Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 298: The Transformation of the Land of Rain

Pain and Konan walked through the small town where they had once lived.

It was the place where they had first met and survived with Yahiko's help, until their encounter with Jiraiya.

"This place has changed so much. The streets are cleaner now, and there are no more homeless children," Konan said, holding her oil-paper umbrella, as she observed the surroundings with a sense of wonder.

"Indeed. I've modeled the welfare system after Haneda's policies, establishing orphanages to take in many of the orphans. I also set up textile mills and other simple workplaces, giving them the opportunity to learn skills while earning a dignified living," Pain explained.

"Haneda's original intent was to provide free education to all children, but due to the limitations of the Land of Fire's resources, this could only be implemented in Konoha for now. He plans to extend it to the entire country later."

"I, too, will follow the path he has paved and keep moving forward."

As Pain spoke, a rare smile appeared on his otherwise rigid and stoic face.

That smile left a deep impression on Konan—it reminded her of Yahiko's smile from long ago.

"Yes, under Haneda's guidance, the Land of Rain has changed significantly in just half a year.

"Although the Land of Fire has provided aid, as long as we continue down this road, true happiness will eventually be within reach," Konan added.

Pain suddenly stopped in front of a bakery on his right.

This was the same bakery where Yahiko had once brought a wounded Haneda.

Back then, the Akatsuki had included an idealistic and capable member named Kyosuke.

But over time, only Nagato and Konan had survived from the original Akatsuki.

"A loaf of bread here costs 50 ryo now. Compared to nine years ago, it has dropped by 90 ryo, and it's 50 ryo cheaper than last year," Pain noted.

"Most wages have also increased slightly. Judging by the current prices, the standard of living here has clearly improved."

He paused for a moment before adding, "The prices in Amegakure are even lower, and wages are higher."

Konan looked at the price tag on the bread and became momentarily lost in thought.

If not for Haneda's guidance and support, if not for him pointing them in the right direction...

Would the Land of Rain be as prosperous as it was now?

Nagato had spent seven years doing his best to lower bread prices to 100 ryo.

Yet Haneda had achieved the same in just half a year.

While transferring Kakuzu's assets, Konan had also inquired about the current state of the Land of Fire.

Haneda had established a nationwide reporting hotline, leveraging the mobility of ninjas to crack down on crime swiftly and effectively.

In addition, the widespread adoption of high-yield crops had nearly doubled food production.

Compared to the Land of Rain, the Land of Fire was doing even better.

Pain's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Konan, how is the preparation of the three billion explosive tags coming along?"

"For Yahiko's dream and for the happiness of the Land of Rain, we must help Haneda eliminate Madara!"

Konan's thoughts returned to the present. Her expression turned serious as she replied, "I've prepared 1.7 billion so far. I'm still arranging secret purchases and making more myself."

"The remaining funding is a problem, though. It will take at least five years to gather the full three billion explosive tags."

Pain frowned slightly. "Kakuzu's money isn't enough?"

Konan nodded, her tone tinged with frustration.

"No matter how many missions he completed, it's still not enough compared to the revenue of a single company in a year.

"For all his efforts over the decades, Kakuzu simply wasn't efficient enough. He wasted too much time on low-level bounties."

Pain fell silent, reflecting on the exploitative nature of the ninja system, something Haneda had made him more aware of during their interactions.

No matter the mission, the ones who reaped the largest benefits were always the employers.

Moreover, ninja work was inherently unstable, akin to an old saying Haneda had once shared:

'Three years without business, then three years of income in one go.'

Even someone as diligent as Kakuzu, working tirelessly in the underground bounty network for decades, had only managed to amass enough wealth for one billion explosive tags.

Pain shifted the conversation away from the explosive tags and asked about Sasori and Deidara.

"Have Haneda's pseudo-student Deidara and Sasori parted ways yet?"

"Go and meet up with Sasori. He doesn't belong to Madara, and he's critical to our plans."

Konan nodded. "Sasori is not in any immediate danger. Deidara and Sasori are getting along quite well; Deidara even calls him 'Master Sasori.'

"They seem to have developed a mentor-student relationship."

Pain responded without surprise, "Both are artists, so it's no shock they get along. It seems Madara anticipated this outcome."

"Let's go."

---

Autumn, Year 56 of the Konoha Calendar

After completing the tunneling and witnessing the railway construction's success, Deidara returned to Konoha.

At the Third Training Ground, a large white clay bird descended from the sky.

Deidara jumped off the bird and immediately spotted Haneda unleashing Dust Release.

"Haneda-nii, you've learned the Dust Release from the old man? Hmm!" Deidara exclaimed with excitement.

Haneda turned to him and asked, "Long time no see, Deidara. Did you plant the Flying Thunder God mark like I told you?"

Deidara scratched his head awkwardly. "I... forgot."

"Cough, cough... But Haneda-nii, Master Sasori isn't such a bad guy.

"Though his obsession with eternal art is a bit odd—he keeps talking about breakdancing on your grave—he's actually pretty decent, hmm!"

Haneda's face darkened as he stared at Deidara. Was this kid planning to betray him again?

Fortunately, Haneda had prepared contingency plans with Orochimaru.

Still, it was hard to accept that Deidara had gotten so close to Sasori.

After all the effort he'd spent raising him, Haneda felt a pang of betrayal, understanding for the first time the pain Onoki must have felt.

"Fine. Go get some rest, Deidara. If you're bored, you can practice your art at the quarry near Konoha."

Although Deidara had been with him for some time, Haneda couldn't bring himself to scold him too harshly.

In his heart, however, Haneda resolved to distance Deidara from the Akatsuki, especially Sasori.

"By the way, Haneda-nii, if you ever plan to take Sasori down, let me join!

"I'll send him off with a spectacular burst of fleeting art, hmm!"

At least Deidara still had some loyalty... Haneda thought as he watched him leave.

Shortly after, Kakashi appeared via Flying Thunder God.

Noticing the clay bird in the sky, Kakashi smirked.

"Deidara came back pretty early. I thought he'd spend a few more months messing around outside."

Haneda replied, "You think everyone's as irresponsible as you?"

Kakashi shot Haneda an exasperated look but decided not to argue. Instead, he brought up a more pressing matter.

"The education and labor training program you planned for this year is coming up. Naruto really wants you to join him."

"Did Naruto ask you to tell me?" Haneda asked.

Kakashi nodded.

"Yeah. You've been buried in the Hyuga clan's historical records lately. I know what you're searching for, but you've been neglecting Naruto."

Haneda fell silent for a moment before replying, "Perhaps. I've had no breakthroughs in Yin-Yang Release and have been trying alternative approaches.

"I've certainly ignored Naruto in the process."

"I'll join the program this time. As the Hokage, it's my duty to set an example."

Kakashi added, "You know, you could delegate some tasks to me, Haneda..."

Haneda waved him off. "This is too dangerous; only I can handle it."

Seeing Kakashi's slightly downcast expression, Haneda reassured him, "Don't worry, Kakashi. I know my limits. No one in the ninja world can defeat me."

***

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