Hanzo looked down into Yahiko's eyes. For six years, his eyes had remained entirely unchanged... radiating the same desire for peace.
Slowly, Hanzo tilted his head back, looking up at the raining sky. With a self-deprecating laugh. "Pathetic... What a truly pathetic state I have fallen into."
He looked back down at the trio. "I was exactly like you once, Yahiko. I fought with everything I had to elevate Amegakure to the position it holds today. When Konoha invaded during the Second Shinobi World War, I was the pillar that stopped their advance. I earned my title in blood. But somewhere along the way... I stopped honing my skills. I grew paranoid, and obsessed only with preserving my own meaningless political power. I allowed myself to be blinded by fear, and I blindly trusted Danzo's words."
Hanzo's respirator hissed as he took a deep breath. "Can a man like me truly trust in peace once again? Can I even afford to pursue it at this stage in my life?" He narrowed his eyes, challenging the boy before him. "Tell me, Yahiko... what will you do if the peace you are trying so desperately to achieve turns out to be an impossible illusion? What if it can never be reached?"
Yahiko said with a straight face. "Then I will die trying."
Hanzo stared at him for a long moment, and then with a hearty laugh. "Of course you would," he muttered, remembering how readily Yahiko had been willing to throw his life away during their encounter just to save his comrades.
"We are not here to usurp you, Hanzo-san," Yahiko added, his voice with absolute sincerity. "Akatsuki has grown to one thousand members. It is the inception of a Great Era of Peace. We would gladly welcome you to be a part of us. We have absolutely no interest in your title or your throne."
Hanzo closed his eyes, a profound sense of clarity washing over him. The ambition that had died years ago sparked back to life. "Perhaps... I will give it one last try. I will chase the peace that even Hashirama Senju failed to establish. I, Hanzo, Leader of Amegakure, hereby join Akatsuki, and follow the will of Akatsuki."
Yahiko froze as he stared up at the legendary shinobi, completely paralyzed as the words reached him. Slowly, warm tears mixed with the falling rain, rolling down his cheeks. He reached up, trembling fingers touching his own face to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Nagato... Konan... Everyone" Yahiko choked out, his voice cracking with an overwhelming happiness. "Are you hearing this? Ha... Hanzo-san just said... he wants to join Akatsuki."
Strength leaving his legs, Yahiko collapsed onto his knees right there in the rain, a weeping smile across his face. He slammed his fists onto the wet ground, laughing through his tears.
"We did it! We actually did it! We are now one thousand and one members strong! Peace is finally coming to Amegakure!" Yahiko threw his head back, shouting at the top of his lungs into the storm, "World, here we come!"
Hanzo laughed again as he unsummoned Ibuse and extended his hand to Yahiko.
~~
While the foundations of a new, peaceful country were being laid, Kaien found himself tasked with a critical mission of his own. Today was the day the Uchiha children were scheduled to arrive, and ensuring their safe, unhindered passage was paramount. Multiple teams had been deployed to secure the surrounding territories, but Kaien's unit was uniquely formidable. He was teamed with Jugo and Guren, a duo of immense potential. Leading them was Dodai, the veteran who had temporarily stepped away from his teaching duties at the academy just to complete this high-stakes operation.
"I am genuinely looking forward to this mission," Jugo murmured, a gentle smile on his lips as he expressed his eagerness to help.
Guren nodded in silent agreement, though her mind briefly drifted back home. She silently vowed to do her absolute best, hoping that her efforts here would somehow translate into a better future for the Orphanage. Her thoughts wandered to the rowdy kids... Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, Ukon, and Tayuya. "I just hope they aren't bullying anyone," she thought with a sigh. "Though I'm sure the warden will keep them in line."
Sensing the mood in his squad, Dodai decided it was the perfect moment to ease the natural tension of their very first official mission together. Turning his attention to Guren, he spoke with warmth. "Guren, I know you come from the Orphanage. Is everything alright over there? If you're short on food, clothes, or basic supplies, just let me know. I will bring it up to the Raikage directly."
Caught off guard, Guren's train of thought broke. She offered a grateful smile. "Thank you for your concern, Dodai-sensei. But the Orphanage is doing well for now."
Dodai nodded with satisfaction, before gesturing to a spot in the terrain. "We'll take a brief break here," he ordered, shifting his gaze toward Jugo. "Jugo, what does the situation look like ahead?"
Raising a hand into the open air, Jugo whistled softly. A few sparrows fluttered down, one of them settling comfortably onto his outstretched finger. After a moment of quiet communion with the bird, Jugo looked up, his expression turning serious. "Dodai-sensei, the birds... well, Augustus specifically, says there are dozens of children gathered near the place called the Valley of the End."
Dodai looked over at Kaien, who was meticulously cleaning his blades, testing their razor-sharp edges with focus. Knowing the history of the region and its proximity to hostile territory, Dodai offered a stern warning. "Kaien, if we happen to cross paths with any Konoha enemies, do not lose your cool."
Kaien didn't even look up. When he spoke, his voice was perfectly clear, and entirely devoid of its old impediment... a testament to the successful speech therapy sessions by his mother and Aunt Kushina.
"Understood," Kaien replied as a matter-of-fact. "I will simply ensure every Konoha shinobi we meet is eliminated as a warning to the rest. That should be an acceptable outcome."
~~
A/N: The reason Tobi saved Konan is so Nagato doesn't summon Gedo Statue and kill Madara in the process.
And while Amegakure is dealing its stuff, Uchiha clan kids were brought to the Valley of the End. Do you think this will escape Danzo even though Uchiha were meticulously and slowly bought the kids together after they took longer mission.
Kaien's official 2nd mission is about to commence. Well we know what happened in the 1st mission.
Kaien strength -> Elite Chunin to special Jounin level.
Upto 20 Advance chapters available @ patreon.com/aizenDuchiha0