"What?" "Impossible." Upon hearing the Third Raikage's words, Huang Tu and the future Fourth Raikage's immediate reaction was disbelief.
"If I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't believe it."
"But it's all true."
"Saigoji Youmu is beyond terrifying."
Beside them, Onoki spoke to corroborate the Third Raikage's account.
Seeing their agreement, Huang Tu and the future Fourth Raikage reluctantly accepted the reality.
"Saigoji Youmu... I'll ensure he pays for this."
"Father, upon our return, we must declare war on Konoha."
"Force them to hand over Saigoji Youmu."
"Should they refuse, we will initiate conflict."
The future Fourth Raikage seethed with anger. However, he knew that relying solely on force against Saigoji Youmu and attempting to pressure Konoha through war was unfeasible.
"Cease these thoughts of vengeance against Saigoji Youmu," the Third Raikage's piercing gaze fixed on the future Fourth Raikage. "He is beyond our capacity to confront."
"But..."
The future Fourth Raikage hesitated, but the Third Raikage's oppressive stare silenced his objections.
"Is that all?" the Third Raikage inquired coldly.
"Yes, that's all," came the resigned reply. He wished things were different, but reality prevailed.
The future Fourth Raikage cast a disdainful glance at Onoki and Huang Tu. Unable to challenge his father or confront Saigoji Youmu, he could only vent his frustration on the people of Iwagakure.
"Blaming others for your own shortcomings?" Huang Tu sneered. Iwagakure would not tolerate such insults. If Kumogakure hadn't conspired with them against Saigoji Youmu, they wouldn't be facing such a formidable adversary.
"Can you do nothing but complain?" the future Fourth Raikage retorted.
"Enough!" The quarrel between Huang Tu and the future Fourth Raikage escalated before Onoki and the Third Raikage. Remarkably, both Onoki and the Third Raikage remained silent, observing the exchange without intervention. Their eyes flickered, betraying their thoughts.
The following day, after a brief rest, Saigoji Youmu set out for Konoha. The situation in the Land of the Sky was clear, and staying further served no purpose. The journey was uneventful, with no signs of surveillance. Saigoji Youmu began to believe the conspiracy had concluded.
However, as he neared the Land of Fire's border, he sensed it—a subtle, concealed hostility.
"Persistent," Saigoji Youmu's eyes narrowed, his demeanor cooling. He knew that only Jue would resort to such covert surveillance.
Though aware of being watched, Saigoji Youmu betrayed no sign, maintaining his steady pace. As he passed a large tree, the area within a hundred-meter radius suddenly froze, the ground encased in thick ice. Turning, he glanced at the tree.
A black hand emerged, followed by the appearance of Jue.
"What? The Mayfly Technique is ineffective?" Saigoji Youmu mocked.
"Who are you? How do you know the Mayfly Technique?" Saigoji Youmu's taunt was met with indifference. After millennia, Jue's composure remained unshaken; mere words couldn't rattle him.