Chapter 22: Chapter 22
In the highest meeting room of Iwagakure, a tense discussion was underway. The third Tsuchikage, Onoki, sat at the head of the round table, surrounded by more than a dozen high-ranking officials of the Land of Earth. Among them was Roshi, the Jinchuriki of the Four-Tails, a formidable figure known for his strength and ability to control the power of the Four-Tails. Despite their differences, Roshi had earned his place among the village's decision-makers.
Onoki, with his hands resting on the table, addressed the council. "Konoha has lost its ultimate weapon, the Nine-Tails, and thousands of their ninja forces are tied up fighting Sunagakure. This is the perfect opportunity to strike. What are your thoughts?"
The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement. The allure of the Fire Country's fertile lands and Konoha's current vulnerability was too tempting to ignore. Despite the prosperity of the Land of Earth, the prospect of expanding their territory was enticing.
The decision-makers began to voice their support for the plan.
"I agree with Tsuchikage-sama," one said. "If we let this opportunity slip, who knows when we'll have another chance."
"Our forces are still strong after the war with Amegakure," another added. "Now is the time to strike."
"We can't let the other villages take the lead in this," a third member chimed in. "If we hesitate, someone else will seize the advantage."
As the members of the council voiced their opinions, Roshi finally spoke up. "Attacking Konoha now, when they're already weakened, might seem like the right move. But remember, this will provoke Konoha's wrath. If we go to war, be prepared for the consequences."
Onoki shot a displeased look at Roshi. The two often clashed, but Onoki knew that Roshi's strength and control over the Four-Tails made him invaluable. Yet, Roshi's cautious approach was frustrating.
One of the council members scoffed. "Are you afraid, Roshi? Konoha is weak now. We can crush them with ease, and yet you hesitate?"
Roshi remained unfazed. "I'm not afraid. I'm simply stating the reality."
Onoki decided to end the debate. "Let's put it to a vote. All in favor of attacking Konoha, raise your hand."
Onoki's hand shot up first, and without hesitation, the majority of the council members followed suit. Only Roshi kept his hand down.
"It's decided then," Onoki declared with a satisfied grin. "We will strike Konoha while they're weak. Even if we don't destroy them, we'll take a significant piece of their territory."
Meanwhile, Yusuke was unaware of the decisions being made in Iwagakure. He had just received a new mission: to check in with Onoki the Fence-Sitter. The reward, the perfect form and nature transformation of Chakra, intrigued him. This ability could greatly enhance his ninjutsu, allowing him to create techniques as powerful as the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken or even shape the Amaterasu flames like Sasuke.
But Yusuke's thoughts were already racing ahead. He saw this mission as an opportunity to achieve multiple goals at once, forming a plan that could potentially benefit him in more ways than one.
A wicked smile spread across his face, unnoticed by the Konoha villagers who were already wary of him. Yusuke's reputation had grown since the Nine-Tails incident, but it was not one of admiration. His ruthless actions, especially towards those who had mocked him or his mentor, the White Fang, had earned him fear rather than respect.
But that was exactly what Yusuke wanted. Respect was unnecessary; fear was enough. As he prepared for his next move, Yusuke knew that whatever came next, he would be ready to face it head-on, even if it meant going up against one of the most powerful Kage in the world.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone