The Raikage's Body Is Iron, but His Head Isn't

"What we need to study is the Lightning Release Armor, not why the Raikage and A are so powerful."

Kyohiko said, "Considering only the Ninjutsu itself, could this technique be roughly regarded as an extension of the physical activation of Lightning Style Chakra?"

He believed that the study of Ninjutsu should begin with identifying its core principles and similarities.

Kakashi thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"That's one way to look at it, if that's the case..."

"Lightning Style Chakra stimulates physical activity and strengthens the body's muscles. In this mode, not only can defense be improved, but also speed and physical strength."

After a moment's thought, Kyohiko immediately came to a conclusion.

According to medical and basic Taijutsu knowledge, a person's speed and strength are related to muscle strength. If the muscles are stimulated by Lightning Style Chakra, a similar effect should be achieved.

Kakashi didn't understand medicine, but he had studied physical activation and had done research in this area, so he immediately nodded in agreement.

Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment, "So, it's a Nintaijutsu that requires a combination of Ninjutsu and Taijutsu to unleash its full power."

"I think so. The real Lightning Release Armor is definitely not as simple as we speculated, but we can simplify the complex problem first and find the end of the ball of yarn."

Kyohiko shared his own insights.

Kakashi nodded. "I understand!"

If you can master...

No!

Even if it only achieves 30% or 40% of the defensive effect, it would still be a decent improvement for him, and might even save his life in battle.

"The most important thing in Ninjutsu innovation is the concept. For example, I initially got my inspiration for the Rasengan from the Rasengan Tailed Beast Bomb..."

Minato Namikaze recounts his creative process.

Kakashi's eyes were opened.

Then he understood—

Kyohiko and Minato meant that they should first find the starting point, then follow the clues to understand the subsequent changes in the Ninjutsu, and finally develop their own "Lightning Release Armor".

Kai couldn't help but feel envious.

However, he knew that Ninjutsu was not suitable for him, but Kakashi was very talented in it, and this Ninjutsu suited Kakashi, so everyone encouraged him to think about it and figure it out.

Research, crack, learn.

Such incidents occur frequently in the Shinobi World, and as long as it's not stealing techniques or scrolls, other ninja villages generally cannot condemn Konoha.

He summoned a Toad to ensure he could contact Mount Myoboku at any time.

Afterwards, everyone fell asleep peacefully.

Outside, the Anbu Ninja of Kumogakure) were monitoring the surroundings.

In the distance, Dodai dared not rest at all, standing on the rooftop, gazing in this direction in a daze.

"Can't you sleep, senior?"

Sleep? That's difficult!

Dodai sighed, gazing at the Konoha Ninja's temporary quarters in the distance. "A single misstep could lead to war, though we're not afraid..."

Ai frowned, then asked with some doubt, "They're really so carefree, able to fall asleep so easily. Aren't they afraid we'll kill them?"

"They might have reconnaissance capabilities that we can't detect. Konoha is very good at this kind of technique, especially that boy named Kyohiko. He's young, but he seems to have connections with the Senju Clan."

Dodai thought of the child's Ninjutsu.

Their Strength of a Hundred and unique Water Style are all related to the Senju Clan.

Who would have thought that this child might have other tricks up his sleeve?

After a moment's thought, Ai nodded in agreement.

Indeed, that guy had already given him enough "surprises," and one more wouldn't be impossible. Otherwise, he really couldn't understand why the four from Konoha were so bold.

Dodai remained silent for a few seconds, then sighed softly in the darkness, "What will Konoha be like a few years from now?"

"Strive to cultivate diligently, and then defeat them!"

Ai tapped her hand on the railing.

He smiled.

"Just because they're a genius doesn't mean we should try to assassinate them! That would completely eliminate any chance of me winning!"

After saying that, Ai smiled and turned around, "I'm going to continue my cultivation."

"Okay, remember to get some rest."

Dodai Road.

Ai didn't answer, she just waved her hand gently.

The next day, everyone got up very early.

but.

Even though Might Guy was always hardworking and diligent, he didn't go out to train while he was in Kumogakure. Instead, he trained his physique at his temporary residence.

After washing up in the morning, Minato pushed open the door and came in.

Their accommodation was a detached room with a small yard, and to ensure each other's safety, none of them completely closed their bedroom doors last night.

Seeing Kyohiko get up, he asked with concern, "Do you want to dispel the clone and rest a little longer?"

"No need, my recovery ability is quite fast now, this level of fatigue is not a problem."

Kyohiko dispelled the Shadow Clone outside.

A massive amount of information flooded my mind in an instant...

Fortunately, much of it is disparate and repetitive information, with only a few pieces truly useful.

"Someone was watching me last night."

"As expected, they were also afraid of us causing trouble, especially after we learned that they were the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki."

Minato Namikaze did not object to being monitored.

Appropriate monitoring can put both parties at ease.

"There are no security cameras now, right?"

"Um."

Kyohiko nodded.

Only after receiving a satisfactory answer did Minato retrieve the scroll.

"Let's discuss this properly, how to negotiate the cooperation later. I don't have much experience in this area..."

Minato Namikaze was in an awkward position.

He was about ten years older than Kyohiko, and in theory he should have been the team captain and leader. However, in reality, he was unsure about many things, while Kyohiko was more experienced than him.

Kyohiko, on the other hand, was used to it.

After all, Jiraiya, as Teacher, had often done this before. The difference was that Teacher are more experienced and only need to give a slight reminder to know what to do.

We're a bit inexperienced in Minato; we need to discuss and brainstorm together.

Tsunade's instructions were simple.

To ascertain the attitude of the Kumogakure, strengthen cooperation between the two sides, and prevent the alliance from breaking down.

In short.

However, Minato had no idea what to do at the moment and had no idea how to proceed.

Kyohiko began, "We've roughly finalized the first point."

Minato Namikaze replied without hesitation, "The Kumogakure tried to kidnap Kushina before, but as things stand, the Raikage doesn't seem to intend to break off relations; his attitude is somewhat wavering."

"Yes, we need to consider strengthening the bond between our village and Kumogakure, so that both can prosper together, thereby influencing the Raikage to continue their alliance with us."

Kyohiko explained his thoughts.

Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "Like the previous agreement with the Land of Waves?"

He had naturally heard about the events in the Land of Waves.

A binding of interests...

In his understanding, it's this type of agreement.

"The Land of Waves is a geopolitical consensus among multilateral countries, so even if we become enemies with the Kumogakure, it won't affect it. It's not really a matter of intertwined interests."

Kyohiko paused for a second or two as he spoke.

He was thinking...

In what ways can Konoha and Kumogakure complement each other's interests and achieve a win-win situation?

Medical treatment and medicinal materials.

The Kumogakure is built on a high mountain, and the Land of Lightning is also mountainous. There are many herbs that Konoha does not have, but there are also many herbs that cannot be found in the Kumogakure and are unique to Konoha.

For example, the deer antlers of the Nara Clan.

As for medical care...

Thanks to Tsunade's contributions, Konoha's medical system is the most comprehensive in the entire Shinobi World, and its technology is the most advanced among the current five great villages. Kumogakure has no reason to refuse.

"Firstly, there's trade, including medicinal herbs, Military Ration Pill, and so on..."

Kyohiko listed potential areas for collaboration.

"Can."

Minato thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

These two things are Konoha's strengths. After years of research, the cost of the Military Ration Pill has become relatively low, and the effect is also very good, which should be more advantageous than that of other villages.

As for medicinal herbs, he also thought of the special medicinal herbs that the Land of Lightning, which he could purchase as a supplement.

"Also, I have an idea. Let's see if we can agree on a regular annual exchange program between the Ninja Academy."

Kyohiko said.

Minato Namikaze sat up straight. "What is the Ninja Academy exchange program?"

"That's right, students and Teacher from both sides are still exchanging skills and techniques at the Ninja Academy; students are honing their combat abilities, and Teacher are exchanging teaching experiences."

Actually, what he initially thought of was the exchange student rules from his previous life.

but.

Firstly, Konoha had finally implemented a tiered education system; wouldn't simply hand over the spoils to their rivals by immediately starting an exchange program?

Secondly, the two sides cannot trust each other, making cooperation difficult to achieve.

Why not have a friendly exchange? It would benefit both sides and allow the villagers to see the effects of Konoha's educational reforms.

Killing two birds with one stone.

After that, they might even come knocking on our door asking for an "exchange".

Who will cherish something that's handed to them on a silver platter?

Minato Namikaze's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Ninja Academy Exchange.

This was unprecedented, but it was indeed beneficial for both sides to strengthen their relationship.

Okay, is there anything else?

"That's enough. We need to wait for the Teacher's situation. If the Teacher's situation is unfavorable, there's no point in us trying anymore. We should consider escaping."

As soon as Kyohiko finished speaking, a Toad appeared.

It brought news from Jiraiya.

"That's wonderful! The Teacher is wise!"

Half an hour later, after everyone had finished washing up, they arrived at the Raikage Office Building.

The buildings in Kumogakure are built on a high mountain cliff, making the houses appear to be embedded in the mountain peak. In the morning, they are surrounded by clouds and mist, creating a magnificent and mysterious scene.

"The four of you from Konoha, did you rest well yesterday? We're up in the mountains, so there might be thunder often. I hope it won't disturb you."

Dodai replied enthusiastically.

"It's fine. As a ninja, I'm used to these sounds."

Minato Namikaze smiled.

He then looked at the Dodai and said, "Is the Raikage free today? We'd like to discuss a potential collaboration with Raikage."

Real communication?

Dodai was secretly surprised.

He had discussed it with the Raikage and felt that Konoha's visit was more about probing their attitude than about having a deeper intention to cooperate.

However, Minato Namikaze's attitude seems to be different.

Without hesitation, he replied, "Of course!"

Upon entering the office, Minato Namikaze revealed the purpose of his "communication."

"Last time in Yugakure, we worked with your village to achieve peace around the Land of Waves. The Lord Hokage believes we should strengthen our relationship, so he sent us here to see if there are any areas where we can cooperate."

Minato Namikaze.

The Third Raikage had a smile on his face.

"Cooperation is certainly welcome in our Kumogakure. After all, we don't want our ninjas to go to the battlefield if we can avoid war. However, what kind of cooperation do you entail?"

"For example, medicinal herbs. You have a lot of high-altitude medicinal herbs, while we have deer antlers from the Nara Clan, etc. We can discuss whether we can share them and complement each other."

Minato Namikaze gave an example, then immediately explained, "Of course, we can't decide that. We mainly come to take a look, chat, and discuss where we can deepen our cooperation."

The Third Raikage understood perfectly.

They've come to scout ahead!

However, they do have some needs for medicinal herbs. In previous years, they had to purchase them secretly from the black market and the Land of Fire at high prices. If they could reach an official cooperation with Konoha, they could indeed save a lot of expenses.

This is mutually beneficial.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "A good idea. If we can finalize the exchange of medicinal herbs, we can discuss it in more detail."

Minato Namikaze secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As Kyohiko had predicted, the Kumogakure had a high demand for medicinal herbs and would not refuse the offer.

He felt more confident. "Secondly, our two schools Ninja Academy regular annual exchanges between teachers and students."

"Interaction between teachers and students at the Ninja Academy?"

The Third Raikage was completely baffled.

Never heard of it!

What conspiracy is Konoha plotting?

He remained secretly vigilant, but the Third Raikage was powerful, yet not adept at scheming; he could only respond to any situation with unchanging tactics.

How should we communicate?

"It's very simple: Teacher exchange educational experiences, and students practice and learn from each other. Specific details will definitely need to be discussed further later."

Minato briefly explained his thoughts.

Anyway, what we're discussing now is just an outline; it's impossible to finalize anything immediately.

but.

As long as the other party is willing to cooperate, the relationship between Konoha and Kumogakure will remain good in the short term. As their interests become more intertwined in the future, Kumogakure will have to weigh the losses before taking any action.

The Third Raikage thought for a moment and said, "We can discuss that."

"Then, may we take a tour of your school's Ninja Academy?"

Minato Namikaze asked.

He then smiled and said, "Teacher from your esteemed school could lead the tour."

"Can."

That's perfect, he also needs to discuss this with Dodai.

After seeing the Konoha group off, the Third Raikage immediately summoned Dodai and explained the purpose of Konoha's trip.

Dodai was initially surprised upon hearing this.

"Minato Namikaze's suggestion is very constructive and doesn't seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision. It seems Konoha genuinely wants to deepen its relationship with us."

"Could it be that Konoha is currently weak and worried about being attacked from multiple sides, so they sent someone to pretend to cooperate and keep us calm? According to the Anbu, Iwagakure and Sunagakure are about to make their move."

The Third Raikage said.

Dodai thought for a moment and nodded, "It's not impossible!"

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside, and soon, an Anbu Ninja entered.

"Lord Raikage, information from the Land of Grass."

"The Land of Grass? Ōnoki has made his move?"

The Third Raikage was overjoyed and immediately got up to retrieve the intelligence. However, his expression quickly changed from joy to shock. Finally, he composed himself and handed it to Dodai.

"Take a look."

The Third Raikage's expression was complex.

The news above is hardly good; in fact, it's almost unbelievable.

Dodai took it, examined it carefully, and his expression was equally astonished and shocked; he remained silent for a long time.

Two people.

Does Konoha really have that much strength?

He remained stunned for a long while.

"No, these two weren't just randomly chosen. They're definitely the only ones in Konoha with such terrifying abilities, and it's not just any random technique!"

"That's for sure, but..."

The Third Raikage retrieved the Intelligence Scroll, weighed it in his hand, and felt that the scroll was as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Every word carries immense weight!

He remained silent for a long time.

"Have the Anbu continue their investigation; they must gather complete information about the battle between Konoha and Kusagakure!"

"Yes!"

The Anbu Ninja left.

Only Raikage and Dodai remained in the office.

The Third Raikage sat down and said, "The key is not that a few people know it, but that Konoha has this ability. Anyone who wants to attack them should think twice about whether they can withstand such Ninjutsu."

He couldn't help but admire it.

"Jiraiya, that was a brilliant move! Ōnoki is definitely stunned!"

"That..."

Dodai recalled their previous collaboration.

If Konoha showed any weakness, they naturally wouldn't agree to cooperate.

Now that the situation has changed drastically, things are naturally different again.

"Cooperation is necessary!"

The Third Raikage slapped his thigh, making a decision in his heart, "We know too little about Konoha. Instead of fighting them, we should join forces to take down Ōnoki!"

Development is possible both to the south and to the west; why insist on stubbornly tackling the toughest challenges?

The Third Raikage was physically strong and believed he could withstand an attack that would destroy half of the Grass Ninja, but the other ninjas of Kumogakure were not so tough.

Working yourself to the bone, isn't that just letting others get the better deal?

The Third Raikage immediately said, "Dodai, go to the Ninja Academy and personally receive them. Let them see the strength of our children!"

"Yes."