The sea air was damp and chilling, bringing a bone-piercing cold while obscuring the vision of countless shinobi.
The Raikage was very satisfied with his plan.
"Just as expected, the Konoha shinobi didn't pursue us. Heh, Konoha shinobi are nowhere near as fierce-blooded as us Kumogakure shinobi!"
A cruel smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, his face filled with icy malice.
"Killer B, order all shinobi to head for Kumogakure's ships in the Land of Iron. The moment Konoha falls into crisis under Ōnoki of Both Scales's attack will be the moment Kumogakure attacks!"
"We have lived in that barren wasteland known as the Land of Lightning for far too long."
"Only by living in the Land of Fire can Kumogakure become even stronger!"
For that goal—
Even if he had to pay any price—
Even if he had to slaughter any enemy, he did not care. That was the meaning of the Raikage's existence. The First had been like this, the Second had been like this, the old man had been like this, and so would he!
The Land of Lightning was far too difficult to survive in.
Kumogakure, in particular, stood in the perilous Land of Thunderfall!
No one knew when lightning would descend from the heavens. Countless people had died beneath thunderbolts. He had long grown sick of that inhospitable soil, that homeland. None of the people of the Land of Lightning felt any attachment to it.
They only wanted to escape!
Just like the Uchiha Clan back then.
Kumogakure was the same. Crushing Konoha and taking possession of the Land of Fire was his dream!
"Something's wrong!"
Suddenly, a shrill cry rang out, trembling as its owner stared at the vast, fog-shrouded sea behind them.
"Someone's coming! Someone's coming! So many people!"
"What happened?!"