, Amegakure could not abandon Konoha entirely. Kurozuna had immediately reported the news to Hanzō and received a clear response.

"We must support Konoha now. We will dispatch a team to assist their forces while also deploying troops toward the Land of Grass."

If Konoha were to fall, it would not benefit Amegakure in any way.

Yet Konoha's predicament was worse than Amegakure had anticipated. Hanzō had assumed the stalemate between Konoha and Iwagakure would last much longer.

After issuing the necessary orders, Yahiko sought out Kurozuna after the meeting and volunteered to head to Konoha's frontline battlefield.

Kurozuna was surprised by the request. "The situation there is highly dangerous. Even elite jonin cannot guarantee their safety on such a battlefield."

"I want to contribute to peace," Yahiko replied.

After careful consideration, Kurozuna agreed. Hanzō had not insisted on Yahiko's safety, and there was no such thing as absolute security on the battlefield.

Amegakure's forces were limited—only about 1,000 to 2,000 in total.

As a small village, Amegakure's ninja reserves were just 4,000 to 5,000—far less than the Five Great Nations. Nevertheless, it was one of the strongest forces outside those nations.

Of course, the disparity between the Five Great Nations and smaller villages extended beyond mere numbers.

Kurozuna sent a 500-ninja team to support Konoha. Though it could not determine the battle's outcome, it was better than nothing for Konoha.

Coupled with Amegakure's maneuvers in the Land of Grass, Yahiko suspected that Hanzō might also be preparing to act.

The team quickly assembled and moved along the border toward Konoha's camp.

On the way, Yahiko commented to Asahi, "Iwa's attacks have been unusually frequent. It seems they want to end the war quickly."

Asahi replied, "Besides Hanzō, no one wants this war to drag on any longer."

Yahiko sighed. "If this battle could end the war, it would be worth it."

Asahi pondered. "Reports indicate that Konoha lost nearly 2,000 ninjas in the last clash with Iwagakure. Konoha likely has 4,000 to 5,000 forces left, about the same as Iwagakure. Adding in Kusagakure's troops, the final battle could be even more brutal than we imagine."

Yahiko fell silent.

How many more lives would this cost...?

Northeastern Ame, Konoha's Camp

Kyoso had been summoned by Jiraiya to the main tent for a meeting. Seeing the tent filled with Konoha's leadership, he realized something significant was unfolding.

Having not yet received direct intelligence about Konoha's frontlines, he was unsure of what was to come.

"Lord Kyoso, please have a seat," Jiraiya gestured toward a prepared chair.

A jonin began briefing Kyoso on Konoha's defeat at the frontline and the likelihood of another large-scale offensive by Iwagakure.

Kyoso's thoughts raced. He guessed that Konoha's camp might be preparing to take action, and Hanzō had likely already received similar intelligence.

A Konoha ninja added, "We've sent a request to Lord Hanzō for an offensive against the Land of Earth, and he has provided a definitive response."

As he spoke, he handed Kyoso a letter.

After reading it, Kyoso confirmed it was indeed penned by Lord Hanzō himself. As one of Hanzō's trusted aides, he could recognize the handwriting without a doubt.

"We plan to advance deeper into the Land of Grass to engage the enemy. If everything goes well, we can coordinate with our main force to form a pincer attack," the Konoha ninja explained.

Kyoso asked thoughtfully, "Is there anything specific you need us to do?"

Amegakure had stationed a 300-strong force in the area, ostensibly to assist Konoha but, in reality, to monitor Konoha's actions.

"We need your cooperation, Lord Kyoso. Join us in this operation. This battle is critical, and we must mobilize all available forces."

After careful consideration, Kyoso deemed the plan feasible. Their 300 soldiers would make little difference in a large-scale battle. Instead, his priority was to monitor Konoha's movements closely. Lord Hanzō was likely prepared for any contingency, and further instructions would have already arrived if necessary.

Kyoso nodded resolutely. "Naturally, I will do my utmost."

Yahiko and the Amegakure unit soon arrived near Konoha's camp, where they were received by Konoha's leadership.

Entering the camp, Yahiko immediately sensed the heavy, oppressive atmosphere—completely different from his previous visit as a peace envoy.

Minato Namikaze approached Yahiko with a warm smile. "It's been a while, Yahiko-kun."

"Lord Minato," Yahiko responded.

"No need to be so formal. Just call me Minato," Minato replied with his usual friendly demeanor, making him approachable and free of hostility.

Yahiko smiled back. "Then you can call me Yahiko as well."

Both men were students of Jiraiya but had vastly different experiences. Minato was a rising star on the battlefield, a formidable threat to Iwa and Kusagakure, and a trusted leader for Konoha.

During his earlier time at Jiraiya's camp, Yahiko frequently heard others speak of Minato. Many believed he was destined to become the Fourth Hokage.

Yahiko held no animosity toward Minato; in fact, he found himself wanting to befriend him.

Minato seemed eager to speak with Yahiko further and led him to a quiet spot under a large tree.

Asahi and Konan stood silently nearby, watching.

In the distance, Konoha ninjas busied themselves, moving supplies and tending to the wounded. Everyone seemed to have a task, their movements brisk and purposeful.

Asahi noticed a white-haired boy wearing a mask, his forehead protector tilted to cover his left eye. Leaning against another tree, the boy occasionally glanced in their direction.

The sight reminded Asahi of Tobi, who had recently joined the Akatsuki but was left behind at their base for this operation.

"When you left before, I heard from Master Jiraiya about your ideals," Minato said, breaking the silence.

Yahiko froze at the mention.

Minato's expression grew serious. "It's a noble goal—a peaceful world. It's something I dream of as well."

There was no trace of insincerity in Minato's eyes, only genuine warmth and clarity. For the first time, Yahiko felt his vision acknowledged by someone outside his circle.

He was silent for a moment before asking, "And how do you plan to achieve it?"

Minato smiled confidently. "War only breeds a chain of hatred. I will do my best to end this conflict, become Hokage, and work to mend the relationships among the Five Great Nations. I believe that if we approach one another with sincerity, mutual understanding is inevitable."

Minato's firm and optimistic demeanor made it clear that he believed in his ideals. He also believed that, as fellow students of Jiraiya, he and Yahiko could find common ground.

But Yahiko merely observed Minato quietly.

If he had met Minato back when he first founded Akatsuki, Yahiko would have been deeply moved, seeing Minato as a kindred spirit. At that time, his understanding of peace was still pure and idealistic.

Most people in the world believed peace meant the absence of war.

After a pause, Yahiko asked, "And what about small nations like the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass? Every ninja war leaves these smaller countries the most devastated, unnoticed by the Five Great Nations."

Minato froze, taken aback by Yahiko's calm yet pointed question. He suddenly realized something.

To Yahiko, who came from the Land of Rain, Minato's words might seem like lofty rhetoric—idealistic and detached from the harsh realities of smaller nations.

Minato considered Yahiko's words carefully before responding, "Whether it's the Land of Fire or the Land of Rain, in the future, all nations can coexist peacefully."

He believed that once an era of peace arrived, everything would naturally progress in a positive direction.

With a serious expression, Minato added, "Even smaller nations deserve to be treated with fairness and equality."

However, Yahiko calmly countered, "Minato, have you ever considered that the concept of a nation itself is merely a product of war?"

Minato froze. "What do you mean?"

Yahiko elaborated, "The current Five Great Nations were built through wars, accumulating territories and people over time. Before them, there were other nations, each with its own boundaries. Some were friendly with others, while some were hostile. But ultimately, they all met the same fate—war and destruction. New nations then emerged on these lands, as people gathered in groups for mutual survival, competing with other groups for resources. In the future, the Five Great Nations may also fall, perpetuating the same cycle of history..."

Minato stared at Yahiko, stunned. He had never encountered such a perspective.

For Minato, nations and villages were built on bonds between people, forming a large, interconnected family.

Yahiko then asked, "If war breaks out, you'll fight to protect the Land of Fire and Konoha, right?"

After a brief hesitation, Minato nodded lightly. It was natural for him to protect his home and loved ones while striving to end the war.

"Protecting what you hold dear is, of course, not wrong," Yahiko continued. "But the same applies to those on the invading side. Most of them have done nothing wrong either. Wars are orchestrated by a small group of people at the top, who manipulate the emotions and bonds between others to fuel conflict. This war wasn't started by Konoha, but there are Iwa-nin who believe they're fighting to protect their homeland. And then there's the Grass-nin..."

Yahiko's voice trailed off as he paused.

Minato listened intently, trying to grasp the deeper meaning behind Yahiko's words. It seemed Yahiko was challenging his understanding of the morality of war.

To Minato, the existence of nations and villages was natural and just. That was how the world had always been.

He admired the heroic figures of the past, striving to emulate and surpass them. Was that truly wrong?

As their gazes met, Yahiko said, "Perhaps as long as the concept of nations exists, war will never truly end."

Minato's breath hitched as a chill ran down his spine. Yahiko's words were unsettling, almost heretical.

But Yahiko smiled. "Minato, if you become Hokage, you'll undoubtedly be a good one. You're different from those at the top who exploit others. At least, you despise war and are willing to engage in peaceful dialogue. Those who claim to control everything from above may deceive the world, but they cannot deceive reality."

Minato's expression turned somber. As one of Konoha's commanders, he understood the brutal realities of the war.

He disliked Hanzō's opportunistic and manipulative approach to warfare. After hearing about Yahiko from Jiraiya, Minato respected the efforts Yahiko had made to establish the Akatsuki and strive for peace.

Minato even hoped Yahiko would one day lead Amegakure. If he became Hokage, perhaps the two could form a genuine alliance—a true partnership.

Yahiko smiled again. "Minato, let's both do our best for the peace we envision."

"…Alright."

It was all Minato could say. He struggled to fully comprehend Yahiko's ideals and motives, but at least the concept of peace was not inherently wrong.

The wind rustled the leaves of the trees around them, adding to the weight of their conversation.

Minato's mind wandered back to the battles ahead, his thoughts tangled with complexity.

Nearby, Asahi had listened to the entire exchange between the two men.

These two might be the purest souls in the ninja world, but their differing origins, positions, and perspectives ensured they could never fully align.

Yahiko was no longer the same as before.

His understanding of peace had evolved into something new, something more profound—an ideal that resonated with Asahi's own beliefs.