Shocking Change in Kumogakure

The alliance between Kumogakure and Konoha was a rare major event in the Ninja World, and the Second Raikage attached exceptional importance to it.

It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Konoha had reached the point where it needed an ally to expand into more markets. If this succeeded, it would surely usher in soaring development in the foreseeable future.

Kumogakure, meanwhile, needed Konoha's mature markets. Beyond that, the Second Raikage needed to use this matter to raise his prestige and further consolidate the power in his hands.

During the First Ninja World War, Kumogakure had been among the defeated villages. When the Second Raikage took over, he had inherited a complete mess. Development over these years had not been easy for him. Some of the internal powerholders might not necessarily submit to him, and Kinkaku and Ginkaku in particular often opposed him.

Though he said nothing outwardly, the Second Raikage had remembered all of it. For this alliance, he had strictly forbidden Kinkaku and Ginkaku from meddling and had even sent Anbu to monitor their movements. Once this matter was over, he would settle every old score one by one.

Still, Kinkaku and Ginkaku appeared to be behaving themselves this time. According to the intelligence sent back by the Anbu, they had been fairly honest. Hmph, they probably knew the gap between themselves and him. He would leave them alone for now.

Drawing back his thoughts, the Second Raikage raised his head and looked toward the Second Hokage opposite him. The man wore a gentle smile, yet still radiated authority. He was a formidable figure.

He knew little about the younger brother of the God of Shinobi. All he knew was that the man acted decisively and ruthlessly, a hardline leader.

"The alliance ceremony between Kumogakure and Konoha officially begins!"