Creeping Shadow

Being informed by Kakashi that the orphans he trained have begun to bring about change in the Hidden Rain Village through dialogue, Jiraiya expresses his satisfaction with his students' progress. At the Hidden Rain, Kyuusuke brings request letters for the Akatsuki's aid to Yahiko, who intends to surpass Hanzo one day. Hanzo learned of the Akatsuki's existence from one of his men and expresses approval towards the organization for sharing his ideals. Meanwhile, Yahiko, Konan and Nagato head to a small village that was attacked earlier by Hidden Stone ninja, deciding to approach them to resolve this peacefully. But the attackers refuse to listen with Yahiko forced to kill one with him and Konan being injured enraged Nagato enough to unconscious summoning the Gedo Statue in response. But the two manage to stop Nagato in time and leave, unaware that the Hidden Stone ninja were Danzo and his ANBU in disguise to break Hidden Stone’s ceasefire with the Hidden Leaf. Seeing an opportunity to acquire the Rinnegan, Danzo has his deceased subordinates disguised as Hidden Rain ninja to trick Hanzo into believing the Akatsuki are a threat to his authority. All the while, Obito and Zestu observe the events.