Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 249: Embracing Power

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To remain calm and composed while facing Hanzo was no small feat. It was no wonder Hanzo held a flicker of respect for Yahiko. Hanzo wasn't arrogant without reason—few in the entire ninja world could stand before him without flinching. This resilience of spirit was rare among shinobi, and it spoke volumes about why Akatsuki had grown so rapidly under Yahiko's leadership.

Hanzo nodded slightly. "A leader worthy of note."

"I've reviewed your proposal," Hanzo began, voice distorted by his respirator. "Peace is possible. But only if all nations unite under a common cause. I hope to use your organization's influence to negotiate with the Lands of Wind, Earth, and even Fire. With Akatsuki as the axis, we can finally pull the Land of Rain out of this endless conflict. My time is passing. The future of Amegakure must belong to ambitious youth like you."

The Akatsuki members behind Yahiko exchanged elated glances. If Yahiko became Rain's new leader, Akatsuki would rise alongside him. They'd finally abandon their days as wandering outcasts—officially recognized shinobi of Amegakure.

But Yahiko, ever the cautious leader, didn't share their joy. Victory wasn't real until it was secured. Until the ink dried and Hanzo fully committed, there was nothing to celebrate.

Yahiko stepped forward, extending a hand toward Hanzo. "Then let's work together. For peace."

Hanzo's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Shaking my hand? That bold?" He could seize the moment, subdue Yahiko instantly, and Akatsuki would crumble. One strike—that's all it would take.

But Hanzo dismissed the thought almost as quickly as it arose. Yes, he could capture Yahiko, but not without risk. Dozens of Akatsuki members stood ready behind Yahiko. Cornered enemies fought fiercest. Hanzo valued his elite Ame-nin far too much to risk casualties over rash action. "No need for bloodshed... not yet."

After a brief hesitation, Hanzo extended his hand, clasping Yahiko's firmly. At last, Yahiko smiled—the tension in his brow relaxing for the first time. Behind him, Nagato, Konan, and the other Akatsuki members also lowered their guard. The handshake was proof of trust.

Hanzo released Yahiko's hand and gestured toward the basin. "Let's finalize the details after you consult with your members. This alliance must be built on solid ground, not rushed agreements."

Though eager to solidify the pact, Yahiko nodded. "Agreed. It's best for both sides."

Hanzo gave a curt nod and turned away. He didn't fear a surprise attack from Yahiko's group. Hanzo had read the boy well—idealistic, righteous, and naive. "A child drowning in foolish dreams of peace."

Without glancing back, Hanzo vanished into the misty rain.

As the Salamander faded from view, Yahiko grinned broadly, turning to Nagato. "Nagato, this is it! If we truly unite with Hanzo, we can end Rain's suffering. The first step toward spreading peace worldwide!"

Yahiko's confidence radiated. The endless war that had plagued their homeland might finally end.

"Yes!" Nagato nodded fiercely. He never sought leadership—his dream was simpler: to protect Yahiko, to be his strength.

Beside them, Konan smiled softly. Her dream was even simpler: to protect them both. No matter the cost.

But dreams can shatter in an instant.

Suddenly, a shadow burst from the earth, streaking toward Yahiko like lightning.

"Watch out!"

Konan was the first to react, instincts honed by years of war. Without hesitation, she flashed in front of Yahiko, arms spreading wide.

Yahiko and Nagato, momentarily sluggish from their relaxed vigilance, barely turned their heads. Too slow. They had let down their guard. Hanzo's handshake, his departure, his calm words— all lies. All a trap.

The shadow feinted toward Yahiko—only to swerve at the last moment.

Konan gasped.

Before she could react, iron fingers clamped around her wrists. The attacker's movement was clean, precise, merciless. In an instant, Konan was subdued.

"Konan!!"

Yahiko and Nagato shouted in unison, disbelief and panic flooding their faces. How could they have missed this? How did they fall for such a simple trick?!

Yahiko's fists clenched. "Who are you?!"

The masked figure holding Konan remained silent, face hidden behind a white cat mask. With a single leap, the attacker landed atop a nearby rock formation, pulling Konan along like dead weight.

At that moment, Hanzo's chilling voice echoed through the rain-soaked basin. "Well done."

Yahiko's heart sank. He spun around, eyes widening as Hanzo reappeared, standing tall on the opposite ridge. Dozens of Ame-nin materialized around him, forming a complete encirclement. On another cliff stood Danzo, flanked by Root operatives, faces emotionless behind masks.

Yahiko's face twisted in horror. "We've been played. From the start."

Hanzo sneered. "Fools. You walked right into my trap."

For the first time, Nagato understood the gravity of the situation. "We trusted the wrong man... and now we'll pay the price."

"Hanzo! Why?!" Yahiko's voice cracked. "Why betray us? We wanted peace!"

Hanzo's eyes gleamed coldly. "Why? Fools. Ask yourselves why you're so naive. Peace? If peace were possible through words alone, why would ninja even exist?"

Nagato trembled with rage, fists clenching. "But you promised! You said you'd support us!"

"Promises?" Hanzo scoffed. "How childish. Rain's peace means nothing to me. But expanding Rain's borders? Seizing more resources? That is real power. If another war can make my country stronger, I'll gladly ignite it myself."

Cold rain pounded the ground, echoing Hanzo's merciless words.

Yahiko stood frozen, disbelief plastered across his face. "How could I be so blind? How did I lead us into this trap?"

Hanzo reached into his ninja pouch, pulling out a kunai. He flicked it forward, the blade clattering at Yahiko's feet. "One life to save another. If you want the girl to live, Yahiko must die."

Yahiko's breath hitched.

Hanzo's tone remained flat, like he was discussing the weather. "Nagato. Pick up the kunai. Kill your leader. Do it now, and I'll let you both walk free."

"No! Don't listen to him!" Konan screamed, thrashing against her captor's grip. But the cat-masked ninja held firm, silent as death.

Nagato stared at the kunai, paralyzed. How could he choose between the two people he lived for? Yahiko or Konan? Life or death?

Tears welled in Nagato's eyes. "I... I can't..."

But Yahiko, ever the leader, had already decided. "This is my failure. I'll pay the price."

He smiled—a soft, accepting smile. "Jiraiya-sensei… you were wrong. Peace can't be achieved through dreams alone."

Yahiko stepped forward, eyes locked on Nagato. "Nagato. Protect Konan. You're the one destined to save this world."

Before Nagato could react, Yahiko charged. "Forgive me."

But death never came.

BAM!

A blur of motion erupted between them. Yahiko's body flew backward, struck by a vicious roundhouse kick. Nagato barely processed what happened before a hand seized his throat, choking off his breath. In the same instant, the masked ninja dragged Konan along effortlessly, holding her in his other hand.

It was Tonari.

"What…?" Yahiko sputtered from where he'd landed, dazed.

Tonari's voice cut through the rain, low and deliberate. "Do you feel it now, Nagato? The helplessness? The rage? The powerlessness of being unable to protect those you love?"

Nagato's eyes widened, heart pounding in his chest.

Tonari leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "You're stronger than this. Your eyes—the Rinnegan—hold limitless potential. Awaken it. Or watch everyone you love die here and now."

A spark ignited in Nagato's soul. Limitless potential? My eyes…?

Everything snapped into focus.

Tonari released his grip and vanished with Konan, reappearing on the cliffside. Hanzo and Danzo, still processing the sudden interference, glared at Tonari.

"Danzo. Explain this." Hanzo growled.

But Danzo's gaze was fixed on Nagato—more precisely, on his Rinnegan. "So, this was your true goal, Tonari. To awaken him."

Meanwhile, the Rain-nin moved into formation. "Kill them all!" Hanzo barked.

Kunai rained down from every direction, aimed at Akatsuki's core members. Yahiko saw the threat too late. With no other option, he spread his arms, shielding Nagato. "This time… I'll protect you. Nagato! Live! Protect Konan!"

But as the kunai streaked toward Yahiko—something snapped.

Nagato's head snapped up. The Rinnegan gleamed with newfound clarity. "ENOUGH!!"

With a roar, he thrust his hand forward—and the world shattered.

Kunai froze mid-air, then hurtled backward, slamming into their senders. Yahiko collapsed, unscathed.

Nagato stood tall, hand trembling, eyes burning. "I've embraced it. My power. My fate. My curse."

"I will protect them. I will protect everything!"

From the cliff, Tonari smiled beneath his mask. "That's more like it."

To be continued...

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