Meanwhile, in the Stone Village, the news of Konoha's destruction sent ripples of shock and excitement through the ranks. The usually somber atmosphere of the Tsuchikage's office was replaced with a tense energy. Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, leaned back in his chair, a sly smile forming on his wrinkled face. His small stature belied the immense power he held over the village, and today, he felt every bit like a giant.
"Haha! Such wonderful news to receive so early in the morning!" Onoki's laughter filled the room, echoing off the stone walls. Despite his advanced age, there was a gleam of almost childlike glee in his eyes. For years, he had watched Konoha grow, endure, and remain a thorn in his side. Now, at last, fate had delivered a favorable turn.
His granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, stood nearby with a deep frown creasing her brow. She snatched the report from his hand, her skepticism evident. "Grandpa, what's gotten you so worked up?" she asked, her tone a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
She quickly skimmed the document, her eyes moving rapidly over the words. Her expression shifted from confusion to shock as the reality of the situation sank in. "This… Konoha is in ruins… and the Uchiha clan has split in two? Tens of thousands of casualties?!"
She looked up at Onoki, her disbelief clear. "Is this real?"
Onoki nodded, the gleam in his eyes dimming as his face turned more serious. "This information comes from a spy we've had embedded in Konoha for over a decade. It's as accurate as it gets. The chaos there is real, and Konoha's vulnerability is an opportunity we cannot afford to ignore."
Kurotsuchi remained doubtful, her strategic mind racing through possibilities. "So, the Uchihas are behind the destruction? But if they're so powerful, why defect now?"
Onoki's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Because the leader of this breakaway faction, Kaito Uchiha, is still young. Though he possesses the dreaded Mangekyou Sharingan, he lacks the experience and the sheer strength to face an entire village on his own. Right now, he needs time to consolidate his power... and potentially, allies who share his ambitions or grievances."
Kurotsuchi's skepticism gave way to a wry smile. "A kid around my age wielding such power? That sounds like trouble... or fun," she mused, her curiosity piqued.
Onoki chuckled softly, though his tone carried a note of caution. "Do not underestimate him, Kurotsuchi. If given a few more years, he could very well become another Madara Uchiha. Such potential is both dangerous and rare."
He then shifted his focus to his son, Kitsuchi, who had been silently absorbing the conversation. Onoki's voice turned authoritative. "Kitsuchi, I want you to start investigating the whereabouts of these Uchiha defectors. If they're roaming free, they could either become invaluable allies or threats that we must neutralize before they grow stronger."
Kitsuchi nodded, his face grave as he left the room to carry out the order. As he departed, the weight of the situation hung heavily in the air. The prospect of Konoha's downfall presented a rare and potentially decisive moment in the long-standing power dynamics between the villages.
Onoki's smile faded into a steely look of determination. "Konoha is weak, and the other villages will be itching to tear off a piece for themselves," he muttered. "This is our chance. We must be swift and decisive if we are to seize it."
Kurotsuchi nodded in agreement, her gaze hardening with resolve. "Then let's not waste any time. If Konoha is ripe for the taking, we need to be ready to act."
Onoki's eyes gleamed once more, filled with the fire of ambition. The old Tsuchikage, seasoned by decades of power struggles, knew one thing for certain: in times of chaos, only the bold people would prevail.