Kumogakure's Movements, Konoha Misses Its Chance

Kumogakure, Raikage's Office.

A massive map lay spread across the desk, depicting the contours of the Shinobi World and the undercurrents flowing between nations.

The Fourth Raikage, A, sat in the main seat, his body packed with knotted muscles and radiating an intimidating pressure.

When his secretary presented the intelligence file and reported that Iwagakure had also launched an attack on the Land of Fire, A examined the report and asked, "What progress has been made regarding the Collector?"

The secretary standing nearby promptly bowed and reported smoothly, "Lord Raikage, the target's true identity remains shrouded in mystery. The investigation has reached a dead end."

He paused slightly, organizing his thoughts. "Based on the scattered clues we have gathered, the Collector first appeared publicly in the Shinobi World under that name in the Land of Rain.

Later, during the devastating Nine-Tails Incident in Konohagakure, this person's movements were suspicious. Various signs suggest he may have infiltrated the chaos as well, intending to profit from the disaster.

After that, on this battlefield, he seized a portion of Yugito Nii's Two-Tails chakra."

"Oh?" The Raikage abruptly raised his head, his thick brows drawing tightly together. His sharp gaze left the file, revealing clear surprise. "He even dared to stick his hand into Konoha's mess?"

"Yes, Lord Raikage." The secretary confirmed it, a trace of confusion in his tone. "However, what is very strange is that Konoha has been unusually low-key about this matter, treating it as taboo.

We have no way of knowing what he did there, much less whether he obtained any important items or intelligence amid that chaos."

"Hmph!" A snort filled with contempt and disdain exploded through the room like thunder.

The Fourth Raikage's face was full of scorn, and his clenched fist showed just how much he despised