The sky stretched wide and blue, like an endless sheet of pristine paper. A few thin clouds drifted lazily, their edges softened by the sunlight.
Suddenly, tiny black dots appeared on the horizon, hovering over the tranquil sea.
At first, they were too far away to discern clearly, their details obscured by distance. However, it quickly beca apparent that they were moving—flying, in fact—and approaching at a remarkable speed.
Within monts, their outlines beca visible.
They weren't ships or birds, they were people.
Fourteen individuals in total, soaring through the air.
Leading the group was a diminutive old man draped in a red scarf and wearing a green-striped vest. Beside him was a broad, muscular man in a khaki uniform. Behind the two were twelve subordinates, all clad in the attire of elite Iwa ninjas.
The sight of fourteen people flying together through the sky was nothing short of spectacular.
"Unbelievable," one Kumo ninja muttered from the ship below, his voice tinged with awe.
"Unbelievable? It's enough to make anyone jealous," another added, shaking his head in amazent.
"Yeah. I've heard rumors about this technique before, but seeing it in person is sothing else entirely!"
Their admiration wasn't unwarranted. The ability to fly was rare across the entire ninja world especially the kind of flight achieved through one's own power.
There was no mistaking the identities of the figures in the air. The short old man was none other than Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwa, while the burly man beside him was his son, Kitsuchi.
Behind them were twelve elite Jonin of Iwa, forming a disciplined and formidable entourage.
Once Onoki and his group approached the ship, the Tsuchikage raised a hand, signaling his subordinates to halt.
Hovering above the deck, Onoki glanced down at the Third Raikage standing below and greeted him with his usual air of superiority.
"Third Raikage," Onoki said, his tone laced with mock courtesy. "I must say, it's such a burden to call on you like this."
His words, though seemingly polite, carried a condescending undertone.
As soon as he spoke, the ninjas on both sides instinctively prepared themselves for any potential confrontation, the tension in the air palpable.
The Third Raikage, however, remained calm. Raising his head, he replied, "Given the state of relations between our two nations, isn't a little hardship to be expected? Don't you agree, Tsuchikage?" ℟àNȪ฿Εṡ
Onoki chuckled faintly. "Indeed. If it weren't for such pressing matters, I wouldn't have gone out of my way to et with you."
"Pressing matters?" The Third Raikage's expression grew serious, his sharp gaze locking onto Onoki. Around him, the Kumo ninjas exchanged wary glances. "What could be so important that you, Tsuchikage, would make such an effort to negotiate with personally?"
Given the ongoing hostility between their nations, a eting like this was highly unusual. For the Kage of two rival villages to et face-to-face was a dangerous gamble, requiring nurous negotiations and careful arrangents to even beco possible.
The ti, location, and security of the eting had all been ticulously planned to minimize risk.
Onoki's face grew stern. "Raikage, let get straight to the point. Are you familiar with Konoha's Orochimaru?"
"Orochimaru?" The Third Raikage's expression darkened at the ntion of the na.
Around him, the Kumo ninjas whispered amongst themselves. From their reactions, it was clear that the na was well known.
"Of course I know of him," the Raikage said, his tone asured but firm. "He defeated Hanzo of the Hidden Rain Village and killed the Third Kazekage. An impressive individual, to say the least."
Onoki's lips curled into a faint sneer. "It seems your understanding of him is rather superficial."
"What do you an?" The Third Raikage's frown deepened, his curiosity piqued.
Onoki's expression turned serious. "Orochimaru is far more dangerous than you realize."
Without hesitation, Onoki began recounting the information Iwa had gathered about Orochimaru.
During the war, Iwa had managed to capture a number of prisoners, and through interrogations, they had uncovered startling details about Orochimaru's capabilities, details that went far beyond what most of the ninja world knew.
As Onoki explained, the Kumo ninjas listened in stunned silence.
"A scientific genius?" one Kumo ninja muttered in disbelief. "Inventing ninja tools?"
"Is he serious? That sounds absurd!"
"A young man in his twenties with Kage-level strength and advanced research skills? How is that even possible?"
The Third Raikage glanced at his son and subordinates, gauging their reactions, before falling into deep thought.
The ntion of Orochimaru triggered a mory, the failed attempt to kidnap the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. If he recalled correctly, Orochimaru had been involved in thwarting that operation.
"Yes," Onoki continued, sensing the growing tension among the Kumo ninjas. "Even I was shocked when I first learned about his capabilities."
He pressed on, his tone sharp. "Thanks to the prisoners we captured during the war, we've uncovered just how much of a threat he poses. If it weren't for these interrogations, we wouldn't know half of what we do now."
The Third Raikage looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Even so, what does this have to do with us? Orochimaru may be talented, but he's still just a Konoha ninja. Why should we concern ourselves with him?"
Onoki's expression grew cold. "Don't you understand yet, Raikage? Because of Orochimaru, Konoha has completely disrupted the balance of power between the Five Great Nations. Or do you really think it was re coincidence that we, the Iwa ninjas, decided to cease our war with the Sand Village?"
He chuckled bitterly. "And yet, you Kumo ninjas blindly assisted Konoha in attacking us. If it weren't for your interference, our losses wouldn't have been nearly as severe."
Onoki's mocking tone was like a dagger, cutting deep.
"Tsuchikage," the Third Raikage said, his voice icy, "I suggest you watch your words. We joined this war because we are allies with Konoha."
"Allies?" Onoki's laugh was harsh and derisive. "You're the only ones who believe that nonsense. Tell , Raikage what did Kumo gain from this so-called alliance? What benefits did you reap from this war?"
The Third Raikage and his subordinates fell silent.
Onoki's words hit a nerve.
It was true that Kumo had gained little from the war. Aside from the war funds provided by Konoha, there were no tangible benefits. Worse, their motives were questioned, and they were accused of trying to steal the Nine-Tails.
The more they thought about it, the more it stung.
"Tsuchikage," the Third Raikage said at last, his tone heavy with suspicion, "enough with the posturing. Tell why you've called here."
Onoki crossed his arms, prepared for this mont.
"End our hostilities and join forces against Konoha," he declared.
"What?"
The voice wasn't the Third Raikage's—it was his son's, the future Fourth Raikage. His anger flared, his fists clenched.
"Are you joking, Tsuchikage?" A growled. "We've been locked in battle with Iwa, and now you expect us to just stop and turn our attention to Konoha? Do you think we're that fickle?"
The Third Raikage's eyes narrowed. "I agree. Explain yourself, Onoki."
"Do you think I'd joke about sothing like this?" Onoki's gaze was piercing. "Konoha has already upset the balance between the Great Nations, and it's only a matter of ti before they turn their sights on you. If you don't act now, you'll find yourselves destroyed before you even realize it."
Onoki's voice grew more intense. "We need to work together to pressure Konoha. Even if we can't start a full-scale war, we must at least force them to hand over Orochimaru!"
***
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