Seeing Rasa so aggressive, Yahiko only furrowed his brow slightly, then raised his right hand, signaling the restless subordinates behind him to quiet down.
"You misunderstand. We are Akatsuki, not Hanzō's subordinates. We are an organization from the Land of Rain seeking peace."
Yahiko spoke calmly, briefly outlining Akatsuki's philosophy of "nonviolent non-cooperation," before continuing, "We do not object to your forces being stationed at the border, but entering the Land of Rain to attack civilians—that is unacceptable, isn't it?"
Earlier today, while on a mission, Ida discovered that several small towns in the Land of Rain had been attacked. Investigation revealed the attackers were Sunagakure Ninja. Though both sides had fought briefly, the intruders managed to escape.
Most members of Akatsuki abhorred the idea of harming civilians. Nagato, for example, had lost his parents to Konoha Ninja. This principle drove Yahiko and the others to intervene today, hoping for formal negotiations with Sunagakure.
As soon as Yahiko finished speaking, discontent rippled through the Sunagakure forces. Being one of the Five Great Nations, how could they accept being accused of such actions?
"Ridiculous!"
"This is pure slander!"
Sunagakure Ninja retorted angrily.
Ebizo's expression tightened. "Your Excellency, if you intend to make accusations, you must present proof."
Although most great nations' ninjas avoided harming civilians, occasional misconduct was overlooked as long as it remained secret. Being publicly accused, however, threatened Sunagakure's reputation.
Yahiko nodded. "We have evidence. One hundred li from here, three small towns were attacked. If you doubt us, verify for yourselves. Survivors from those villages can confirm our account. And yes, Sunagakure Ninja engaged us but escaped, leaving the evidence behind."
Rasa's expression grew grave. He remembered the two squads that had been lost. His gaze sharpened as he exchanged a look with Ebizo.
At that moment, a sharp voice rang from the Sunagakure ranks.
"It's them! Nanmu and Isshiki led a squad to scout and haven't returned—they must be the ones responsible!"
Rasa and Yahiko both reacted. Rasa had hoped this issue would remain undisclosed. The Third Kazekage had strictly ordered that Sunagakure Ninja avoid conflicts unless Konoha attacked the Land of Wind.
If word spread that Sunagakure Ninja had died in the Land of Rain, the lower ranks would erupt in fury. Rasa lacked the prestige to suppress such outrage, and Ebizo could not control the subordinates either.
The crowd's voices rose:
"What? Really?"
"Those brats from the Land of Rain actually dare attack us?"
"Kill them! Traitors!"
Yahiko's expression darkened. Some Sunagakure Ninja had indeed survived, and some accounts might be false. If lies, then Sunagakure had been set up; if true, Akatsuki had committed a grave offense. Yahiko, along with his fifty comrades, maintained an air of grievance, silently asking, "What's your problem?"
To Rasa, the display was a performance. "Our Sunagakure Ninja were killed, yet you accuse us of attacking civilians in the Land of Rain?"
Convincing lies passed as truth—a skill akin to Talk-no-Jutsu. Regardless of Yahiko's actual intent, Rasa had to respond. His subordinates were enraged, demanding action. As commander, he needed to assert authority.
He focused first on Yahiko, underestimating the Rain ninja. Besides Hanzō, he assumed the Land of Rain lacked high-level fighters. Akatsuki was small at this stage, and Rasa had misjudged them before, just as he had misjudged Hayashi years ago.
Confident, Rasa struck first. "Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken!"
Gold-encrusted shuriken flew from his hands. At the same time, Konan launched her Paper Shuriken Jutsu.
The clash was a duel of extremes: the most expensive shuriken against the simplest, the difference in quality undeniable. Rasa's Gold Dust shurikens crushed through their opponents effortlessly.
Yahiko stepped forward, using Wind Release: Gale Palm, not to attack but to deflect. Rasa countered with "Magnet Release: Gold Dust Wave," rolling dense sheets of gold across the battlefield.
Yahiko spat out a torrent of Water Release: Violent Water Wave, attempting to wash away the sand. Yet the Gold Dust absorbed his chakra, resisting his attack.
Rasa crossed his arms, disdain etched on his face. "Mixed with Gold Dust of this quality, your Water Release cannot block it. Naive."
Surrounding ninjas could only watch in awe. Rasa had once again felt the thrill of overwhelming power.
But before he could fully revel, Nagato moved. Without words, without hand seals, he appeared in front of Konan and Yahiko, raising only his right hand. The Gold Dust wave froze midair, drained of its momentum.
Rasa's shock was clear. Control of the Gold Dust had slipped. From the sky, golden particles rained down, dazzling the battlefield.
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