As the Raikage arrived in the Hidden Leaf Village, his imposing figure was accompanied by three elite bodyguards—a Genin, a Chunin, and a Jonin—along with a few diplomats from the Land of Lightning. They traveled in a grand, fortified carriage that exuded power and authority. The streets of Konoha bustled with activity as curious villagers peeked at the entourage.
Upon stepping out of the carriage, the Raikage, with his towering frame and commanding presence, scanned the village. A confident grin spread across his face as he approached the Hokage waiting to greet him.
Raikage: "Hah! Third Hokage! Finally, we meet face to face. It's about time, don't you think? This is our first meeting, after all."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: (smiling warmly) "Indeed, Raikage. Welcome to the Hidden Leaf. It's an honor to host you and your entourage here."
Raikage: (chuckling) "As a token of goodwill, I've brought you something from the Cloud. Here, our finest source of protein—it's A1 quality. Nothing like this anywhere else in the world."
(The Raikage handed over a large, elaborately wrapped package to Hiruzen, who accepted it with a gracious nod.)
Hiruzen: "Ah, thank you, Raikage. I'll be sure to try it. In the meantime, we've prepared accommodations for you and your team. You'll find them relaxing, with access to our finest hot springs. Please make yourselves at home."
Raikage: (crossing his arms with a smirk) "Hah! Hot springs can wait. Let's get to the real reason I'm here. Tomorrow, we'll have the sparring matches first, and then we'll sign the peace treaty. What do you say?"
Hiruzen: (letting out a small puff of smoke from his pipe, smiling calmly) "Very well. If that's your preference, we'll arrange it accordingly. The order doesn't matter to me as long as peace is the outcome."
Raikage: (grinning) "Good. I like your attitude, Hokage. But don't think for a second we'll hold back during the matches. The Cloud doesn't do things halfway."
Hiruzen: (chuckling softly) "I wouldn't expect anything less from you. Our shinobi are looking forward to the challenge. Let's make it a memorable event for both our villages."
The exchange set the tone for the upcoming day. The Hidden Leaf had prepared extensively for the sparring matches, but the Raikage's confidence made it clear that the Cloud had come ready to assert their strength.
As the Raikage retired to his quarters for the night, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, remained at his desk, surrounded by papers and scrolls. The weight of preparations and political affairs kept him busy. However, his focus was abruptly interrupted when the door to his office swung open without warning.
Danzo: (entering with a frown) "Hiruzen! Don't you dare finish off that A1 beef by yourself. Sharing is caring. Hand some over."
Hiruzen: (startled, putting down his pipe) "But..."
Danzo: (narrowing his eyes) "Tch, so that's your excuse? You're not planning to share, are you?"
Hiruzen: (crossing his arms defiantly) "I've decided to keep it for myself, I am the Hokage"
Danzo: (gritting his teeth) "You'll regret this, Hiruzen. Mark my words."
With that, Danzo slammed the door behind him as he left, muttering under his breath. Hiruzen let out a tired sigh, shaking his head at his old friend's antics before returning to his work.
The next day,
The grand event had arrived. In the center of a vast arena, spectators gathered in anticipation. The Raikage and Hiruzen sat on elaborately designed chairs, positioned to oversee the matches. The air was filled with excitement and tension as shinobi from both villages stood ready.
Raikage: (grinning) "Here, give this to the commentator. Let's get the matches started."
An attendant hurriedly passed a scroll to the announcer, who unfurled it to reveal the match-ups:
Cloud Representatives:
Genin: Darui of the Storm ReleaseChunin: Yugito Nii, Jinchūriki of the Two-TailsJonin: Dodai of the Lava Release
The commentator raised his hand, his voice echoing across the arena:
"Let the match between Uchiha Yagami of the Hidden Leaf and Darui of the Hidden Cloud... BEGIN!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as both combatants faced off, their resolve evident in their stances. Darui unsheathed his katana, the blade humming with a faint crackle of lightning chakra. In contrast, Yagami stood unbothered, his Sharingan unactivated, observing Darui with a calm, calculating gaze.
Darui: (smirking) "You're underestimating me, Uchiha. Not activating your Sharingan? You'll regret it."
Darui dashed forward, his katana cutting through the air in a swift arc aimed directly at Yagami. But Yagami sidestepped effortlessly, his movements smooth and precise. With a flick of his wrist, he unsheathed his own short blade, meeting Darui's strike head-on.
Yagami: (calmly) "I don't need my Sharingan to deal with you. Let's dance!"
The clash of swords rang out, the metallic sound sharp and resonant. Yagami took the offensive, his attacks swift, controlled, and relentless. Darui was forced onto the defensive, parrying strike after strike, his footing faltering under Yagami's unyielding precision.
In the stands, the Raikage watched with a mix of surprise and admiration.
Raikage: (to himself) "This level of kenjutsu... It's beyond most Genin. Even some Jonin would struggle to keep up, Darui is doing a great job."
Darui's face was slick with sweat, his breathing ragged. Though older and presumably more experienced, he was clearly outmatched. Yagami, meanwhile, remained composed, his movements fluid and efficient. It was as though he was toying with Darui, pushing him to his limits without breaking a sweat.
With a desperate grunt, Darui parried Yagami's last strike and leaped back, quickly weaving hand signs.
Darui: "Storm Release: Laser Circus!"
Multiple beams of crackling energy shot from Darui's fingertips, streaking toward Yagami with deadly speed.
Yagami remained unfazed, calmly forming his own hand seals.
Yagami: "Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon!"
A massive dragon-shaped flame roared to life, surging forward to meet the incoming lasers. The attacks collided mid-air, creating an explosion that filled the arena with thick smoke. The audience shielded their eyes as debris scattered, obscuring the battlefield.