Chapter 122: Fine Methods, Great Resolve!
Upon hearing the words of the Fourth Raikage A, Mabui was momentarily stunned, then nodded lightly.
If the Hidden Leaf Village were destroyed, it might truly allow the entire ninja world to remain stable for a long time. After all, the geographical position of the Hidden Leaf Village was simply too advantageous.
However, was such a possibility really feasible?
Mabui did not voice her thoughts. With a solemn expression still on her face, she looked toward the Fourth Raikage A and asked, "What should we do next?"
"Isn't Darui's unit already prepared? Deploy immediately."
The Fourth Raikage A spoke coldly.
"Yes."
Mabui nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait."
At that moment, the Fourth Raikage suddenly spoke again. He turned his head toward a distant direction and said in a calm voice, "B, come out."
After a short while, Killer B scratched his head and squeezed out from a crack between rocks.
Seeing Killer B, Raikage A showed no surprise. "Since you heard what was said earlier, you should go as well. However, unless it is absolutely necessary, do not use the power of the Tailed Beast."
At this point, the Fourth Raikage A paused, his voice carrying a unique dominance. "If you are prepared to use the power of the Tailed Beast, then be prepared to completely annihilate the Hidden Leaf Village."
Not long after, when Darui saw the somewhat eccentric Killer B and Raikage-sama's secretary Mabui appear before him, he knew that something major was about to happen.
"This is really troublesome."
Darui muttered weakly, though a grave look flashed through his eyes.
Very soon, a Hidden Cloud Village ninja force led by Darui and Killer B set out without the slightest attempt at concealment, heading straight toward the Hidden Leaf Village.
...
Hidden Stone Village!
Not long after the Hidden Cloud Village mobilized its forces, almost at the same time, Ōnoki received messages from Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi.
Inside the Tsuchikage's office.
Ōnoki, who had been sitting in his chair, was now floating in midair.
"You're saying the Hidden Mist Village and the Hidden Sand Village have joined forces to attack the Hidden Leaf Village!"
Ōnoki's voice carried a hint of agitation. He then landed on the ground and began pacing as he muttered to himself.
"No wonder… no wonder the Hidden Mist Village has been acting strangely lately. So they've already joined hands with the Hidden Sand Village."
"And earlier, there were signs that the Hidden Cloud Village was mobilizing ninja forces. This must all be connected to this matter."
"Hmph! Those three villages secretly joined forces and didn't even inform this old man. It seems they no longer take this old relic seriously."
Ōnoki let out a cold snort, a sneer appearing on his face.
Standing to the side, Kitsuchi raised his eyebrows slightly and said softly, "Father, there's no need to be angry…"
"Angry? Why would I be angry? The Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village seems to be a little girl, doesn't she?"
Ōnoki chuckled lightly and turned to look at Kitsuchi.
"That's right. Her name seems to be Mei Terumi."
Kitsuchi thought for a moment and nodded.
"I don't know how strong that little girl is, but based on this move alone, it's clear she's not someone to be underestimated."
"The three great ninja villages joining forces against the Hidden Leaf Village means this is no longer about whether the Hidden Stone Village should intervene. It's about whether we want a share of the spoils."
"No wonder the Hidden Mist Village didn't contact me. She already knew what choice this old man would make."
"This is an attempt to gather the power of four great ninja villages and completely wipe out the Hidden Leaf Village. Fine methods, great resolve!"
Ōnoki's face first turned solemn, then he suddenly burst into laughter.
"Although we were played for fools, such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity cannot be missed. If we don't attack the Hidden Leaf Village now, then all my years as Tsuchikage will have been for nothing."
After saying this, Ōnoki turned to look at Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi, his tone becoming serious.
"You two will each lead a force and head toward the Hidden Leaf Village. If you encounter the Hidden Cloud Village's forces along the way, do not provoke any conflict."
"Faced with such enormous benefits, even the deepest grudges between villages would likely be set aside."
As he spoke, a thoughtful look flashed across Ōnoki's face. He then continued, "Bring Han along as well."
Kitsuchi's expression changed. "Father, Jinchūriki are usually kept as a village's final safeguard. Using one at this time might be—"
Before Kitsuchi could finish speaking, Ōnoki had already floated up and appeared above him, raising his hand and smacking Kitsuchi hard on the head.
Ōnoki's tone carried a sense of frustration. "At a time when we're already planning to wipe out the Hidden Leaf Village, you're still worrying about the Tailed Beasts!"
Kitsuchi froze, scratched his head awkwardly, and then asked softly, "Then should we also call Rōshi senpai?"
Upon hearing the name "Rōshi," Ōnoki's face darkened and he said stiffly, "No need to call that old fellow. Besides, he has already left the village."
"Left the village?"
Kitsuchi was stunned, surprise appearing on his face. Although Jinchūriki usually lived in remote locations, this was such an important matter that he had known nothing about it.
Seeing Ōnoki's unpleasant expression, Kitsuchi closed his mouth again. If even he had not been informed of something as important as a Jinchūriki leaving the village, then it was clearly something his father had deliberately concealed.
That said, given Rōshi senpai's stubborn temperament, which was just as inflexible as his father's, leaving the village was not entirely unexpected.
Glancing at Ōnoki's darkened face, Kitsuchi could not help but complain inwardly.
"Hurry up and go!"
Ōnoki's dissatisfied voice echoed throughout the Tsuchikage's office.
Both Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi wore bitter smiles and turned to leave.
As the Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Stone Village forces were deployed one after another, all the surrounding small ninja villages were instantly plunged into a tense atmosphere.
They feared that the two great ninja villages might have gone mad and would wipe them out in one sweep.
However, when the ninja forces of the two great villages passed near their territories without any intention of attacking, they finally let out deep sighs of relief.
At the same time, these small ninja villages became curious about the purpose behind the large-scale mobilization.
What surprised and intrigued them even more was that when the Hidden Cloud Village forces encountered the Hidden Stone Village forces, no fighting occurred at all. It was as if both sides could not see each other.
One had to know that the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Stone Village were long-standing enemies. Under normal circumstances, their ninja would almost come to blows the moment they met.
Yet now, with two large forces meeting without any conflict, how could this not arouse the curiosity of the many small ninja villages?
There was no shortage of intelligent people among them. To make two villages set aside such deep hatred, the only possible reason was enormous benefits.
Dear Readers,
I have an important favor to ask of you today. If you've been enjoying the story, please consider switching to Patreon to support me directly.
By joining, you will instantly unlock 20 chapters and gain access to a total of 50 to 55 chapters every month.
To be honest with you, I am currently in deep financial trouble, and your support would mean the world to me during this difficult time. Furthermore, if I can get more members, I plan to add even more new fanfics by the end of this week!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon so I can continue creating content for you.
Thank you for your help
patreon.com/anish_44