Shock.
Matatabi, Yugito, the Eight-Tails, and Killer Bee all stared in disbelief. Even the Kumogakure ninja who had just barely survived the Tailed Beast Ball were completely stunned.
A Susanoo had cut a Tailed Beast Ball.
It didn't explode. Instead, its core was split apart, and the natural chakra inside was forcibly disrupted. With its flow broken and nowhere to go, the chakra dispersed back into the world.
"This is bad, Yugito," Matatabi said urgently. "I'll do everything I can to get you out of here. Don't look back. The Raikage, Killer Bee, even the Eight-Tails—none of that matters. Surviving is what matters now!"
Natural chakra surged as Matatabi pushed Yugito's speed to the limit.
Uchiha Ran calmly swung his tachi again and again, cutting apart every Tailed Beast Ball Yugito launched and neutralizing them midair.
By the time he finished, Yugito was already gone.
Ran had no intention of chasing her.
He looked down at the battlefield. More than eighty percent of Kumogakure's forces had fled. Those who remained were either dying or beyond saving.
None of that mattered.
Today's greatest prize was the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki—Killer Bee.
Ran dismissed his Susanoo and descended slowly. The clans within Konoha that had already sworn allegiance to him immediately came forward, cleaning up the battlefield and securing prisoners.
Ran smiled, exchanged a few words with them, then turned his gaze to the Eight-Tails.
His Mangekyō spun.
In an instant, the Eight-Tails vanished, reverting to Killer Bee's human form.
"Kneel," Ran said calmly.
His eyes carried an overwhelming authority that allowed no resistance.
Killer Bee wanted to fight back, but his consciousness was sealed in a pitch-black cage. He could see and hear everything, yet could not control his own body.
Gyūki was already used to this.
Whether it was sealing jutsu or the Sharingan, it was all the same—methods humans used to control Tailed Beasts and extract their power.
Who his Jinchūriki followed didn't truly matter.
And after witnessing Ran's strength, Gyūki had to admit it: this man was likely the strongest shinobi alive.
Staying in Konoha might even be easier than remaining in Kumogakure.
Killer Bee's expression was blank as his body moved against his will.
Thud.
He dropped to one knee.
The sound echoed across the battlefield—and shocked everyone present, including Konoha's own people.
Killer Bee.
The core of the A–B combo.
The Raikage's sworn brother.
Kneeling before Uchiha Ran.
The remaining Kumogakure ninja felt as if the sky had collapsed.
Why?
Why was Lord Bee kneeling before the enemy?
Why had he attacked his own people?
No matter how much they tried to deny it, the pain in their bodies and their severed limbs told them the truth.
This was real.
"Hahaha, good! Very good!" Ran laughed in high spirits and patted Killer Bee on the shoulder. "From now on, Bee, you will help protect Konoha."
Killer Bee nodded stiffly.
"Yes, Lord Ran. If anyone dares attack our Konoha, Bee will make sure they never return."
"Good." Ran looked around, satisfied. "Everyone, prepare to return to the village."
Yet for some reason, he felt like he'd forgotten something.
---
That evening, at the foot of the mountain.
Nara Shikaku hugged himself, shivering.
Why isn't this over yet…?
---
The next day.
Ran was still asleep when knocking echoed at his door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Annoyed, he got up and opened it—only to see Nara Shikaku staring at him with deep resentment.
Ran froze.
Oh no.
He'd completely forgotten to notify Shikaku yesterday.
Cold sweat broke out as Ran forced a smile.
"Lord Shikaku! What brings you here so early? Please, come in, sit! Someone—tea! The best tea!"
Soon, a graceful Uchiha woman entered and began preparing tea.
Shikaku knelt respectfully, not even looking at Ran.
Ran scratched his cheek, genuinely embarrassed. He really had promised to meet—and completely forgot.
After the tea was served and both took a sip, Shikaku's expression finally eased a little.
He looked at Ran.
"Ran, how long do you plan to wait before changing clothes?"
Ran paused, then replied seriously,
"Probably about three days. Changing seasons too suddenly wouldn't be appropriate."
Shikaku's lips curved upward.
"The winter clothes are already prepared. They're just waiting for you to try them on."
Ran sighed, staring into his teacup.
The supporters were getting impatient.
That was only natural. The rebellion had succeeded—if he didn't move forward, how could everyone else?
"Very well," Ran said finally. "Lord Shikaku, inform everyone below. I'll go pick up the clothes in two days. Also, tell the tailor that from now on, they'll be making clothes exclusively for me."
He drained his tea in one gulp.
Shikaku smiled.
"I'll notify them immediately."
He finished his tea and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for the tea, Hokage-sama."
"Wait," Ran said.
Shikaku paused.
"Yes? Do you have further instructions, Hokage-sama?"
Ran walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Winter's coming. I need you to pay close attention to heating and supplies throughout the village."
Shikaku froze—then his face lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Ran waved him off.
"Go."
Shikaku bowed again and left the Uchiha compound.
The Uchiha clan members treated him with great respect. After all, he was the one who had planned everything—secretly coordinating and persuading other clans to support the Uchiha.
The Uchiha repaid kindness and remembered grudges. Simple as that.
Shikaku smiled and returned their greetings. Compared to the stiff Sarutobi compound, this place felt far more comfortable.
At least here, people wore their emotions openly.
Except for Uchiha Ran.
That man's mind was no different from a Nara's—perhaps even sharper when it came to strategy and warfare.
------
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