Retreat?
The Fourth Raikage was unwilling.
For him, there was no option to retreat.
Moreover, in the current situation, how could they just casually retreat?
Bai Mu, Tsunade, and the others' arrival might have been to ascertain Kumogakure's deployment. Now that both sides had encountered each other here, if their side were to return in a crushing defeat... without a doubt, the blow to Kumogakure's morale would be immense, immeasurable. Therefore, the Fourth Raikage could not accept it, even though he knew the situation was already very unfavorable.
But so what?
As a Kage, he had to bear the responsibility and continue fighting.
Furthermore, considering that his father had only recently died, and he had succeeded him as the Fourth Raikage, if this war failed to secure greater benefits for Kumogakure, how would he suppress the dissenting voices within the Village upon his return?
Military achievements!
The Fourth Raikage undoubtedly yearned for them, so if he were to retreat in disgrace, it would be a huge blow to his prestige, although it wouldn't go so far as to affect his position.
However, the impact caused by these blows would be long-lasting, so there had to be a result.
No matter what, I cannot retreat in disgrace.
At the very least, I must gain something.
"Bee, no more talk."
"We cannot retreat!"
Upon hearing this, Killer Bee was undoubtedly anxious. He couldn't just watch the Fourth Raikage be in danger, so he still had to persuade him.
But before Killer Bee could speak, Bai Mu's voice came through.
"Retreat? You can't retreat!"
Hearing this, the two immediately became furious and looked in the direction of the voice.
What came into view was Bai Mu, standing in mid-air, his body enveloped in golden light.
He stood in the air, his demeanor quite relaxed, watching them with a smile on his lips.
"Uchiha Bai Mu, you brat are truly arrogant to the extreme, but you're not using Susanoo, which clearly means you can no longer withstand such consumption…"
"Heh heh, are you still capable?"
Seeing Bai Mu in such a posture, the Fourth Raikage immediately felt anger rise in his heart, but he quickly calmed down and said unhurriedly. This was the result of his analysis based on the available intelligence.
Bai Mu was very strong, there was no denying that, but could he withstand such a huge consumption?
That remained a question mark, and the Fourth Raikage was very skeptical about it.
I don't believe you're truly that strong, completely unaffected.
"Is it capable or not? Isn't it obvious?"
Bai Mu, standing in mid-air, smiled indifferently.
You ask if it's capable or not?
Isn't my current performance enough to explain the problem?
The Fourth Raikage clenched his left hand, glanced at his lost right hand 643, where the bleeding had stopped, and then looked up at Bai Mu, sneering, "Hmph, you haven't even used Susanoo, which means you're already incapable, so why bother putting on a strong front here? It's meaningless."
The strongest Lightning Release Armor was still maintained, just somewhat weakened, but the Fourth Raikage firmly believed that in terms of consumption, Bai Mu must have consumed more.
Killer Bee, seeing this, knew he couldn't persuade him and immediately said in a low voice, "Brother, let me do it."
Killer Bee's intention was naturally for the Fourth Raikage's good, fearing it would affect his injury, but the latter refused: "No need, I'll do it."
And as soon as he finished speaking, he added: "Bee, you still need to provide Tailed Beast Ball support."
As his voice fell, the Chakra on the Fourth Raikage's body once again became violent.
Lightning Release Lightning Lariat!
Arcing electricity shimmered all over his body, and lightning gathered in his left hand—the Fourth Raikage's only usable arm. His right hand had been severed by Baimu during their recent exchange.
Crucially, the Fourth Raikage himself hadn't reacted in time; he only realized his hand was gone after it was already severed. This undoubtedly fueled his intense hatred for Baimu.
Having suffered such a crushing defeat, how could he explain himself if he simply ran away in disgrace?
Knowing this, the Fourth Raikage chose to fight to the death.
He was well aware that Baimu might be heavily depleted, but could he be killed?
He didn't know, but he had to try.
Even if the cost was immense.
He had to do it.
His speed was pushed to the maximum.
The Fourth Raikage unleashed his full speed advantage, moving even faster than before. His left fist, enveloped in lightning, lunged with all its might towards Baimu.
However, facing the Fourth Raikage's desperate attack, Baimu merely raised his right hand slightly, and the golden light around him instantly became even more dazzling.
What followed was a golden beam of light that directly pierced the rapidly moving Fourth Raikage. The powerful Lightning Release Armor, which he prided himself on, offered no protection whatsoever.
Blood instantly gushed out. The Fourth Raikage, who had just taken over the reins of the Hidden Cloud Village, fell backward and landed on the ground.
A bowl-sized wound appeared on his chest, from which blood continuously poured. This location was precisely where his heart was, just a tiny bit lower, grazing the heart.
However, such an injury was irreparable. Though it didn't pierce the heart, it didn't mean the Fourth Raikage could survive, as it had caused massive internal bleeding.
With this rate of bleeding, death was only a matter of time. The difference was that if his heart had been pierced, he would have died instantly; now, he could still cling to life for a bit longer.
"Brother!"
Killer B returned to his human form and quickly landed beside the Fourth Raikage, his emotions highly agitated, a hint of terror already on his face.
The Fourth Raikage's injuries were beyond his imagination; if he didn't receive treatment, he might… "B, hurry and go!"
The Fourth Raikage, continuously spitting blood, looked with difficulty at his younger brother, Killer B, muttering, hoping his brother would quickly retreat.
He couldn't win, absolutely couldn't win; he had to run.
If he didn't run, not only would he be gone, but Killer B would be too, which would mean the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki would fall into the hands of Konoha.
For the Hidden Cloud, this was unacceptable, so he had to ensure Killer B's safe retreat back to the Hidden Cloud's main base. But was he truly safe then?
He didn't know. The Fourth Raikage didn't know. He couldn't see what would happen next, he could only make arrangements as best as he could, hoping for the best.
Konoha wouldn't go so far as to wipe them out, would they?
"No, I can't leave." Killer B, of course, refused. He wanted to retreat with the Fourth Raikage, not leave his elder brother to die here.
"B, don't be willful. I'm already done for, I won't live. You must retreat quickly and tell the village to prepare, otherwise, the Hidden Cloud will be finished…" The Fourth Raikage was in his final moments, and he knew he was nearing his end. So, to ensure Killer B's survival, he immediately used his last ounce of strength to scold his younger brother.
Baimu still stood in mid-air, the golden light around him not having dissipated.
With his arms crossed and an arrogant expression, he looked at Killer B and said softly, "Your brother is right, you can escape. I'll give you five minutes. Five minutes is enough time for you to leave."
At this point, Baimu paused slightly, then continued, "After five minutes, we will set off. By then, I hope your Hidden Cloud main base will be prepared to welcome our arrival."
This was an insult!
Both the dying Fourth Raikage and the almost-collapsing Killer B understood Baimu's intention.
It was blatant humiliation, a mockery of the Hidden Cloud, but what could they do now?
The Fourth Raikage, the Fourth Raikage of the Hidden Cloud, who had just taken office.
How long had it been? And he was already about to fall?
Killer B couldn't accept it.
He truly couldn't accept it.
But Baimu didn't care about any of this. He just said coldly, "The countdown has begun. Aren't you leaving yet?"
"B!"
The Fourth Raikage used his last ounce of strength. He hoped his brother would prioritize the greater good and under no circumstances fall here. He was already gone, but the Eight-Tails couldn't be compromised.
You are the Hidden Cloud's Jinchuriki, and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. You absolutely cannot fall into Konoha's hands.
Upon seeing this, Killer B couldn't help but clench his fists, tears streaming down his face. Looking at the Fourth Raikage, who was nearing death, he could only lament his own powerlessness.
He glared at Baimu with hatred, gritting his teeth and saying, "Uchiha Baimu, I will not let you get away with this."
After uttering his threat, Killer B quickly turned and ran towards the forest.
In the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the dense woods.
With Killer B's departure, the Fourth Raikage finally let out a sigh of relief. And as that breath dissipated, his final moment naturally arrived.
The Fourth Raikage, who had just taken office, hadn't had the chance to shine or realize his ambitions. He could only die with regret.
With the death of the Fourth Raikage, Killer B's hasty retreat, and the twelve Hidden Cloud ninja all killed in action, this skirmish was a complete victory for Konoha.
Not only were twelve elite ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village killed, but more importantly, the Fourth Raikage himself was slain. Only the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki escaped, and that was intentionally allowed. So, to call it a complete victory was entirely accurate.
At this moment, Baimu slowly descended, the golden light around him fading. Tsunade walked over, followed by Esdeath and Aliceliese.
Aliceliese was fine, she didn't feel much.
But Esdeath was different.
Because the battle was boring.
The enemies were too weak.
"Baimu, if this is all there is to so-called ninja, I can only say it's very disappointing." Esdeath could no longer tolerate fighting so many weaklings. Couldn't there be a decent strong opponent?
Honestly, I just find it boring, truly very boring.
Tsunade: "…"
I haven't even spoken, why are you so eager to talk?
And your tone, why is it so punchable?
"Esdeath, I've found that you really are asking for a beating." Tsunade couldn't help but emphasize this point, her face full of displeasure.
What's going on?
Do you really think you're invincible?
"Oh? Is that so?" Tsunade's words didn't affect Esdeath; instead, they made her very excited. "Do you want to fight me?"
"Esdeath, don't be reckless." Of course, Baimu knew her too well and immediately spoke to stop her.
"I'm not being reckless, but you let him go. Is this to take them all out at once?" Esdeath pouted, unfazed, but she was very interested in Baimu's next move.
"Going this big?"
Tsunade immediately got a headache.
Killing the Raikage was already a bit too crazy, but if they were to also eliminate the several thousand Hidden Cloud ninja, it would truly be an endless war.
"I think since we've already taken out the leader of a village, the Raikage, then continuing to kill isn't a big deal." Aliceliese spoke quietly, yet delivered a massive blow.
Why not kill them?
In my opinion, they should be killed, they must be killed.
Tsunade: "???"
No, are you all that crazy?
And for Tsunade, things felt a bit out of control. It seemed like each of them was a bit off, actually wanting to kill everyone.
This was going to be a bloodbath!
But the question was, was doing this reasonable or unreasonable?
Tsunade pondered that this matter wasn't right and that they still couldn't do it. She immediately voiced her opposition: "It's not that I have an opinion, but I don't think we can do this."
"What's the problem?"
Esdeath raised an eyebrow and retorted.
At least she didn't think it was the wrong approach.
Also, Aliceliese, I really like what you just said!
"Baimu, what do you think?" Tsunade, hearing this, didn't bother to dwell on Esdeath's words; it was most important to clarify Baimu's opinion.
What you two say doesn't count; it depends on Baimu's intentions.
"Then it depends on whether the Hidden Cloud surrenders or not." Baimu smiled faintly, saying unhurriedly.
What did he think?
That depended on the Hidden Cloud.
If they were sensible, they would surrender.
But if they were not sensible and resisted to the end, they would simply be killed.
"Alright, that's as good as saying nothing." Tsunade sighed softly, knowing that it was just empty words. With the Fourth Raikage gone, could the Hidden Cloud surrender?
Even if they did, they wouldn't surrender immediately, but would continue to fight.
Then, once they continued fighting, it would undoubtedly be easy for things to get out of control. But if they really killed so many people, the Hidden Cloud would suffer a catastrophic decline. If that benefited someone else, wouldn't it be a loss?
"It's fine, we don't need to rush to make a decision. Anyway, our goal is simple: to end this war, and then return to Konoha to seize supreme power."
Baimu paused slightly here, his gaze then falling on Tsunade, and he said meaningfully, "The position of Hokage is really going to change."
Tsunade's expression subtly changed, but she had nothing to say about it, because from the moment she agreed to Baimu's proposal, there was no turning back.
"Changing the Hokage's position isn't that easy. I don't want a bloodbath. Outside is fine, but Konoha cannot be like that. The change of power should still be stable."
She knew, but Tsunade still hoped for a stable transition, not a literal bloodbath.
It could be like that outside, but not within the village.
For Tsunade, Konoha was extremely important.
It was the village her grandfather founded, the place where her family lived. Even though the Senju clan had declined and her closest relatives were gone, there were still Senju bloodlines in Konoha, though they had become ordinary, given up the Senju surname, and completely integrated into Konoha, carrying out the policies of her great-uncle, Tobirama Senju.
As for whether this is right or wrong, Tsunade doesn't know.
At the very least, there are still members of the Senju clan in Konoha, even if they have given up the Senju surname, their bloodline remains.
So, Tsunade can't possibly be so heartless as to let all these people suffer, right?
That's impossible, so the change in power should ideally be smooth, without too much ugliness.