Iwagakure Encampment.
"Many of you might be wondering why I have remained inactive for so long since arriving here," Ohnoki said, his eyes scanning the ninjas gathered below him. "I have been waiting for an opportunity the perfect opportunity. That moment is when the Konoha ninjas assemble at their primary base."
"We have already scouted one of Wood Leaf's encampments. Although we don't know the exact details of its internal defenses, it is enough for us to launch our operation," Ohnoki continued. "First, I will divide our forces into several teams. I will lead Rōshi and Han in a direct assault on that base. While we strike, the rest of you will take the opportunity to conduct a large scale sweep of the areas we have designated."
"We have the advantage in numbers, so the opportunity is ours for the taking," Ohnoki declared. "As for drawing out Tianyuan and his team to reinforce the base... isn't that how it usually goes? Rōshi, Han, and I will pin Tianyuan down. As long as you crush the rest of the Konoha ninjas, his individual strength will be of no concern."
"I want to show that brat Tianyuan that the Shinobi World is not a battle fought by just one man," Ohnoki said with a cold sneer.
He had waited a long time for this moment not just for the scouts to find an opening to attack Konoha's base, but also for Rōshi to fully recover. Now that Rōshi was back in top form, it was the perfect time to strike.
"Tsuchikage-sama, this is far too dangerous," one of the Iwagakure ninjas spoke up, clearly worried about Ohnoki facing Tianyuan directly.
After all, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, had nearly died at Tianyuan's hands. If Ohnoki were to fall, it would be a catastrophic blow to Iwagakure, far worse than the loss of Rasa was to the Sand.
Rasa had only recently taken office, so the Sunagakure ninjas hadn't developed a deep sense of belonging toward him yet especially since they had already "gotten used" to losing a leader after the disappearance of the Third Kazekage.
But Ohnoki was different. As the Tsuchikage, he had led Iwagakure through continuous development. To the village, he was a spiritual pillar, much like the Third Hokage was to Konoha.
"Say no more. My mind is made up," Ohnoki said firmly.
Deep down, Ohnoki harbored a personal desire: he wanted Tianyuan to taste the same humiliation he had once suffered at the hands of Madara Uchiha.
Seeing that the Tsuchikage was resolute, the Stone ninjas could only shake their heads in resignation, silently praying for his safe return.
"Now, assemble the ninjas. We move immediately," Ohnoki ordered before stepping into a room to make his final preparations.
"Rōshi, Han, you must not let anything happen to the Tsuchikage," the other ninjas urged the two Jinchuriki.
"Don't worry, it won't be a problem," Rōshi and Han replied with a nod. They were fully committed to ensuring the Tsuchikage's safety.
While Iwagakure was mobilizing, in a distant land...
A place of towering mountain peaks shrouded in thick mist and swirling clouds this was Kumogakure. Nestled among these peaks were numerous structures, including one prominently carved with the character for Lightning.
This was the Raikage Building.
"So, Sunagakure and Iwagakure are launching a joint offensive against the Land of Fire," the Third Raikage mused, a slight smile playing on his lips as he read the intelligence report. "I never expected that brat Tianyuan, whom I saw during the Chunin Exams, would become this formidable. To think he possesses the same power as Madara Uchiha the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Now that Ohnoki has joined that battlefield, I imagine he's finding Tianyuan quite a headache. After all, anyone with the strength to defeat Shukaku is a danger, even to me," the Third Raikage pondered for a moment.
"But this is a golden opportunity. In this Shinobi World War, it is time for Konoha to witness the might of Kumogakure," he said with a grin.
"Someone, go and summon Ay, Dodai, and the others for a council," the Third Raikage commanded.
"Yes, Raikage-sama," a figure replied, materializing in the office before quickly withdrawing.
A short while later, several high ranking Kumogakure officials arrived. All of them were at least of Jonin rank.
"Everyone, I assume you are aware of Sunagakure and Iwagakure's invasion of Konoha?" The Third Raikage scanned the room.
"Yes, Raikage-sama," a lean ninja replied. This was Dodai, the long time examiner for the Lariat and a man who held the Third Raikage's absolute trust.
The other Cloud ninjas nodded in agreement.
"Then it is time for us to act," the Third Raikage said calmly.
"Do you mean...?" The eyes of the other ninjas lit up. In truth, they had already been considering a move against Konoha. The Land of Fire was a rich prize, and with Konoha already struggling against two other villages, they would find it nearly impossible to resist Kumogakure as well.
With three major villages besieging them, the Cloud ninjas were certain Konoha would fall. As for Tianyuan's strength even if he could defeat a Tailed Beast, it was highly improbable that one man could withstand the combined might of three entire hidden villages. They acknowledged his individual prowess with caution, but not with fear.
"That's right. This time, we will show Konoha our true power," the Third Raikage chuckled coldly. "Begin mobilizing the troops. We are going to invade the Land of Fire."
"Yes, Raikage-sama!" the Cloud ninjas responded, their voices thick with excitement.
In another part of Kumogakure.
"Bee, Father has decided to move against Konoha," Ay said, turning to Killer Bee.
"We're attacking Konoha? Then that means Tianyuan..." Bee's eyes brightened.
"Yes, you'll likely face that Tianyuan again. But keep in mind, he doesn't just rely on Taijutsu anymore. He possesses the power of the Mangekyō," Ay reminded him solemnly.
"I know, but my strength has grown even greater since then," Bee said, clenching his fist as a fierce fighting spirit surged in his eyes.
"Rest easy, Bee. I'll be right there by your side," Ay said with a confident smile.
"Thanks, brother!" Bee replied with a wide, toothy grin.
With Kumogakure entering the fray, the Shinobi World fell into even greater chaos. There was no longer any doubt the Third Shinobi World War had reached its absolute climax.
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