"If we let them escape, it may not be beneficial for my future rule over the Hidden Rain."
Although in the higher-ups, the power of Akatsuki is not eye-catching, they hold quite a reputation among the lower ranks of the Hidden Rain Village.
This presence is bound to become an obstacle to his rule over the Hidden Rain.
It would be great if the Hidden Sand could kill them all.
But this thought is too natural because under the pursuit of over two hundred Hidden Sand Ninja, Nagato and Konan stayed behind to cover the rear, while the rest of the members quickly escaped the Hidden Sand's encirclement with Yahiko.
"That red-haired boy is amazing, who exactly is he?"
Kanzo couldn't help but exclaim.
He thought that the ninjas in Akatsuki were just second or third-rate ninjas, but he didn't expect there to be someone who could take on a hundred opponents.
Although Konan also performed well, managing to maneuver against a dozen Hidden Sand Ninja, there was a vast difference compared to Nagato's ability to easily send a dozen ninjas flying with a wave of his hand.
"No, this red-haired boy must die! If he doesn't, he could threaten my position as the Hidden Rain Village Leader!"
Kanzo's face was indecisive, and his figure disappeared behind a rock.
"Konan, let's go quickly!"
Using Almighty Push to repel the last batch of Hidden Sand squads, Nagato caught his breath and called out to Konan beside him.
Konan didn't hesitate and fled together with Nagato.
Even though these Hidden Sand ninja were formidable, Nagato found it somewhat challenging to deal with them.
His Almighty Push could repel enemies and attacks from all directions, but the force wasn't lethal enough.
Facing the fearless Hidden Sand Ninja, Nagato truly felt the strength of great nation ninjas.
Their willpower and physical condition, honed as ninjas, were far stronger than those from the Land of Rain.
"We should be safe now."
There was some distance between them and the Hidden Sand Ninja behind, and although delayed for a while, they were fortunate enough to escape danger.
Nagato breathed a sigh of relief.
"Will Hanzou-sama die?"
Konan looked at the rain falling from the sky and asked this question.
Nagato was silent.
"..."
Konan also realized that the answer to this question was quite heavy.
The ninjas of their Hidden Rain Village grew up with the legendary name of the Demigod echoing in their ears.
Without the Demigod's protection, what lies ahead for the Land of Rain?
For the first time, uncertainty showed in Konan's eyes.
"Hanzou-sama will return alive! Now, let's join Yahiko and the others, then head back to the Hidden Rain. I'm now more worried about the village."
Nagato suddenly said.
"The village?"
Konan was puzzled.
"It's strange how Hanzou-sama's forces were easily ambushed by the Hidden Sand."
"You mean—"
Konan's face slightly changed.
Konoha, Hidden Sand! Nagato clenched his fists, his face serious.
He hoped this speculation was just wishful thinking, because if not, things would truly be dire.
◎
"Are you ninjas from the Hidden Rain?"
While the Akatsuki members were on the run, they suddenly encountered dozens of ninja blocking their path in the middle of the Grand Canyon.
"Who are you..."
The ninjas blocking them wore Konoha Ninja Headbands, and some even wore Konoha Anbu attire, but the paint on their masks gave an eerie feeling.
"We are Konoha Ninjas, our main force was previously ambushed by the Hidden Sand on the road... how's the situation on your side?"
A ninja wearing Konoha Anbu attire stepped forward.
He, along with other Konoha Ninjas, bore scars, clearly showing they'd experienced a bitter battle.
Hearing this Konoha Anbu inquire about the Hidden Rain's battle situation, the Akatsuki members fell silent, and Yahiko too did not speak.
"Is that so?"
The Konoha Anbu who had stepped forward sighed, walked over, patting one member's shoulder, and consoled him:
"It's okay, as long as you've escaped, let me take you to rest a bit first."
Thud!
A Kunai pierced into the chest of that Akatsuki member.
This Akatsuki member looked at the mask of the Konoha Anbu in disbelief.
"Why... why..."
His eyes were full of pain and confusion.
Not understanding why Konoha, as allies, would attack him, a fellow ninja.
The Konoha Anbu didn't bother to talk more; with a kick, he sent the person flying, then waved his hand, his voice cold:
"Kill them all, leave no one alive!"
"Are you, are you crazy?"
Yahiko couldn't believe the Konoha ninjas would mercilessly attack them.
They were allies after all.
Why kill allied ninjas?
Shadows quickly sprang out, then split into dozens of thin shadows that entered the shadows of Akatsuki's members, leaving them all motionless, bodies stiff in place.
Shadow Imitation Jutsu!
The ninja clad in Konoha Anbu attire used this technique, clearly belonging to Konoha's Nara Clan.
Numerous shuriken and Kunai rained down from the sky, enlarging in the eyes of Yahiko and the others.
Then, the sound of bodies being sliced by sharp weapons resounded.
Nagato, Konan... Yahiko was left with only this thought before losing consciousness.
Kanzo emerged from behind a rock, looking at the corpses scattered on the ground, and said with a smile, "Truly impressive, Danzo-sama's subordinates, your moves are fierce and swift."
"We just need to complete the mission."
"Next, there are still a red-haired boy and a blue-haired girl. They'll be back soon. Be careful with that red-haired boy; he can use a peculiar Ninja Technique that repels everything around him, but it can't be used continuously, there is a cooldown before the next use."