Obito suddenly noticed something with his sharp eyes.
"What's wrong?"
Pakkun asked.
"That."
Obito pointed to a place where a strand of hair was tied to a small blade of grass.
"This is Lin's hair! Look, it's exactly the same color as Lin's hair!"
Obito was a hundred percent sure, showing a look of joy on his face.
Pakkun: "…"
Just being able to identify the owner by the color of a strand of hair, this kid… he's not your usual level of creep!
But Pakkun also understood why he could accurately sense the complete route.
Because within his smell range, at certain intervals, there was a similar scent, forming a complete path to follow.
"It seems the direction is correct, Lin must have stayed here, deliberately leaving a trace while the enemy wasn't paying attention, waiting for rescue. That's the person I set my eyes on."
Obito clenched his fist, hope growing in his eyes.
"Let's hope so."
Pakkun sighed, feeling that the air of conspiracy was growing stronger, yet this kid was still grinning naively, how could his heart be so big?
Leaving clues that even an idiot could understand, this kind of thing looks suspicious no matter how you see it.
Of course, it's also possible that this girl named Lin was indeed clever, leaving signals for her people to come for rescue.
"Then let's go chase after her, but first, let me clarify, I have no combat ability, can I leave the rescue work to you?"
"Of course, staking the glory of the Uchiha Race of Konoha!"
Obito adjusted the ninja headband on his forehead, revealing a confident smile.
"Follow me."
Pakkun led the way.
"Wait, that's not the direction of the Land of Earth."
Obito said.
"Who told you we were going to the Land of Earth next? Based on the route indicated by scent, we're heading in that direction. Going that way, in another three kilometers, you'll see the next strand of hair."
Pakkun raised a front paw, pointing in a direction.
Obito was surprised.
"That direction is..."
◎
Rumble.
The dark sky seemed to open into a huge cavern, bean-sized raindrops pouring down from inside, forming crisscrossing channels on the ground.
The sound of wind mixed with the rumbling of thunder.
Bolts of lightning pierced the darkness, illuminating the earth and sky.
With the thunder roaring, the rain seemed to intensify, becoming more fierce.
Nearly a thousand Hidden Rain Ninjas, led by Hanzou, began their march.
Gazing at the torrential rain like a rain of arrows, every face showed different expressions.
Fear, tension, excitement, bloodlust.
From their expressions, these emotions could be deduced.
Yet none of them retreated.
Last night, each wrote their testament, leaving it to their families, lovers, children, friends…
Abandoning everything to go to the battlefield.
To fight for their village, for their country.
In the past, the Land of Rain had no concept of a Ninja Village, every ninja from this country was truly from the Land of Rain.
To resist, to bring peace to the country, they underwent bloody struggles to establish a Ninja Village.
They deeply loved this country that was falling apart.
The lighting illuminated the earth white.
The troops of Hidden Rain Ninjas marched solemnly.
Hanzou was at the forefront of the troops.
Today was the agreed day with Konoha to launch a full attack on Hidden Sand.
But his mind was not on the battlefield.
Because he was afraid.
Afraid of death.
Afraid of losing the undefeated legend of being a Demigod.
Afraid of losing the supreme power of Hidden Rain Village.
Afraid of not being able to protect his family.
Afraid of…
In short, he had many fears, and many regrets he wished to fulfill.
He didn't want to die… nor did he want to fight.
But the decision had already been made, and he couldn't retreat at this moment.
Because if he did retreat, his reputation would be utterly ruined. This was more terrifying than death.
He thought of the elder Katasuke he encountered before, who because Hanzou saved his life thirty years ago, served as the village head, contributing all the village's grain to him despite the villagers' opposition.
Because he, Hanzou… was the great hero admired by everyone in the Land of Rain.
This belief in heroes had persisted for thirty years, unchanged.
Hanzou thought of those who had not left the Land of Rain, wondering if there were any like Katasuke, staying because of him and unwilling to betray their country?
Though he was blurry with these memories and couldn't remember everyone's name, to those he saved, it was an unforgettable experience.
Finally, Hanzou thought about the red-haired young man named 'Nagato'.
Even though they had only met once, he left a deep impression on him.
Because of those eyes he couldn't ignore.
The Rinnegan… the ultimate power possessed by the legendary Six Paths Sage.
One of the three great Pupil Techniques, alongside the Sharingan and Byakugan.
"Master Hanzou."
His thoughts were interrupted.
Kanzo's voice rang in his ears.
Hanzou looked up, sensing the killing intent transmitted with the cold rain from ahead.
On the cliff high above, a figure stood in the rain.
Chiyo, the senior advisor of Hidden Sand.
The Hidden Sand's strongest Puppet Master who assisted two Kazekage generations.
The moment their eyes met, Hanzou understood that this battle was unavoidable.
The Land of Rain had nowhere left to retreat.
Nor did he.
Hanzou gripped the scythe in his hand, and in that moment, a sense of calm washed over him.
Indeed, as an elder of the old era, he had to set an example of heroism for the youth to come.
Tear apart the false peace created by the great countries!