Chapter 21: Chapter 21
A few days later, on the front lines in the Land of Wind, within Konoha's military camp, Tsunade had just returned to the battlefield. Orochimaru, one of the three legendary Sannin like Tsunade, approached her with a hoarse voice and a slight smirk.
"You're back, Tsunade. I heard the Nine-Tails' Sealing failed. Heh, Konoha really is in turmoil."
Orochimaru's shoulders shrugged as if relishing the chaos. Although he hadn't yet developed the darker obsessions that would define his future, his experiences on the battlefield had left him indifferent to Konoha's fate. His only concerns were mastering all ninjutsu and pursuing the secret to immortality.
"Hmph, how's the battle going?" Tsunade asked coldly, not in the mood for small talk.
"Oh, seems like you're in a good mood," Orochimaru observed, noticing her demeanor as an old comrade who had fought alongside her for over 20 years. Despite his curiosity, he quickly shifted to the matter at hand. "Well, if it weren't for the failure of the previous mission led by White Fang, this war might have already ended. I might have a way to break the deadlock, though."
Orochimaru paused before adding, "But perhaps we should be more concerned about the actions of the other nations, don't you think?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, contemplating for a moment before replying, "For now, our focus is on the Hidden Sand Battlefield."
"Heh, if White Fang were still alive, we wouldn't have so much to worry about," Orochimaru remarked, his laughter tinged with irony.
"The one who inherited the power of the White Fang has already been born," Tsunade replied with a subtle smile, a hint of pride evident in her expression, though she couldn't quite explain why.
As Orochimaru had anticipated, news of Konoha's failed Nine-Tails Sealing, which led to the Nine-Tails' escape and caused significant destruction, spread quickly to the other major nations. The disaster resulted in Konoha losing two-thirds of its territory and over 1,500 ninja troops. Despite Konoha's attempts to keep the incident under wraps, such a major event couldn't be hidden for long.
Upon hearing the news, the Land of Stone, which had previously halted its war efforts, began to stir. The Land of Lightning, which had not yet fully participated in the Second Ninja World War, also started contemplating its next move.
In the Land of Lightning, within the Hidden Cloud Village, the third Raikage sat in his office. His assistant Tutai, approached him with a serious expression.
"Lord Raikage, I assume you're aware of the incident in Konoha?"
The fierce third Raikage, resting his cheek on one hand, responded, "How could I not be aware of such a significant event? What's your take on it?"
Tutai nodded, "Now would be an opportune time to attack Konoha. Other nations are likely already making their moves."
The third Raikage fell silent, contemplating for several minutes before he spoke again. "Do you think Kumo is currently in a position to wage war against Konoha?"
Tutai was taken aback by the question and began to think it over. More than a decade ago, the second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had led a group, including Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo, to Kumo to sign an alliance treaty with the second Raikage. However, the talks were sabotaged by rogue forces, leading to a deep-seated enmity between the two villages. Although a truce was later signed, the blood feud remained.
Kumo had its share of internal problems, the most significant being that Killer Bee, the current Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, had yet to master full control over the tailed beast's power. The threat of the Eight-Tails going berserk meant the third Raikage needed to stay in the village to prevent any potential disaster. Additionally, Kumo had only recently recovered from the devastating rebellion led by the Gold and Silver Brothers, which had nearly crippled the village.
"Even without the White Fang, Konoha is not so easily defeated," the third Raikage finally said. "We still have Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo to contend with. And don't forget, the three Sannin of Konoha are formidable opponents in this war. For now, our focus should be on ensuring control over the Eight-Tails."
"Understood," Tutai replied, then hesitated before adding, "But Lord Raikage, with Konoha currently lacking a Jinchuriki, we might have an opportunity..."
"There's no need to rush," the third Raikage said with a knowing smile. "The Nine-Tails isn't so easily controlled. Look at how Konoha failed."
"Yes, Lord Raikage," Tutai acknowledged with a bow.
For the time being, the Hidden Cloud Village decided not to engage Konoha directly, but this decision was only temporary. The village, notorious for its willingness to resort to underhanded tactics—such as attempting to kidnap Hinata Hyuga and later forcing Hiruzen Sarutobi to make concessions—was unlikely to pass up the chance to exploit Konoha's weakened state. They were simply biding their time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Meanwhile, Iwagakure, which had clashed with Konoha during the Second Ninja World War, couldn't remain idle after learning about the Nine-Tails' escape and the heavy casualties Konoha had suffered.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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