Naruto: Growing Stronger Through Healing

"Violence doesn't solve problems."

"We can calm down and talk things through."

"If you have any difficulties, say them out loud. We can all think of a way to solve them together!"

After once again blocking his opponent's attack, Yahiko did not counterattack. Instead, he raised his voice and shouted earnestly, his tone filled with sincerity.

Beside him, Konan calmly manipulated a large amount of white paper, sending it floating into the air.

With several crisp folds, the sheets transformed into sharp, shuriken-like shapes, hovering menacingly around her.

This was not an attack—but a warning.

Nagato, meanwhile, remained silent, his hands held steadily in a hand-seal posture as his gaze locked onto the enemies before them.

Having mastered all five elemental transformations, he could unleash powerful ninjutsu at any moment.

Coupled with his vast chakra reserves, any technique he released would carry terrifying power.

Opposing the three of them were ten fierce-looking rogue ninja.

Yet appearances were deceiving.

Every single one of them was injured—some lightly, some severely, and a few had already lost the ability to continue fighting.

This outcome was clearly the result of Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato working together.

Among these ten rogue ninja were not only shinobi who had defected from Amegakure, but also wanderers from other countries who had fled here after abandoning their villages.

Shinobi did not engage in production. Once they left their villages, they lost their stable source of income.

Some chose to survive by accepting dangerous missions on the black market.

But more often than not, they chose a simpler path, robbing civilians.

Compared to uncertain missions that could cost them their lives, preying on ordinary people was safer, easier, and far more direct.

"You're truly arrogant! Who do you think you are?!" Facing Yahiko's words, a young rogue ninja wearing a red headband sneered in disgust.

He hated people like this the most. On the surface, they pretended to act for everyone's sake.

But deep down, they were nothing more than arrogant hypocrites always trying to impose their own ideals on others.

Yahiko looked at the red-headband man, momentarily stunned. Had he really sounded arrogant?

Still, he did not grow angry. Instead, he patiently explained once more.

"I just want to say that violence only breeds more hatred."

"If we truly want peace, everyone should put down violence and communicate properly."

"As long as we understand one another, we can—"

"So who do you think you are?!" The red-headband man cut him off impatiently, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Why should I understand you just because you say so? Why don't you try to understand me first?!"

Before his words had even fully faded, the man attacked without hesitation.

He specialized in Fire Release. Rapidly forming hand seals, he spat out a blazing fireball.

A roaring mass of flames surged forward, scorching heat rushing toward the trio.

To use Fire Release of this level in the rain-soaked environment of the Land of Rain, that alone proved the red-headband man's strength was far from ordinary.

Yahiko hadn't expected such a sudden attack. His reaction lagged by half a beat, and he had no time to form hand seals.

But Nagato had already anticipated this. With perfect timing, he released Water Release, instantly extinguishing the incoming fireball.

Not stopping there, Nagato followed up immediately. Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!

A roaring water dragon surged forth, twisting violently as it charged straight at the red-headband man.

In Nagato's eyes, Yahiko was the most important person of all.

Anyone who dared threaten Yahiko, he would never forgive.

Seeing the water dragon rushing toward him, the red-headband man's expression shifted. He hurriedly responded with Fire Release, attempting to counter.

But against Nagato's Water Release, his flames were utterly suppressed.

Not only was Nagato's chakra far greater than his, but the environment itself favored Water Release.

The water dragon crushed straight through the fire and continued forward.

Just as it was about to strike, a bearded rogue ninja suddenly appeared. With a swift slash of his blade, he cut the water dragon apart.

This bearded man was the leader of the ten rogue ninja. The strongest among them.

He specialized in swordsmanship—and more importantly, he was a rogue samurai who had defected from the Land of Iron.

The red-headband man was his trusted companion and also the second strongest of the group.

"Sorry," the bearded man said calmly. "My brother is prone to impulsiveness."

Rather than pressing the attack, he lowered his blade and apologized politely.

Seeing this, Yahiko immediately raised his hand and signaled Nagato to stop. Then he smiled warmly and shook his head.

"It's fine. I don't mind."

"My name is Yahiko. If you're facing difficulties, tell me. I will definitely find a way to help you!"

Hearing these words, the bearded man's eyes flickered subtly. He hesitated for a moment—then deliberately stepped closer to Yahiko.

"That's wonderful, Yahiko," he said with a faint smile. "We really do have difficulties. We were hoping you could help us."

"Tell me," Yahiko replied without hesitation.

His smile widened slightly. On the road to peace, he felt he had taken another step forward.

"It's like this," the bearded man began.

"We're a group of rogue ninja. Recently, the ninja world has begun to grow chaotic again. With no other choice, we fled to the Land of Rain."

On this point, he wasn't lying.

After years of recovery, the Five Great Ninja Villages had indeed begun experiencing constant friction once more.

Small skirmishes had never truly stopped—only been suppressed.

"So, in order for everyone to continue living, you can go to hell."

"…Yahiko. Nagato. Konan." A cold, low voice softly called out the names of the three young Amegakure ninja.

From the shadows, Danzō watched them intently.

Consumed by hatred toward Hirakawa Aoshi, he had thoroughly investigated everyone connected to him.

Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato were no exception.

As he observed their battle, Danzō's expression darkened further and further.

They were geniuses. Even among the Five Great Ninja Villages, they would be considered top-tier talents.

Their potential was unmistakable.

"Hmph. Hiruzen… these are the disciples you allowed to be cultivated in another village."

"Helping outsiders raise such exceptional talents—this alone proves you are completely unfit to be Hokage!"

Danzō knew very well that Jiraiya had once stayed in the Land of Rain for three years, teaching Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato.

At the time, he hadn't cared. Now, seeing their talent with his own eyes, his resentment toward Sarutobi Hiruzen surged uncontrollably.

"Teacher Tobirama… Don't blame me for destroying Konoha."

"Blame yourself for lacking foresight—for not choosing me as Hokage back then."

A twisted, sinister expression spread across Danzō's face.

Once, he had spoken endlessly about Konoha's future. Now, he wanted nothing more than to utterly destroy it.

In his eyes, he had never betrayed Konoha. Rather, Konoha had betrayed him.

"All traitors must die."

"Go."

"Capture those three Amegakure brats."

"I'll train them into Root ninja."

It wasn't appreciation. It was malice. Danzō wanted to use them to stab Hirakawa Aoshi in the heart.

Imagine it, Former allies standing on opposite sides, blades drawn.

Would Aoshi kill them? Or hesitate? Just picturing that moment sent a thrill through Danzō's body.

His breathing grew heavy. His lips curled upward. He was already enjoying it.

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