The Land of Rain, situated at the intersection of the Earth, Leaf, and Sand territories, was a place seemingly abandoned by the world. The gloomy sky and constant rain added to the village's desolate atmosphere, surrounded by lakes.

At the village entrance, cold statues drenched in rainwater added to the somber mood.

Naruto felt a deep sense of guilt towards the Hidden Rain Village. He had once promised Konan that, as Hokage, he would bring peace to the village.

However, in the future, the Hidden Rain fell into decline, becoming a breeding ground for the Kara organization. Even after the defeat of Isshiki and Code, the village never revived, disappearing into the vast sea of shinobi, with only the rain continuing to fall.

Now, this desolate village would become his refuge and base of operations.

Naruto couldn't simply enjoy the benefits without contributing. He was determined to share in its hardships and challenges.

Standing on the lake's surface amidst the pouring rain, he gazed at the village and vowed: From today, the Hidden Rain will be my second home. What I owe from my past life, I will repay in this one...

Konan, Orochimaru, and Kisame, who accompanied him, didn't know his thoughts but sensed a new resolve in his demeanor.

Upon entering the village, there was no grand welcoming ceremony.

However, both civilians and shinobi greeted Konan with genuine reverence.

Konan was the Angel, the spokesperson for Pain, the god of the Hidden Rain, holding a significant position in the village.

Isolated from the world, the villagers didn't know that Pain, their leader, was no longer alive.

They were curious and wary of the strangers accompanying the Angel, especially the blond masked man walking beside her.

"Could that be Lord Pain?"

"It can't be. Lord Pain is so mysterious and low-key, never appearing in public. His very existence is a mystery."

"Then, are they outsiders?"

"Why would the Angel bring outsiders into the village?"

"Whatever the reason, Lord Pain wouldn't harm us..."

Feeling the atmosphere of doubt around him, Naruto murmured, "The Pervy Sage must have faced many difficulties when he infiltrated this place..."

Konan calmly replied, "Yes, this place is isolated. Pain, who defeated Hanzo and unified the Hidden Rain, is seen as a god by the people. Anyone showing hostility towards Pain becomes a target."

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Additionally, before Pain's rule, there were actually two ninja villages: the Hidden Rain of the Land of Rain and the Hidden Rain of the Land of Rivers. Pain unified them, creating the current Hidden Rain Village."

Turning to Naruto, Konan said, "Now that Nagato is gone, Naruto, I want to support you as the new leader of the Hidden Rain."

Naruto pondered, "It's not the right time. I'm an outsider with no foundation here. Taking over as leader abruptly would harm your reputation, Konan-sensei..."

Konan, moved by his words, looked away. "I thought the same... The truth about Pain's absence will eventually come out. Before that day, you need to build your reputation so you can rightfully succeed him."

As they discussed, they left the civilian area and entered the depths of the Hidden Rain.

The buildings here were primarily made of steel and stone, with a cold, oppressive style, adorned with religious motifs.

Numerous steel pipes rose from the ground, forming a unique landscape, closely related to the village's heavy rainfall, necessitating such extensive piping and drainage systems.

"..." Perhaps due to his future experiences, Naruto felt a strong connection with this environment.

Looking at the tallest tower to the south, Naruto said, "The Hidden Rain is known for its towering structures. It's said that Pain resided in the tallest tower, which must be that one."

Konan nodded, "Yes, Pain liked to overlook the village from that tower. The highest meetings of the Akatsuki were also held there. That tower is marked by someone."

Naruto glanced at her, "You mean Obito?"

Konan's orange eyes darkened, "Yes, the man who called himself Madara. His Sharingan has a space-time jutsu. After years of observation, I've almost figured it out."

"He can mark spaces with his eyes and teleport between his own space-time and the marked locations. That tower is one of his many marked places."

Naruto thought: So, Kamui's space-time marking targets spaces, not individuals. In this regard, my Flying Thunder God has an advantage.

Konan looked north, "So, I plan to abandon that tower and use the northern backup tower. Follow me..."

The four of them arrived at an empty area to the north. Konan formed hand seals and placed her hand on the ground.

Rumble...!

With a roar, a tower buried underground rose, accompanied by numerous smaller towers.

Once it was complete, she stood in the rain, her eyes filled with hope, "This will be our new starting point..."

Naruto nodded in satisfaction, "It suits me perfectly."

Konan suggested, "We've been traveling for a long time. Let's rest tonight and discuss our plans tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Naruto looked at Orochimaru and Kisame, "What do you think?"

"No objections."

Orochimaru and Kisame replied in unison.

"Then it's settled..."

Naruto threw his cloak over his shoulder and entered the tower.

From the outside, the tower seemed small, but inside, it was spacious.

There were nine floors in total, with corridors and rooms on the first seven floors.

As they climbed the stairs, Konan said, "Orochimaru, Kisame, you can choose any room on the first six floors. The seventh floor is off-limits without permission..."

Kisame stopped on the second floor.

Orochimaru stopped on the fourth floor.

Konan and Naruto continued to the seventh floor.

The seventh floor was unique, with only three rooms arranged side by side.

Konan asked, "Naruto, which room do you want?"

Naruto replied, "What about you, Konan-sensei?"

Konan said, "I can take any room. You choose first, and I'll stay next to you for convenience."

Naruto thought for a moment, "Then I'll take the middle room."

Konan nodded, "I'll take the innermost room. If you find it uncomfortable..."

Naruto removed his mask, revealing a young yet weathered face, "I won't. I've gotten used to living in caves over the years. Having a bed is already a luxury..."

Konan smiled gently, "Those days are over, Naruto. Welcome to the Hidden Rain Village!"