Danzo : This Time I Want to Be a Good Person

The meeting place agreed upon by the Akatsuki and Hanzō was a valley flanked by rocky slopes layered with jagged cliffs.

Following Hanzō's instructions, dozens of Rain shinobi were already hidden among the rocks above, patiently waiting for the Akatsuki to arrive.

One had to admit, Hanzō was extremely cautious.

To deal with a group of kids, he had mobilized such a large force, taken the high ground, and fully leveraged the terrain.

Numerical advantage + terrain advantage + a dragon riding your face (absolute confidence)—how could you possibly lose?

The more Hanzō reviewed his arrangements, the more satisfied he became.

As he grew older, he had learned to prioritize safety and caution in all things.

Before long, a Rain ninja appeared before him and reported, "Hanzō-sama, Kamimura has sensed the Akatsuki approaching. However, it seems there are only three of them."

Hanzō gripped his scythe-like weapon with one hand, squinting as he asked, "Who are they?"

The Rain ninja replied, "It's the Akatsuki leader, Yahiko, along with the other two members, Nagato and Konan."

Hearing this, Hanzō breathed a sigh of relief.

"Just three of them? Even better."

In his eyes, as long as Yahiko, the leader, was eliminated, the entire Akatsuki would collapse. After that, all he needed to do was send in the Rain shinobi to wipe them out.

"Thanks to you, Danzo, for giving me such a perfect excuse," Hanzō muttered, casting another glance at his meticulously arranged ambush and traps. A sharp gleam of killing intent flashed in his eyes.

At the same time, standing silently atop the valley, Danzo resisted the urge to sneeze.

Moments later, a familiar system prompt echoed in his mind:

[Detected Hanzō's gratitude. Skill point +1. Skill package acquired: Water Body Flicker Technique.]

Danzo froze in shock.

Wait, what? This works too?

The surprise hit him like a bolt from the blue.

Initially, he had been contemplating how to assist in the upcoming battle. But before he could act, Hanzō had already sent a gift his way.

For the record, Hanzō's speed was renowned in the ninja world, largely thanks to this Water Body Flicker Technique.

Now that Danzo had mastered it, he felt far more confident about the chaotic battle ahead.

"Talk about getting a pillow when you're drowsy."

Danzo couldn't have imagined in his wildest dreams that one day, he would earn Hanzō's goodwill.

Before he could savor the moment, Aburame Tatsuma, standing nearby, reminded him, "They're here, Danzo-sama."

Danzo looked toward the valley entrance and, sure enough, saw three figures approaching.

"Finally, Naraka Valley."

Standing at the forefront, Yahiko's expression was firm as he led the way into the valley.

Behind him, Nagato and Konan, having heeded Danzo's warnings, were on high alert, carefully observing their surroundings.

But their vigilance was shattered by a loud, hearty laugh.

"You've finally arrived."

Hanzō leapt down from above, accompanied by several Rain shinobi, landing gracefully before the trio.

"Hanzō-sama."

Despite their wariness, Yahiko and the others greeted Hanzō respectfully. After all, this was the man who had once been the guardian of the Land of Rain and a figure worthy of reverence among its people.

Looking at them, Hanzō's eyes revealed a hint of admiration.

"You truly are the new generation I've had high hopes for. Seeing you reminds me of my younger days."

With that, he patted Yahiko warmly on the shoulder, the perfect picture of a benevolent elder.

Such a friendly gesture instantly dispelled Yahiko's earlier suspicions, even sparking a twinge of guilt in his heart.

Even Nagato and Konan began to lower their guard slightly.

This Scene Left Danzo Rolling His Eyes

Hidden nearby, Danzo couldn't help but scoff internally. Hanzō was playing it safe, setting up countless traps and ambushes, yet still putting on an elaborate performance.

In the valley, Hanzō's act continued.

"I invited you here this time to make you the cornerstone of negotiations among the three great nations..."

Halfway through his speech, a noise suddenly came from the valley's entrance. Hanzō timely shifted his gaze toward the sound.

"The delegation from Sunagakure has arrived," he announced.

Hearing this, Yahiko naturally turned around, prepared to welcome the Sand Village delegation.

Before the negotiations began, his goal was to win over as many factions as possible to work toward a peace agreement.

But in that moment of distraction, Nagato's exceptional sensory abilities detected something amiss.

No, that's not the Sunagakure delegation!

Nagato realized the danger too late.

At the precise moment they let their guard down, Hanzō, who had been lying in wait, sprang into action.

With his terrifying speed, he appeared beside Konan, the weakest of the three, in an instant. His arm locked tightly around her delicate neck, cutting off her air supply.

Then, with a powerful leap, Hanzō distanced himself from Yahiko and Nagato.

It was only then that Yahiko noticed the truth—what entered the valley was not a Sunagakure delegation but an overwhelming number of heavily armed Rain shinobi.

"Let her go!" Nagato demanded, his expression dark and furious.

Only now did they realize that Danzo's warnings had been true all along. Their so-called precautions were utterly meaningless against Hanzō's schemes.

Standing atop the valley with Konan as his hostage, Hanzō looked down on them with disdain.

Yahiko, unable to comprehend the betrayal, broke down and demanded, "Why are you doing this? We admired you so much…"

Hanzō, shedding his earlier warm demeanor, replied coldly, "Because your existence is an obstacle to me."

His icy gaze froze Yahiko in place as the rain began to pour from the sky.

"The Land of Rain does not need a second god," Hanzō declared, tightening his hold on Konan. Her labored breathing turned into pained moans as she struggled.

"Stop it!" Nagato trembled uncontrollably, his rage threatening to consume him entirely.

If not for Jiraiya's teachings, the power within him might have already erupted in a destructive rampage.

Unmoved, Hanzō casually tossed a kunai at Nagato's feet.

"Redhead, use this to kill Yahiko. If you do, I'll let you and this girl leave alive."

At those words, Konan mustered a burst of strength from somewhere, struggling against Hanzō's grip. She shouted hoarsely, "Stop! Don't listen to him! Both of you, run!"

Hanzō didn't stop her outburst; instead, he watched the scene with amusement, like a cat toying with its prey.

Under the downpour, Yahiko's confused expression turned resolute.

"Kill me," he said to Nagato.

Nagato's body shook violently, and the relentless rain pressing down on him made it hard to breathe.

Hanzō's smirk widened, his confidence soaring. He looked like a hunter relishing the torment of his prey.

"Hurry, or I'll kill her," Hanzō urged.

"Don't worry about me! Run!" Konan's desperate voice echoed.

"Kill me, Nagato! Do it now!" Yahiko's firm tone rang out.

The cacophony of voices thundered in Nagato's ears, leaving him unable to think.

Under the crushing weight of his agony, Nagato finally bent down and picked up the kunai.

Hanzō squinted in satisfaction.

How could I possibly lose?