In fact, just one week earlier.
Shimoku had already returned from [Maku Zhutai] to the Homura Hidden Village.
Then, before he could even properly enjoy a few peaceful days,
he heard news about an outbreak of conflict between the Iwagakure Village and the Sunagakure Village.
Initially, Shimoku didn't pay much attention.
After all, the old man Onoki's granddaughter and favorite apprentice were both in his hands.
He wasn't worried that the old man would dare plot against him.
Besides, friction and struggles between great nations were quite common.
After all, not long ago Iwagakure had gone head-to-head with Konoha.
Although that time, Shimoku had given a small push himself.
But that didn't prevent the natural state of mutual hostility and suspicion among great nations.
And from Homura Hidden Village's perspective,
in truth, Shimoku secretly hoped the Five Great Nations would keep clashing.
That was how his own village could grow unchallenged.
However,
when he learned that the Sunagakure Village had so eagerly deployed their own Jinchuriki into battle,
Shimoku caught a whiff of something wrong.
Others might not know, but Shimoku was fully aware of the familial relationship between the Fourth Kazekage Rasa and Gaara, the One-Tail Jinchuriki of Suna.
Although the Fourth Kazekage Rasa feared the power of the One-Tail,
he still deeply valued his son Gaara.
Unless facing unavoidable threats or outrageously tempting benefits,
why on earth would he willingly send his Jinchuriki son into battle to attack enemies?
There's definitely some dark dealings behind this!
...
Therefore, Shimoku set out immediately.
He directly activated the [Flying Thunder God Technique], teleporting straight inside the Konoha Village.
His plan was to begin his investigation right inside Konoha.
Thanks to Shimoku's previous caution, never having actively demonstrated the [Flying Thunder God Technique] in front of any Konoha ninja,
so Konoha had no idea at all
that their own village had long become Shimoku's personal 'backyard'.
Of course, most of the secret markings Shimoku had left were destroyed in past battles.
But a few remained.
Enough for Shimoku to come and go freely.
What followed was routine: infiltration and intel extraction.
Homura Mitokado, Ibiki Morino, Sarutobi Shin'nosuke, Tsunade, Danzo...
Shimoku planned to ambush each for interrogation using Genjutsu.
Yet by the second target, he already obtained the needed information.
As head of the [Interrogation Department], this Director Ibiki possessed remarkable strength—a solid elite Jonin level ninja.
His willpower was especially strong, nearly rivaling that of Mr. Kisame.
Unfortunately, against the [Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan], he was still helpless.
Soon, Shimoku learned from Ibiki's confession
the basic outline of Senju Tobirama's plan.
Finally understanding now, the battle between Iwa and Suna was only bait.
Their real targets remained the [Akatsuki] organization and Lord Madara.
"A plan that looked sloppy on the surface but was brutally efficient."
Shimoku smirked as if he'd just tasted blood.
In truth, this was nothing more than a game of yang mou — manipulation dressed up as honesty.
To put it bluntly, even if the Akatsuki saw through everything.
As long as they still needed the Tailed Beasts, there was a high chance they'd make their move!
And if they did strike first, then they would fall right into the trap!
As for all other flaws and loopholes, they were unimportant...
Of course, two major questions remained.
[With just one Tailed Beast, what made Tobirama so sure that the Akatsuki would definitely act?]
[And if Lord Madara got involved, why would Tobirama be confident about defeating him?]
Naturally, these were questions Shimoku himself could think of.
That bastard Tobirama must have considered them too.
Now it all came down to what kind of preparations and hidden trump cards he had.
Still, Shimoku had another question lingering in his mind.
Why had Hashirama agreed to launch such an offensive war in the first place?
Even if it was a fake war,
It still surprised Shimoku greatly.
"Could it be that Hashirama has already uncovered Lord Madara's plan?"
"Or is there some other factor interfering with Hashirama's judgment?"
If this war spiraled out of control, it could easily trigger a new large-scale conflict across the entire Ninja World!
"What, an early Fourth Great Ninja War?"
"Actually, that sounds kind of cool."
"This should be interesting. Let's bring it on!"
Shimoku felt no fear at all—only thrilled with anticipation.
Frankly speaking, though he hoped his own village could continue developing peacefully for a bit longer,
To build up more strength and establish a solid foundation,
If Konoha really wanted to fight head-on, he welcomed it wholeheartedly.
After all, Shimoku didn't feel intimidated one bit.
[Immortal God Body] + [Eight Gates], along with [Heavy Ion Mode] + [remaining ten thousand coins exchanged for Tailed Beast Form].
At his full power, he could probably kill two Six Paths-level experts in one go.
At worst, he could destroy the Five Great Nations early and unify the Ninja World!
Besides, he had just learned the Sage Mode recently anyway—he had been itching to test his skills against someone!
Of course, those were extreme scenarios.
Whether this 'grand performance' would escalate to that point remained uncertain.
But since he now knew of Konoha's plans,
Wasn't it natural for him to seize the opportunity for additional personal gain?
Maybe even trigger something huge wasn't out of the question.
However, specifics—how to operate, how to play "the predator never sees the hunter"?
Required careful planning...
"Konoha...Tobirama..."
"Let's play a serious game then!"
Shimoku let out a villainous chuckle.
Grabbing Director Ibiki once again, he activated his Genjutsu to erase the man's memory.
Then activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, vanishing from within Konoha's Interrogation Department.
Instantly returning to his own Homura Hidden Village to begin battle preparations.
After all, Sunagakure's Tailed Beast had only just appeared, and Tobirama's bait had barely been cast.
There was still plenty of time before the net closed in.
Plenty of time left for him to get everything ready.
Indeed, nothing compared to the joy of launching a surprise attack!
The reason Tobirama went through so many twists and turns setting up this plan was likely also partly meant to deceive him,
To prevent him from teaming up with Lord Madara.
Too bad, he still miscalculated.
He couldn't foresee that Shimoku had also mastered his invented Kinjutsu—the Flying Thunder God Technique!
Which allowed instant thousand-mile traversal, eliminating any intelligence gap.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>