"So many people failed?"
After a fierce battle with the Hidden Rock Ninja, the Fourth Raikage returned to the camp with first-hand information about another battlefield.
Long ago, the Cloud's think tank predicted the Hidden Rock's upcoming strategy. On the battlefield in the Land of Grass, the Hidden Rock once aggressively pressured Konoha using the Konoha Renegade Ninja, Hyuga Ayane, and pushed from the front, forcing Konoha's defensive range to shrink, leading to Konoha's defeat in the Land of Grass.
Given the situation, it was inevitable that the Hidden Rock might use similar tactics against them, the Cloud.
Therefore, a long-prepared trap was set at the supply point to obtain those invaluable Byakugan.
He didn't expect that despite preparing so many personnel and even deploying a Tailed Beast, they couldn't apprehend a single injured woman, which made the Fourth Raikage very dissatisfied.
In this Ninja Realm, only his deceased father, the Third Raikage, could withstand the intense friction with air caused by the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu with his physical body and maintain an unmarred state.
According to his estimates, even a ninja like Ayane, if not dead from enduring the high-speed movement of the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu, would undoubtedly be severely injured.
Under such circumstances, letting the opponent escape made the Fourth Raikage naturally dissatisfied with the ambush unit.
"Yes. Here is a detailed report of the battlefield situation at that time, please review it, Raikage-sama."
The Hidden Cloud Jonin placed a report in front of the Fourth Raikage.
"Not only did they fail to capture her, but sacrificed one hundred and eighty-seven ninjas and left over seven hundred injured. How did they manage to do that?"
The Fourth Raikage was severely dissatisfied with the compiled casualty data.
Although it was stated at the end why the opponent could escape, there were too many suspicious points, and the Fourth Raikage was only half convinced by the data.
However, to escape under the siege of over three thousand ninjas and a Jinchuriki in such circumstances, the Fourth Raikage became even more concerned about Ayane's matter.
"If this woman isn't eliminated, she will eventually become a major threat to the Hidden Cloud."
That terrifying Gentle Fist coupled with the long-range and penetrative ability of Byakugan meant no one in the Hidden Cloud could restrain her movements.
If she isn't eliminated swiftly, she will inevitably become a significant threat to the Hidden Cloud.
"Should we contact Konoha over this?"
"Neglecting a Renegade Ninja wandering outside while being a part of the Five Kage without regard for responsibility and reputation; Hokage and Tsuchikage are both the same. Even if they are reproached for allowing the Renegade Ninja's misdeeds, they will just keep making excuses."
The Fourth Raikage snorted; he never placed his hopes in Konoha.
Not to mention his interest in Konoha's first position, he was unwilling to share such important Kekkeigenkai like the Byakugan with outsiders.
What's seized belongs to him, unrelated to Konoha.
"Intensify intelligence gathering and formulate suitable strategies against her. Even if she cannot be eliminated, her activity range must be restricted. Also, urge Bee to complete his perfect Jinchuriki training swiftly and stop wasting time on singing."
The Fourth Raikage exhaled, stood up from his chair, and walked out.
Leaving behind a helpless Hidden Cloud Jonin, drafting strategies against the Byakugan, he didn't have absolute confidence.
The squandered opportunity to obtain the Byakugan meant any further attempts to counter such high-level ninja with different strategies would be mere waste of time.
If Konoha provided Byakugan documentation, better battle strategies could be formulated, but under current circumstances, Konoha would never hand off such vital information for outsiders to analyze.
Regarding urging the Eight-tailed Jinchuriki Killer Bee, the Hidden Cloud Jonin remained silent.
Luckily, he didn't mention Killer Bee's large concert a few days ago, or Raikage-sama would surely be furious. The Hidden Cloud Jonin thought to himself helplessly.
◎
Ayane took over a week to heal from her injuries before considering returning to the Land of Earth. It took four or five days on the road.
What she didn't expect was that the place she was transferred to using Space-Time Ninjutsu was the distant Land of Lightning strait. To avoid the Hidden Cloud's gaze, she had to take a detour, spending more time traveling on land.
Meeting Onoki again, Onoki straightforwardly had the remaining reward for the mission given to Ayane. Fifty million ryo in total.
Combined with the initial deposit of fifty million ryo, the total reward was a hundred million ryo.
Though ambushed by the Hidden Cloud, destroying their supply point was a fact.
Ayane accepted the reward money of a hundred million ryo at ease.
"Tsuchikage-sama, I need information on the Hidden Cloud Ninja."
Ayane directly made this request to Onoki.
Onoki furrowed his brow.
"Is that really necessary?"
"No, I almost died this time; there are many expert Jonin in the Hidden Cloud. While they might not be famous in the Ninja Realm, each has unique abilities. The more I know, the more problematic Cloud Ninjas I can eliminate for you. Isn't that a worthwhile exchange, Tsuchikage-sama?"
Ayane gradually persuaded.
After thorough consideration, she believed this could be a key opportunity for further cooperation with the Hidden Rock.
Onoki took a serious look at Ayane, feeling that her request had an additional purpose.
Nevertheless, the opponent was merely a Renegade Ninja wandering throughout the Ninja Realm without any force. Even with the intelligence in hand, it probably wouldn't impact anything.