Kumogakure had once been one of the strongest military fortresses in the shinobi world, located in the Land of Lightning.
Now, it was deathly silent.
The sky hung heavy, mountain mist winding through Kumogakure's peaks. Above the massive Thunder Rock Wall, a golden figure appeared.
Yemu stood in midair, like a god descended to earth.
He hovered silently high above the village, golden chakra billowing behind him like a cloak. Waves of pressure that seemed capable of bending space itself enveloped him as he gazed coldly down.
Kumogakure was empty.
The once-powerful gathering place of shinobi now had deserted streets, shuttered shops, and an empty Training Ground. Not even a bird could be heard.
Only the mountain wind whispered past his ears, as though recounting the glory this place had once known... and its present desolation.
"An empty-fort bluff?"
Yemu spoke softly, a hint of mockery in his voice.
"The mighty Fourth Raikage, resorting to such... worthless tricks."
He slowly closed his eyes. His consciousness spread like surging waves, his vast perception casting a web across tens of thousands of miles. In an instant, the entire Land of Lightning fell within his sensory range.
The remnants hiding in mountain valleys, the groups of family members being quietly relocated, those slipping away along the border toward the Land of Earth's defensive lines.
But Yemu did not move.
Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. There was no warmth in that smile, only indifference.
Run. Gather together.
You think joining forces will give you a chance?
...That is the most foolish notion of all.
If I picked you off one by one, perhaps you would still dare to seek hope in an alliance.
But today, Yemu would make the entire shinobi world understand.
He slowly raised his hand. A streak of