The Land of Rain never slept.
Thunder rolled endlessly above steel towers, lightning carving white scars through the sky. Rain fell in dense sheets, hammering down without pause. At the highest point of Amegakure, a lone figure stood unmoving, cloak heavy with water.
Tendō Pain.
He looked down upon the village as if it were a map laid flat beneath him. The storm did not touch him.
Paper stirred behind him.
White sheets unfolded and gathered, shaping themselves into a blue-haired woman. Konan held a scroll in one hand, her voice low and steady.
"Konoha has sent an invitation. A joint Chūnin Exam."
Pain did not turn.
"This year," Konan continued, "they intend to include allied villages and several nearby minor nations. We're on the list."
A trace of cold amusement crossed her tone. "A convenient way to collect intelligence. And to remind everyone who they think stands at the center."
"When?" Pain asked.
"July first."
"I see."
He was silent for a moment. Then, "The last time Konoha did this, it was during Hanzō's rule. He sent many genin."
"Yes."
"Then we will do the same." His voice was flat. "Send a few teams. Let them believe the Rain remains unchanged. While they look at us, we'll look at them. Jinchūriki. Konoha."
Konan nodded. "I'll arrange it."
She paused. "There's something else. Shibuki's former mentor has accepted our terms. He's waiting for support to begin the coup against Takigakure."
Pain lowered his gaze. "Then proceed. Soon."
"I'll dispatch the unit."
"Wait." He stopped her. After a brief pause, he said, "Call a meeting. All members."
Konan studied him. "You want to involve the organization directly?"
"Yes."
"I understand."
Rain swallowed the sound of her departing paper.
Night fell over the Land of Fire.
Outside a quiet town, two figures moved along the roadside beneath a silver moon. Their black cloaks bore red clouds, dark against the pale ground.
The wind lifted one man's straw hat, revealing sharp features and eyes stained crimson.
Uchiha Itachi.
Moonlight traced his face as he looked up at the scattered stars. His gaze lingered, distant.
"Itachi-san," a voice rumbled behind him. "Something on your mind?"
A tall man stepped closer, broad-shouldered, his face marked by gills and a predatory grin.
"Nothing," Itachi replied.
Kisame Hoshigaki laughed softly and fell into step beside him. "You always say that."
He produced a paper bag and held it out. "You've been walking all day. Eat."
Itachi glanced down. "Dango?"
"At this hour?" Kisame grinned. "Of course not. I persuaded the shop owner to make some."
Itachi's hand paused before taking the bag.
After a moment, he accepted it.
"Relax," Kisame said lightly. "I didn't kill him. Just a genjutsu. He's sleeping soundly."
Itachi lowered his eyes. "Don't do unnecessary things. It draws attention."
"Understood, understood."
Kisame looked back up at the stars. "By the way… your little brother's been making waves."
Itachi did not respond.
"They say Black Hoe Raiga fell to him." Kisame chuckled. "Impressive, even if the old Seven Swordsman wasn't much to admire."
Silence.
"If he weren't your brother," Kisame continued, half-joking, "I'd be tempted to test him myself."
Itachi ate quietly, expression unreadable.
He had been watching.
Sasuke passing the trials he left behind.Sasuke killing one of the Seven Swordsmen.Sasuke helping restore a fallen ruler.
Each report carried weight.
His brother's growth exceeded expectation. Not just in strength. In judgment.
That brought relief.
And unease.
Before he could speak, a faint pulse spread from the ring on his finger.
Itachi stopped.
"The leader is calling," he said.
Kisame's grin widened. "Looks like work."
The night closed around them as they turned away.