Shisui had long wanted someone to confide in.

Shin understood his pain well: caught between his clan and the village, unable to move forward or back, feeling misunderstood. The only person he could even remotely call a friend was Itachi, who was probably still just a kid of four or five.

Shisui was suffering.

And ever since Shin had met him, he'd subtly and consistently been guiding Shisui to trust him. Bearing the name Aizen, he couldn't afford to fall behind in that regard. The name itself was a promise of manipulation, and he intended to live up to it fully.

Now, Shisui saw Shin as flawless; even the last gap in his strength had been closed, and his trust in him had finally reached a tipping point.

Unable to suppress his emotions any longer, he asked, "Aizen, this may be a presumptuous question, but if, hypothetically, your clan and your village were to come into conflict one day, which side would you stand on?"

Shin chuckled softly, not immediately showing his hand. He needed to unveil his own plans slowly to avoid overwhelming Shisui. The younger ninja was like a skittish animal, ready to bolt at the slightest misstep.

"That's a tough question. I'm an orphan—I have no parents or clan, and in the Land of Rain, there aren't really any lasting ninja clans."

Shisui's disappointment was obvious.

But then Shin changed his tone and added, leaning forward slightly as if sharing a secret, "But I think, regardless of which side you choose, the question should be whether their beliefs and convictions align with yours."

Seeing Shisui's confusion, he smiled and continued. "Let me tell you a story from the Land of Rain."

"Many of us joined Ame out of admiration for Hanzō the Salamander. I was no different. But inevitably, some opportunists made their way in, too."

"Two years ago, a group came to our village. They acted as a unit, always claiming to act for the Land of Rain and in the name of Hanzō-sama. But in reality, everything they did was for personal gain."

The disgust in his voice was perfectly calibrated, just enough to resonate with Shisui's own hidden feelings.

"They bullied the weak and caused havoc, abusing their identity as Ame ninjas. Many villagers, unaware of the truth, were misled by their words and even joined them."

"This group eventually gained high-ranking positions, becoming second only to Hanzō-sama himself."

"I wanted to cut them down many times but hesitated because they were comrades, fellow ninjas of the same village."

Shin's shoulders tensed, his usual steady gaze dropping to the ground as if even recounting the story stirred something raw within him. He recounted the tale of the Land of Rain, never once mentioning Konoha, yet every word left Shisui shaken.

"And then, what happened?" Shisui asked softly, his tone unconsciously gentler. His Sharingan had activated without him noticing, as if trying to memorize every detail of this moment.

"In the end, Hanzō-sama found out about these people and, without hesitation, wiped them out completely. He even scolded me afterward, asking why, despite knowing the truth, I let them go unchecked."

"I explained that they were our comrades, Ame ninjas like us from the same village." Shin's voice grew quieter, drawing Shisui even closer.

"But Hanzō-sama only sneered and said: What kind of comrade is a parasite like that? How can we govern the Land of Rain with such vermin among us?"

"From that moment, I realized that fighting side by side should be based on shared beliefs and justice, not simply on wearing the same headband."

Shin then patted Shisui on the shoulder, advising him sincerely, "Another important point is to judge a person by their actions, not their words. Some people speak of noble causes but show no integrity in their actions."

"Those are not people worth trusting or following. Shisui, don't be deceived."

Shisui paused, then flushed with embarrassment. "No, Aizen, you misunderstood. I wasn't talking about myself. I was just... chatting about my friend." His Sharingan faded, making him look younger and more vulnerable—like a child caught in an obvious lie.

Shin smiled and winked at him warmly. "I understand, Shisui. That was about your friend, and these are my suggestions for your friend. I hope you'll pass along my story from the Land of Rain to them."

He kept his tone light, pretending not to notice Shisui's obvious discomfort.

His face turned even redder. At this point, he couldn't bring himself to admit that the friend he mentioned was really himself.

Awkwardly, he nodded, following Shin's words. "Thank you for the story on behalf of... my friend."

"You're welcome. And I wish your friend a swift resolution to their struggles."

"Aizen, can we, um, not talk about my friend for now?" Shisui almost stumbled over the words in his haste to move the conversation along.

"Of course. Would you teach me your teleportation technique?"

Eager to change the subject, Shisui revealed his teleportation skill, hoping to distract Shin from his friend.

Another piece secured. Shisui will be invaluable...

It was already evening by the time Shin parted ways with Shisui and left Sora-ku.

When he returned to the Land of Rain, he found everyone waiting for him.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"What's going on?" he asked curiously. "Did something happen?"

Konan smiled gently, stepping forward to take his hand. "Nothing's wrong. You don't have to be so tense. We just wanted to invite you to watch the fireworks with us."

"Fireworks?"

"Yes, it's New Year's."

A full year of survival in this dangerous game. Who would have thought?

Before he knew it, another year had come. And it was his first New Year since he arrived in this world.

He was a bit surprised. "New Year's was three days ago, wasn't it?" The tactician in him couldn't help but point out the discrepancy.

Konan brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and explained a bit sheepishly. "There was nothing we could do. You know how things are in the Land of Rain—supplies get cut off due to the war, and New Year's coincided with the Rock's declaration of war on Konoha."

"The merchants stayed away, so we couldn't get any fireworks until today."

"Come, let's go see the fireworks. They say it'll be beautiful." Konan's hand tightened slightly around his, as if afraid he might refuse.

"Alright."

Shin held Konan's hand as they walked outside.

At least here, he found a bit of warmth he could call his own, even if it was attained by a mountain of corpses. If he ever had the chance to restart, he would take the same route.

Old habits die hard.

---

As the new year arrived, the Shinobi World War that had gripped countless hearts entered a new chapter.

Iwa declared war on Konoha, and a few days later, Konoha responded. The renowned Uchiha clan finally joined the fray as they marched to the battlefield.

This news stirred emotions across the ninja world, making the region around Kusa and Taki the focus of attention.

In the nearby Land of Rain, Shin unexpectedly faced a personal challenge to kick off the new year.

Just days before, he had been watching beautiful fireworks with Konan and the others. Yet soon after, a subordinate reported back with bad news.

"Captain Shin!" The messenger's voice carried barely contained anger. "They're back—the nobles!"

"What? Someone shows up with a deed and demands taxes? Where did these people come from, and where have they been all this time?" Shin asked, his fingers drumming against the wooden table as he struggled to contain his anger.

The Akatsuki member delivering the report looked annoyed, though not as visibly upset as Shin. He pulled out a crumpled scroll, his hands shaking slightly.

"They're nobles appointed by the former daimyō of the Land of Rain. When war broke out years ago, they all fled to the Land of Earth, fearing Konoha might invade here as they did in the last Great Ninja War."

"Now that Iwa has pushed the battle line beyond Kusa into the Land of Fire, they believe Konoha's no longer a significant threat. They've returned, backed by a large escort of Iwa ninjas."

"Hide behind Iwa's strength while they squeeze our people dry," another member spat from the corner. "They didn't help when we were struggling, but now they want their share?"

A clear look of disdain appeared on Shin's face. They abandon their duties, then return expecting to resume their privileges. How typical of the powerful. "Didn't our daimyō go missing long ago?"

He once suspected Hanzō was behind the daimyō's disappearance but lacked any proof.

A subordinate explained helplessly, "Yes, the daimyō is gone, but those nobles he appointed still hold property deeds." He spread several documents on the table. "They've kept these safe while hiding away, it seems."

Shin chuckled coldly. "And so what if they have deeds? The daimyō isn't here—what, do they think they can turn the world upside down?"

"We fight with our lives to protect the Land of Rain. Are we supposed to protect their right to collect rent from us?"

This isn't just about taxes. This is about power, legitimacy, control. The perfect opportunity presents itself.

Noticing his team's confusion, he slapped a letter from Hanzō on the table. "Does this prove that we are an organization acknowledged by Hanzō, the rightful authority in the Land of Rain?"

His subordinates nodded slowly, eyes fixed on the official seal.

Then, he slapped down a gift from local villagers, received by Akatsuki over the New Year. "Does this prove that we are the ones truly protecting the Land of Rain and the nearby villages?"

They nodded again, more confidently this time. One member touched the gift gently, remembering the grateful faces of the villagers who had brought it.

Finally, he placed the two items together. "Then, do these together give us the right to collect taxes ourselves? And tell those cowardly nobles to get lost?"

"We could... collect taxes ourselves?" A young member whispered, as if afraid to voice the revolutionary idea too loudly.

At this point, the Akatsuki members drew a sharp breath, exclaiming, "Are we really going to collect taxes ourselves?"

One person remarked in disbelief, "Is that even a shinobi's duty?" He looked around nervously, as if expecting someone to laugh at the absurd suggestion.

"Who defines a shinobi's duty? Dead men and their outdated rules?" He stood up. "Every chain that binds us is one we've placed on ourselves."

Shin laughed and looked at them, spreading his hands as he said, "Which rulebook dictates what a shinobi should or shouldn't do? Who made these rules—the Sage of the Six Paths? Or maybe the so-called God of Shinobi?"

"Neither! And even if they had, they're long gone. So why should we shackle ourselves with self-imposed limitations? We are the true heroes saving the Land of Rain! We are its genuine protectors!"

"Why should we yield our right to collect taxes to those cowardly nobles?"

The Akatsuki members had never seen Shin so impassioned before. They exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

A veteran member stroked his chin thoughtfully. "He's right about the nobles..."

A more cautious one shifted uneasily. "But challenging the established order?"

They had initially felt the injustice but had only thought of easing the villagers' burdens a little. None had anticipated this radical solution from Shin.

To collect the taxes themselves? Is that how the problem would be solved? It was astonishing.

For any remaining concerns, they turned toward Yahiko, the only one who could potentially rein in Shin.

But none realized that by doing so, they were inadvertently recognizing Shin's rising authority—a role that belonged to Yahiko.

After a moment's hesitation, he sighed. "But what about Iwa? Those nobles hired Iwa ninjas for protection. If we confront them, the ninjas will intervene, and their forces are near the border."

It was a valid concern, but Shin didn't care. After all, he had plans to deal with Hanzō someday, which would be a far more daring act. How could he retreat here if he hoped to rally everyone to rise up against the established power?

Peace through strength, not weakness. Yahiko still doesn't understand.

"Quick and decisive action. If we eliminate our targets swiftly, the Iwa forces won't have time to react, and I have a plan to force them to negotiate afterward," Shin declared confidently. He began sketching a rough map on the table with his finger. "We strike at dawn. Quick, precise, no witnesses."

"Do we really have to do this? Our dream has always been to pursue peace." Yahiko asked. His eyes searched the room, finding fewer supporters than he might have expected.

"Peace isn't gained through compromise or retreat. Back then, you criticized me for burning down the forest, saying it was all for the villagers' sake. But now, you're ready to sacrifice those same villagers for peace?"

A younger member whispered to his companion, "Shin's got a point. What good is peace if we're all still slaves to those nobles?"

Yahiko was left speechless.

As Shin stepped out to gather more members to discuss tactics, the commotion outside drew everyone's attention. Word had spread through the village like wildfire, carried by whispers and hopeful glances.

He was greeted by a crowd of kneeling villagers outside the door. Their faces bore the weathered look of people who had endured too much for too long. Perfect. The people's voice becomes my strength. I am sorry that I'm not sorry, Yahiko.

They bowed deeply, calling out, "Thank you, Akatsuki! Thank you, Shin-sama!"

"Finally, someone stands up for us!" an old man shouted.

"Akatsuki truly protects the people!" another joined in, and the cry was taken up by others.

Some of the Akatsuki members, who hailed from the surrounding villages, joined in with heartfelt shouts of gratitude.

Yahiko sighed deeply. Today had finally come…

He'd sensed it long ago: the day Shin would surpass him in influence and be recognized as the leader.