While Uchiha Mu was living like a king in the Hundred-Clan Shinobi Nation, the Kage of the various villages had returned to their respective fronts. This time, the Raikage wasted no words. He launched a fierce assault on Konoha and ordered Kinkaku and Ginkaku to slaughter its ninja without restraint.
They had no other choice. The Second Raikage had once witnessed Uchiha Mu thrashing the tailed beasts alongside the First Raikage. Those were creatures even a Raikage had to face with everything he had, yet they were no more than toys before Uchiha Mu.
From that moment on, the Raikage had known they stood on entirely different levels. Against Konoha, however, Tobirama Senju was not overwhelmingly powerful. They still had a chance. One opponent meant certain defeat; the other offered a sliver of hope. The choice was obvious.
Hiruzen's squad watched the Raikage slaughter Konoha ninja at will on the battlefield, their expressions grave. Even if they wanted to negotiate now, the men under them would probably refuse.
"Hiruzen, I'll launch a surprise attack on Kumogakure."
"No, Danzo. It's too dangerous." Hiruzen rejected the idea without hesitation.
"Hiruzen, the Raikage, Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and the tailed beasts are all on the battlefield. Nearly all of Kumogakure's strongest fighters are here. Give me just one Hyuga, and I'm confident I can take out their village. Or are you not confident you can keep the Raikage pinned down here?"
Meeting Danzo's unwavering gaze, Hiruzen nodded and patted his shoulder. "Danzo, you'll be lucky to survive this mission. Thank you for taking it on. I'll keep the Raikage here on the battlefield."
"Yes..." Only then did Danzo realize how dangerous this mission was. He had been so focused on claiming credit that he had never expected to make such a decision. But if he