"My fellow countrymen of Kumogakure!"
Raikage A's voice boomed like Thunder, echoing across the wasteland.
" The Sunagakure dared to imprison our comrades and challenge our dignity! Today, we will show them that the Kumogakure's wrath is not something anyone can withstand!"
"Kill!"
The ninja troops below roared in unison, their fighting spirit surging.
Yugito Nii stood at the very front of the group, her body already covered in a faint Tailed Beast Chakra Cloak.
As the commander of the vanguard, she was already prepared to charge into battle.
" Lord Raikage, please give the order!"
Ai nodded, and was about to speak when a member of the Anbu Ninja Body Flicker Technique appeared at the edge of the platform, urgently saying, " Lord Raikage, urgent information!"
Ai frowned and waved for him to continue.
"Message has come from Sunagakure: they have decided to convene Four Kage Summit in two weeks, tentatively scheduled for the Land of Rain!"
The room fell silent instantly upon hearing this.
" The Four Kage Summit?" A hint of surprise flashed in A's eyes, followed by a cold laugh. "Is Sunagakure scared? Trying to buy time with negotiations?"
Killer B stood to the side, speaking in a strange accent, "Big brother, this might be the Sunagakure testing our attitude..."
Ai punched Killer B away, then sneered, "The score with Darui hasn't been settled yet. Do they think they can just brush it off with a meeting?"
The Yugito Nii's eyes flickered slightly as they asked, " Lord Raikage, shall we continue our operation?"
Ai paused for a moment, then said to the Anbu Ninja, "Have the intelligence department verify the information immediately, and also contact Konoha and Iwagakure to see if they have received the same message."
"Yes!" The Anbu Ninja replied and disappeared.
" Yugito, you lead the vanguard and depart as planned. Await my further orders at sea."
"Understood." The Yugito Nii nodded slightly.
"Bi, come with me." Ai strode down from the platform. "We're going to the Scientific Research Department."
Kumogakure Scientific Research Department, Underground Experimental Field.
The heavy metal door slowly opened, revealing a breathtaking scene inside.
The entire underground space was brightly lit, and dozens of researchers were busy tinkering with various devices.
The most eye-catching feature is the enormous Chakra Cannon in the center, its body wrapped in complex Lightning Release runes, with blue arcs of electricity dancing on the surface of the barrel.
Various sophisticated instruments flashed their indicator lights and emitted beeping sounds, which intertwined with the footsteps to create a unique, noisy atmosphere.
Raikage A led Killer B into the experimental field.
Looking at the Chakra Cannon that had not yet been debugged, a sense of anxiety and urgency welled up in my heart.
The times are changing too fast these days.
Iwagakure has Dust Release, Konoha has a Scroll of Seals records many forbidden techniques, Kirigakure doesn't care, but Sunagakure, which was originally at the bottom, has begun to develop rapidly because of Hoshino's existence.
A combination of Chakra Crystal technology, prosthetic technology, weapon modules, Human Puppet, and other technologies.
These all posed a significant threat to them.
The reason why Kumogakure chose not to intervene in that standoff was because they saw the potential of Sunagakure and experienced the strength of the Reform Society's Armed Forces Department.
Not to mention some technologies that already have preliminary theoretical foundations.
For example, Kikaichū could directly wipe out the Shinobi World's ecosystem; mechanized building combinations could provide Sunagakure with powerful defenses; and there may be even more terrifying technological extensions.
No one knows how many more cards Hoshino is hiding.
If Kumogakure) can't keep up with the times, it will be eliminated sooner or later.
" Lord Raikage, what brings you here?"
Upon seeing Raikage A and Killer B, the Scientific Research Department hurriedly approached them, his voice tinged with trepidation.
Raikage A didn't respond to his greeting, his gaze fixed on the Chakra Cannon, and asked, "How's the progress? I don't want to hear any excuses, I just need to know how much longer until it's finished."
The Scientific Research Department swallowed hard and said, "With the missile technology brought by Lord Darui, research on the Chakra Cannon has begun to make continuous breakthroughs."
"However, stability testing will take at least two more months, which is the shortest time we've achieved despite working day and night."
"The energy output of the Chakra Cannon is extremely unstable, and there are still many problems with the internal rune calibration. Forcibly shortening the firing time could lead to serious consequences, and might even cause an explosion during launch."
The Scientific Research Department spoke while gesturing with his hands, trying to make Raikage A understand the current predicament.
"Half a month," Ai interrupted him directly, stating in an unquestionable tone.
"I don't care what methods you use, it must be ready for actual combat within half a month!"
The Kikaichū of Sunagakure have already demonstrated terrifying power in Falling Rain Town. If the Chakra Cannon cannot be formed as soon as possible, the future of Kumogakure will be fraught with crisis.
Every day that was delayed increased the danger to Kumogakure. He couldn't just stand by and watch the Kumogakure ninjas be powerless against the threat from Sunagakure.
"But..." The Scientific Research Department's forehead instantly broke out in a cold sweat, and his face turned somewhat pale.
"No buts!"
Ai's emotions exploded instantly, and she slammed her fist against the wall. With a dull thud, the entire wall cracked instantly, and small pieces of stone fell down.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Killer B couldn't help but rap under his breath.
" Chakra Cannon ~ Research~ We can't lose~ Otherwise, Kumogakure ~ will suffer~~~"
He was trying to ease the oppressive atmosphere in this way, while also expressing his attitude towards the matter.
In his mind, Kumogakure was powerful and they absolutely could not lose to Sunagakure in terms of technology.
The Scientific Research Department gritted his teeth, his heart filled with helplessness and pressure, but seeing Raikage A's determined eyes, he knew he had no way out.
"We will try to simplify the process and prioritize ensuring basic functionality. But doing so may... diminish its effectiveness."
He spoke cautiously, worried that Raikage A would be even angrier because of this message.
According to the original plan, with the Chakra Cannon at full power and combined with Space-Time Ninjutsu, it could sink a large country from a distance.
The previously mentioned two-month reduction was already a scaled-down version; now it's going to be further compressed, making the final impact difficult to predict.
"Further improvements can be made gradually, but at least preliminary results should be achieved within half a month," Raikage A said coldly, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.
"Before the Four Kage Summit, I'll let Sunagakure and the entire Shinobi World know that Kumogakure is not to be trifled with!"
Raikage A took a breath and continued, "Bi, from today onwards, you will be stationed here, using the Tailed Beast Chakra to assist in stabilizing the core."
Killer B gave a thumbs-up, "Leave it to me! I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"
Before leaving, A took one last look at the Chakra Cannon that was restarting; the flickering arcs of electricity seemed to foreshadow the coming storm.
" Hoshino..." he murmured to himself, "Let's see if your bugs are faster, or my Thunder is more powerful."
The Land of Water, under the rule of the Fourth Mizukage, implemented a policy of isolation.
Originally, the ninja villages were unable to influence the country's policies, but Obito, after controlling the Fourth Mizukage, took ruthless measures and terrified the nobles.
Later, they went so far as to completely block foreign trade and strictly prohibit all outsiders from entering.
In the last two years, due to the black market bounties, many bounty hunters have risked entering the Land of Water to hunt down Kekkei ninjas.
In this situation, Obito Uchiha mainly adopted a laissez-faire attitude.
Kirigakure, shrouded in a thick fog that never dissipates, is like an isolated island cut off from the world, immersed in an atmosphere of endless oppression.
An atmosphere of bloodshed and desolation permeated the village.
On the narrow and dimly lit street, there were very few pedestrians. Occasionally, a few figures would hurry by, their expressions hurried, their eyes revealing deep fear and unease.
The houses on both sides of the street were dilapidated and gloomy, with moss climbing on the walls and the doors and windows tightly closed.
As the period of closure continued to lengthen, the Blood Mist Policy proposed by the Third became increasingly brutal.
Ninjas are instilled with a cruel philosophy of survival from a young age. Clashes between fellow disciples and bloody killings become the norm, plunging the entire village into a morbid and oppressive atmosphere.
If it weren't for the fact that Zabuza Momochi people and wiped out an entire year's students at graduation, the graduation policy of killing at least one person might never have changed.
Mizukage's Office.
The Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, sat behind a huge desk, his eyes vacant and his face expressionless.
Suddenly, a spatial fluctuation occurred, as if a huge stone had been thrown into a calm lake, causing the air to distort slightly.
Obito Uchiha slowly stepped out of the vortex.
He was dressed in a long black robe and wore a tiger-skin mask. His Sharingan emitted an eerie red light, standing out conspicuously in the dimly lit room.
"Lord Mizukage, it's been a long time! Oh, I forgot, you're under my control!"
Hahahaha!
Obito glanced around the room, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Look at Kirigakure. Under my control, it's become increasingly 'quiet'."
Karatachi Yagura did not respond, maintaining his empty gaze as if he was completely unaware of Obito's appearance.
Just then, the office door was suddenly pushed open, and a child who looked to be about nine years old walked in.
He wore a Chunin vest, a Kirigakure Forehead Protector, and yellow goggles, and behaved very arrogantly.
"Madara, when can I return to the Land of Rain?" Sasuke asked aggressively.
More than half a year ago, he passed the Akatsuki's test, hunted down a defector peripheral member, and officially became a substitute member after completing the task.
However, due to his lack of strength, he usually travels with Madara in the Land of Water.
In this bloody environment, coupled with Madara's training methods in Sharingan and Ninjutsu, his strength progressed very rapidly.
Moreover, during that year, he learned a lot from Konan, Kakuzu, Orochimaru, Six Paths of Pain, except for Orochimaru who wanted to cause trouble.
From understanding Ninjutsu to combat techniques, from the exquisite control of Chakra to the keen judgment of the situation, he constantly absorbed experience from all sides, and his strength rose steadily like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
The Sharingan also gradually evolved through frequent battles and high-intensity training, changing from One-Tomoe to Two-Tomoe.
Even so, Sasuke still wanted to return to the Land of Rain, especially since Pain had just convened Akatsuki meeting and informed them about the Four Kage Summit, which was initiated by Hoshino.
asshole!
Obito hearing Sasuke's words, Obito's laughter abruptly stopped, and he stared coldly at Sasuke.
" Sasuke, do you think you're strong enough now? Going back to the Land of Rain? Going back for revenge? With your strength, you can't even beat one of Hoshino's puppets."
Upon hearing this, Sasuke clenched his fist, and a Sharingan flashed in his Sharingan behind his goggles.
He knew the other person was telling the truth, but he still felt resentful and retorted loudly, "I can already use the Sharingan proficiently, and my Lightning Release and Fire Style have also improved significantly. Why can't I go back?"
Obito chuckled, walked to the window, and looked out at the village shrouded in thick fog.
"Progress? You dare say you can take revenge with such little progress?"
He turned around, his single eye beneath the mask fixed on Sasuke. " Hoshino's puppet is simultaneously fighting Pain, Kakuzu, Konan, and Elite Jonin from Konoha and Iwagakure in Falling Rain Town. How many seconds do you think you can last against him?"
Sasuke's face turned pale instantly, but quickly flushed red again.
"So what!" he roared. "Am I just supposed to hide here forever? That Hoshino killed Itachi, I'll make him pay..."
"Enough!"
Obito Body Flicker Technique in front of Sasuke, grabbed him by the neck, and lifted him up.
Sasuke's goggles slipped down, revealing his eyes filled with hatred.
"Hatred isn't something you shout out." Obito's voice was icy and chilling. "You think you're the only one who's lost everything? This world is hell; the weak don't even have the right to revenge."
Sasuke struggled, the Tomoe in his Sharingan spinning wildly, but he couldn't break free from Obito's grip at all.
"Want revenge? Then become stronger, strong enough to crush everything in your way." Obito released his grip, Sasuke slammed heavily to the ground. "Otherwise, you'll forever remain a useless, raging piece of trash."
Cough cough cough!
Sasuke lay on the ground coughing violently, his fingers digging deeply into the floor.
Obito looked down at him and continued, "As for the Four Kage Summit, Kirigakure won't participate, so don't even think about it. Right now, you can't appear in Konoha's sight; this place is the most suitable for you."
Sasuke slowly raised his head, his face filled with resentment and anger. "What right do you have to decide my life? You promised to help me get revenge!"
Obito scoffed, "Decide your life? If it weren't for me, you would have died at their hands long ago. If you want revenge, you'd better weigh your own worth first!"
"You think Itachi and your parents' deaths were solely Hoshino's fault? Those Konoha High Command, weren't they all accomplices? If you go now, not only will you not get revenge, you'll also get yourself killed."
Sasuke fell silent. Madara was right; with his current strength, he was indeed far from being able to do it.
Going to the Four Kage Summit now, facing those powerful ninjas, would undoubtedly be suicide.
After a long silence, Sasuke slowly stood up, picked up the goggles from the ground, and put them back on.
"Okay, I'll listen to you, but you better not lie to me again, or I'll fight you to the death."
Obito nodded in satisfaction, completely unconcerned by Sasuke's threat.
"A wise choice."
As the spatial vortex twisted, Obito's figure disappeared from the office, leaving Sasuke standing alone, the fire of hatred in his eyes burning even more fiercely.