Chiyo's face was solemn.
"Yes."
◎
After reading Orochimaru's letter, Hanzou fell silent.
Konoha will terminate its supply aid to the Hidden Rain next month.
Hanzou had anticipated this, but didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
Indeed, if it drags on, neither Konoha nor Hidden Sand can afford to delay. At this point, Hidden Rain being neutral is the best choice.
However... Right now, Hidden Rain's hatred towards Hidden Sand is intense, so staying neutral is mere wishful thinking.
Even as the Hidden Rain Village Leader, his words might be ineffective at this juncture.
But when hatred surfaces, the conflict will only end when one side is completely trampled.
Therefore, Hidden Rain cannot stay neutral.
Orochimaru also realized this, and at the end of the letter, included his decision to clash with Hidden Sand, along with a military route map.
"Are they blatantly forcing this old man?"
Looking at the letter's contents, besides a furious heart, Hanzou felt infinite desolation.
How did it come to this, that he, a Demigod, would be manipulated by a young person to such an extent?
Especially one who was defeated by his forces in the last Ninja War.
Orochimaru didn't employ tricks but wielded the overwhelming influence of Konoha.
Faced with such dominance, Hanzou could only compromise.
Reluctant as he may be, reality would force him to proceed along the path Orochimaru had predetermined.
Hanzou had suspicions whether the bloody massacre incidents in the Land of Rain over a year ago were orchestrated by Hidden Sand.
Although all evidence pointed to Hidden Sand, Hidden Sand's Chiyo had no defense against the claim that Hidden Sand Ninja committed the mass murder of Land of Rain villagers.
"Alas..."
Hanzou sighed.
He was getting old.
"After repelling Hidden Sand, I must consider the matter of succession."
Time had slipped by, and he had reached this age.
But when contemplating the current state of Hidden Rain, Hanzou couldn't help but smile wryly.
Where will a successor be found?
Or rather, is there any young person in Hidden Rain Village capable of taking on such a responsibility?
◎
Hanzou led dozens of Hidden Rain Ninja to scout the area.
The main goal was to remove nearby Hidden Sand Ninja scouts.
He sensed that a great battle would soon engulf the entire Land of Rain.
Before that happens, adequate preparation must be made.
Once Konoha stops providing supplies to Hidden Rain, its situation will become even more worrisome.
To draw him into the fray, Konoha's Third Hokage promised, after repelling Hidden Sand, to grant significant aid to Hidden Rain in Konoha's name.
Hanzou trusted the Ninja Professor.
The professor was a person with integrity, not fond of stirring trouble, and calming the Hidden Rain to ensure security around the Land of Fire matched his style.
The premise was defeating Hidden Sand; if they failed, both Konoha and Hidden Rain would suffer severe damage.
"Lord Hanzou, there seems to be movement up ahead."
His deputy, Kanzo, pointed forward.
Hanzou also noticed a group blocking the path ahead.
They weren't dressed as ninjas, just ordinary villagers from the Land of Rain.
What are these people doing blocking the road here?
With several ninjas, Hanzou approached, not concerned that these ordinary people posed any threat.
"Is it Lord Hanzou… is it Lord Hanzou?"
A frail old man emerged shakily from the crowd.
His emaciated body seemed on the verge of collapsing while walking.
He clutched a cane, step by step, arriving before Hanzou.
"I am Hanzou."
Hanzou replied to him.
"That's wonderful, I am Katasuke, do you remember? Thirty years ago, you saved everyone in our village from the enemy."
The elderly man named Katasuke spoke excitedly.
To be honest, Hanzou didn't remember this old man named 'Katasuke,' but the events mentioned seemed to have occurred.
Thirty years ago, it was when he had just taken over as the leader of Hidden Rain Village.
At that time, with a heart full of righteousness and peace, he was determined to change this country of tears.
He led numerous Hidden Rain Ninja, fighting alongside comrades through life-and-death battles, enduring wounds to clear the chaos within the Land of Rain.
Even then, he bore many hidden injuries, leading to significant decline in his strength now.
During that era, Hidden Rain Village was solely supported by him; he couldn't fall nor hide at the rear but had to carve a bloody path himself to bring light to the Land of Rain.
At that time, he didn't remember how many people he saved or how many rogue ninjas causing havoc in the Land of Rain he killed.
The elderly man 'Katasuke' and his village were just one among the many he rescued.
Back then, his heart was solely focused on combat, growing stronger, changing the country; thus, regarding other matters, Hanzou didn't have a clear memory.
He admitted he wasn't someone who dwelled in sad memories.
Looking at the deep wrinkles carved into Katasuke's face, his hands seemed wrapped in layers of creased skin, his skin darkened, eyes murky, and hair sparse.
A figure of poverty and frailty.
His appearance aged beyond his years.
This was due to the continuous wars and lack of food in the Land of Rain.
"Why are you looking for me?"
Hanzou asked in a softened tone.
"I heard that Lord Hanzou is teaching a lesson to the ninjas of those great nations, so I wish to contribute to Lord Hanzou. It's fine for us not to have enough food, but you warriors need to eat well to have the strength to drive out the invaders."