"Raiden represents the will of the village, and those appointed by him carry out the orders."
When Namikaze Minato said this, the expressions of the ninjas in the meeting room changed. No one who could enter this room was a fool—everyone understood what Minato meant.
Anyone with a hint of political intuition knew that from today onwards, Konoha had officially changed. Raiden, who had remained silent for many years, had stepped out from behind the scenes and returned to the forefront.
When some people heard Minato's words, they immediately thought of Raiden's deployment of troops into the Land of Rain and the Land of Tang. Judging from his actions, this order hadn't been simple from the start.
Just a missing ninja—did it warrant such a large military movement? And the leaders of these two forces were no ordinary figures: the heads of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. From the very beginning, the caliber of these search units made it clear that this was no ordinary mission.
Standing behind Uchiha Fugaku, both Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi wore concerned expressions. They glanced at each other, then at Raiden, the doubt in their eyes plain to see.
However, the two Yūgito from the Cloud couldn't contain their emotions. They slammed the table and stormed out of the meeting room. In contrast, Killer Bee remained seated, silent and observant.
Killer Bee wasn't a fool—he understood Raiden's intentions regarding the Land of Tang and chose to stay in hopes of gathering more information. Still, he also realized that since Raiden allowed them to attend this meeting, it meant Raiden had no fear of information being leaked.
More likely, Raiden never intended to let the Cloud's two Jinchūriki return to their village in the first place.
"Starting today, Konoha will enter a Level-Two Combat Readiness State."
"All dispatched ninjas are to return and await new orders."
"Meeting adjourned."
With those words, Raiden stood and left the meeting room. Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi exchanged a glance and quickly followed.
Once Raiden departed, the previously silent room erupted in chatter. The gathered ninjas debated and analyzed the day's events. Namikaze Minato didn't linger either; he left with Nara Shikaku.
Jiraiya led Tsunade, Naruto, and the others over to Sarutobi Hiruzen and asked, "Sarutobi-sensei, what does Raiden intend?"
"Is it just a power grab, or...?" Jiraiya had sensed something from Raiden's orders but was unsure, given Raiden's long-standing indifference.
"Can't you see? A war is coming," Hiruzen replied darkly as he took a puff of his pipe. Nearby ninjas, overhearing him, gathered in closer for his insight.
But to their surprise, Hiruzen stood up and left without another word.
"A war... It's come to this. What is Raiden planning?" Jiraiya frowned and vanished from the meeting room.
Raiden didn't return to his residence as usual. After leaving the meeting room, he headed straight to the Hokage's office. The guard outside didn't dare stop him and let him in immediately.
Inside, the room was already full.
Namikaze Minato, Nara Shikaku, Jiraiya, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Shisui had all arrived before him.
"You all came in a hurry. If you want to ask something, go ahead."
Raiden greeted them with a smile, as if he had expected their arrival.
"Lord Raiden, from the beginning, there was no missing Konoha team, was there?"
"Deploying troops to the Land of Rain and the Land of Tang wasn't about any missing ninja, was it?"
Uchiha Itachi asked solemnly, looking troubled. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Raiden, awaiting his answer.
"You're right. A missing Konoha ninja wouldn't justify troop deployment. My aim is to seize control of the Land of Rain and the Land of Tang and use them as stepping stones to invade the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning."
Raiden didn't hide his intention—he was direct.
"If you do this, it will trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War! Konoha will face fierce retaliation from Iwa and the Cloud. What will we gain from starting a war like this besides casualties?"
"Why? Why go this far?"
"Isn't the current peace in the ninja world good enough?"
Itachi looked shaken, unable to comprehend Raiden's reasoning.
Minato and Shikaku didn't seem surprised—they were sharp enough to infer Raiden's intentions from his earlier orders. Still, they looked at him with questioning eyes, unsure why Raiden had suddenly chosen this path.
"Itachi, you're too naive."
"This world is built on conflict. The strong survive; the weak perish."
"The so-called peace you refer to is fleeting. Konoha's strength is the reason for its peace."
"Only by unifying the ninja world can we attain true peace—and now is the best opportunity."
"I've eliminated the hidden dangers in the ninja world. The Tsuchikage of Iwa is dead, two Tailed Beasts are under my control, and their elite forces are devastated. They're no match for us."
"The Cloud's Jinchūriki are here in Konoha. Ay can't stop us."
"As for Mist and Sand, if they're wise, they'll cooperate."
"The goal of the Fourth Great Ninja War isn't destruction—it's to establish a unified governing body for the ninja world, a centralized rule of law."
"Only then can lasting peace be achieved."
"Hashirama and Uchiha Madara once had a chance to achieve this, but their idealism let chaos reign for decades."
"This time, I'll set things right."
Raiden extended his arms, openly sharing his ambition. He would not waver from his goal to unite the ninja world. Reclaiming control from the Hokage's office was just the first step.
Jiraiya was stunned by Raiden's vision. He wanted to argue but found himself at a loss for words.
"Lord Raiden, do you really believe peace can be achieved through war?"
"I may not know the path to peace, but I know this isn't it."
"The Fourth Great Ninja War—how many will die?"
"Even if peace is achieved, lost lives can't be revived. Are you really willing to sacrifice innocent people for your dream?"
Itachi's voice trembled. He had always searched for meaning in life and sought to eliminate conflict. Raiden's ideology clashed with everything he believed.
"Ambition? You think I'm doing this out of ambition?"
"I've already reached the peak of power and status. You underestimate me."
"This is the path to peace! No one else has walked it."
"We—Konoha—will be the ones to take the first step."
Raiden opened his arms slightly, his eyes glowing with fervor. He looked like a man possessed by belief. Minato and Jiraiya had never seen him like this before.
Once, Raiden had cared for nothing—staying home, avoiding village matters, living in comfort. Now, he had a clear and resolute purpose.
"You've lost your mind."
"Raiden, power has blinded you. You're walking the same path as Uchiha Madara!"
"There's still time. Turn back!"
Jiraiya's voice trembled with anguish.
"If you think this is the wrong path, then just follow orders."
"I'll show you a unified world."
"Turn back? Heh... that's impossible."
Raiden turned to the window, his expression deepening. The others sensed something and grew tense.
Just then, the door opened, and Kisame Hoshigaki walked in with Samehada on his back and a wooden box in his hand.
A strong stench of blood filled the air.
Everyone stared at the box in Kisame's hands.
"Lord Raiden, your request is complete. This is what you wanted."
Kisame walked over and handed the box to Raiden.
Raiden opened the lid, glanced inside, then casually tossed the box to the ground.
A severed head rolled out, landing at Minato's feet. The smell of blood intensified.
"This...!" Jiraiya gasped in shock, pointing at the head, trembling, unable to speak.
Minato and the others were frozen in disbelief.
"You killed the Fire Daimyō?!"
Minato shouted, his killing intent directed at Kisame.
"In this world, too many people hold power and make conflicting decisions. These clashes create endless disputes."
"My goal is to remove those unnecessary power structures—leave only one."
"Then there will be no more conflict."
Raiden clasped his hands calmly.
Jiraiya could no longer contain his rage. Raiden had crossed the final line. No matter how powerful Konoha was, killing the Fire Daimyō was beyond anything ever imagined.
Konoha was still a ninja organization—the people were governed by the daimyō. Raiden had just made Konoha the enemy of the entire ninja world.
Furious, Jiraiya lunged at Raiden with a punch to the face.
Crack! Raiden blocked it effortlessly with one hand.
Jiraiya had expected this. Without weaving signs, his hair suddenly shot out and bound Raiden tightly.
"Raiden, you've gone astray! Stop giving orders—you'll bring ruin to Konoha!"
Jiraiya's binding tightened rapidly. Despite the intense restriction, Raiden looked calm. Sadness flickered in his eyes as he gazed at Jiraiya.
A hero trapped by his era—that was Jiraiya.
Just as Raiden was about to break free, a flash of golden light cut through the white hair binding him.
Namikaze Minato had stepped in front of Raiden, facing Jiraiya with an apologetic expression.
"Sensei, this time I choose to trust Raiden."
"So I ask you to trust him too."
Minato looked back at Raiden, then returned his gaze to Jiraiya.
"You... Do you even understand what you're saying?!"
Jiraiya stared at Minato in disbelief.
"Hahahaha!"
"Minato, I never expected you to support me first!"
"Truly long-sighted! No wonder my sister chose you."
"Kisame, begin full implementation of my plan. Eliminate every parasite clinging to the Land of Fire. I want a true elite capable of governance!"
"Anyone who willingly steps down can leave. Those who resist—kill them!"
(End of Chapter)
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