The current situation in the Land of Rain was not unfamiliar to Konoha.
Years ago, when the Second Hokage fell in battle, he left behind countless unresolved issues. The most pressing among them was the matter of succession.
Although he had already named a successor, his final moments added uncertainty. Before his death, he held Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand and quietly entrusted everything to him.
That final statement, which carried the weight of a dying leader's will, did not receive full acceptance within the village.
Konoha was never a place ruled by a single man's words.
Even if the Second Hokage had made his decision, others still had their own ambitions.
The Uchiha clan, powerful and influential, had every reason to compete. Within the Senju clan itself, there were voices hoping that another Senju would take the position.
Compared to them, the Sarutobi clan lacked the same level of influence.
During that time, several clans within Konoha were strong enough to suppress the Sarutobi clan entirely.
In their eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen had risen too quickly.
He came from a relatively modest clan background, so many questioned what right he had to stand at the top of Konoha.
As a result, the village descended into internal conflict.
While the First Shinobi World War raged outside, the major factions within Konoha fought among themselves for power, neglecting the battlefield.
Defeats followed one after another.
Then, at a critical moment, Uzumaki Mito stepped forward.
The moment she appeared, all opposition vanished.
Her identity alone was enough to silence everyone. She was the wife of the First Hokage, the first Nine Tails jinchuriki, and a member of the Uzumaki clan.
More importantly, her strength was undeniable.
There were even rumors that Senju Hashirama himself treated her with caution, and that Uchiha Madara avoided confronting her altogether.
At one point, someone proposed that she temporarily take the position of Third Hokage.
She had the power, the status, and the support.
Even the Uchiha could only voice quiet objections.
But Uzumaki Mito refused.
Instead, she chose to trust the judgment of the Second Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did not disappoint that trust.
Along with the other five disciples of the Second Hokage, he proved himself through achievements on the battlefield.
At a young age, the six of them established their reputations.
In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen rose to the position of Hokage without further opposition.
Hayashi's voice remained calm as he spoke.
"The Land of Rain doesn't have that kind of luck."
He looked directly at Hanzō.
"Without you, this country has already begun to fall apart."
Whether the Land of Rain remained stable or not did not matter much to Konoha in the long term.
But at this moment, it could not be allowed to descend into chaos.
Hayashi continued.
"Which is more dangerous, a hive with a queen, or one without?"
He did not wait for an answer.
"Without one."
"With a leader, even disorder can be controlled. Without one, everything breaks apart. Small groups form everywhere, and they attack anything in sight."
Hanzō was that leader.
As long as he existed, Konoha could maintain indirect control over the Land of Rain.
If he disappeared, the resulting chaos would disrupt everything Konoha planned next.
After listening, Hanzō's expression darkened.
He had not expected things to deteriorate so quickly.
"So after all that, what do you want from me?" he asked.
Konoha had not executed him. Hayashi continued to visit him.
There was clearly a purpose behind it.
"It's simple," Hayashi replied. "Form an alliance with Konoha."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Our forces will pass through the Land of Rain to reach other battlefields. The Hidden Rain must ensure the safety of our supply lines."
Hanzō's eyes flickered.
After a long silence, he shook his head.
"That's impossible. I've already formed alliances with other nations."
"Nothing is impossible," Hayashi said calmly. "Alliances can be broken."
He gave a faint smile.
"Look at the Hidden Sand. How many times have they cooperated with us, only to turn around and betray us again?"
Hanzō fell silent for a moment.
"What if I refuse?"
Hayashi's tone did not change.
"Konoha has no reason to keep someone without value."
"We can have a member of the Yamanaka clan search your mind for information."
He looked directly at Hanzō.
"It may leave you with severe damage. You could lose your mind completely."
He spoke as if describing something trivial.
"The Demigod reduced to tearing paper all day. That might become your future."
Hanzō stared at him.
"You wouldn't do that," he said slowly. "If I'm gone, the Land of Rain will fall into chaos. No one will secure your supply lines."
Hayashi nodded.
"That's true."
He sighed lightly.
"Which makes this troublesome for me as well."
"But if you refuse to cooperate, we will simply support someone else to take your place."
"That process will take time," Hanzō said.
"It will," Hayashi admitted. "But war never goes perfectly according to plan."
"Even if it delays us, no one can stop Konoha's advance."
He continued.
"There's something else you should know. The Hidden Stone and Hidden Sand have already begun mobilizing their forces."
Hayashi's gaze sharpened slightly.
"If the Land of Rain remains unstable, we will not move into the Land of Earth or the Land of Wind."
"Instead, the battlefield will be set here again."
"Just like the Second Shinobi World War."
Hanzō's expression tightened.
That was the worst possible outcome.
If three great nations turned the Land of Rain into a battlefield again, countless lives would be lost.
This was exactly what he had always tried to prevent.
Seeing his reaction, Hayashi pressed further.
"There isn't much time."
"Only by working with Konoha can you prevent this country from becoming a battlefield again."
Hanzō spoke in a low voice.
"And what stops me from betraying you later?"
Hayashi smiled faintly.
"That's why we'll need some assurance."
"We will place a sealing mark on you. Once the war ends, it will be removed."
"Impossible," Hanzō said immediately.
Sealing techniques varied greatly.
Some restrained movement. Others could determine life and death.
The most infamous among them was the cursed seal used by the Hyuga clan.
What Hayashi was proposing clearly fell into the latter category.
Hayashi met his gaze without hesitation.
"I already told you. Nothing is impossible."
"Your life is already in Konoha's hands."
He continued, his tone steady.
"And even without the seal, do you think you would be safe?"
"I captured you once. I can do it again."
"We've already fought. You understand the difference between us."
His voice remained calm, but the meaning was clear.
"And that wasn't even all of my strength."
"If you break the agreement, even hiding in the Hidden Rain won't save you."
He paused briefly.
"You don't believe your village's defenses surpass those of the Hidden Mist, do you?"
Silence filled the cell.
For Hanzō, the choice was simple, yet cruel.
Accept the seal and live under Konoha's control.
Or refuse, and lose everything now.
He could accept death.
But he could not accept seeing the Land of Rain become a battlefield once more.
After a long time, he finally spoke.
"How can I trust that you'll keep your word?"
"The Third Hokage's reputation is enough," Hayashi replied. "He has never broken his promises."
Hanzō closed his eyes.
The silence stretched on.
Hayashi waited for a while. When no answer came, he stood and turned toward the door.
Just as he reached it, Hanzō spoke.
"I'll agree."
Hayashi stopped.
"But I want to meet the Third Hokage."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow, then smiled.
"Of course."
"That can be arranged."
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