At the outskirts of the Hidden Cloud Village, three thousand ninja had already gathered in tightly ordered formations. The ranks were dense, disciplined, and carried an overwhelming sense of pressure.
The killing intent radiating from them merged into one, turning the surrounding air heavy and suffocating.
At the very front stood the elite forces of the village, including Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, and Darui, the sole successor of the Third Raikage's Black Lightning Release, alongside other top-ranking shinobi.
Facing them was Fourth Raikage A, arms crossed, his tall frame radiating dominance. His presence alone overshadowed the combined aura of the three thousand ninja behind him.
He stood like an immovable mountain, pressing down on everyone who looked his way.
"Today, the entire ninja world will witness the true strength of the Hidden Cloud."
"Today, we crush Konoha and take our place as the strongest village."
His words were short and direct, yet they struck deep. The troops felt their blood surge, every nerve ignited with excitement and battle intent.
"Move out!"
With that command, the Fourth Raikage vanished using the Body Flicker Technique, shooting forward like a bolt of lightning.
Behind him, three thousand ninja followed in unison.
The ground trembled under their synchronized advance.
Their target, Konohagakure.
---
The movement of such a massive force did not go unnoticed.
Across the ninja world, news spread instantly.
Reports reached the leaders of the great villages.
"Lord Kazekage, the Raikage has mobilized toward Konoha!"
"Lord Mizukage, the Hidden Cloud has begun its assault!"
"Lord Tsuchikage, war has started between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud!"
The Kage reacted with grim expressions.
This was no small conflict. It was a war that could reshape the balance of power across the entire world.
Without hesitation, leaders from the other major villages departed with small escort teams, heading toward Konoha to witness the outcome firsthand.
Even smaller nations like Amegakure and Kusagakure kept a close watch.
All eyes were on this battlefield.
---
Inside Konoha, reports came in one after another.
"Lord Nara Suzaku, the Hidden Cloud forces are thirty kilometers from our border!"
An ANBU knelt as he delivered the update.
Nara Suzaku waved him off calmly.
"Understood. Continue reporting every five kilometers. Inform me immediately of any changes."
At that moment, Hyuga Hizashi stood up.
"I'll go bring Lord Ryūjin."
Suzaku nodded.
"It's time."
They had invited Ryūjin Uchiha to take command long ago, but he had shown little interest, leaving most responsibilities to the others.
Now, however, things were different.
---
Moments later, Ryūjin entered the command center and took the main seat without ceremony.
Suzaku stepped forward immediately.
"Konoha has assembled two thousand five hundred ninja. Defensive lines are already established at the border."
"The Hidden Cloud army is thirty kilometers away."
"What are your orders?"
Ryūjin leaned back slightly, unimpressed.
"Still thirty kilometers? Relax. Let them come."
The room fell silent.
Suzaku and the others exchanged uneasy glances.
This decision made no sense tactically.
Fighting within Konoha's territory meant risking destruction. Worse, if they lost, there would be no fallback.
Previously, Suzaku had suggested intercepting the enemy near Amegakure.
Ryūjin had rejected it outright.
In his words, this was Konoha's war, and there was no need to drag other villages into it.
To him, three thousand enemy ninja were insignificant.
---
Morino Ibiki stepped forward, unable to stay silent.
"Placing the battlefield inside Konoha is too dangerous. We should meet them head-on before they reach our territory."
"Even in defeat, we would still have room to maneuver."
Ryūjin didn't even look at him.
"No need."
His tone was flat, dismissive.
"I know what you're worried about, but it's pointless."
"Since I made this decision, I'll take responsibility."
"The Hidden Cloud won't damage Konoha. They won't get the chance."
"I'll kill them first."
Confidence filled his voice, absolute and unquestioned.
To him, the approaching army might as well have been nothing.
Ibiki clenched his jaw.
"Lord Ryūjin, this—"
"Ibiki, enough," Suzaku interrupted firmly. "We follow orders."
Ibiki fell silent, frustration clear on his face.
No one could deny Ryūjin's strength.
And against opponents like the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee, they had no better option.
---
The reports continued.
"Twenty-five kilometers."
"Twenty kilometers."
"Fifteen kilometers."
"Five kilometers."
Tension rose with every update.
Only Ryūjin remained unchanged.
At five kilometers, he finally stood.
"Alright. Let's go take a look."
---
Outside, Konoha's forces were already assembled.
Two thousand five hundred ninja stood ready, weapons drawn, waiting.
Ryūjin stepped forward and disappeared in a blur.
He reappeared at the very front line.
In the distance, a dark mass approached.
The sound of marching thundered across the ground.
The Hidden Cloud army.
---
From afar, observers watched closely.
On a distant cliff stood Onoki.
"They're really fighting inside their own territory… unexpected."
Elsewhere, atop a tree, Rasa frowned.
"No Hiruzen, no Hiashi, no Inoichi… even Kakashi is absent."
"Konoha is in trouble."
Hidden in another location, Yagura Karatachi observed silently.
None of them favored Konoha in this battle.
The numbers were close, but the difference in top-tier fighters was too great.
Who could face the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee?
---
The Hidden Cloud forces crossed into Konoha's territory.
They stopped.
The two armies faced each other in silence.
Then, the Fourth Raikage stepped forward.
Each step felt heavy.
The pressure spread across the battlefield.
Many Konoha ninja swallowed nervously.
This was a man who could fight a Tailed Beast alone.
A monster.
"Who's in charge of Konoha?" he shouted. "Step forward!"
A figure emerged from the Konoha ranks.
Young.
Calm.
Scarlet eyes gleaming.
"I am Ryūjin Uchiha, acting Hokage of Konoha."
"If you have something to say, say it to me."
Shock rippled through both sides.
An Uchiha… Hokage?
Unheard of.
Even Uchiha Madara had never held that title.
The Raikage stared, then burst into laughter.
"Konoha must be desperate, putting an Uchiha in charge."
Ryūjin's expression didn't change.
"Konoha's affairs aren't your concern."
"Say what you came to say, or get lost. I'm not here to entertain you."
The laughter stopped instantly.
The Raikage's face darkened.
"Even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't speak to me like that. You've got a death wish."
Ryūjin scoffed.
"And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
The contempt in his voice was genuine.
The Raikage's veins bulged.
Behind him, the Hidden Cloud ninja burned with rage.
Even the hidden observers were stunned.
This wasn't arrogance.
This was insanity.
---
Before things escalated, Suzaku stepped forward.
"Raikage, your actions are an act of aggression against Konoha. Explain yourself."
The Raikage responded with his justification.
Suzaku countered immediately.
Neither side backed down.
The outcome was obvious.
War.
---
The Raikage raised his hand and pointed at Ryūjin.
"You, who stole the Hokage's seat. I'll deal with you personally."
"Let's see if you're worth it."
Ryūjin didn't hesitate.
"As you wish."
Then he stepped forward.
One step at a time.
Straight toward the Fourth Raikage.
===
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