บท 7: Chapter 7
The Tsuchikage's office, made from the living rock of Iwagakure, was a testament to the village's philosophy. Unlike the warm, wooden structures of Konoha, everything here spoke of unyielding strength and immovable will. At the center of this stone fortress sat Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, his diminutive stature belying the immense power contained within his aged frame.
Onoki's face, etched with the lines of experience and countless battles, was set in a scowl as he read the report before him. His advisor, a battle-scarred Jonin named Kitsuchi, stood at attention, awaiting his leader's response. He wouldn't dare speak and say that the man who sat in the chair was his Father.
"So." Onoki began, his voice low and dangerous, "You're telling me that an entire platoon of our elite forces was decimated by a single man?"
Kitsuchi nodded stiffly. "Yes, Lord Tsuchikage. The survivors' reports all corroborate. This man, who they identified as 'Garp,' single-handedly defeated our forces without apparent effort."
Onoki's scowl deepened. "And where did this 'Garp' come from? What village does he serve?"
"That's... unclear, sir." Kitsuchi admitted. "He seemed to be allied with Konoha forces, specifically the Sannin Tsunade, but our intelligence suggests he's not officially affiliated with any hidden village."
Onoki stood abruptly, his small stature growing as he levitated slightly off the ground. The very air in the room seemed to grow heavy with his chakra. "Unaffiliated? In times of war, there is no such thing. Everyone must choose a side."
He floated to the window, gazing out at the towering stone spires of Iwagakure. Below, shinobi moved with purpose, their actions coordinated and efficient. There was no wasted motion, no frivolity. This was a village built for war.
"In Konoha." Onoki spat the name like a curse, "They play at democracy. Their council debates, their clans squabble for influence. They speak of the 'Will of Fire' as if pretty words could win a war." He turned back to Kitsuchi, his eyes hard. "But we know better, don't we?"
Kitsuchi straightened even further. "Yes, Lord Tsuchikage. The Will of Stone is unbreakable."
Onoki nodded approvingly. "Precisely. In Iwa, there is no debate, no divided loyalties. There is only the will of the Tsuchikage, the embodiment of our village's strength."
To demonstrate his point, Onoki raised a hand. The stone floor beneath Kitsuchi's feet began to rise, forming a perfect cube. With a flick of his wrist, Onoki caused the cube to float, Kitsuchi still standing atop it.
"Our enemies forget." Onoki continued, his voice gaining intensity, "That I am not some doddering old fool. I am Onoki of Two Scales, the man who can make mountains dance and turn the very earth to dust!"
With a sharp gesture, the stone cube disintegrated, the particles swirling around Kitsuchi before reforming into the floor, leaving the Jonin unharmed but visibly awed.
"This 'Garp' may be strong," Onoki growled, "but he has made a grave mistake in crossing Iwagakure. I would crush him myself if not for..." He trailed off, his scowl returning.
Kitsuchi, recovering his composure, spoke up. "The situation with Kumogakure, sir?"
Onoki nodded grimly. "Those Kumo dogs are massing at our eastern border. We can't afford to divert significant forces to deal with this Garp, not without leaving ourselves vulnerable."
He floated back to his desk, picking up a stone figurine carved in the likeness of the First Tsuchikage. "Our predecessor built this village to be a bastion of strength in a world of chaos. We cannot falter now, not when we're so close to achieving true dominance."
Kitsuchi listened intently, knowing that every word from the Tsuchikage was to be treated as gospel. In Iwagakure, there was no room for dissent or individual interpretation of orders. The Tsuchikage's will was absolute.
Onoki set down the figurine and turned his piercing gaze to Kitsuchi. "Tell me, what do we know of this Garp's motivations? Is he truly allied with Konoha, or is he playing his own game?"
Kitsuchi hesitated before responding. "The reports are... confusing, sir. He seemed to aid Konoha forces, but his behavior was erratic. He spoke of being 'out for a stroll' and invited our shinobi to share a meal rather than fight."
Onoki's brow furrowed. "A madman, then? Or perhaps a ploy to lower our guard?"
"There's more, sir." Kitsuchi added. "He mentioned 'grandchildren.' Our scouts observed him leaving the Land of Rain with three children, heading towards Konoha."
This information caused Onoki to pause, his tactical mind whirring. "Amegakure... Hanzo's domain. And now he moves towards Konoha with children in tow? This doesn't add up."
The Tsuchikage began to pace, the stone floor rippling beneath his feet with each step. "If he's not officially with Konoha, and he's been residing in Ame, whose side is he truly on?"
Kitsuchi remained silent, knowing the question was rhetorical.
Onoki continued his musings. "Hanzo has been a thorn in our side, but he's kept the Rain neutral in this war other than his battles against Suna and intent to keep us out of his broders. If this Garp has been living there and is now cozying up to Konoha..." He trailed off, the implications clear.
"Your orders, Lord Tsuchikage?" Kitsuchi prompted after a moment of silence.
Onoki's eyes narrowed. "We can't afford to send a large force, not with Kumo breathing down our necks. But we need more information." He pointed at Kitsuchi. "Assemble a small team of our best infiltrators. I want eyes on this Garp and his 'grandchildren' at all times. Find out what game he's playing."
Kitsuchi bowed deeply. "It will be done, Lord Tsuchikage."
As Kitsuchi turned to leave, Onoki added, "And send word to our agents in Konoha. I want to know every move this Garp makes while he's in the village."
Once alone, Onoki returned to the window, his gaze now fixed on the distant horizon in the direction of Konoha. "You may have caught us off guard once, Garp." he muttered, "But Iwagakure does not forget, and we do not forgive."
He raised a hand, focusing his chakra. A small stone on his desk began to vibrate, then slowly rise into the air. As Onoki closed his fist, the stone imploded, vanishing from existence without even a speck of dust remaining.
"Let Konoha play their games of diplomacy and deception." Onoki declared to the empty room. "In the end, only true strength will prevail. And I will show the world that the Will of Stone cannot be broken."
As night fell over Iwagakure, lights began to flicker on throughout the village. Unlike the warm, inviting glow of Konoha's streets, these lights were harsh and utilitarian, illuminating training grounds where shinobi continued to hone their skills long into the night.
Onoki observed this from his office, a grim smile on his face. This was the true face of a shinobi village – not the soft idealism of Konoha, but the relentless pursuit of power and perfection.
His mind returned to the problem at hand. This Garp was an unknown variable in a war where every factor had been carefully calculated. If he truly possessed the strength to easily defeat an elite Iwa platoon, he could tip the scales of the entire conflict.
"Perhaps." Onoki mused, "it's time to remind the world why Iwagakure is feared."
He began formulating plans, strategies that would assert Iwa's dominance while dealing with this new threat. As he worked late into the night, the Will of Stone burned bright, unyielding and absolute.
In Iwagakure, there was no room for half-measures or compromise. There was only victory or death, and Onoki was determined to ensure it would be the former for his village, no matter the cost.
As dawn broke over the stone spires of Iwa, Onoki finally retired to his quarters. But even in rest, his mind was active, plotting and planning. The Second Great Ninja War was far from over, and with wild cards like Garp entering the fray, it promised to become even more chaotic.
But chaos was just another obstacle to be crushed beneath the unyielding will of stone. And Onoki, Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, was more than ready for the challenge.
~
In the heart of Kumogakure, where lightning split the sky and mountains touched the clouds, a meeting of utmost importance was taking place. The Raikage's office, a spacious room with panoramic windows overlooking the village, buzzed with tension and anticipation.
A, the Third Raikage, stood with his back to the room, his massive frame silhouetted against the storm outside. Lightning flashed, illuminating the scars that crisscrossed his dark skin, each one a testament to battles fought and won. His arms were crossed, muscles rippling with barely contained power, as he processed the information just delivered.
Before him stood Blue B, one of Kumo's most elite jōnin and trusted intelligence operatives. The shinobi had just finished delivering a detailed report on a new player in the ongoing war - a man named Monkey D. Garp.
"Repeat that last part," A commanded, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.
Blue B nodded, his voice steady despite the palpable aura of power emanating from the Raikage. "According to our sources, this Garp single-handedly defeated an elite platoon of Iwa shinobi. He showed strength and speed far beyond normal human limits, and appeared to use techniques unknown to our shinobi world."
A turned, his eyes sharp and calculating. "And you're certain this information is accurate?"
"Yes, Raikage-sama." Blue B confirmed. "Multiple independent sources have corroborated the account. Additionally, he seems to have some connection to Konoha's Sannin, Tsunade."
The Raikage's lips curved into a smile that was equal parts intrigue and anticipation. "A man of overwhelming physical power, eh? And unknown techniques... How interesting."
Blue B watched as A walked to a large map of the shinobi nations spread across one wall. The Raikage's fingers traced the borders of Amegakure, where Garp had been sighted.
"What of his allegiances?" A asked, not taking his eyes off the map.
"Unclear, Raikage-sama," Blue B replied. "He doesn't seem to be officially aligned with any village. However, he's been residing in the Land of Rain and has now been invited to Konoha."
A nodded, his mind working through the implications. In the world of shinobi, power was everything, and this Garp had just announced himself as a major player. The balance of power, already precarious in this time of war, could shift dramatically.
"A man of such strength, unaligned with any village." A mused aloud. "He could tip the scales of this war in any direction he chooses."
The Raikage turned back to face Blue B, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Tell me, how would you assess this Garp's combat ability compared to myself?"
Blue B hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It's difficult to say without seeing you both in combat, Raikage-sama. However, based on the reports, his raw physical strength might be... comparable to yours."
Instead of anger at the suggestion that someone might match him, A's grin widened. In Kumogakure, strength was respected above all else. The village operated on a 'might makes right' philosophy, with the Raikage at the top of this power hierarchy. A had earned his position through unparalleled combat prowess, and the possibility of a worthy opponent only excited him.
"Comparable, you say?" A chuckled, the sound like boulders grinding together. "Well, well. Perhaps it's time I saw this strength for myself."
Blue B's eyes widened slightly. "You intend to confront him directly, Raikage-sama?"
A's laughter boomed through the office. "Confront? No, no. I intend to challenge him! A battle between two titans of strength - now that would be a sight to behold!"
As if to emphasize his point, A's body suddenly crackled with electricity. His Lightning Chakra Mode activated, enveloping him in a brilliant aura of blue lightning. The very air in the room seemed to vibrate with power.
"Imagine it," A continued, electricity arcing between his fingers. "My Lightning Chakra Mode against his unknown techniques. A true test of power!"
Blue B watched in awe as the Raikage's excitement grew. He had served under A for years and had seen the man's incredible abilities firsthand. The Lightning Chakra Mode alone made A nearly invincible, augmenting his already monstrous physical abilities to superhuman levels.
But A wasn't done. With a flex of his chakra, the blue lightning surrounding him darkened, taking on an ominous black hue. This was the Black Lightning, a technique unique to A and feared throughout the shinobi world.
"And if he proves worthy." A growled, his voice distorted by the crackling energy, "I'll show him the true pinnacle of my power. Maybe he could even live to tell the tale!!"
The combination of Lightning Chakra Mode and Black Lightning was A's ultimate technique, one that had earned him the title of the strongest Kage. In this state, A was a force of nature, capable of moving at speeds that made him appear to teleport and delivering blows that could shatter mountains.
As quickly as it had appeared, the lightning dissipated, leaving A standing calmly in its wake. But the display had served its purpose, reminding Blue B and anyone else who might doubt why A was considered the most powerful shinobi in Kumo, if not the entire world.
"However." A said, his tone becoming more serious, "We can't allow ourselves to be distracted by one man, no matter how strong. This war is far from over."
He turned back to the map, his tactical mind now fully engaged. "Onoki will likely focus his efforts on Ame and Konoha, especially if he believes this Garp to be allied with them. That presents an opportunity."
Blue B stepped closer, studying the map. "You intend to make a move against Iwa, Raikage-sama?"
A nodded, a predatory smile spreading across his face. "Indeed. While the old fence-sitter is looking south, we'll strike from the north. It's time Kumo officially entered this war."
"Shall I begin preparations for the deployment of our forces?" Blue B asked, already mentally listing the necessary arrangements.
"Yes," A confirmed. "But with one key difference. I will personally lead this campaign."
Blue B's surprise was evident. "Raikage-sama, is that wise? The risk to yourself..."
A cut him off with a wave of his hand. "The Raikage doesn't cower behind his desk while sending others to fight. I am the strongest weapon Kumo has, and I intend to use that strength to bring victory to our village."
There was no arguing with the Raikage once his mind was made up. Blue B bowed deeply. "As you command, Raikage-sama. I'll begin the preparations immediately."
As Blue B turned to leave, A's voice stopped him. "One more thing. Keep gathering information on this Garp and his movements. I want to know everything about him - his strengths, his weaknesses, his motivations. Knowledge is power, and combined with my strength, it will make Kumo unstoppable."
Blue B nodded, recognizing that beneath A's muscle-bound exterior lay a keen strategic mind. The Raikage wasn't just a powerhouse; he was a leader who understood the delicate balance of information and strength in the shinobi world.
As the door closed behind Blue B, A turned once more to the window. The storm outside had intensified, mirroring the anticipation building within him. War was coming, and with it, the chance to test his strength against new and powerful foes.
"Monkey D. Garp." A murmured, his voice barely audible over the rumbling thunder. "I look forward to meeting you on the battlefield. Let's see if you're truly worthy of challenging the Strongest Kage."
With that thought, A began mentally preparing for the campaign ahead. Kumo would strike like lightning, swift and devastating, and the shinobi world would once again bear witness to the awesome power of the Third Raikage.
As night fell over Kumogakure, the village buzzed with activity. Preparations for war were underway, guided by the indomitable will of their Raikage. And somewhere out there, unaware of the storm brewing in the Land of Lightning, Garp and his small family made their way towards Konoha, unknowingly setting in motion events that would reshape the very foundations of the shinobi world.
Events that never occurred in the original timeline.
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