Only Sasuke had the potential to achieve results among the examinees—fulfilling Danzo's conspiracy.
...
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
This was the only great village Kaede had not conquered. Not because he couldn't, but because he chose to leave them be—for now.
The village still had the Eight-Tails. To Kaede, capturing a tailed beast was like reaching into his pocket, but Kumogakure's geography made things inconvenient. Nestled within the mountains, their fortress was difficult for armies to invade.
More importantly, the village had little to offer in terms of resources. As long as they were deterred and didn't provoke him, Kaede saw no harm in letting them enjoy two or three more years of peace.
But Kumogakure misunderstood his restraint. Instead of appreciating it, they secretly plotted how to strike at Kaede.
"Everyone, our forces have already withdrawn from the front lines and are now on guard within the village, ready in case the Nation of Gods attacks. According to the latest reports, they plan to hold a Chunin Exam. This could be an opportunity for us. Danzo has already sent word—if we coordinate with him, we may be able to kill Kaede."
The Fourth Raikage's words carried weight.
The room grew tense.
"Big brother, then let's go! If such a chance has come, I won't sit it out," Killer B declared. As the Eight-Tails jinchuriki, he was Kumogakure's strongest fighter. With Gyūki's power, on par with Hashirama himself, even if he couldn't defeat Kaede outright, he could buy enough time for others to swarm him.
"No. Don't forget what happened to the other villages. If we act rashly, Kumogakure could be wiped out. I say we wait and watch."
Darui opposed the plan.
"What, you scared? If so, then stay behind. But don't forget—Yugito was taken by that man. If we succeed, not only will we kill Kaede, we'll also bring back the Two-Tails and Yugito!"
Killer B's roar shook the hall. Having reconciled with the Eight-Tails, he knew the suffering of jinchuriki. Kaede had captured them to exploit their beasts. Yugito's fate was obvious. If she could be saved, nothing mattered more.
"But what about our village?" Darui pressed. "Our forces on the border were already slaughtered by Kaede. Our numbers are less than half of what they once were. If we launch another attack, we'll be sending our shinobi to their deaths. We could lose everything. Unlike the others, Mei and the others joined Kaede willingly. We would be crushed."
Killer B snapped back. "Ridiculous! We are shinobi! Better to die fighting than sit and wait. Don't you see? Kaede's ambition is the entire world—including Kumogakure. He may leave us for a year or two, but one day he'll strike. If we don't surrender, he'll destroy us. I'd rather die on the battlefield, by Kaede's hand, than be strung along by Danzo's promises."
His words cracked like thunder.
His disciples, Karui and Omoi, immediately rallied behind him.
"Sensei is right. Kumogakure never feared battle. If we let this chance pass, we'll be left with nothing. The Nation of Gods' territory is too vast—Konoha can't take it all. If we fight, we'll earn our share."
"Yes! With sensei leading us, we can win!"
The tide in the room shifted. Most sided with Killer B.
Darui looked to Samui. "What do you think?"
Samui stretched, her voice calm. "I agree with B."
Her words sealed it. The Fourth Raikage raised his hand.
"Enough. Mabui, record this. Since most support action, we'll send troops to assist Danzo. But remember—our identities must remain hidden. We'll strike from the shadows. If the battle goes well, use the Heavenly Transfer Technique to bring our forces in. If it turns against us, retreat at once and bring our men back the same way. Understood?"
"Yes!"
They all answered.
They knew the stakes. This would likely be the last resistance against Kaede in the ninja world. Success would overturn everything—Kumogakure and the other villages would rise above the daimyo and nobility, ruling as true masters of the shinobi world.
But if they failed—death was the only end.
And yet, even a one-in-ten chance was enough for them to gamble on.
Because if they succeeded, they would ascend in one stroke.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]