"Father, what's the situation?" asked the Fourth Raikage.
"Why did you suddenly announce the urgent meeting?" inquired Killer B.
"Did something big happen?" added the Fourth Raikage, puzzled.
They were just about to lead the troops to raid the Konoha Camp when they were abruptly notified to gather. The future Fourth Raikage and Killer B had to rush back to the camp.
The Third Raikage casually tossed the information he held to A, who read it and instantly displayed a look of disbelief.
All Raikage are named A except Darui.
"Father, is this fake?" the Fourth Raikage questioned. "How could this happen so suddenly? Wasn't Konoha recently fighting the Sand Shinobi?"
Hearing the Fourth Raikage's words, the Third Raikage wanted to deny the information. However, the harsh reality was that the information was indeed true. The Land of Wind had been defeated by Konoha and had merged with it. Surprisingly, Sunagakure did not resist and also chose to merge. With Sunagakure absorbed, the present Konoha would be even more challenging to deal with.
Observing the Third Raikage's silence, the Fourth Raikage understood the seriousness of the situation. Killer B, seeing this, didn't know what to say and realized it was best not to speak out of turn. It was better to listen attentively.
As everyone fell silent, the Third Raikage suddenly turned his gaze towards the earth platform beside him. "Blue B and Dodai, share your opinion," he commanded.
Originally silent on the platform, Dodai pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "A, I believe that those in a hurry right now are not our Cloud Shinobi Village, but the Rock Shinobi. The current situation is most unfavorable for the Land of Earth. Onoki might be feeling anxious. We should wait and hold off on further attacks on Konoha for the time being. We must wait for Onoki's reaction before making a decision."
After analyzing Dodai's analysis, the Third Raikage nodded in agreement. In times like these, there was no other choice. Konoha's strength had far surpassed that of the Cloud Shinobi. If they were to provoke Konoha at this moment, it would likely result in their defeat.
Therefore, they decided to wait and observe the reactions of the rest of the ninja world. However, they didn't have to wait long. The next day, an unexpected visitor arrived at the gates of the Cloud Shinobi Village camp.
"Please inform the Third Raikage! It's Iwagakure Anbu Kozu is here Seeking you!" announced the visitor.
Upon hearing news of Iwa Anbu's arrival, the Third Raikage smiled and looked towards the Blue B and Dodai. They were worthy of being his right and left hands; they could easily understand the current situation.
"Bring him in!" the Third Raikage ordered.
Soon, under the command of the Third Raikage, Kozu arrived at the camp and met with the renowned Cloud Shinobi, the strongest of them all, Third Raikage.
"Master Raikage, I believe you have also received information regarding the Land of Wind. This is a letter from my father," Kozu said, presenting Onoki's letter to Third Raikage.
After going through the contents of the letter, Third Raikage handed it to the Dodai beside him. The letter mainly contained Onoki's persuasion for Third Raikage to ally. Needless to say, Third Raikage was aware of the potential consequences as Konoha grew bigger and stronger. He understood the concept of interdependence.
After reading the letter, Third Raikage nodded earnestly, signaling his agreement. He believed that the alliance proposed in the letter was completely feasible.
Observing Third Raikage's response, Kozu couldn't help but feel a sense of joy. He had successfully fulfilled the task assigned by Onoki. Now, he longed to return to his normal life as soon as possible. After bidding farewell to Third Raikage, he swiftly departed and headed back to Iwagakure.
"Hahaha, Dodai, just as you predicted," Third Raikage exclaimed. "Onoki can no longer stay idle. However, Konoha has transformed significantly. This Fourth Hokage is no ordinary person."
Hearing Third Raikage's exclamation, Dodai nodded in agreement. Since Ryan, the Fourth Hokage, took office, Konoha's strength has been rapidly evolving. All the prominent clans within the village had been united under Ryan's leadership. The legendary Konoha Sannin remained in the village, alongside renowned figures like Konoha's White Fang and the famous Namikaze Minato.
Geniuses emerged one after another, and even a Uchiha Fugaku had recently surfaced on the battlefield in Kirigakure, unlocking the legendary Mangekyou Sharingan. Contemplating these developments, even Third Raikage couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and envy. Konoha's strength was simply awe-inspiring.
"Is the Land of Fire truly that mystical? Why do all these prodigies belong to Konoha? Damn it!" Third Raikage muttered, his envy causing him to grind his molars.
In contrast, the other ninja villages seemed lacking in comparison. "Hmph! make the necessary arrangements swiftly. The army should begin an orderly retreat. Once the alliance is established, it will be time to counterattack Konoha," Third Raikage commanded.
Following Third Raikage's orders, the Cloud Shinobi forces started withdrawing from the battlefield in an organized manner. Unlike Onoki, who panicked and hastily retreated without considering the consequences, the Third Raikage exhibited a more seasoned approach. The disciplined evacuation of the army left Tsunade and others with no opportunity to seize any advantages. They could only watch helplessly as the Cloud Shinobi army gradually retreated from the battlefield.
On the other side, in the Water Country, loud crashing sounds could be heard emanating from the Mizukage's tent. Inside, the Third Mizukage glared at the group of senior executives before him.
In recent days, while other ninja villages had evacuated, Kirigakure was left to deal with the remaining Konoha unit. However, despite their efforts, they were continuously pushed back by Konoha, resulting in the loss of soldiers and high-ranking officials.
The casualties were predominantly from the bloodline clans within the village, and each death weighed heavily on the Third Mizukage's heart. But this time, dozens of lives were lost, a significant number even for the large Mist Shinobi bloodline family.
Enraged by the situation, the Third Mizukage berated the high-ranking officials in front of him and personally led the army to the frontline battlefield, setting their sights on the Konoha camp in the Land of Whirlpools.
"Hmph! Follow me!" the Third Mizukage commanded. "This time, we must capture the Konoha camp!"
With the Third Mizukage's order, the Mist Shinobi army charged towards the Konoha camp in the Uzumaki Country. Leading the charge, the Mizukage swiftly performed hand seals and unleashed the Water Style: Water Dragon Bomb.
The advantage of the surrounding sea allowed the Water Dragon Bomb to burst forth from the water, a ferocious entity roaring as it rose from the depths.
As the water dragon surged towards the Konoha camp, the Third Mizukage believed victory was within reach. However, their hopes were dashed when several figures appeared in front of the camp in an instant. Their scarlet Sharingan caught everyone's attention.
"Damn Uchiha Clan!" the Mist Shinobi exclaimed. "They dare challenge us with their mere fire style? Attack!"
In recent days, the Mist Shinobi had grown increasingly frustrated when facing the Uchiha Clan. Their actions were anticipated, their ninjutsu countered, and even elemental advantages seemed ineffective against the Uchiha's prowess. Water Style, which should have had an advantage over Fire Style, was instead suppressed by Uchiha's Fire Style. Additionally, the Uchiha's genjutsu had caught the Mist Shinobi off guard, causing them much suffering.
However, with the Third Mizukage personally leading the charge, the morale of Kirigakure's forces soared. Just as the Mist Shinobi hoped for a breakthrough, a formidable figure appeared before the Third Mizukage—a proud individual with three swirling Tomoe Sharingan.
"I've been waiting for you, third Mizukage!" proclaimed the patriarch of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku, who was in charge of the Mist Shinobi battlefield. As Fugaku's Mangekyou Sharingan spun into existence, he wasted no time.
Susanoo!
Countless chakra began to materialize around Fugaku, gradually forming a towering skeleton on the battlefield.
"Try this technique, Third Mizukage!" Fugaku taunted.
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