Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, spring.
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Cold winds whipped across the rooftop of the Raikage Building.
Kinkaku stood proudly on the raised platform, looking down over the whole prosperous village of Kumogakure, his eyes cold and indifferent. He wore the official Raikage hat, with a forceful character for "lightning" carved into its center-he had carved it himself, declaring who held power.
Clad in pure white Raikage ceremonial robes, his bearing was cold and forbidding. He looked every bit Kumogakure's new ruler.
Ginkaku stood quietly beside him, also dressed in standard Raikage ceremonial robes. Only his hat differed, bearing the character for "deputy," marking him as the Raikage's aide, second only to Kinkaku.
"Brother, the intelligence is confirmed. Tobirama Senju is still alive."
Ginkaku's voice was low, with a trace of unease he could not conceal.
Kinkaku's brow furrowed slightly.
"What? That old bastard still isn't dead?"
"He's definitely alive."
Ginkaku nodded.
"But in his current state, living is worse than death. Konoha just went through Danzo's internal rebellion. More than half its fighting strength was lost, and its foundations have been utterly shattered. Tobirama Senju was gravely wounded and is bedridden. He doesn't even have the strength to get out of bed. He's been reduced to a complete cripple."
Kinkaku's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Living is worse than death... well put."
He turned to look at Ginkaku.
"What's the situation with the Yotsuki Clan?"
"They fled."
Ginkaku's voice was calm.
"Yotsuki A proclaimed himself the Third Raikage and abandoned Kumogakure with the remaining members of the Yotsuki Clan. They're fleeing toward the Land of Fire."
A flicker of cold killing intent flashed through Kinkaku's eyes.
"Flee? Let them. The Land of Fire has enough trouble looking after itself now. Tobirama Senju is gravely wounded