In the Land of Lightning, during the transition between spring and summer, while other nations were still shrouded in misty rain and dense fog, the high mountains here resounded with deafening thunderclaps.
The thunder seemed to reverberate from within the thick layers of clouds, occasionally piercing through the white clouds and leaving brilliant streaks of lightning across the sky.
On one of Kumogakure's towering mountains, bolts of lightning repeatedly struck the top of a peculiar structure. The building's design was quite unique: its base was a silver-white metallic sphere, atop which stood a triangular spire.
The spire was made of a special material that remained completely unscathed by the relentless lightning strikes. Instead, it absorbed the dispersed strands of electricity into the metallic sphere below.
Inside the sphere, an array of intricate instruments converted the violent lightning into gentle and stable currents. These currents, regulated by sealing formulas and machinery, were then distributed to households through a network of complex wires encircling the sphere's base.
Although the generated electricity was limited, it was sufficient to meet basic lighting needs.
This miraculous structure was a recent innovation, even for Kumogakure, the leader in ninja world technology.
Moreover, the village's development approach involved combining Chakra, sealing techniques, mechanical systems, and electrical energy. Based on this foundation, Kumogakure had developed numerous advanced machines powered by electricity.
In cases where electricity was unavailable, the lightning generated by a ninja's Chakra could also serve as an energy source.
On the mountain, white clouds billowed.
The Raikage's office was embedded in the mountainside, resembling an inverted azure gourd, with lush greenery adorning its top.
In terms of design, while the Raikage's office lacked the primitive artistic charm of the Tsuchikage's office, it exuded an ethereal aura reminiscent of a paradise, making it arguably the most stylish building among the Five Great Ninja Villages.
"Raikage-sama!"
"This is the latest weapon development proposal submitted by our research department."
"One approach focuses on precision, combining electrical energy with a ninja's Chakra to design portable firearms."
"The other takes the opposite route, aiming to develop a massive 'Chakra Cannon' turret..."
A scholarly man wearing glasses stood before the Raikage, explaining the contents of the document in his hands.
"What about those firearms? How powerful are they?"
The Raikage asked in a deep voice, as he performed sit-ups on a yoga mat beside his office.
"It depends on the amount of Chakra infused. The power would be roughly equivalent to B-rank or C-rank ninjutsu."
"However, there might be a delay of one or two seconds."
The scholarly man adjusted his glasses with his middle finger and answered skillfully.
"One or two seconds?!"
The Raikage's body suddenly erupted with intense blue lightning.
"In one or two seconds, the enemy could throw dozens of shuriken!"
"Moreover, if it relies entirely on Chakra, it means that even if a Genin gets their hands on this weapon, they wouldn't be able to fire more than a few shots, right?"
The blue lightning flashed, and the Raikage appeared directly in front of the scholarly man, his tiger-like eyes staring intently at him.
"Yes!"
"Because if we mix electrical energy with Chakra, not only would the user need to carry a battery, but the charging speed would also become slower."
The scholarly man remained calm, unfazed by the Raikage's imposing presence.
"Then what's the point of this firearm!"
"Can't your research department learn more about ninjutsu and ninjas instead of coming up with useless gadgets?"
"The village provides you with funding, not for you to squander it!"
The Raikage angrily reprimanded him. After venting his frustration, he asked about the potential power of the Chakra Cannon.
"Raikage-sama, please rest assured."
"This is merely a preliminary direction we've proposed after a meeting. No funds have been allocated to it yet without your approval."
"As for the Chakra Cannon's power, based on our estimates, if sufficient Chakra can be supplied, its strength and range could exceed the effect of a Tailed Beast Bomb by over tenfold, possibly even more!"
"However, more precise data and parameters would need to be determined during the actual development process."
The scholarly man, whose fair complexion was rare among Kumogakure's residents, answered calmly and steadily, showing no sign of unease.
"Tenfold?"
"That strong?"
"How much Chakra would be required to achieve such power..."
"This kind of cannon must be difficult to move. But if it's built as a fortress-mounted cannon, it could serve as the ultimate defensive trump card for Kumogakure..."
The Raikage muttered to himself. Although he was impulsive by nature, his strategic vision was remarkably sharp.
"Alright!"
"Focus your energy and funding on developing the Chakra Cannon!"
The Raikage waved his hand decisively, then walked back to the side and picked up a massive dumbbell, lifting and hammering it down, stirring up a heavy gust of wind.
The scholarly man bowed slightly and added, "However, Raikage-sama, with our current manpower and resources, it would take at least ten years to fully develop this cannon."
"Ten years..."
The Raikage squinted his eyes. The ever-changing situation in the ninja world was clear to every village leader, though their approaches varied based on their philosophies.
For someone like the Raikage, he was undoubtedly a staunch proponent of aggressive expansion!
However, judging by the information from the delegation sent to Iwagakure, Ōnoki was clearly intent on playing both sides...
Using the Akatsuki from Amegakure as pawns to fight on the frontlines, Ōnoki was blatantly displaying his cunning nature.
It was hard to fathom what the Akatsuki from Amegakure were thinking... What could they possibly gain from aligning themselves with Iwagakure?
As these thoughts flashed through the Raikage's mind, the images of Minato Namikaze and Sōmi lingered.
The power of those two individuals...
Thinking of this, the Raikage suddenly made up his mind and said, "At the next high-level meeting, I'll do my utmost to secure the largest possible funding for you!"
"As for manpower, anyone who can contribute will be transferred to your project!"
"I want you to complete this cannon as quickly as possible!"
The scholarly man bowed deeply and replied firmly, "Understood!"
Not long after the scholarly man left, a dark-skinned middle-aged man entered the office, standing upright and shouting loudly, "Raikage-sama!"
"We've captured two Rain ninja spies near the coastal border of the Land of Frost, trying to gather intelligence on Turtle Island!"
"However, this time, Konohagakure's Danzo doesn't seem to be involved..."
The Raikage clenched his teeth, and the dumbbell in his hand slammed heavily onto the ground.
"Amegakure... Those bastards..."
"Do they really think Iwagakure and Konohagakure can protect them?!"
A sharp glint flashed in the Raikage's eyes. However, his advisors had already analyzed the pros and cons for him.
In the current ninja world, if Kumogakure were to strike first, it would have to be a swift and decisive victory—eliminating the enemy before other nations could react and exploit the situation.
The tragedy of the Third Raikage must never be repeated!
"Send out the orders!"
"From now on, any suspicious Konohagakure ninja or Rain ninja appearing near the borders of the Land of Lightning are to be captured and interrogated immediately!"
"If they resist, execute them on the spot!"
The Raikage's face darkened, his tone full of killing intent.
He wanted to let potential enemies know that Kumogakure was no easy target—it was a thorny iron fortress that would draw blood from anyone daring to touch it!
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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