Chương 41: Hidden Cloud Village

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The Ninja Village established in the Land of Lightning was known as Hidden Cloud Village. Nestled among towering peaks and shrouded in perpetual clouds and mist, the village was strategically positioned for defense. The terrain made it exceedingly difficult for invaders to breach its defenses, a design chosen by the first Raikage.

The first Raikage, known as Ai, had chosen his name with significance. In Thunder Country tradition, "Ai" symbolized leadership and supremacy. Each Raikage would inherit this name, reinforcing the notion of continuity and authority. Ai took his role as the village leader seriously, striving to lead Hidden Cloud Village to prosperity and uphold the dignity of the title.

Ai's respect for the Hokage of Konoha was tempered by wariness. While he admired Senju Hashirama's ability to establish a formidable ninja village and his pivotal role in maintaining peace, Ai remained cautious of Konoha's influence. Despite Senju Hashirama's abdication due to illness and the subsequent leadership of Senju Tobirama, Ai was still wary of Konoha's power.

Recent developments had prompted Ai to reconsider his strategy. The change in leadership within the Land of Fire and the increasing influence of Konoha Ninja Village had led the Land of Lightning's daimyo to propose an aggressive strategy. The daimyo wanted to capitalize on the new Fire Country daimyo's instability by launching an attack to gain territory in the Land of Fire.

Ai was taken aback by the daimyo's demand for immediate action. Despite understanding the daimyo's motives, Ai was concerned that Hidden Cloud Village was not fully prepared for such a conflict. The village had suffered from the financial strain left by the previous Hokage's policies, and the logistics for a protracted war were insufficient. Ai had hoped to delay any aggressive actions until the village was better prepared.

However, the daimyo's insistence and the support of influential figures like the Golden Horn and Silver Horn brothers complicated matters. The brothers, reputed to be descendants of the Sage of Six Paths and rumored to possess the power of the Nine-Tails, wielded significant influence. Their support for the daimyo's plan left Ai with little room to refuse.

Golden Horn and Silver Horn, revered figures in Hidden Cloud Village, had gained immense power through their consumption of the Nine-Tails' flesh. Their strength and prestige made their opinions weighty. Despite Ai's reservations, the push for war was gaining momentum, driven by the village's strong martial traditions and the desires of its more aggressive elements.

Ai acknowledged the need for a combat plan, focusing on utilizing the village's strengths while addressing its weaknesses. He recognized the potential of the Lightning Release techniques, developed by Dai, his trusted guard. These techniques, including the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, provided significant offensive and defensive capabilities but required considerable physical endurance.

(Note: most likely future Third Raikage)

Despite the advancements, Hidden Cloud Village lacked a Jinchūriki as powerful as Mito, and the risks associated with controlling the beast's power were considerable. The village had yet to fully harness the potential of its Jinchūriki, leaving it reliant on its own forces for the upcoming conflict.

As Ai contemplated the impending battle, he reflected on the Five Kages Agreement signed the previous year. He had anticipated that the agreement might be challenged, but the rapid dissolution was unexpected. Ai recognized the inherent conflict of interest between the orders of the daimyo and the principles of the ninja villages.

In his mind, Ai accepted the harsh reality of his role. As the Raikage of Hidden Cloud Village, his duty was to follow the daimyo's orders and demonstrate the value of his village. The goal was to ensure mutual benefit and strengthen the village's position in the broader political landscape. With resolve, Ai prepared for the final battle, determined to uphold his village's honor and secure its future.

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