Kumogakure Frontline
The Fourth Raikage personally led three thousand elite shinobi to the plains directly before the Konoha camp.
At his command, the Cloud forces spread into formation, their ranks tight and imposing—an unmistakable display of military might meant to intimidate Uchiha Akihito.
Though Akihito had defeated Kumo's advance force, news that Konoha had sent no reinforcements had long since reached Kumogakure's intelligence network.
The Raikage sneered inwardly.
The so-called "Professor" Hokage truly had grown old—still engaging in internal strife during wartime.
How could a Konoha divided by scheming possibly stand against a united Kumogakure?
Behind him stood high-spirited troops, their morale surging. The Raikage felt a rush of ambition.
The old era had ended.
It was time for him to write a new chapter in shinobi history.
With Konoha lacking reinforcements, Kumo held a clear advantage.
And when one had the advantage, one displayed it boldly.
Perhaps the sheer sight of Kumo's military strength would cause the enemy to falter before battle even began.
The Raikage had already made up his mind—
This time, he would personally kill Uchiha Akihito.
Yugito, who had suffered defeat before, initially felt lingering frustration. But with both the Raikage and Killer B now present at the front, her confidence surged back.
"Flame Demon" Akihito might have some skill—
But compared to the AB Combination?
He was lacking.
Konoha Camp
A jōnin tasked with reconnaissance burst into the command tent.
"Akihito-sama! The Raikage is leading his army here!"
Akihito simply nodded.
For A to have restrained himself for two days before attacking was already remarkably patient.
Since Kumo had come knocking, he would not sit idle.
"Transmit my order—assemble all three divisions. We meet Kumogakure in open battle."
The Konoha forces mobilized immediately.
Hyūga Hiashi, Uchiha Shisui, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio led the elite ranks as two thousand Konoha shinobi marched onto the plains, facing off against the Cloud army.
The Raikage was slightly surprised.
Given the disparity, he had expected Akihito to hide behind fortifications.
Yugito stepped forward with a cold smile.
"Konoha is overconfident this time."
"With such numbers, they think they can oppose us?"
"Ridiculous."
The Raikage nodded faintly.
Trying to shake a tree as a mere mantis—futile.
Akihito's stubbornness would bury him.
Energized by the Raikage's approval, Yugito stepped forward eagerly.
"Raikage-sama, allow me to take the vanguard."
"I lost once. This time, I will wash away that humiliation myself."
The Raikage nodded in satisfaction.
Though she had suffered defeat, Yugito had grown stronger through it. He still trusted her strength.
Letting the Two-Tails Jinchūriki lead would also test Konoha's true depth.
While no reinforcements were visible, one could never be certain what Konoha might have hidden.
The Raikage was prideful—
But not foolish.
As leader of a village, he knew the danger of underestimating Konoha's political tricks.
Yugito stepped forward with elegant confidence and called out:
"Uchiha brat! Get out here!"
"I'll tear you limb from limb this time!"
Before Akihito could respond, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio stepped forward as agreed.
"You won't need Akihito-sama for this."
Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chōza, and Yamanaka Inoichi advanced to meet her.
"The Ino–Shika–Chō?" the Raikage muttered thoughtfully.
He had heard the name before.
Three of them defeating a perfect Jinchūriki was impossible—
But delaying her? Perhaps.
As Kumo elites continued issuing challenges, Konoha responded in kind. Hiashi and Shisui soon joined the fighting.
The pressure mounted.
Gradually, the Raikage confirmed it.
Akihito truly had no reinforcements.
"It's time."
"B. Let's go."
Lightning crackled as A entered Lightning Release Chakra Mode in an instant, streaking forward like a thunderbolt.
"Feel true fury!"
Akihito's eyes sharpened.
He leapt forward, landing before the Raikage.
"Perfect timing."
"I've been waiting."
The Raikage narrowed his eyes.
"Oh?"
"You've got guts."
"In such a hurry to die?"
Akihito smiled faintly.
"Who's dying isn't decided yet."
The Raikage's gaze was contemptuous.
"You're not worthy to be my opponent."
"Surrender now. You might live."
Akihito remained calm.
"Surrender?"
"Let's see if you have the ability to make me."
The Raikage's arrogance had long irritated him.
You want surrender?
Show me you can take it.
Sword drawn—
A sweeping slash—
Blade sheathed in one fluid motion.
The Raikage blinked—
And was sent flying.
Crashing through dozens of trees before finally halting, A rose slowly, dust clinging to his cheek.
"…Hmph."
His fury erupted.
"You dare provoke me?"
"You're courting death!"
Akihito surged forward again, blade flashing.
"What are you shouting for?"
Seeing the incoming flying slash, even the Raikage felt his scalp tingle.
No warning—just draw and cut?
Do youngsters these days have no martial etiquette?
Akihito felt wronged.
When fists—or blades—can solve a problem, why waste breath?
The Raikage loved posturing.
And Uchiha Akihito—
Specialized in curing arrogance.
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