Minato Namikaze acted swiftly.
By the day after Nara Shikaku and his team returned to Konoha, preparations were already underway, with groups being dispatched to Amegakure in batches.
At this point, such a large-scale operation could no longer remain hidden.
No one believed this was just an ordinary alliance negotiation.
On February 1st of Konoha Year 51, Sunagakure, as an ally, sent an inquiry.
On February 2nd of the same year, Kumogakure, another ally, followed with its own inquiry.
Meanwhile, Kirigakure held a meeting, but Mei Terumi seemed indifferent to the situation.
Given the precedent set by Kusagakure, Amegakure's fate was self-evident.
Moreover, even if Konoha absorbed Kusagakure, what difference would it make? Was Kirigakure supposed to sever ties with Konoha?
Watching the squabbling elders, Mei Terumi grew impatient and interrupted, "There's no need to debate this any further. Focus your energy on training the next generation instead!"
"Our enemy is the Akatsuki organization!"
"And we cannot afford to turn against Konoha!"
"If we do, the outcome will be the same—complete annihilation of the village."
"If any of you are confident enough to surpass Shūichi, I'll gladly let him take over as Mizukage."
The room fell silent instantly.
Mei Terumi stood up and walked out, with Ao hurriedly following behind.
Back in the Mizukage's office, Ao couldn't help but advise, "Although what you said was true, Mizukage-sama, perhaps you could have phrased it more tactfully."
Mei Terumi huffed, "Those people always fail to recognize their own limits and the bigger picture. If I speak too gently, I fear they'll act against the village's best interests."
Ao fell silent, then asked, "Mizukage-sama, do you think our village should consider integrating into Konoha as well?"
Mei Terumi gazed at Ao and replied, "If the village had someone capable of matching Shūichi, of course, it wouldn't be an issue."
"But if we don't, we lack the power to stop Konoha from doing as it pleases."
"Last time, he could have waited for the Akatsuki to destroy the village before stepping in as the savior. That would have made it easy for him to take over the Land of Water."
"With his strength, not even the daimyo could oppose him."
Ao had no response and sighed. "The foundation built by generations of Mizukage—who would've thought it could come to this…"
Mei Terumi said calmly, "Back then, no one thought the Warring States period would end either, or that the system of one country, one village would emerge."
"Times are changing. Without enough power, we can only go with the flow."
At home, she was the perfect wife, offering Shūichi flawless care.
But as Mizukage, if given a choice, she too had her ambitions.
However, Shūichi's overwhelming strength left no room for hope.
And besides… if her child could grow up in an era without war, it was undoubtedly something worth looking forward to.
She hoped her child would live in the peaceful world Shūichi envisioned.
---
In Sunagakure's conference room, several high-ranking officials were in a heated argument. Only the Fourth Kazekage, Chiyo, and Ebizō remained silent.
After a long pause, the Fourth Kazekage asked, "Is there any way to prevent Konoha from annexing Amegakure?"
The arguments ceased, and one senior official spoke up, "On the surface, there's no way. Amegakure voluntarily chose to merge with Konoha. As Konoha's allies, we have no grounds to interfere."
"Moreover…"
Chiyo interjected, "Even if we turned against Konoha, we couldn't stop them."
The room fell silent again.
Chiyo couldn't help but recall the time she was captured and subsequently released by Shūichi.
Even back then, he seemed almost godlike.
The Fourth Kazekage frowned deeply, silently contemplating a solution but finding none.
In the face of absolute power, what could they do?
Join forces with Iwagakure and Kumogakure? That wasn't a sound strategy.
The Fourth Raikage and Third Tsuchikage had both been defeated by Shūichi Hoshita. As for himself… the Fourth Kazekage knew he was no match for Shūichi either.
Even if he allied with the Fourth Raikage and Third Tsuchikage, he harbored doubts.
Chiyo glanced at the Fourth Kazekage but didn't urge him to make a decision.
She understood the inner torment and pressure the Kazekage must be feeling.
After a long while, the Fourth Kazekage finally spoke. "Closely monitor the situation in Amegakure. Also, send emissaries to Iwagakure and Kumogakure to maintain communication."
---
Kumogakure
The Fourth Raikage slammed his desk in anger, shattering it into pieces. His new assistant, Mabui, jumped in shock, still unaccustomed to such outbursts.
Dodai, who had been around much longer, remained unfazed. Watching the Raikage roar in frustration, he commented calmly, "Ever since Konoha annexed Kusagakure, their ambitions have been plain to see. Now that Amegakure is willingly merging with them, there are likely many hidden agendas we don't yet know."
"Furthermore, with the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure marrying into Konoha, their desire to unify the ninja world has become glaringly obvious."
The Fourth Raikage growled, "Those damned bastards…"
"Could it be that the Eight-Tails has fallen under genjutsu?"
"And this so-called Eye of the Moon Plan—is it just some lie crafted by that schemer, Shūichi Hoshita?"
When distrust sets in, anything becomes suspect.
Dodai shook his head objectively. "Raikage-sama, the Akatsuki organization manipulated the Fourth Mizukage, killed him, and stole the Three-Tails. They even tried to capture the Six-Tails. Their intent to control the tailed beasts is undeniable."
"Also, I believe the Ten-Tails mentioned by the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails is likely real."
"Even the Two-Tails' attitude toward us has completely changed."
"As for the Eye of the Moon Plan, we'll need to capture core Akatsuki members to uncover more details."
The Fourth Raikage's face darkened. "That old fool Ōnoki still has secret dealings with the Akatsuki, doesn't he?"
"Contact Iwagakure. If Konoha doesn't back off from annexing Amegakure, we might as well use the Akatsuki to hinder them and gather intel on the Eye of the Moon Plan."
Dodai nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood."
For now, the only viable strategy was to form an alliance with Iwagakure and Sunagakure to counter Konoha.
---
Outside Amegakure
From a distance, White Zetsu gazed at the misty village with amusement. "The tension is rising. Nagato's move was truly ingenious."
"I can't wait to see the Three Great Nations attack Konoha!"
Behind his mask, Uchiha Obito frowned slightly. "The Three Great Nations are no match for Konoha and Kirigakure. If all the tailed beasts end up in Konoha's hands, it'll become even more troublesome for us."
Black Zetsu chimed in, "Exactly. But after the Three Great Nations fail, they might turn to us for help in dealing with Konoha."
"And if we can eliminate Shūichi Hoshita, even better."
"Even if we can't, exhausting the strength of the major villages and leaving their defenses weak will make capturing the tailed beasts much easier for us."
"No matter what happens, it's advantageous for us."
Obito asked, "Shūichi has interacted with every tailed beast. It's likely he's left a mark on each of them. How do we deal with that?"
"Do you think Nagato will agree to extract the tailed beasts into my Kamui dimension?"
Black Zetsu chuckled. "Don't worry, there's always a way to handle it."
---
Konoha: The Hokage's Office
In the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze reviewed intelligence reports pouring in from various sources.
It was clear that Konoha's involvement in Amegakure had thrown the entire ninja world into turmoil.
Aside from Kirigakure, the other major villages—Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure—were all mobilizing.
From the intelligence gathered, it seemed highly likely that these three villages would form a temporary alliance to stop Konoha from fully annexing Amegakure.
There were even reports of envoys from the daimyos of the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Lightning heading to the Land of Rain.
Additionally, ninja from these villages had been spotted frequently in the Land of Rain, causing unrest in the region.
For now, reports from Amegakure indicated that Konan was managing the situation effectively and keeping the village stable.
"It looks like the Three Great Nations will make a move together," Minato concluded, though this had been anticipated.
"Genma, go to the Root Division and have Shūichi come to see me."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Moments later, Shūichi arrived at the office. "Sensei, is this about Amegakure?"
Minato nodded. "It seems Iwa, Kumo, and Suna will temporarily join forces to apply pressure. I need you to lead a team to the Land of Rain."
Shūichi nodded. "No problem."
"However, I'll go alone. Let Shisui and Yamato stay in the village."
Minato considered this and then nodded. "Fine. But tomorrow, take Genma and two others with you. They could use more field experience."
Shūichi smiled and agreed. "Understood."
With that, his figure vanished in a puff of smoke.
---
Training Grounds Outside the Forest of Death
Having just finished a training session, Shūichi smiled as the memories from his shadow clone's feedback reached him. "So, the Raikage thinks teaming up will be enough to beat me?"
"Or have they already coordinated with Iwagakure and the Akatsuki?"
"And then there's Orochimaru… this is getting interesting."
With a slight chuckle, he resumed his training.
---
The Next Morning
After breakfast, Shūichi headed out to find Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami waiting at his doorstep.
Shūichi approached. "I'll handle the positioning. You three just focus on using the Flying Thunder God Technique. Think you can manage?"
Genma replied, "The three of us working together should be able to pull it off."
The trio surrounded Shūichi, forming a series of seals. Shūichi used his Improved Listening Technique, enhanced by electromagnetic release, to link their brainwaves, creating a seamless mental and spiritual connection for precise coordination.
In the next instant, the four vanished.
---
The group reappeared at the bridge outside Amegakure, startling the guards stationed there. The tension quickly gave way to excitement.
"It's Lord Shūichi!" called out one of the Konoha ninja.
The other guards, including three former Amegakure ninja now wearing Konoha headbands, froze momentarily before bowing respectfully. "Lord Shūichi!"
Shūichi nodded slightly. "What's the situation?"
The bearded team captain stepped forward. "Lord Shūichi, Lady Konan has stationed us at the village entrance due to the increased number of intrusions recently."
"So far, no ninja from other villages have forcibly entered the village, but skirmishes with outsiders are increasing, and many comrades have been injured."
Shūichi listened and then ordered, "One of you return to the village and report to Konan. I'll take my team out for a look around."
With that, he turned and began walking, his team following closely.
The guards exchanged glances before the captain instructed, "Fuyu, return to the village and report to Lady Konan."
"Understood!" The kunoichi named Fuyu nodded and dashed off.
Shūichi, meanwhile, led Genma, Raido, and Iwashi northward. After crossing a mountain, they spotted a battle unfolding on the barren land ahead.
Their sudden arrival disrupted the rhythm of the fight.
"It's… Shūichi Hoshita!" someone exclaimed in panic.
"Retreat! It's Konoha's Blue Flash!"
The others, shaken, quickly disengaged and fled.
Shūichi watched calmly as the Kumogakure shinobi retreated, then continued onward with his team, unfazed.
Shadow clones continuously spread out in various directions.
Following Shūichi, the three companions—Shiranui Genma, Namiashi Raido, and Iwashi Tatami—witnessed for the first time the incredible deterrent power of the "New God of Shinobi."
Wherever he passed, enemies panicked and retreated, completely devoid of fighting spirit.
By midday, the group of four had reached the borders of the Land of Birds, forcing both Iwagakure and Kumogakure ninja to completely withdraw from the Land of Rain.
Shiranui Genma and his teammates could imagine the same scene playing out in every direction.
Their mission, which Shūichi had casually referred to as a "stroll," turned out to be precisely that—a leisurely walk.
"I'm heading off. Be careful on your own," Shūichi remarked, withdrawing his gaze. Without bringing the trio along, he simply activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished.
"Truly worthy of the title 'God of Shinobi,'" Genma remarked with admiration.
Raido nodded and added, "I was hoping to test my skills on this mission, but it seems there's no opportunity at all."
Iwashi pondered aloud, "Do you think the Tsuchikage, Raikage, or Kazekage will personally make an appearance?"
Shiranui mused, "They probably will. Otherwise, the Fourth Hokage wouldn't have sent Shūichi here."
Raido added, "The Raikage and Tsuchikage have both tasted defeat at Shūichi's hands before, and the Kazekage isn't likely to fare any better. But if the three of them team up, can Shūichi handle it?"
Genma confidently replied, "He should be fine. Otherwise, we wouldn't be the ones sent on this mission—it'd be Shisui and Yamato."
---
At the top of the Rain Village's tower, Shūichi suddenly appeared beside Konan, smiling as he teased her while gazing northward. "What's this? Worried about me?"
Konan replied, "The three villages have joined forces and made secret agreements with the Akatsuki."
Her tone revealed a hint of concern, knowing Nagato's nature—he wouldn't hold back in battle.
Shūichi chuckled, naturally taking Konan's hand. "I already figured as much. But the Akatsuki's target is the tailed beasts—they won't waste their time on me."
"Of course, they'll try to stall me, just to keep me from interfering with their plans to extract the tailed beasts."
Konan struggled slightly, her heart racing.
Unperturbed, Shūichi held her hand firmly and continued, "Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing what Nagato throws at me to stop me."
With a sigh, Konan stopped struggling, her tone feigning coldness. "Nagato doesn't know that either. But it's likely related to Orochimaru."
"Isn't he one of your spies as well?"
Shūichi shook his head. "Not quite. It's just a mutually beneficial deal."
"Still, if it's him, I'm intrigued."
"Looks like Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure are in for a rough time," Konan speculated.
Shūichi sighed. "There's always a cost in these matters, isn't there?"
Konan fell silent.
Some sacrifices are unavoidable.
---
Time passed quickly.
On the third day of Shūichi's arrival in Amegakure, Shiranui Genma hurriedly reported, "Shūichi, Lady Konan—the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Kazekage have arrived!"
"They've finally shown up!"
Rising from his desk with a stretch, Shūichi turned to Konan and said, "Let's go meet the Three Kage."
Konan nodded and stood from her assistant's chair.
In the next moment, both Shūichi and Konan disappeared from the office.
---
Outside the Rain Village.
Under a rare sunny sky, the forces of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure, led by Ōnoki, the Fourth Raikage, and Kazekage Rasa, faced off against the Konoha ninja.
When Shūichi and Konan appeared, the gazes of the three Kage immediately sharpened.
Standing on barren hills on opposite sides of a vast, open space, the four factions stared each other down.
The Fourth Raikage broke the silence. "Shūichi Hoshita, you'd better halt Konoha's actions, or we won't sit idly by while you disrupt the balance!"
Shūichi smiled faintly. "This is an internal matter between Konoha and Amegakure—there's no need for you to meddle, Raikage-sama."
"If you're here to persuade me, save your breath."
"When I start something, I never leave it unfinished."
Ōnoki snorted. "Ambitious brat! You're trying to spark a Fourth Great Ninja War and upend the ninja system."
Shūichi nodded. "You're not wrong, Tsuchikage-sama. The current one-country-one-village system has lasted just over fifty years and already endured three Great Ninja Wars. It's time for a change."
"Set aside past grievances and hatred. I sincerely invite the three of you to join me in achieving an unprecedented feat—to create a world without war."
Kazekage Rasa's gaze darkened. "Abandon the legacies of our forebears? Just because of a few pretty words? That's wishful thinking. Your ambition is too vast, your ideas too grand. Even the legendary Hashirama Senju never dreamed this big."
Shūichi chuckled. "Thank you for the compliment, Kazekage-sama."
"My strength now surpasses the First Hokage's. Naturally, I aim to accomplish what he couldn't."
The Fourth Raikage roared in anger, "Arrogant brat!"
"Tsuchikage, Kazekage, there's no reasoning with him. Let's fight!"
Ōnoki rose into the air. "Though it's disgraceful to gang up on a youngster, there's no age in the wars of shinobi."
Lightning surged around the Fourth Raikage as he activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode to its maximum, his hair standing on end. "Let's go!"
With that, he charged like a bolt of lightning straight at Shūichi.
(End of Chapter)
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