Land of Lightning

The Third Raikage listened to the suggestions of Kumogakure's senior officials in his office, his fingers drumming steadily on the desk.

"Reply to Konoha first. Say that Viroi's killing of Konoha shinobi was his own act. Kumogakure will not comment for now on Konoha's killing of Viroi.

"Viroi was a powerful Kumogakure shinobi who made many contributions to the village. Use that as grounds to negotiate with Konoha and bring his body back to the Land of Lightning.

"Secretly assemble the village's ninja, allocate supplies, and prepare for battle."

"Yes."

The Kumogakure senior officials hurried out of the Raikage's Office and set to work.

In an underground cave in the Land of Rain lay the temporary base for the Spy Plan. The two men had already sent most of the spies to other countries.

A few were still choosing their destinations.

Danzo finished reading the intelligence and passed it to Orochimaru. After a quick look, Orochimaru said, "I didn't expect Kumogakure to get involved too. They'd been holding back for so long that I thought the Third Raikage truly had no interest in what the shinobi world had to offer.

"But he's being too greedy. Kumogakure and Iwagakure are still facing off in the north of the Land of Earth, and now he wants to move against Konoha. Kumogakure simply can't fight on two fronts."

Danzo sneered. "The Third Raikage may look rough, but he's meticulous, devious, and cunning. We can't let our guard down."

Orochimaru nodded. "It seems that after we finish this Spy Plan, we'll have to stay at Jiraiya's camp for a while."

Danzo said, "Even with us there, Konoha's current forces will be stretched thin if it goes to war with the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Lightning at the