"Master Kenya, regarding the matter you requested—Lord Kazekage has already completed the investigation. Recently, traces of battle between Kage-level shinobi were discovered on the southwestern border of the Land of Earth.
From the evidence left behind, it is suspected that Lava Style was used by the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki, who defected from Iwagakure. His opponent appeared to be a powerful water-style shinobi."
Inside the command tent, the Sand ninja responsible for delivering intelligence knelt respectfully on one knee before Kenya, reporting in a solemn voice.
After the first great victory, Kenya had not ordered the coalition army to immediately march on Kumogakure.
Because he knew—the Fourth Raikage would absolutely exploit the village's geographical advantage, allowing the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki, Killer Bee, who had already mastered control of the Tailed Beast, to bombard the advancing army with Bijuudama from the high ground.
Thus, Kenya chose to halt, train, and wait for the perfect moment.
This war would not end as quickly as the Fourth Shinobi World War in the "original book," which concluded in only three days. Yet, Kenya himself had already surpassed the limits of a mere Kage. Even if he faced an opponent wielding the power of the Six Paths, he might not guarantee victory—but neither would he fear.
"Understood. You've worked hard, you may rest."
Kenya, seated at the head of the tent, smiled faintly.
"It is only my duty."
The Sand shinobi bowed deeply and withdrew.
Kenya's expression sharpened.
"So, Akatsuki has begun to move."
The capture of the Five-Tails had been carried out by Itachi and Kisame. From this information, Kenya deduced Obito's plan—he aimed to start with the wandering Jinchūriki of the Four, Five, and Six-Tails. Once the great nations had exhausted themselves in war, Akatsuki would then strike at the remaining beasts still within their villages.
"At this rate… perhaps dealing with Nagato directly in Amegakure would be the best solution."
Kenya muttered, eyes glinting.
After all, to revive either the Ten-Tails or Uchiha Madara, two things were indispensable:
– The nine Tailed Beasts.
– Rinnegan, transplanted to Nagato before Madara's death.
Kenya had already confirmed in battle against the two Wood Golems that a Tailed Beast could not be killed in this world—it would always regenerate. The only way to stop Obito and Madara's grand design midway was to target Rinnegan.
Destroy Nagato's eyes, and their plan would collapse.
The Six Paths of Pain were formidable, certainly one of the strongest below true "Six Paths" level. But Kenya was no longer overly concerned.
"Should I take a trip to Amegakure… and erase Nagato myself?"
The thought lingered. But then, he shook his head.
Nagato, arrogant in his reliance on power, could be careless. But Obito was no fool. Approaching Nagato so easily would not be simple.
At that moment, Temari, dressed in her more mature post-timeskip attire, hurried into the tent, her expression grave.
"Teacher! Cloud Shinobi has made a move!"
"Oh?"
Kenya tapped a finger in thought.
Strange. For Kumogakure to launch an offensive so soon… It had been less than a week since their crushing defeat. Their first line had been annihilated—this should be their lowest point, a time to recover morale, not rush recklessly into another battle.
But speculation was unnecessary. Kenya rose and followed Temari out.
No matter what, there was only one thing he truly needed now: to keep strengthening himself.
He had already pushed his "template"—Aizen Sōsuke—to its very limits.
If he could just take that final step, it would not matter whether Uchiha Madara or even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki returned. With absolute power, he would send them both back into the abyss.
One Week Earlier — Kumogakure
Perched high in the mountains, the village was shrouded in perpetual mist.
The Fourth Raikage had not gone to the front personally. Like Tsunade in Konoha, he remained in the rear as supreme commander, studying battle maps with his lieutenants—Darui, C, and his adviser Tutai.
Suddenly, the doors burst open.
A blonde kunoichi with a voluptuous figure and a cold aura—Samui—strode quickly into the office and knelt before them, breathless.
"What is it, Samui? Calm yourself. What news from the front?"
The Raikage's voice rumbled like thunder. He had dispatched two thousand troops under Yugito Nii's command not long ago. Barely three hours had passed—far too soon for a decisive result.
Samui's usual composure made her panic now all the more alarming.
"Take a breath. Speak clearly," Tutai urged, frowning.
Samui inhaled sharply, sweat trickling down her pale cheek as she forced the words out:
"Yugito… has fallen. The entire frontline force of two thousand… all of them—every single one—are dead! None returned. None captured. Not a single survivor!"
The room fell into stunned silence. Every elder and commander of Kumogakure froze, as if struck by lightning.
Moments later, the Raikage's neck creaked as he turned toward the clock on the wall.
And then, his roar shook the chamber:
"Impossible! Two thousand troops! Two thousand! And you tell me they were annihilated in barely two hours!?"
His fists slammed onto the desk, splintering the wood.
"Two thousand shinobi! Even if they were pigs, you couldn't slaughter that many in such a short time!"