Bab 153: Chapter 153: A Truly Major Event
The civil strife in Konoha erupted, and news was swiftly sent back to their respective villages by ninja from various countries.
Since its founding, Konoha had consistently dominated other ninja villages, maintaining its position as the overlord of the ninja world.
Even during Konoha's weakest moments, it boasted fearsome shinobi such as the legendary Sannin.
Although they might not always be in the village, their return was a constant possibility, ensuring Konoha's strength remained a source of fear for other villages even those among the Five Great Nations.
But now, for the first time in its history, Konoha faced an internal conflict.
This would significantly diminish Konoha's power and present an opportunity for other villages to act.
Kumogakure's Reaction
In Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage, roused from his sleep in the middle of the night, was anything but annoyed.
Instead, his laughter nearly woke the entire village.
Mabui, though equally delighted, reminded him to maintain his composure.
"Raikage-sama, please be mindful of your image!"
"Image?" he scoffed. "Who cares about image right now? I've never been this thrilled! Konoha has finally shot itself in the foot. They can't blame me for taking advantage!"
Mabui expressed concern. Despite Konoha's current turmoil, the saying "a starved camel is still bigger than a horse" rang true.
Konoha's overall strength remained unparalleled in the ninja world.
Even now, if Tsunade and Danzo joined forces, their combined might would be a terrifying force against any village.
As for smaller nations' ninja villages, Konoha could obliterate them effortlessly.
Even the larger villages would find themselves gravely wounded if Konoha decided to retaliate.
Moreover, reports indicated that Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had mastered control over the tailed beast, a development that amplified Konoha's threat level.
"Raikage-sama, now isn't the right time to strike at Konoha!" Mabui advised. "Although they're embroiled in internal conflict, we don't know how severe it is. We should wait and see!"
"Wait?" The Raikage chuckled. "Mabui, you misunderstand me."
"I'm not foolish enough to launch an open attack on Konoha. That would only benefit others, not Kumogakure."
Mabui frowned. "Then what is your plan, Raikage-sama?"
"When two tigers fight, one is bound to get hurt. We won't act rashly, but with Konoha preoccupied, plenty of wolves will want to take a bite."
"While this may not destroy Konoha outright, it will weaken them. If their situation deteriorates further, that's when Kumogakure can strike decisively and claim victory."
Mabui quickly understood.
"Raikage-sama intends to let smaller nations deal with Konoha!"
"Exactly."
With Kumogakure's influence and subtle pressure, combined with the current opportunity, the smaller nations around Konoha would find it hard to resist the temptation.
By dragging Konoha into the quagmire of war during its internal strife, they could ensure the village wouldn't recover. Once sufficiently weakened, the Five Great Nations could unite and devour Konoha.
"I'll handle the arrangements," Mabui said. Supporting such a calculated plan posed little risk to Kumogakure, making it a prudent course of action.
Other Villages' Reactions
Iwagakure
In the Land of Earth, Onoki of Both Scales, a veteran of many wars, foresaw the likely developments.
However, he harbored reservations about targeting Konoha directly, sensing it would lead to unfavorable outcomes.
"I won't be the first to stick my neck out," Onoki decided. "But I doubt the ambitious Raikage will sit still."
"If that's the case, I'll go along with the flow. Konoha has always been a thorn in my side."
Kirigakure
In the Land of Water, Kirigakure, still recovering and developing after its own turmoil, opted for caution.
"Let's observe," said Mei Terumi. "For now, we do nothing. If Konoha survives the first wave, we'll reconsider."
"If they don't, then Kirigakure must seize its share."
Sunagakure
In the Land of Wind, Sunagakure faced an entirely different set of concerns.
"Konoha's internal strife coincides with the death of our Kazekage," one elder lamented. "We've yet to select a Fifth Kazekage."
"Our village is in disarray, and now our ally Konoha faces this situation!"
"Perhaps we could take advantage"
"Idiot," interrupted a gravely injured Baki. "We can barely handle our own problems, and you think we can target Konoha?"
Baki issued immediate orders: "From today, Sunagakure is on lockdown. Missions will be limited to within the Land of Wind. No shinobi are permitted to leave."
The other shinobi exchanged glances. Lockdown, akin to Kirigakure's previous isolation?
For now, there seemed to be no alternative. Sunagakure would remain sealed off until they stabilized internally or Konoha's strife subsided enough for their ally to assist.
A Brewing Storm in the Ninja World
Konoha's civil conflict heralded a storm poised to sweep through the ninja world.
Unlike previous incidents, which merely elevated figures like Sasuke to fame, this event could determine the fate of world peace.
Unaware of these unfolding events, Sasuke was on a distant island in the Land of Water, searching for the Three-Tails.
Beside him, Guren looked visibly uneasy.
"Apologies, Lord Sasuke, we can only confirm that the Three-Tails is somewhere in this area," Guren said.
"However, we don't know its exact location. Before you arrived, I did hear terrifying sounds of rushing water."
"I'm certain it's the Three-Tails, but as for where exactly…"
Sasuke looked speechlessly at the vast ocean before him.
This isn't how it was in the original story, is it? he thought. Wasn't it supposed to be in a lake?
Why is it an ocean now?
How am I supposed to find it? This is an ocean, not a lake.
Still, upon further thought, it made sense. The current timeline was much earlier than the original events.
It was natural for the Three-Tails to be in the ocean rather than a lake.
But finding the Three-Tails in the ocean wouldn't be easy.
Sasuke frowned.
If only I had sensory abilities…
Too bad I haven't learned… Sage Mode… yet.
Feeling frustrated, a sudden thought struck Sasuke.
Wait… I could develop a jutsu for this!
I know plenty of sensory techniques. If I could just create one, wouldn't it be simple to locate the Three-Tails?
A smile spread across Sasuke's face.
This might just work.
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