Konoha's support has been delayed in arriving, and it's likely intercepted by another Hidden Sand unit.
Kanzo's betrayal made him realize that his and Konoha's marching plan had been uncovered by Hidden Sand, meaning no support would come.
What to do next?
Will I die?
Hanzou felt fear rise in his heart once more.
If he hadn't opposed Hidden Sand, he wouldn't be facing such danger, nor be betrayed by Kanzo, and certainly wouldn't risk losing his precious life.
He would have been the exalted demigod in the hearts of the people.
Hidden Rain Village's undefeated legend.
But now...
Seeing the mockery and contempt in the eyes of Hidden Sand ninjas, Hanzou was terrified.
The legend of the demigod no longer existed.
The title earned from a lifetime of fighting on the battlefield was now trampled, worthless.
Yes, I have long been greedy for life and afraid of death, so why stand out? Hanzou questioned himself.
Live well, maintain the undefeated legend, and naturally accept respect and admiration from others—isn't that enough?
Heroism, peace, truly laughable.
It's due to this foolish country that such ridiculous decisions were made.
But it doesn't matter; the body can still move.
If it can move, it can still flee.
The ability to flee means the ability to survive.
Yes, as long as he can flee from here...
Hanzou's eyes burned with the desire to live.
I want to survive!
I don't want to die!
As he lifted his foot to retreat, blood splattered on his face, jolting him from his stupor.
It was an unfamiliar face.
Collapsed on the cold, muddy ground.
Wearing the headband of Hidden Rain, just sixteen or seventeen years old.
He blocked the kunai and shuriken flying from afar for the dazed Hanzou.
"Han...Hanzou-sama...careful..."
His body convulsed slightly, pierced all over with kunai and shuriken, eyes gradually losing their luster.
"I wanted to be a hero... to live on... Mako was still waiting for me to return... she said she wanted to marry a hero... but I couldn't go back..."
His mouth moved, but no sound came forth.
He died with a smile.
Hanzou stared blankly at this young corpse.
What was this young man doing?
Why block the enemy's attack for him and die?
He was planning to flee.
Sacrificing for a fleeing ninja, such a sacrifice is meaningless, worthless.
Who is Mako?
Once he returned, Mako would marry him... Mako... surely a beautiful and kind girl of blossom-like age.
Such thoughts emerged in Hanzou's mind, yet his eyes lost all color.
He raised his arm, as if time between heaven and earth stood still.
The blade swooped across.
A puppet clad in white robes shattered in mid-air, wooden pieces scattering everywhere.
"How could this be?"
Chiyo widened her eyes.
This old man was stabbed by one of his own, supposedly with injuries reaching the lungs and greatly debilitated; how could he possibly muster a slash stronger than before?
Why could he still exert such power?
"Didn't expect such force remaining, but it's just a dying struggle. I'll take that corpse worth millions without hesitation."
Kakuzu, witnessing the scene, held no fear, having seen through Hanzou's weakened essence.
His eyes glowed a brighter greenish hue.
Money is life's sole meaning.
Without money, the world is left with nothing but apathy and betrayal.
◎
"Hurry! We're almost there!"
In the stormy weather, Yahiko pressed forward towards the battlefield between Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand.
Accompanied by over ten Akatsuki members, Nagato and Konan were among them.
"Yahiko, are we really going to stop this war?"
Nagato approached Yahiko, asking this question.
Yahiko clenched his fist, his gaze resolute, stating:
"Yes, we must stop it. The Land of Rain can't endure any more disasters; war only brings more pain to the country. Jiraiya-sensei also said, an era where humans understand each other will surely come."
"But..."
"It's alright, Nagato, I will become the bridge for their mutual understanding. If Jiraiya-sensei knew, he would support me too. Now Akatsuki must take this step; only by fostering understanding can we save this country. Hanzou-sama is too impulsive."
Yahiko's words resonated clearly among the crowd, allowing them to sense his immense love for peace and determination to end the war.