stonecrandall Chapter 146 Ye Cang, it's all thanks to Cheng-ge taking a liking to you
Chapter 146 Ye Cang, it's all thanks to Cheng-ge taking a liking to you
Chapter 146 Ye Cang, it's all thanks to Cheng-ge taking a liking to you
The Land of Water is some distance from the Land of Wind.
In addition, the war was raging along the way, and the border checks of major countries were strict. Furthermore, Makoto Koji was traveling in a low-key manner, so he was a little slower.
He first traveled north through the Land of Hot Water, then west through the Land of Grass, and finally south into the Land of Wind.
This route is a long detour, but it's safe.
The Land of Hot Springs remained as bustling as ever, typical of a neutral country, with its hot spring inns, casinos, and black markets.
Business as usual.
Gouju Cheng didn't alert anyone, not even Boss Jin. He simply replenished his supplies and continued on his way.
The situation in the Land of Grass is much worse.
As a buffer zone where the three kingdoms of fire, earth, and wind meet, this place has long been ravaged by war.
Abandoned villages, barren farmland, and uncollected corpses can be seen everywhere.
In fact, the same was true of the battlefield in Kirigakure back then, especially Kazama Kazuya. Before Makoto Karatachi piloted Kushina, Konoha and Kirigakure were fighting each other to the death. Kazama Kazuya was like a meat grinder, frantically devouring lives.
However, Kazama and Tani are regions, while this is a country!
When large countries go to war, small countries suffer.
This has been an unchanging law in the ninja world for thousands of years: these small countries sandwiched between great powers have always been the biggest victims of war.
After passing through the Land of Grass, the Land of Rain lies ahead.
It was a country shrouded in rain year-round, with a gray sky and a continuous drizzle like endless tears falling on this war-torn land.
From the arrival of the Ninja Village era to everything that happened in the Shippuden series, eighty percent of the reasons were related to this country.
"This awful weather—"
Gouju Cheng stood under a big tree, looking at the rain-soaked land in front of him, his brows slightly furrowed.
He muttered something under his breath, then took a waterproof cloak from his ninja tool bag and put it on.
The rain in the Land of Rain truly lives up to its name.
It wasn't a torrential downpour, nor a fleeting shower, but a continuous drizzle that seemed to never stop, falling from morning till night, from spring to winter, all year round, without end.
This kind of weather wasn't too unbearable for Makoto Karatachi, who was used to the humid climate of the Land of Water. In fact, he quite liked it, since Water Release ninjas naturally prefer this kind of humid environment.
However, this kind of continuous rain always gives people an indescribable sense of oppression.
"Once you pass through the Land of Rain, you will enter the Land of Wind."
Gouju Cheng was mentally planning the route.
He chose this route, bypassing the heavy blockades of the Land of Fire and the Iwagakure-controlled area. Although the journey was longer, it was less troublesome.
However, the current situation in the Land of Rain—
Gouju Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly.
According to the intelligence he had previously obtained, Konoha had already asked Hanzo to take action against Iwagakure's supply lines.
The feud between Hanzo and the Akatsuki organization is about to reach its final eruption.
Yahiko, Nagato, Konan————
The trio full of ideals are about to meet their end. The orange-haired boy, full of idealism, will also die in this struggle, allowing the entire Akatsuki to face the realities of life and complete their transformation.
"What a pity."
Gouju Cheng sighed softly, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.
Yahiko is indeed worthy of respect.
Although his ideas were naive, his action, his charisma, and his purity were enough to move anyone.
Unfortunately, this world has no need for naivety, nor will naivety exist.
What, you mean Naruto?
What, you, Yahiko, are also the reincarnation of Ashura?
"Forget it, it's best not to meddle in other people's business."
Gouju Cheng shook his head, temporarily suppressing these thoughts.
Having already copied the Rinnegan, the future of the Akatsuki organization is no longer his concern.
What he needs to do now is to cross the Land of Rain as soon as possible and head to the Loulan ruins in the Land of Wind to find the power of the dragon vein.
As for Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan—
That was their fate, and also their choice.
The land of rain has a complex and varied terrain, with low hills, dense forests, and large areas of swamps and wetlands.
Gouju Cheng hurried along the planned route, the rain pattering softly on his cloak, and there was no other sound around him except for the rain.
But less than half a day after he ventured deep into the Land of Rain, a fierce battle surge came from the valley ahead.
The sounds of battle mingled with the rain, appearing exceptionally clear.
Makoto Koji frowned slightly, intending to take a detour to avoid it, but the direction of the battle fluctuations happened to block his path.
and----
He was quite familiar with that fiery chakra.
"It can't be that much of a coincidence."
Amidst the blazing flames churning in the rain, a figure that seemed vaguely familiar to Makoto Kujira came into view.
The orange-red fireball exploded in the rain, instantly evaporating the falling rainwater into white steam, forming eerie wisps of mist.
Who else could have achieved such a signature ninjutsu effect besides Pakura, the Scorching Release user of Sunagakure?
Gouju Cheng paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
What's Yekura doing here?
Wasn't this guy wanted by Rasa? — Could it be that after being wanted by Rasa, this girl hid in the Land of Rain?
You know what, the Land of Rain is actually a perfect place for a rogue ninja like Yekura to hide.
"It really is her—"
A hint of surprise flashed in Makoto Goji's eyes.
Yekura's situation doesn't look good.
She still clearly had old injuries, and her movements occasionally revealed some slowness and flaws. Her face was pale and her breathing was rapid, indicating that she was forcing herself to fight.
She was surrounded by three ninjas dressed in black and wearing animal masks.
"This kind of ninjutsu—is it from Konoha?"
Gouju Cheng frowned slightly, his mind racing.
Konoha is currently besieged on all sides, fighting on three fronts with Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure. Why would Konoha send someone to the Land of Rain to hunt down a rogue ninja from Sunagakure at this critical juncture?
Something's not right, something's very wrong.
If Pakura becomes a rogue ninja of Sunagakure, it is definitely a good thing for Konoha. Under such circumstances, why would the people of Konoha hunt her down?
unless----
Has Yekura obtained some information that is detrimental to Konoha?
Alternatively, her very existence could influence Konoha's strategic plans.
Various possibilities flashed through Makoto Goji's mind, while the situation on the battlefield continued to deteriorate.
"Scorching Release: Overheating and Killing!"
Ye Cang exerted all her strength, condensing several blazing fireballs, which, like miniature suns, hurtled towards the three people surrounding her.
Wherever the fireball passed, the rain evaporated instantly, the air distorted, and the terrifying heat caused the ground to scorch and crack.
However, the three Konoha ninjas cooperated extremely well.
One person formed hand seals, and Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall rose from the ground, forming a thick barrier. Although it was scorched red and cracked, it barely blocked the frontal impact.
The other person flanked from the side, quickly forming hand seals to perform ninjutsu and attract Pakura's attention.
The last person silently slipped underground, and suddenly activated Earth Release: Heart Decapitation Technique. A hand reached out from the ground beneath Yekura's feet and grabbed her ankle!
Yekura reacted extremely quickly.
The moment she sensed the disturbance beneath her feet, she leaped into the air, simultaneously activating her Scorching Release technique. A blazing fireball exploded beneath her feet, forcing back the Konoha ninja on the ground.
"As expected of a Blazing Release user, even when severely injured, he still possesses such combat power."
The Konoha ninja who had been forced back leaped out of the ground, shook the dirt off his hands, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes behind his mask.
But there was no panic in his tone.
It was as if everything was under control.
"Fine, it doesn't matter if we can't take you down. The captain has already brought the target back anyway." A Konoha ninja said coldly, "Prepare to retreat. There's no need to waste any more time with him."
,Target?
Gouju Cheng squinted, his gaze sweeping lightly over his surroundings.
He then noticed that, besides Ye Cang, there were many other people lying on the ground around him.
These people were dressed in uniform clothing, which was somewhat dirty due to fighting or mud, but Makoto Kariju could still make out the basic style of the clothing.
He looks familiar...
and many more!
"You bastards, what have you done to Konan?!"
Yekura's voice was hoarse and trembling, and the fireballs of her Scorching Release churned around her, but the anxiety mixed with her anger revealed her true emotions at that moment.
Xiao Nan?!
Makoto Goji's mouth gaped open. He never expected that Yekura would actually be involved with the Akatsuki organization.
No, did we start recruiting S-rank rogue ninjas during our founding period?!
Konoha persuaded Hanzo to sabotage Iwagakure's supply lines, and Konan was taken away by Konoha ninja.
Isn't this just the death of Yahiko?
It matches perfectly, it matches everything!
"asshole!"
Ye Cang's eyes burned with fury that was almost tangible.
She didn't spend much time with Xiao Nan, but he reached out to her when she was at her most desperate, saving her life and giving her a place to stay.
Yecang will always remember this kindness.
Now, Konan is being targeted by the people of Konoha because she saved him, and may even face certain death.
"You're asking for it!"
Yecang roared, and the little chakra left in his body surged wildly.
"Scorching Release: Overheating and Killing!"
Several blazing fireballs exploded like miniature suns, the terrifying heat instantly evaporating the surrounding rain into white steam, and the entire battlefield was shrouded in thick fog.
The three Konoha ninjas were clearly surprised that Yekura could unleash such a powerful attack. Their expressions changed slightly, and they retreated rapidly.
"withdraw!"
The leading ninja made a decisive decision and gave the order to retreat.
Since their mission was already accomplished, there was no need to fight to the death with a rogue ninja who was struggling to survive.
The three figures blurred into afterimages and quickly disappeared into the rain.
Yecang wanted to give chase, but after taking just one step, he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.
Her injuries had not yet healed, and that attack just now had exhausted her remaining chakra, leaving her at her last gasp.
"hateful----"
Ye Cang gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.
But she knew her current state; let alone pursuing someone, just being able to stand still was her limit.
Just then.
A figure emerged from the rain like a ghost.
Ye Cang tensed up, the last bit of chakra in his body surging wildly, a fireball of scorching release gathering in his palm as he warily stared at the newcomer.
But when that figure stepped out of the rain, revealing that young and handsome face, Ye Cang was completely stunned.
Her long black hair was wet from the rain and clung to her forehead, but her deep eyes remained as bright as stars.
That familiar, slightly roguish smile instantly pulled Ye Cang's memory back to the day that changed her fate.
Outside of Misty Village.
That guy named Makoto Karatachi!
"—It's you!"
Yekura's voice was filled with disbelief.
Goji Cheng shrugged, giving an innocent look.
"What a coincidence, Ms. Yekura. We meet again."
"What are you doing here?!"
Ye Cang stared intently at him, her eyes filled with vigilance.
Although Makoto Karatachi told her the truth back then, preventing her from dying in vain, ultimately, this guy is a member of Kirigakure and an enemy of Sunagakure!
"Just passing by."
Makoto shrugged: "I was going to the Land of Wind to take care of some business, and I just happened to be passing through the Land of Rain. I didn't expect to run into Ms. Yogura again."
"Just passing by?" Ye Cang sneered, clearly not believing it. "Do you think I'd believe such nonsense?"
"Believe it or not." Makoto Kuraki didn't care, his gaze falling on Yekura's pale face, his brows furrowing slightly. "Your injuries are severe. If they aren't treated properly, your life may be in danger."
"It's none of your business!"
Ye Cang responded coldly, but as soon as he finished speaking, he stumbled and almost fell.
Gouju Cheng reacted quickly and stepped forward to support her.
"you----"
Yecang tried to struggle, but found that she had already exhausted her strength and did not even have the strength to push him away.
"Don't be stubborn."
Makoto Karatachi's voice became serious as he took out a specially made soldier's ration from his ninja tool bag and held it to her lips.
"Eat it. This is a special product from the Hidden Mist Medical Department; it will be good for your injuries."
Ye Cang looked at the soldier's ration pill, then at Makoto Goji's serious face, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.
Is this guy friend or foe?
"If you really want to die, then keep being stubborn," Makoto Karatachi said calmly. "However, you heard what those Konoha ninjas said earlier. Your friend is probably waiting for you to save her right now. If you die here, who will save her?"
These words were like a key, unlocking the last line of defense in Ye Cang's heart.
She opened her mouth and swallowed the soldier's ration pill.
After swallowing the pill, a warm chakra flowed through her body along with her blood. Although it couldn't heal her injuries, it at least gave her nearly depleted chakra a chance to breathe.
"Thanks."
Ye Cang managed to utter two words.
Makoto Kari smiled, helped her sit down on a nearby rock, and then took out bandages and medicine from his ninja tool bag to begin treating her wounds.
The movements were practiced and gentle, clearly indicating that this was not the first time he had done this.
Ye Cang looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
Why are you helping me?
"Because I find you pleasing to the eye," Makoto Goji Bean replied casually.
After a moment of silence, Yekura suddenly spoke: "Konan is the person they captured. She's from the Akatsuki. She saved me when I was being hunted by Sunagakure."
"You're really lucky. But why did those people from Konoha want to capture her?"
"I have no idea."
Ye Cang shook his head, his voice hoarse: "These people targeted Xiao Nan as soon as they appeared, but they didn't kill her. They probably want Xiao Nan to do something."
Gouju Cheng paused slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
According to the original storyline, Hanzo was probably planning to use Konan to eliminate Akatsuki without bloodshed.
The reason they're arresting Xiao Nan now is probably because of this.
"I'm going to save her."
Ye Cang suddenly spoke.
"In your current state?" Makoto Koji glanced at her. "Don't even mention saving people. In your current condition, you'd be lucky to even get out of this rainforest."
"Then I want to go too."
Ye Cang gritted his teeth, a stubborn flame burning in his eyes.
"She saved my life. I can't just watch her die."
Gouju Cheng was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
"I like your temper. Call me Brother Cheng, and I'll help you out, okay?"
Ye Cang was stunned.
She stared at Makoto Koji in disbelief, as if she had heard something incredible.
"You—help me?"
"What, you're not happy about it?"
"No—" Yekura shook her head, her eyes full of confusion, "Why would you help me? We're not related, and I'm a rogue ninja from Sunagakure, while you're from Kirigakure. We have no reason to—"
"Who says there's no reason?"
Gouju Cheng interrupted her with a grin.
"Actually, I also know the Konan you mentioned. Back in the Land of Waterfalls, I even received eggs from her."
'
Yekura was completely speechless.
What kind of ridiculous reason is that?
Did you receive the eggs?
However, there was no trace of freckles on Makoto Koji's face.
"You're not serious, are you?"
"Of course I'm serious." Makoto Karatachi stood up. "Besides, I'm quite interested in the Akatsuki organization. This is a good opportunity to see what kind of organization they are."
Ye Cang looked at him, a feeling that was hard to describe welling up inside her.
What on earth is this guy thinking?
"Don't just stand there, recover quickly, we need to set off as soon as possible." Makoto looked at the sky: "Those Konoha people just left not long ago, they shouldn't have gone far. If we adjust ourselves a bit, we should be able to catch up."
"good!"
Yekura took a deep breath, sat cross-legged, and began to fully absorb the medicinal power of the soldier's ration pill to restore her chakra.
Half an hour later.
Ye Cang opened her eyes and stood up.
Although his injuries have not yet healed, he has at least recovered some of his fighting strength.
"Is it ready?"
"Um.
""
"Let's go then."
at the same time.
Outside Yuyin Village, on the back mountain.
The continuous drizzle shrouded the mountain forest in a hazy mist.
Raindrops pattered on the leaves, making a soft rustling sound, and occasionally a bird would fly by, leaving behind a string of clear chirps.
A figure moved through the rain like a ghost, moving at an astonishing speed, yet making almost no sound.
He carried a figure tightly bound on his shoulder, its long, bluish-purple hair hanging limply, its eyes closed on its pale face, clearly its consciousness temporarily suppressed by some means.
It was Xiao Nan.
"Mission accomplished."
Uchiha Shisui silently said to himself, his speed increasing even further.
He traversed the mountains and forests, crossed streams, and finally arrived at the entrance to a hidden cave deep in the back mountains.
Two Rain Ninjas stood at the cave entrance. Upon seeing Shisui arrive, they nodded slightly in greeting.
Without pausing, Zhi Shui walked straight into the cave.
The cave's interior is a hidden world, a spacious area artificially created. Several luminous minerals are embedded in the rock walls, illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime.
Deepest inside, a figure stands silently.
He was tall and wore a dark ninja outfit with a large cloak over it. He wore a specially made breathing mask on his face, revealing only a pair of deep and sinister eyes.
The leader of Amegakure, a man hailed as a demigod.
Hanzo the Salamander!
"You're here?"
Hanzo's voice was deep and hoarse, echoing through the cave.
"Yes, Lord Hanzo."
Shisui gently placed Xiaonan on the ground, took a step back, and bowed respectfully.
Hanzo didn't speak, but slowly walked to Konan's side and looked down at the unconscious young woman.
Her long, bluish-purple hair and cool, aloof expression remained, and even in her unconscious state, her brows were slightly furrowed in a defiant manner.
Is this one of the core members of the Akatsuki organization?
"Well done."
Hanzo finally spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "When we deal with the Akatsuki later, you'll come along too."
"this----"
"Don't worry, you don't need to lift a finger."
Hanzo seemed to sense Shisui's thoughts and chuckled, "I'm just letting you learn a little more about politics."
"You are indeed outstanding, highly talented, and strong. But sometimes, strength alone is not enough to handle many things, especially now that you only have talent and do not yet possess true power."
"A guy like you, willing to work for someone like Danzo—if you don't have enough awareness, you'll suffer greatly in the future."
"You should remember White Teeth from back then, right?"
Shisui remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"—Thank you, Lord Hanzang."
Hanzo's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then he smiled meaningfully and turned to walk deeper into the cave.
"Let's go, it's almost time. Those two brats should be here soon."
""