Hidden Cloud Village, Cloud-Thunder Gorge.
A waterfall poured down like a strip of white silk from the towering mountains, crashing into the rocks below and filling the air with drifting mist. The entire Hidden Cloud Village, built high among the peaks and wrapped in natural fog, resembled something out of a dream.
Standing near the water was a muscular man in his thirties, with light yellow hair and deep brown skin. His presence carried raw strength. A pair of small sunglasses rested on his face, giving him a strangely cool yet detached look.
Killer Bee stood by the shore, holding a small notebook in one hand and a pen in the other. He muttered to himself as he scribbled, completely absorbed.
"Youth shines bright, I, Killer Bee, lead the way! If you don't agree, I'll blow you away! Yo~"
His awkward rap echoed faintly over the sound of the waterfall.
At that moment, a figure appeared beside him in a blur.
"Lord Bee."
Samui had arrived using the Body Flicker Technique.
"Don't bother me right now, you're killing my flow, you fool, you idiot!" Killer Bee snapped without even turning around.
After saying it, he paused, clearly satisfied.
That rhymed pretty well.
He quickly wrote it down, immediately forgetting Samui's presence.
Samui pressed a hand to her forehead, her expression strained.
Of all people, this was her teacher.
"Lord Bee, the Raikage has summoned all high-level officials. There is an important matter, and you are the only one missing."
Her tone sharpened slightly as she emphasized the importance.
Killer Bee clicked his tongue. "Tch, my brother can handle it. Why drag me into it?"
Still, seeing her serious expression, he understood that this was no ordinary meeting.
If he refused, the Raikage would likely appear out of nowhere and kick him across the room.
That was not speculation. That was experience.
With a sigh, Killer Bee followed Samui.
---
Raikage's Office.
The room was already filled with high-ranking officials of the Hidden Cloud Village.
Killer Bee glanced around, then casually took a seat in the corner.
"Looks like something big actually happened."
He pulled out his notebook again, uninterested in anything else.
"Bee! I have an important mission for you. Pay attention, you idiot!"
The Fourth Raikage, A, instantly lost his temper. He leaped forward and kicked Killer Bee straight to the ground.
After landing, A dusted his hands as if nothing had happened. No one else reacted. This scene was routine.
"The situation has been confirmed," A began, his voice firm.
"A conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha Clan has erupted. Both sides suffered heavy losses in a brutal internal battle."
"Among the dead are the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as well as Hiashi Hyuga and Inoichi Yamanaka. Nearly a hundred Jonin have also been killed."
"Konoha's strength has been severely weakened. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss."
A's voice grew sharper.
"Konoha has sat at the top for too long. They rely on the legacy of Hashirama Senju and others, but they no longer deserve that position."
"Now, it's time for the Hidden Cloud Village to show the world who truly stands at the top."
The room buzzed with excitement. Many of the officials looked ready to march immediately.
This was the Land of Lightning, a place that respected strength above all else.
"Brother… are you saying we're going to war with Konoha?" Killer Bee asked, finally paying attention.
"Exactly. Other villages have likely received the same intelligence. We move before they can react."
A's tone left no room for doubt.
---
Soon after, the Hidden Cloud Village announced its decision to the Ninja World.
Their declaration was filled with righteous language, condemning the Uchiha Clan's actions and claiming responsibility for restoring order.
In simple terms, they were going to invade Konoha.
The entire Ninja World was shaken.
The Hidden Cloud Village, second only to Konoha in strength, was making its move.
With A's overwhelming power, along with the presence of the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails, the threat was undeniable.
Konoha was in serious trouble.
---
Konoha.
The atmosphere remained heavy and lifeless.
Rumors about the Hokage continued to spread throughout the village, fueled by the Uchiha Clan. Over time, public opinion had shifted.
The hostility toward Ryūjin Uchiha and the Uchiha Clan had lessened.
After all, if the Hokage had truly planned to wipe them out, were they supposed to just stand still and die?
---
Inside a temporary command base, several high-ranking figures gathered.
Hizashi Hyuga, Ibiki Morino, Nara Suzaku, and Koharu Utatane were present.
"It's time," Nara Suzaku said, his expression serious.
"The villagers are no longer strongly opposed to Ryūjin. We should announce his appointment as Hokage."
Koharu frowned. "It's too soon. There are still people against the Uchiha."
Ibiki nodded. "Rushing this could backfire."
Suzaku shook his head. "We don't have the luxury to wait. Other villages are already making moves."
Before anyone could respond, an ANBU rushed in.
"My lords, urgent news!"
Everyone's expressions changed instantly.
"The Hidden Cloud Village has declared war. Their forces are gathering and may attack at any moment."
Silence filled the room.
"What?"
Ibiki slammed the table. "Those bastards are taking advantage of us!"
The others were equally furious.
Suzaku exhaled slowly. "The worst case has happened… but at least we prepared for this."
Everyone understood what he meant.
If they had not decided to rely on Ryūjin, Konoha would have already been doomed.
"Then we proceed immediately," Suzaku said. "Ryūjin will be appointed Acting Hokage."
No one objected.
---
Shortly after, Suzaku personally went to the Uchiha compound and invited Ryūjin.
When Ryūjin entered the base, the atmosphere shifted instantly.
He simply sat down, doing nothing, yet the pressure he gave off was undeniable.
"Ryūjin," Suzaku began, "we have two matters to discuss."
"First, we want you to serve as Acting Hokage. During this time, we will submit your name to the Daimyo. Once approved, you will officially become the Fifth Hokage."
Ryūjin didn't hesitate. "Handle it however you want. What's the second thing?"
Suzaku's expression grew heavier.
"The Hidden Cloud Village has declared war."
Ryūjin let out a quiet scoff.
"The Hidden Cloud? Figures. Those thugs were never the patient type."
His tone carried open disdain.
Suzaku met his gaze. "What we need to know is your stance… and the stance of the Uchiha Clan."
Every eye in the room locked onto him.
The tension was suffocating.
Ryūjin leaned back slightly, completely at ease.
"Konoha ended up like this partly because I killed quite a few people," he said casually. "And now I'm Acting Hokage."
"So yeah, I'll deal with it."
That was all.
But it was enough.
Relief spread across the room.
As long as Ryūjin acted, the threat of the Hidden Cloud didn't seem so overwhelming anymore.
"Stop looking so tense," Ryūjin added. "Do your jobs. Leave the rest to me."
He stood up and walked out.
---
Not long after, the announcement spread throughout Konoha.
Uchiha Ryūjin had become Acting Hokage.
The village erupted in discussion.
"Ryūjin? The one who killed the Hokage?"
"So what? The Hokage tried to kill them first!"
"An Uchiha becoming Hokage? That's never happened before."
"I don't accept it. That clan has always been arrogant."
Voices of opposition were everywhere.
But compared to before, the resistance lacked intensity.
Neither the leadership nor the Uchiha Clan paid it much attention.
Because everyone knew what was coming next.
The Hidden Cloud Village was marching toward Konoha.
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