The Will of Root

Raikage's Office.

Crash!

The Fourth Raikage slammed his fist onto the heavy desk, sending cracks across its solid wooden surface.

His corded muscles tightened with rage. Blue lightning crackled around him, and his white hair stood on end like the mane of an enraged lion.

"You little bastard!!!" the Raikage roared, rattling the windows. "How dare you be so arrogant!!! You even said you'd wipe out Kumogakure? Who do you think you are? Your ancestor, Madara Uchiha?!!"

The thought of the man once called the Demon of the Shinobi World only stoked his fury.

"Calm down, Lord Raikage!" Darui hurried forward. He wore his usual what a pain expression, but his eyes were grave. "Future Sasuke talks big, but from the look of him, I don't think it's all a bluff."

The composed Mabui adjusted her glasses and offered her assessment:

"Based on what we know, future Sasuke Uchiha's words may be extreme, but we can't rule out the possibility that he possesses power like Deidara's—enough to threaten an entire village."

"For now, we should focus on gathering more information from the Canopy Screen. Only then can we build a solid foundation for Kumogakure's future."

The Raikage's chest heaved. The Lightning Release Chakra surrounding him gradually subsided, but his face remained livid. He glared at the Canopy Screen and forced the words through clenched teeth:

"You Uchiha brat. Fine, very fine! I'll keep watching and see what makes you think you can spout such nonsense!"

"If I find out you're all talk..." Lightning danced across his clenched fist again. "I'll tear your head off myself in the future!"

Deep beneath Konoha, in the innermost reaches of Root's base.

Shimura Danzō stood leaning on his cane, watching the Canopy Screen's broadcast through a crystal ball. Then future Sasuke Uchiha declared in