Facing the three ninjas who had suddenly appeared, Shiraishi's gaze turned cold. He rotated his Sage's Blade, and a sudden surge of heat forced the trio back a step.
Although Yahiko and his companions were older than Shiraishi, his fame and strength in the shinobi world were currently at their peak; the aura he released was naturally staggering.
These clothes... It's the Akatsuki organization that's been gaining fame in the Land of Rain.
Two years ago, Akatsuki was virtually unknown, but over the last two years, they had advocated for world peace without the use of force, gradually building a reputation in the Land of Rain that rivaled even Hanzo's.
"Sand ninja, you should not have invaded the Land of Rain."
Yahiko stepped forward. As the current leader of Akatsuki, he spoke in a highly persuasive tone, labeling the Hidden Sand as aggressors.
"So, do you intend to take Hanzo's place and continue the fight against us?"
Despite his heavy injuries, Shiraishi stood under the radiance of the three giant suns as if he could fight forever. Meanwhile, the Sand ninjas began to cluster together, facing off against Hanzo's Rain ninjas.
"No, I only hope that you will withdraw from the Land of Rain."
Yahiko was a war orphan from Amegakure during the Second Great Ninja War who loathed conflict. He later met Konan and Nagato.
After a period of survival and eventually being trained in ninjutsu by Jiraiya of the Sannin for three years, the trio founded Akatsuki.
They were determined to create peace without extreme force, and the organization had grown significantly since.
Shiraishi locked eyes with Yahiko for a moment, realizing with a hint of amusement that this young man was being entirely sincere about something Shiraishi found somewhat laughable.
Since when could peace in the shinobi world be achieved simply by talking someone into a retreat?
"We deployed troops to the Rain because we need the Ota District. We intend to redirect a portion of the water flow into the Land of Wind to improve our harsh desert environment—the very cause of multiple world wars."
Shiraishi's explanation caused Yahiko to fall into deep thought before he shook his head. "Even if that is the case, you should not have directly invaded the Land of Rain."
Looking at Yahiko, Shiraishi said calmly, "If you become the leader of the Land of Rain, the Sand is willing to negotiate the leasing of the Ota District... for the sake of peace in the entire shinobi world."
"You fool, he's stalling for time!" Hanzo finally couldn't help but shout. These three Akatsuki kids were too naive, being led by the nose entirely.
At Hanzo's words, the trio quickly noticed that the Sand Gathering Technique beneath Shiraishi's feet had already been activated.
Though it was only a small patch of sand, it had allowed Shiraishi to recover a significant amount of stamina and heal his wounds. Clearly, the dialogue was purely a delay tactic.
Having replenished a portion of his chakra, Shiraishi retracted the sand into his scabbard and manipulated the three suns to crash into the densest clusters of Rain ninjas.
"Crap!"
As the three scorching suns descended, the Rain ninjas scattered in a panic. Nagato and Konan rushed to provide rescue, while Yahiko ceased communication and manipulated water currents into cutting ripples.
While blocking with the Sage's Blade, Shiraishi slammed a hand to the ground. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the fireballs, he activated a Summoning Jutsu!
Although it was a Summoning Jutsu, the seal formula was actually located within the Ota District reservoir. During the fierce battle between Shiraishi and Hanzo, several Sand ninjas had infiltrated the reservoir to engrave the summoning script.
As the massive smoke cleared, a gargantuan Ancient Whale appeared within the Ota reservoir. With a deafening roar, massive electrical currents filled the air above the water, sweeping across with the power of crashing thunder.
Shiraishi's duel with Hanzo had been a deliberate distraction to create the opportunity to summon the whale directly into the reservoir.
"Retreat."
Facing the Sand's overwhelming momentum and the massive whale in the reservoir, Hanzo coughed several times. Knowing he could no longer continue the fight, he signaled his subordinates to withdraw.
"What about Akatsuki...?"
After a long silence, Hanzo said slowly, "Inform them."
Hidden Sand: New Oasis Ring District
Inside a manor far more luxurious than before, Ryoko Yamaji, as the head of the Yamaji family, was dressed in exquisite silk garments that exuded an air of nobility and maturity. However, today she received a very specific visitor.
"What does Danzo want to say to me?"
"It is regarding Black Mist Shiraishi."
The Root operative stated his purpose directly: "This time, Black Mist Shiraishi has privately incited a war with the Leaf, violating the agreement from two years ago.
The entire Leaf is furious and is prepared to concentrate its full strength to invade the Sand's homeland."
The Leaf is concentrating all its strength?
The Root didn't fear revealing the Leaf's objective because Hiruzen and Danzo had no intention of hiding it.
The massive deployment of supplies and troops at Kikyo Pass signaled the Leaf's imminent arrival. Telling her early was simply a tactic to sow internal discord.
Ryoko didn't speak, quietly observing the Leaf messenger. The scene was incredibly awkward.
Yawning, Ryoko squinted and said, "And?"
"Shiraishi's actions are a blatant betrayal of the Sand and the Land of Wind. The Leaf simply wants to know your position."
"I understand. You may leave now." Ryoko cut the messenger off, indicating he should go with an expressionless face.
What is with this woman... The Root member fumed. He was a messenger from the great Hidden Leaf, and she treated him with such indifference?
As the messenger's back disappeared, Ryoko's lazy expression vanished. "Go to the Arakawa house!"
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