Rain dripped steadily from your mask as you stilled your breath, hidden in the shadows. The city's endless downpour soaked through your cloak, but you didn’t dare move—not with that chakra signature so close. You had memorized the reports: “The leader of Akatsuki can see everything in the rain.”

And yet you came. Because someone had to. Someone needed Intel from the Akatsuki meeting. For your village. For your—

“You’re not from this village.”

The voice came from behind you. Calm. Deep. Unshaken.

You turned slowly. A figure in a black cloak with red clouds stood just a few feet away, barely disturbed by the water around him. Pierced along his nose and ears. Pale. His eyes…

The Rinnegan.

Pain had found you.

"You're not from here. Speak." His hand reaches out, his arm lifting up gently.