After successfully extracting the Three-Tails, Sōmi sealed both Kisame's and the Raikage's corpses into a Sealing Scroll.
The Raikage's body would be of great use to Sunagakure. Sōmi planned to summon the Raikage back via Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation and use him as a large-scale "generator," providing Sunagakure with a continuous source of electrical energy.
When Sōmi had more free time, he intended to conduct a thorough "archaeological expedition" in Kumogakure. His goal was to capture the First through Third Raikages, as well as any renowned Lightning Release masters, and repurpose them as a form of "clean, renewable energy."
Of course, to convert Lightning Release Chakra into usable energy, Sōmi would need to control a few more "scientists" from Kumogakure to refine the necessary machinery.
After all, Kumogakure's technological prowess was second to none in the ninja world.
However, with their top-tier combat power completely annihilated, Kumogakure was destined to become a relic of history.
Even if they had developed a prototype of the "Star-Destroying Cannon," figures like Sasori, whose Mangekyō Sharingan ability rendered him immune to physical attacks, meant they posed no threat to Sōmi.
As for Kisame, after being reanimated, Sōmi intended to assign him as a professional "dam repairman," responsible for overseeing water diversion and redirection projects between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain. It was a rather fitting role.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a swirling vortex of spatial ripples appeared beside Sōmi, and Sasori calmly "stepped" out from within.
"The Eight-Tails—done yet?" Sōmi asked with a smile.
"Of course. Just waiting for you to seal it," Sasori replied with a slight nod, his tone calm.
With dual Kamui abilities and Sage Mode, dealing with a giant octopus was hardly a challenge for Sasori.
"Your ability sure is convenient," Sōmi remarked, his gaze sweeping over Sasori's Mangekyō Sharingan. "It's like carrying an ultra-large storage space with you. Back when I was researching Sealing Scrolls, I used to dream of having such a power."
"Heh," Sasori chuckled lightly. "I find it quite useful as well."
Sasori was more than satisfied with the transplanted Sharingan. The intangibility ability ensured that his "frail" puppeteer body could remain invincible, while his "semi-Gundam puppet" allowed him to launch devastating attacks at will.
"What about these Kumogakure shinobi?" Sasori asked, glancing at the dazed Kumogakure ninja scattered throughout the forest.
"Kill them all," Sōmi replied nonchalantly. "Keep any valuable corpses; they can still contribute to the village."
Sōmi had never been one to show mercy toward shinobi from other villages.
"W-Wait..." one dark-skinned Kumogakure ninja stammered, swallowing hard. His lips trembled as he spoke, "Sōmi... Lord Sōmi of Sunagakure... aren't we allies?"
"Allies?" Sōmi's voice carried a faint mockery. "True allies are those of equal strength, who collaborate for mutual benefit. Kumogakure no longer qualifies as my ally."
"You are destined to become nothing more than the dust of history... insignificant dust."
A purple glow flared in Sōmi's eyes as he looked at the Kumogakure shinobi, his gaze akin to that of a butcher sizing up livestock for slaughter.
While Sōmi busied himself "cleaning up" the battlefield and sealing the Three-Tails and Eight-Tails, the forces of Konohagakure were methodically retreating back to their village.
With the capture of the One-Tail through Eight-Tails complete, Sōmi needed to further strengthen his own seals before targeting the final Nine-Tails.
Although his journey through the "Dragon Vein Space-Time" had not directly boosted his power, it had provided invaluable insights. Since his return, Sōmi had experienced a constant flow of inspiration regarding the use of the Rinnegan and sealing techniques.
This sense of enlightenment had significantly enhanced his abilities.
Now that the One-Tail through Eight-Tails were secured, Sōmi could finally take a moment to consolidate his strength. After all, once he absorbed the Nine-Tails, he would need immense willpower to control the Six Paths Sage Mode. If his sealing techniques were not robust enough, he risked succumbing to the kind of "split personality" disorder that had plagued Obito.
A few days later.
Konohagakure, Hokage's Office.
Minato Namikaze sat with a grave expression, addressing the assembled high-ranking officials.
"According to reports from our spies, Kumogakure's forces have been completely wiped out by Sōmi, including the Raikage, the Eight-Tails, and the Two-Tails."
"Kumogakure is now in utter disarray. They can't even rally behind a new Raikage capable of commanding the village."
"After eliminating Kumogakure's forces, Sōmi has vanished without a trace. We have no idea what he might be plotting in the shadows."
"Furthermore..." Minato's tone grew heavier. "Madara Uchiha has been spotted in Otogakure. It's unclear what agreement he reached with Orochimaru."
"The First Hokage is long gone. Who among us can possibly stand against these two formidable enemies?"
Though Minato's voice remained steady, it carried an undeniable undertone of deep concern.
"Sōmi can still be dealt with," Danzo interjected, narrowing his eyes. "He has attachments and concerns. We can use Sunagakure as leverage to threaten and contain him."
"But Madara Uchiha..." Danzo's gaze shifted to Itachi Uchiha.
Wearing his clan's traditional attire, with hair framing his cheeks and tear troughs marking his face, the young but composed Itachi blinked his large black eyes. His long lashes accentuated his youthful appearance.
"The mistakes of our ancestors should be rectified by their descendants," Itachi said calmly. "If Madara must be dealt with, the Uchiha clan of Konohagakure will not shirk this responsibility."
"Itachi..." Minato sighed. "We do not doubt the Uchiha clan. However, Madara's power may far exceed your imagination. He is not an opponent we can easily handle."
Minato cast a sidelong glance at Danzo, his disdain for the man's divisive tactics barely concealed.
"What about Naruto?" the Third Hokage asked, puffing on his pipe. Wisps of pale purple smoke curled from his lips as he spoke. "Hasn't he already mastered Wood Release?"
"It's difficult," Minato admitted hesitantly. "With Kushina's help, Naruto has learned to harness the power of the Nine-Tails. But Madara's strength is simply..."
Minato trailed off, his mind flashing back to the overwhelming pressure of Madara's Perfect Susano'o.
Suddenly, Minato's expression changed. "Something's wrong! We're under attack!"
In an instant, Minato's figure vanished in a flash of yellow light.
A figure descended from the skies above Konohagakure, passing through the semi-transparent barrier and landing heavily atop the Hokage Rock.
Amidst the swirling dust, a shadowy figure could be seen. He wore crimson armor and carried a long war fan on his back.
"Konohagakure..."
"The village I named with my own lips..."
"It has become a cage—a prison where people abandon their will."
"Then I shall destroy it with my own hands, paving the way to a true dream!"
As the dust settled, a man with long hair cascading to his waist emerged. His spiky locks framed his face, obscuring his right eye. He gazed down at the bustling village below, memories of the past flashing through his mind.
But his nostalgic expression quickly turned cold, leaving only indifference in his eyes.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
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