After an extended period of tedious negotiations, Sōmi finally finalized the specifics of the alliance with the dark-skinned man.
"Raikage-sama..."
"It seems Sunagakure has truly produced a remarkable individual this time!"
The dark-skinned man glanced at the shattered windows through which Sōmi had just flown out.
"Indeed!"
"This guy's strength is extraordinary. Not only does he wield the power of the Tailed Beast with ease, but he also harbors an even more formidable power within him!"
"That power... it's unsettling!"
The Raikage stood by the broken windows with his arms crossed, a rare glint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.
"In recent years, Sunagakure has indeed been on a streak of good fortune. Besides this guy, they also have the so-called genius puppeteer Sasori and Rasa, who also wields gold sand..."
"If we tally it up, the number of Kage-level powerhouses on their side isn't fewer than ours..."
A look of concern appeared on the dark-skinned man's face.
"What's there to fear?!"
"Killer B is the Perfect Jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails!"
"Our primary enemy right now is still Konohagakure!"
The image of Killer B flashed in the Raikage's mind. Ever since the Third Raikage's death, he had vowed to never again experience the pain of losing someone so close to him.
Thus, he had confined Killer B to the Valley of Clouds and Lightning, ensuring his safety.
But in this ever-changing ninja world, relying solely on his own power was no longer enough.
Not to mention, based on Sōmi's earlier display of strength, the Raikage wasn't confident he could take him down...
"The Two-Tails has also been successfully sealed into Yugito Nii, hasn't it?"
The Raikage suddenly recalled something and asked.
"Yes!"
"Her condition is relatively stable, and there haven't been any signs of Tailed Beast rampages recently."
The dark-skinned man immediately replied, clearly attaching great importance to this matter.
"Have Killer B take her to Turtle Island for training. Our village must produce another Perfect Jinchūriki!"
"Increase funding for the ninja academy!"
"Dig out every talented individual we can find!"
After a moment of contemplation, the Raikage waved his hand decisively, issuing his orders with characteristic efficiency.
Letting Sunagakure surpass them would be utterly laughable!
Kumogakure was not some pushover like Kirigakure!
The mountains outside Kumogakure were filled with sheer cliffs and deep gorges, crisscrossing the landscape.
Mist drifted through the mountain ranges, shifting unpredictably. In late autumn, it was common to see clouds winding around the peaks.
At times, the light mist resembled a thin veil draped over the mountains. Other times, a stream of clouds would cascade down the steep peaks like a waterfall, creating a magnificent spectacle akin to a "cloud waterfall."
Tall, peculiar tea trees dotted the slopes of the gorges, flourishing in both sunny and shaded areas, making full use of the arable land.
"Kumogakure's scenery is quite impressive, isn't it?"
"If the esteemed envoy is interested, you're welcome to visit again next time!"
Riding on a cloud of gold sand, Sōmi was accompanied by a young Kumogakure ninja.
While the ninja claimed to be giving Sōmi a tour of the local culture and scenery, he was clearly keeping a close eye on Sōmi's every move.
"Perhaps only the majestic and beautiful landscapes of the Land of Lightning could nurture a heroic figure as bold as the Raikage..."
Sōmi manipulated the golden sand cloud as it sped forward, quickly leaving Kumogakure's territory. His tone was calm and indifferent.
"Well, I'll see you off here then!"
"Safe travels, esteemed envoy!"
The young ninja maintained a cheerful smile, unaffected by Sōmi's aloofness.
"Much appreciated."
Lowering the golden sand cloud, Sōmi tossed out a polite remark without looking back.
The young ninja didn't take offense. He leapt to the ground and even waved goodbye to Sōmi.
It wasn't until Sōmi's figure disappeared into the horizon that the smile on the young ninja's face slowly faded.
"Flying... big deal..."
"What's so impressive about that..."
"But I have to admit, the view of the village from the sky is pretty nice..."
The young ninja spat on the ground and muttered to himself.
In the distance, a sly smile crept onto Sōmi's face.
Because as he was leaving the Raikage's office earlier, he had spotted a cemetery within Kumogakure...
The Third Raikage's grave was likely hidden in a protected location with barriers, and Sōmi didn't know its exact position yet.
For now, he planned to send a shadow clone to infiltrate the area at night. After all, if he could "study" some Lightning Release techniques, it would be a worthwhile endeavor.
Lightning Release techniques were extremely rare in Sunagakure!
The Land of Waterfalls, a small country situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth.
Though small in size, the Land of Waterfalls had established its own ninja village: Takigakure!
Takigakure was a hidden village concealed behind a massive waterfall. Despite being surrounded by powerful nations, its unique geography had ensured that Takigakure had never been invaded.
The most notable event in Takigakure's history was undoubtedly the time when its leadership, for reasons unknown, sent their elite ninja Kakuzu to assassinate the First Hokage during the early days of the ninja villages.
Thus, the story of a shuriken flying 800 miles toward the First Hokage began circulating throughout the ninja world.
Upon returning to Takigakure, Kakuzu was punished and imprisoned, which enraged him. He escaped, stole the village's Secret Technique, Earth Grudge Fear, and took the hearts of all the village's leaders with him.
From that moment, Takigakure fell into decline.
To this day, the village had yet to produce anyone whose name was remembered in the ninja world.
However, Takigakure was unique in one other respect: it was the only non-Great Nation village to possess a Tailed Beast.
Had the First Kazekage rejected the First Hokage's proposal and instead demanded funds and territory, this Tailed Beast might have ended up in Sunagakure's hands.
In a forest somewhere in the Land of Waterfalls, Sōmi had a Takigakure ninja under his control with a Genjutsu.
"So that's where it is..."
"Good thing I found someone to ask for directions; otherwise, it would've been hard to locate!"
Sōmi smiled with satisfaction before tossing the twenty-something ninja onto the grass.
Finding a ninja in the Land of Waterfalls wasn't easy. Sōmi had wandered around for quite some time before finally catching one.
Before long, Sōmi arrived at the base of a towering mountain.
What made this mountain unique was the massive waterfall cascading from its peak, its thunderous roar echoing ceaselessly.
At the base of the waterfall lay a large lake, its surface covered in splashes and mist. The humid air nourished the surrounding vegetation.
Even though it was late autumn, the nearby forest remained lush and green.
Sōmi walked up a narrow dirt path along the mountain.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed a gap of about a foot between the waterfall and the cliff behind it, just wide enough for a person to pass through.
The scene reminded him of the Water Curtain Cave in Flower-Fruit Mountain...
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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