"It seems that this mark holds some information..."
At the Senju clan's land, Uzumaki Mito slowly said after withdrawing the natural energy she had probed into Uchiha Tatsu's body.
"Just now, I saw the same mark on the ninjas from Iwagakure and Sunagakure, but the color was different. The one on Tatsu's body is black, while the marks on the two ninjas were white. Those two also possessed strength not weaker than Madara."
Raijin said to Uzumaki Mito.
"Sunagakure and Iwagakure ninjas?"
Senju Tobirama was taken aback, frowning instinctively, and asked Raijin.
"Yes."
Raijin nodded in response.
"Not weaker than Madara?"
Senju Tobirama pressed his lips together and continued asking Uchiha Raijin.
"Yes."
Raijin nodded again.
"But, it's hard for an ordinary ninja to reach that level in such a short time. So, I think the real reason they became so strong is because of that white mark."
"Hah... Of course, that's quite obvious."
Senju Tobirama rubbed his forehead and said to Raijin.
In fact, after the Second Great Ninja War, Konohagakure had accumulated enough power to easily defeat Uchiha Madara.
But the appearance of this mysterious ninja threw everything into chaos.
And now, that mysterious ninja has joined forces with Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
What happens next, Senju Tobirama already had a rough idea in his mind.
But the situation is different from before.
During the Second Great Ninja War, the power of the villages still held significant weight.
However, if the Third War breaks out in the future, ordinary ninjas will hardly have any impact on the battlefield.
And in terms of high-level combat power,
Uchiha Madara, two ninjas not weaker than Uchiha Madara, and that mysterious ninja.
On paper, Konohagakure is completely at a disadvantage.
"The white mark can significantly improve a ninja's strength. As for the black mark, nobody knows its effect. For now, we can only see if the sealing techniques can suppress its influence."
"Theoretically, it should be possible."
Uzumaki Mito nodded, placing Uchiha Tatsu's hand onto hers.
"Using natural energy as the base, and applying the Eight Trigrams Seal, it can, to some extent, block the effect of this mark on the body."
As soon as her hand covered Tatsu's, black lines spread out, quickly forming an Eight Trigrams Seal.
"But from here on, we should let Tatsu start learning Senjutsu."
Uzumaki Mito said to Raijin.
"Alright."
Raijin nodded in response.
This was expected. Although the mysterious ninja is strong, the power he uses is still chakra in the end.
And for dealing with chakra, natural energy is very effective.
"Tsunade, take Tatsu back first. Raijin, would you walk with me?"
Standing up, Senju Tobirama looked at Uchiha Raijin.
"Sure."
Raijin stood up in response, patted Tsunade's waist, and Tsunade nodded at him before turning to leave with Tatsu.
Senju Tobirama and Raijin also walked toward the outside.
"Right now, the situation in the ninja world isn't looking good for Konohagakure," Senju Tobirama said to Uchiha Raijin as they walked.
At first, when only Uchiha Madara and the mysterious ninja were involved, Senju Tobirama was able to keep things under control.
But when two ninjas appeared, standing opposite Konohagakure with considerable strength, it became much harder to maintain control.
"That's true. If Uchiha Madara and the mysterious ninja form an alliance, Konohagakure's situation will be very dangerous," Raijin said as he walked beside Senju Tobirama.
"Do you think the mysterious ninja could be from the time of Rikudou Sennin?" Senju Tobirama asked, after hearing Raijin's words.
"Maybe," Raijin replied. "Could Konohagakure possibly cooperate with Uchiha Madara?"
Senju Tobirama paused and then asked Raijin.
"Cooperate with Madara?"
Raijin glanced at Senju Tobirama, surprised.
He had to admit, it was a bold thought.
But... maybe it's not impossible? Based on current strength, the mysterious ninja is the strongest, Konohagakure is second, and Uchiha Madara is the weakest.
Now that Raijin has absorbed the giant Tenseigan from the moon, he could completely overpower Uchiha Madara.
But at the same time, the mysterious ninja is prioritizing Konohagakure.
Watching from the sidelines is indeed the best choice for Madara at the moment.
But who can guarantee that once Konohagakure is dealt with, the mysterious ninja won't turn on Uchiha Madara?
So, right now, Uchiha Madara might not cooperate with Konohagakure, but he also wouldn't just stand by and watch the mysterious ninja take down Konohagakure.
"Then Konohagakure would have to pay a heavy price," Senju Tobirama said.
"Yes..."
Raijin replied with a resigned sigh.
Senju Tobirama knew exactly what Madara wanted and what he intended to do. And because he knew this so well, he didn't want Konohagakure to be the one to pay.
"If the Sand and Iwagakure declare war on Konohagakure, how confident are we?" Senju Tobirama asked, pausing for a moment before continuing.
"Enough to protect ourselves,"
Raijin replied after thinking for a moment.
If it came to fighting on two fronts, Tsunade could lead Konohagakure's elite to face the Sand, while Raijin could handle Iwagakure himself. The pressure wouldn't be too much.
And if it was a one-on-one battle, Raijin believed he could find a way to take down Iwagakure's ninja.
Raijin didn't want to continue fighting battles without results.
"Alright, then let's recall all of Konohagakure's merchants and ninjas from outside to prevent history from repeating itself," Senju Tobirama said.
Senju Tobirama nodded upon hearing Raijin's words and said to him:
"Mm, don't worry."
Raijin nodded in response.
"The situation in the ninja world is really chaotic right now. You'll definitely have to work hard in the future."
Senju Tobirama glanced at Raijin and spoke softly.
"You're joking."
Raijin smiled lightly and shook his head upon hearing this.
"You don't need to worry about the situation with the Hyuga. Leave that to me. Your most important task now is to face the external threats."
After a brief pause, Senju Tobirama continued speaking to Raijin.
"Oh? Is Grandpa finally coming out of the lab?"
Raijin chuckled lightly upon hearing this and said to Senju Tobirama:
"Shut up!"
Senju Tobirama shot a glance at Raijin and pretended to kick him.
Raijin grinned, and in an instant, his figure disappeared from the spot.
...
"Have you found any trace of the Six-Tails?"
Madara furrowed his brows and asked Zetsu, who was standing before him.
"Not yet."
Zetsu shook his head helplessly upon hearing this.
Zetsu's intelligence-gathering skills were unmatched, but it was still hard to immediately know every little movement in the ninja world.
He could only say that compared to Konohagakure and the mysterious ninja, he could find out first.
"Speed up."
Madara nodded, not blaming Zetsu. After all, when it came to gathering information, Zetsu had always done a great job.
"Madara-sama..."
Zetsu looked at Madara as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated.
"Speak your mind."
Madara glanced at Zetsu and spoke softly.
"About the two ninjas from Sunagakure and Iwagakure..."
Zetsu hesitated for a moment and then said to Madara.
This world… what's going on? Even the Rinnegan can't suppress it?
How terrifying was the era that my mother lived through?
"You seem really worried about this lately?"
Madara glanced at Zetsu upon hearing this.
"I'm just worried..."
Zetsu quickly added.
"Don't worry. When absolute force can't solve all problems, using your brain is also an option."
Madara chuckled lightly and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. He spoke calmly, as if it was nothing.
In fact, for a long time, Madara had relied on his brain to solve the problems he faced.
How long did the actual fighting with Susanoo and Hashirama last?
…
Konohagakure, Hokage's Office.
All of Konohagakure's high-ranking officials gathered once again.
"By now, you should all have heard from your sources. Konohagakure's business associations and ninjas abroad are urgently being recalled."
"Is Konohagakure preparing for war?"
Shimura Danzo looked at Uchiha Raijin immediately upon hearing this.
Such actions could only mean one thing—preparation for war.
"That's right."
Raijin nodded in response.
"But as of now, Sunagakure and Iwagakure are regularly sending supplies to Konohagakure. There's no reason for Konohagakure to start a war."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly upon hearing this and said to Uchiha Raijin,
"Moreover, Konohagakure is already facing threats from Uchiha Madara and the mysterious ninja. Launching a war at this time wouldn't be good for Konohagakure."
Utatane Koharu also spoke to Raijin after hearing this.
"Ah... Some information hasn't been shared with everyone yet. During my recent battle with Uchiha Madara, I was attacked by ninjas from the Sand and Iwagakure."
Raijin then said to everyone,
"At this point, the Sunagakure and Iwagakure have joined forces with the mysterious ninja. Thanks to the mysterious ninja, the Sand and Iwagakure now each have strong fighters to rival Uchiha Madara and myself."
"So, declaring war on the Sand and Iwagakure is inevitable. Even if Konohagakure doesn't declare war, the Sand and Iwagakure, now capable of resistance, won't just sit back and wait."
"The main reason I've called everyone here today is to discuss the battle plans," Raijin continued.
"Tsunade and the Hokage Guard will deploy in the Land of Rivers, while I'll lead some Konohagakure ninjas through the Land of Rain, into the Land of Earth, to launch a surprise attack on Iwagakure Village."
"It's a simple plan, but it should be effective. However, if all of Konohagakure's elite ninjas are out, what if Uchiha Madara takes this chance to attack Konohagakure and capture the Tailed Beasts?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, nodding.
"By this time tomorrow, Otsutsuki Toneri will have completed the transplant of the Byakugan. If Uchiha Madara invades Konohagakure, as long as we can hold on until Raijin returns with the Flying Thunder God, there shouldn't be any major problems," Senju Tobirama replied to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"In that case, I have no objections,"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, nodding.
Raijin glanced around and, seeing no objections, nodded in agreement.
"Since no one has any objections, let's start preparing."
No matter who or what the mysterious ninja is, or what abilities they have, Raijin wasn't planning on dragging things out any longer.
Looking at the current situation, he had no quick way to improve his strength.
The only way to improve was through training in Senjutsu, but that would take time.
And right now, forget whether time would benefit Konohagakure or not, the Sunagakure and Iwagakure clearly wouldn't give Konohagakure that kind of time.
So, it's time to fight!
If they win, everything will be fine!
If they lose, it doesn't matter.
The ninja's execution is very strong. The decision was made in the morning.
The troops gathered by noon, and Uchiha Madara would learn about it by evening.
"Madara-sama, Konohagakure declared war on the Sand and Iwagakure. Should we...?" Black Zetsu asked Uchiha Madara.
"Do you think my existence is a secret to Konohagakure?" Madara asked, somewhat helplessly.
"Ah~ you're right, you've thought this through thoroughly."
Zetsu's face showed understanding.
Since Konohagakure dared to take such large-scale action against the Sunagakure and Iwagakure, they must have considered Uchiha Madara's presence.
After all, Uchiha Raijin might be a fool, and Tsunade might also be a fool.
But with such a large Konohagakure, they couldn't all be fools.
As for whether Zetsu truly hadn't thought of this, that's a matter of perspective.
After all, sometimes showing ignorance in front of a leader isn't necessarily a bad thing.
"Keep an eye on Uchiha Raijin's movements. The success or failure of the frontlines is the most important thing."
Madara thought for a moment before speaking to Zetsu.
"Understood."
Zetsu nodded upon hearing this and slowly disappeared from the spot.
Uchiha Raijin's decision to face off against the mysterious ninja was not a bad thing for Uchiha Madara. In fact, because of this event, Madara became the key factor in deciding the outcome. It also gave him a critical opportunity to strike.
...
Iwagakure Village, Tsuchikage's office.
"Uchiha Raijin has led most of Konohagakure's ninjas into the Land of Rain."
An Anbu ninja reported to Oonoki and Gozu.
"Let me go meet him."
Gozu said to Oonoki upon hearing this.
"No."
Oonoki shook his head, rejecting Gozu's suggestion.
"Why not? Don't you think Iwagakure has any other choice right now?"
Gozu asked in surprise.
"We will fight, but you might not know this—Uchiha Raijin could show up in this office at any time."
Oonoki shrugged helplessly and said to Gozu.
...
(End of chapter)
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