Yahiko, who aspired to change the Land of Rain, had fallen ill, causing Shigeo Aburame's proposed first five-year plan to be delayed for several days.
Once Yahiko recovered, the four of them set off together toward Amegakure.
During this time of war, the Land of Rain was unstable, plagued by bandits and overrun with displaced people. This chaotic environment only strengthened Yahiko and Nagato's determination to transform their homeland.
After a journey of over ten days, the group finally reached the outskirts of Amegakure, but gaining entry posed a significant challenge.
Amegakure was under lockdown, and ordinary refugees were not permitted entry.
Standing outside the city, faced with sprawling refugee camps that stretched for hundreds of meters, Shigeo Aburame contemplated the situation. He then turned to Yahiko and Nagato.
"Yahiko, you and Nagato should go in first. Konan and I will figure out another way. If all else fails, wait until you both become Rain Ninja and come back for us."
"Alright!" Yahiko nodded, then asked, "But how will I find you later?"
"That's simple!"
Shigeo smiled faintly and pointed to the ground beneath his feet.
"Whether we're inside or not, Konan and I will return here every day at noon. Wait for us here."
Yahiko nodded again. "Got it. Nagato and I will head in first, then!"
"Good. Go ahead."
After saying their goodbyes to Shigeo and Konan, Yahiko and Nagato approached the gates of Amegakure. Once they explained their purpose, the guards escorted them inside.
Both of them were war orphans from the Land of Rain with clear backgrounds, so passing the checks wasn't difficult.
Once they were inside, Shigeo led Konan toward a nearby refugee camp.
The refugees in the camp were mostly locals who had fled their towns due to the war. They sought refuge at Amegakure, hoping for safety.
Even if they couldn't enter the ninja village, many refused to leave, believing that staying near the village was safer than wandering elsewhere.
In truth, though, if enemy ninja reached this area, the refugees would face immense danger.
Perhaps they understood this risk, but their trust in the village's leader, Hanzō, made them overlook the threat.
Hanzō, in his prime, was a powerful and uncompromising leader known as the "Demi-God of the Ninja World," a title that put him on par with legends like the "God of Shinobi," Hashirama Senju.
With such a reputation, it was no wonder the people of the Land of Rain placed blind faith in him.
But Shigeo, not being from the Land of Rain, did not share this trust in Hanzō.
"We must find a way to enter Amegakure quickly."
As he considered this, Shigeo led Konan into the refugee camp, brainstorming ways to enter the village securely.
Sneaking in directly was out of the question—it was fast but could create future complications.
Waiting for Yahiko and Nagato to become Rain Ninja was a safer option, but it would take too long, and enemy ninja might attack in the meantime.
"Finding a way that's both secure and fast, while keeping our abilities hidden, isn't easy. Tch…"
Clicking his tongue in frustration, Shigeo was still thinking when the sound of a flute reached his ears.
In the steady drizzle, the somber, melodic tune seemed to echo the sorrow of the Land of Rain.
Shigeo turned toward the source of the music.
He saw a middle-aged man, dressed in tattered clothes, sitting on the ground and playing a long flute with a vacant expression.
Behind the man, inside a low tent, a frail, malnourished girl was curled up.
They were just one of many such sights in the refugee camp.
Shigeo paused to listen. When the man finished playing, Shigeo approached him.
"You're quite skilled with the flute."
"Heh… So what?"
The man lowered the flute, his smile filled with despair. "In the end, we're all just waiting to die here."
He glanced at the girl behind him, his eyes brimming with sorrow.
Shigeo took two pieces of dried food from his bag and offered them to the man.
"Work for me."
"Alright!"
The man agreed without hesitation, taking the food and carefully feeding the girl.
The commotion drew the attention of nearby refugees, who began to gather, their eyes fixed on Shigeo and Konan.
Konan, wary, pulled out several paper shurikens and glared at the approaching crowd.
Having grown up in a war-torn world, she understood how thin the line could be between desperate refugees and violent mobs.
Shigeo smiled and patted her shoulder reassuringly, signaling her to stay calm. Then, he raised his chin and addressed the crowd.
"Lord Hanzō is looking for talented musicians. Those who want a better life in Amegakure, prove your worth to me. Otherwise, get out of my sight!"
His words sparked anger among the crowd, but no one dared act against him. Instead, they bowed their heads and backed away, fearing the Rain Ninja guards nearby.
Accustomed to oppression, the refugees had long since learned to endure in silence.
Shigeo let out a small sigh of relief. Truthfully, he had been unsure if invoking Hanzō's name would work.
Fortunately, the gamble paid off. Hanzō's reputation held sway here.
Konan, however, remained concerned. "Senior, are you sure this is okay?"
"Relax."
Shigeo smirked, adjusting his sunglasses with a confident flair.
"If all goes well, we'll be soaking in a hot bath at an inn in Amegakure tonight."
"…"
…
Using Hanzō's name, Shigeo and Konan strolled through the refugee camp as if they owned the place.
Wherever they went, refugees lowered their heads and moved aside.
The news of "Lord Hanzō recruiting musicians" quickly spread throughout the camp.
Soon, a group of people clutching various instruments gathered before Shigeo.
"Sir, I play the shakuhachi! Please let me serve you!"
"Sir, I can play the biwa! Just give me some food!"
"Sir, I can play the shamisen and even the taiko drums!"
Desperate to seize this rare opportunity, the musicians vied to showcase their skills.
Seeing this, Shigeo grinned and nodded.
"Good. I'll give you all a chance. Now, I'll sing a song, and you'll accompany me with your instruments. Listen carefully."
He began to sing:
**"His power leads Amegakure to greatness, his life carries the fate of the nation.
Our hopes, dreams, and ideals, he makes them all bloom into reality.
Great leader Hanzō, we follow no one but you!
Great leader Hanzō, to you we pledge our loyalty!"**
The crowd: "…"
*(End of Chapter)*