After the Sky Screen fell completely silent, the entire Shinobi World entered an exceedingly strange state.
On the surface, all was calm. No conflicts erupted between the Five Great Hidden Villages, no wars raged, and the villagers went about their lives while the ninja performed their duties as usual. Everything appeared peaceful and stable.
But only the villages' leaders and elite ninja knew that beneath the surface, currents were already surging and deadly threats lay hidden. A single spark would be enough to ignite chaos that swept across the world.
Every village was frantically preparing its weapons, strengthening its forces, reinforcing its barriers, and stockpiling supplies.
Whether Konoha, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, or the deeply anxious Kirigakure and Kumogakure, none dared let their guard down for even a moment.
Everyone quietly gathered their strength and maintained strict defenses. At the same time, they held on to a sliver of hope that the vanished Sky Screen would return and reveal more secrets, along with information on the Otsutsuki's weaknesses.
In streets and alleys, ninja training grounds, roadside inns, and taverns, ninja gathered everywhere to talk. Their voices rose and fell, spreading throughout the Shinobi World.
While chatting, many ninja inevitably brought up the farce in Kumogakure that had caused such an uproar lately.
"Have you heard? The Fourth Raikage smashed another desk in his office recently!"
"Another desk? What happened in Kumogakure this time?"
"What else could it be? He's just stirring up trouble for no reason!"
"The Raikage sent several letters to Konoha, insisting that they give Kumogakure an explanation and demanding an answer from Lady Tsunade! But Lady Tsunade couldn't even be bothered with him. She didn't send a single reply and simply ignored them all. The Raikage was absolutely furious!"
Everyone shook their heads and chuckled when they heard this.