Chapter 51: Now Is the Perfect Time to Attack Konoha
In the Raikage's office in Kumogakure, a dark-skinned, muscular man was hunched over documents at his desk.
His rugged brow carried an imposing aura—this was the Fourth Raikage, A.
"Lord Raikage, urgent classified report." A Cloud ninja respectfully presented a scroll.
The Raikage's thick fingers unrolled the scroll, his sharp gaze quickly scanning the contents as his brow gradually furrowed into a knot. He set down his pen and thoughtfully stroked the stubble on his chin.
"Could it be... the rumors are true?" His deep voice echoed in the office.
Half a year ago, spies embedded in Konoha had sent back news—the Uchiha clan had erupted in internal strife, with the Sarutobi and Shimura clans being expelled from Konoha.
But A had remained skeptical, as it sounded too absurd.
Until today, intelligence showed these two clans were still in exile with no signs of returning.
"Pass down the order," the Raikage suddenly turned, his cloak billowing, "convene a jonin meeting. If Konoha is truly this weakened..." A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes, "this is Kumogakure's once-in-a-millennium opportunity."
Outside the window, dark clouds gradually enveloped Kumogakure's sky—a storm was brewing.
In Kumogakure's meeting room, all jonin had gathered. The tense atmosphere was broken by an ill-timed rap—
"Yo~ Konoha's all messed up now yo~
Perfect time for us to strike yo~
Big bro Raikage gives the word~
We'll charge right in~ skr~"
The Eight-Tails jinchuriki Killer Bee wore sunglasses, swaying to his self-created rhythm. Veins bulged on Raikage A's forehead as he delivered a heavy punch to Bee's head: "Shut up!"
"Ow! Big bro, that's not swag at all~" Killer Bee wailed while holding his head, but obediently returned to his seat.
A took a deep breath and surveyed everyone: "Share your thoughts, everyone."
Darui spoke first, sharpness hidden beneath his lazy tone: "Kumogakure... doesn't want to be Konoha's lackey forever."
"Konoha is truly in a period of weakness—it's our perfect chance to seize resources." The voluptuous Samui adjusted her glasses.
"I heard they have very few Sharingan left." Omoi bit his lollipop, yet his tone was unusually serious.
"But we should guard against deception." The seasoned Dodai blew smoke rings. "The Uchiha internal strife is too suspicious..."
A battle-scarred jonin also said: "But that's still Konoha we're talking about..."
The meeting room's atmosphere grew increasingly heated as hawks and doves engaged in verbal warfare. Over time, the hawks gradually drowned out opposing voices.
"Since Senju Hashirama founded Konoha, we four great villages have been suppressed too long!" A scar-faced jonin slammed the table as he stood.
This statement was like sparks hitting dry grass, instantly igniting everyone's emotions.
"Every generation of Hokage, the Sannin, White Fang... Konoha produces monster-level ninja almost every generation!"
"Not to mention those bloodline families," Samui pulled up data, "Uchiha, Hyuga, Sarutobi... their jonin comprise forty percent of Konoha's total strength."
"Now is the best opportunity!" Darui rarely raised his voice, "With Uchiha internal strife and the Sarutobi and Shimura clans expelled, Konoha is at its weakest!"
Dodai blew another smoke ring: "But Konoha occupies the fertile Land of Fire, with easily defended terrain..."
Killer Bee unusually sat quietly with arms folded, his gaze behind sunglasses unreadable.
Raikage A crossed his arms, silently observing the heated debate in the meeting hall.
As Raikage, he understood Kumogakure's predicament better than anyone—steep cliffs, barren soil, perpetual thunder clouds. Over the years, Kumogakure's ninja had carved homes from cliff faces with blood and flesh, yet still couldn't escape survival struggles.
Historically, their wars weren't born of ambition but desperate survival needs.
"Lord Raikage," the dove faction's Dodai spoke again, his pipe rotating slowly between his fingers, "Konoha has deep foundations. Even with internal strife..."
A's brow furrowed deeply.
Dodai's words weren't unreasonable—Konoha was like an ancient tree with deep roots. Even cutting a few branches couldn't shake its foundation. But when he looked at the barren cliffs outside and thought of village children shivering in the cold wind...
Raikage A suddenly stood, his massive frame casting an oppressive shadow in the meeting room.
He braced his hands on the table and commanded in a low voice: "Immediately send Konoha an official letter saying... Kumogakure is interested in trade cooperation with Konoha and requests to send a delegation for observation and negotiations in three days."
This decision elicited varied reactions from those present.
The hawk faction jonin exchanged knowing glances—if Konoha agreed, the Raikage could personally investigate Konoha's current weakness; if they refused... it would prove Konoha was indeed too weak to display its true strength.
"Brilliant," Darui applauded, "killing two birds with one stone."
Dodai blew a smoke ring, frowning: "But if our true intentions are discovered..."
"That depends on whether that woman Tsunade is clever enough." A's fist crackled with lightning, battle intent surging in his eyes. "Agreeing or refusing—both work in our favor."
In the corner, Killer Bee muttered quietly: "Big bro's playing dirty yo~" before shrinking back under A's glare.
The next morning, Tsunade sat in the Hokage's office, holding the letter bearing Kumogakure's seal.
Morning light streamed through the window onto the paper, illuminating the polite official language clearly.
"Kumogakure wants to trade with Konoha?" She snorted, her slender fingers unconsciously tapping the desk. "Across such a long distance, just to buy and sell Lightning Country specialties?"
Shizune stood nearby holding documents, hesitating to speak.
Tsunade slammed the letter on the desk, causing ripples in her teacup: "When did these guys become interested in business?"
She stood and walked to the window, overlooking Konoha village bathed in morning light.
Since the Uchiha internal strife and expulsion of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, the village's defenses were indeed much weaker. Kumogakure's timing for this visit was transparently calculated.
"Shizune!" Tsunade suddenly turned, her golden ponytail cutting a sharp arc through the air.
"Immediately strengthen patrols at all border outposts, especially the eastern defense line bordering the Lightning Country."
Shizune quickly took notes, then saw Tsunade add: "Summon Nara Shikaku—tell him there's urgent business." Tsunade's eyes sharpened. "Also..."
She paused slightly, her red lips pressed into a line: "Inform the Uchiha clan about this, especially..."
"Uchiha Yu."
Shizune's eyes widened slightly but quickly nodded in understanding.
Since that internal strife, while the Uchiha clan remained nominally part of Konoha, they operated as a separate system.
And that youth of unfathomable strength had become the de facto decision-maker.
"I'll handle it immediately." Shizune hurried away with her documents.
***
20+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces