In the heart of the Rain Village stood an intricately decorated attic, a stark contrast to the simple and utilitarian architecture of the surrounding area. This building was home to the leader of the Rain Village, the legendary demigod, Hanzo.
The streets were unusually quiet, save for the faint rustling of robes brushing against the wet ground. Two figures, clad in wide black cloaks, moved swiftly through the village. Their towering stature set them apart from the Rain Village's citizens, drawing cautious glances from the few who dared to watch.
As they neared the village center, the streets became eerily empty.
"Shhh," one civilian whispered, pulling their child inside. "Outsiders at the demigod's doorstep never bring good news."
Without warning, a Rain Village ninja materialized before the cloaked figures. His eyes assessed them with a measured calmness.
"Follow me," he said curtly, vanishing as suddenly as he had appeared. The two figures exchanged glances before silently following his lead.
"Lord Hanzo, the guests have arrived." The Rain Ninja knelt respectfully outside a reinforced door within the grand attic.
"Understood," a deep, authoritative voice responded from inside.
As the Rain Ninja disappeared into the shadows, Hanzo's voice echoed again, this time louder. "Enter."
The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room and a figure seated at its center. Hanzo's presence was imposing, even as he sat quietly. His half-mask concealed his expression, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.
The two cloaked figures stepped inside. One of them, his patience evidently thinner, was the first to speak.
"Lord Hanzo, what do you make of our proposal?" he asked, his voice laced with an undertone of arrogance.
Hanzo's gaze turned to him, icy and unyielding. "When your master is here in person, should you really be the one doing the talking?"
"You—" The man bristled but fell silent when the other placed a steady hand on his shoulder.
"Hahaha, as expected of the demigod of the Rain Village," came the second figure's rumbling laugh as he removed his hood, revealing a weathered face darkened by years of battle.
It was the Third Raikage.
"You've come in person," Hanzo remarked, his voice carrying both amusement and wariness. "A bold move. Aren't you worried that someone might exploit your absence to attack the Cloud Village?"
The Third Raikage's smile was faint but dangerous. "That's none of your concern, Hanzo. What matters is whether you'll accept our offer."
Hanzo leaned back slightly, his tone unimpressed. "My Rain Village has long declined. We lack the strength to meddle in the affairs of the five great nations."
"You underestimate your own importance," the Third Raikage countered. "Konoha has dispersed much of its forces to fight on three fronts. Your Rain Village sits at a key strategic point. With your help, we could break Konoha's defenses and open a path into the Land of Fire."
Hanzo's expression remained unreadable behind his mask. "The Third Hokage has stationed troops along the border with my Land of Rain. And Konoha's Yellow Flash is a factor you haven't accounted for."
At the mention of Minato Namikaze, the Third Raikage's confident façade faltered slightly. His brow furrowed as he suppressed a flash of irritation.
"Are you, a demigod, afraid of Konoha's young hero?" the Raikage challenged, attempting to regain control of the conversation.
Hanzo chuckled, his laughter low and cold. "Afraid? Hardly. But I've survived in the ninja world long enough to know the difference between recklessness and calculated risk. If you want my cooperation, you'll need to offer more than bravado."
The Third Raikage's eyes narrowed, but he relented, acknowledging Hanzo's position of power. "If you assist us in breaking through to the Land of Fire, the Rock and Cloud villages will provide the Rain Village with substantial resources. Food, medical supplies, weapons—whatever you need. And once we secure parts of the Land of Fire, you'll receive a share of the spoils."
Hanzo's gaze hardened. He knew better than anyone how promises made in war were often discarded once victory was achieved. Still, the Rain Village was in dire straits, and the resources being offered were sorely needed.
"Generous," Hanzo murmured. "But even so, the risks are great. And I suspect you know that."
The Third Raikage's smile returned, colder this time. "We both know you don't have many options, Hanzo. Refuse us, and Konoha will see you as a threat. They'll focus their resources on neutralizing you before the four great nations can. Your neutrality will mean nothing."
Hanzo studied the Raikage carefully. The man's words were harsh, but they carried an undeniable truth. The Rain Village was already isolated and impoverished. Aligning with the four nations could be the only way to secure its survival.
After a long silence, Hanzo finally spoke. "Very well. If the resources you've promised arrive as agreed, the Rain Village will assist you. But understand this—if you betray us, you'll regret ever stepping into my village."
The Third Raikage's grin widened. "Deal. With the Rain Village's support, we'll gather the combined forces of the Rock, Sand, and Cloud villages here. Together, we'll crush the Land of Fire's defenses."
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