Kumogakure Surrenders

In the distance, the Kumogakure Ninja gazed at the sky-blocking Susanoo and involuntarily came to a halt. Despair rose within them like a winter wind, piercing to the bone and cold as ice.

"Can humans really fight something like that?"

"Yeah, we're supposed to fight that giant? Seriously?"

Amid the despair, Killer B was the first to snap back to his senses. His voice exploded beside everyone's ears like thunder. "Show some Kumogakure pride! The Raikage is still waiting for us over there! Fool! Idiot!"

But he was met only with dead silence. The Kumogakure Ninja remained quiet, their eyes filled with deep concern.

Disappointment welled up in Killer B's heart. He clenched his fists, ready to face that invincible giant alone.

Just then, the voice of the jonin Dodai broke the silence. "Darui, Omoi, Samui, Atsui—you go back. If we don't return, Darui, you'll be the next Raikage."

His words were calm and resolute, as though he were merely discussing some everyday matter rather than making a choice between life and death.

Dodai's gaze swept across every Kumogakure Ninja, his voice utterly even. "Anyone else willing to go can come with us. If you don't want to throw your life away, go back with them. There's no shame in that."

The other Kumogakure Ninja showed faint, relieved smiles. They had remained silent before only because they were worried about the village's future.

But since Dodai had already made his plans, they would not begrudge the sacrifice of their lives.

At that moment, Atsui, who had been ordered to return to the village, spoke angrily. "Lord Dodai, why can't I go? I'm a Kumogakure jonin too. How can I shrink back here?"

Darui's voice cut through his anger. "Enough. We're going back. Even with Lord Killer B and Lord Dodai