🎉🎉🎉DAIMYO: Chapter 95/101

Chapter 95: Not The Hunter

"What did you say?"

"The Daimyo's convoy accelerated?"

Minato's surprised exclamation echoed from the Hokage's Office.

An Anbu wearing a cat-faced mask was reporting the intel he had gathered.

"Yes. The Daimyo's convoy has met up with the escorting unit."

"After the rendezvous, the Daimyo suddenly ordered the convoy to proceed at full speed."

Minato's azure eyes were filled with astonishment and doubt. "Did they encounter any attacks along the way?"

The Anbu's reply was unexpected.

"They did not encounter any attacks," the Anbu continued. "According to the brief report, this order was personally given by the Daimyo."

"No attacks?" Koharu's brows furrowed, her aged face filled with surprise and suspicion. "Then why did the Daimyo abandon this plan?"

"He was the one who proposed it. What is he thinking?"

"Who knows what the Daimyo is thinking," Homura said, his expression equally grim. "For this plan, Konoha fully cooperated."

"To abandon it now means all our efforts have gone to waste, and we've alerted the enemy."

In their view, the Daimyo's actions were far too reckless.

"Elders."

Minato's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting the two Advisors' speculation.

"The intel just now was very clear." Minato walked quickly to the map, his gaze sharp as a blade.

The two Advisors' attention was immediately drawn to him.

Minato's hand swept across the map, then pressed heavily on a point.

It was the last location before the Daimyo's convoy accelerated.

"The Daimyo isn't trying to flush out the enemy," Minato said, his voice growing colder. "With this action, he's telling us..."

"The snake is no longer interested in biting him, the bait."

After this explanation, the two Elders were instantly aghast.

Yes, why hadn't they encountered any attacks in the most dangerous section?

The office fell into a deep silence.

Minato turned and asked the Anbu, "When will the Daimyo arrive?"

The Anbu replied, "He is expected to reach the village before dark."

"Issue the order," Minato said decisively. "Have the Anbu deploy immediately and clear all civilians within a three-kilometer radius of the Daimyo's residence."

"Tell the Barrier Team to activate the village's highest-level defensive barrier."

"When the Daimyo arrives, I want a completely secured Konoha."

"Additionally, inform Transit Station One. The troops are to retreat one hundred kilometers and rebuild their defensive line."

"Notify the Intelligence Department. I want to know the movements of all units near the Land of Lightning's border, accurate to every single squad."

Command after command flowed from the Fourth Hokage without the slightest hesitation.

"Minato, isn't this an overreaction?" Koharu hesitated, her lips tight. "Such a large-scale deployment, what if it's just..."

"There is no 'what if'," Minato cut her off sharply. "Kumogakure used the lives of four Jōnin to make all of us believe their target was the Daimyo."

"But they gave up the best timing for an assassination."

"This only proves that assassinating the Daimyo was a decoy from the beginning."

"Kumogakure's true target is Konoha."

"But there are only a dozen Kumogakure shinobi who infiltrated," Homura couldn't help but argue. "And four of them died."

"That's why I ordered the Intelligence Department to monitor the main forces in the Land of Lightning."

Minato's explanation silenced the two battle-hardened Advisors.

They opened their mouths but said nothing more.

The shadow of war had settled into their hearts.

Along the main road, dust billowed.

The Daimyo's convoy, escorted by hundreds of shinobi, raced toward Konoha like an arrow loosed from a bow.

The carriage jolted, the scenery outside the window flashing past rapidly.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was tense and heavy.

Ragyō sat upright on the cushion, her expression stern.

But beneath her lowered eyelids was quiet vigilance, her Sharingan ready to activate at any moment.

Inside her sleeve, her hand gripped a poisoned kunai tightly.

As an elite Uchiha, her instinct for sensing danger was sharp.

From the moment Arashi crushed the teacup, she knew something serious had occurred.

She didn't ask.

Her elder sister had taught her never to speak about things she shouldn't question.

All she needed to do was, when the moment came, use her life to buy even a fraction of a second for the man beside her.

Unlike her calmness, Kurenai appeared flustered.

The girl's crimson eyes were filled with worry and confusion.

The previously warm and lighthearted atmosphere had suddenly become heavy and strained.

Even Ragyō, who had been smiling and chatting with her earlier, had gone silent.

After much hesitation, perhaps emboldened by Arashi's earlier gentleness, Kurenai finally spoke softly, "Sir... are we in danger?"

Arashi's tightly closed eyes slowly opened.

The coldness in his gaze softened as it met the girl's anxious expression.

He offered a faint smile, his voice calm and gentle as he comforted her.

"Don't be afraid."

"We are not in danger."

"I just suddenly felt like arriving at Konoha earlier to see what kind of welcome the Fourth Hokage has prepared for me."

"Hold on tight. We'll be home soon."

The reassurance did not ease Kurenai's nerves. Instead, it only deepened the unease in her heart.

She said no more.

She simply straightened her back, muscles tensing in preparation.

Outside the carriage, the wind howled.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja tightly flanked both sides of the carriage.

Asuma, running at high speed, could no longer hold back his doubts.

With a few swift movements, he appeared beside Enmaru and asked in a low voice, "Hey, Enmaru-senpai. What the hell is going on?"

"Wasn't the Daimyo's plan to fish? If we're running like this, what kind of fish are we going to catch?"

His voice was full of irritation and confusion.

Several other Guardian Ninja nearby turned their heads at his words, their eyes questioning.

Enmaru's expression was darker than ever.

He glanced at the surrounding Konoha shinobi and replied in a low, serious tone.

"Fishing?"

"Asuma, tell me this."

"What kind of fish would abandon bait that's right in front of it?"

Asuma froze.

Yes, why?

Enmaru's voice grew sharper. "We're not the bait at all."

"Those bastards' target isn't us."

"It's Konoha."

All the Guardian Ninja were stunned.

In the next second, killing intent surged.

A rage fueled by the thought of their home being violated and their loved ones threatened filled them.

Their killing intent was so strong that the leading Konoha shinobi turned back in alarm, not understanding why their comrades had suddenly become so terrifying.

"Bastards."

Asuma let out a low roar, eyes bloodshot as the chakra blades at his waist began to hum violently.

Hizashi's veins bulged as his Byakugan activated.

Uchiha Natsume, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, and every member of the Guardian Ninja erupted with fury.

They finally understood why the plan had been abandoned and why they were now speeding toward Konoha.

They were no longer hunters.

They were racing against death.

What they were protecting now was not just the Daimyo.

It was Konoha.

It was the village they were born in.

It was the tens of thousands of relatives and friends who lived there.

At this moment, they all had only one thought.

Before the enemy makes their move.

They must... make it back.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 96: Daimyo Arrives in Konoha

In the western region of the Land of Fire.

The once-silent canyon no longer held the same deathly stillness it had the day before.

Now, it had transformed into a heavily guarded military encampment.

Deep within the canyon, the Heavenly Transfer Technique personally set up by Mabui emitted powerful and stable spatial fluctuations.

With each flash of light, dozens of Kumo shinobi appeared.

Their eyes were sharp, and their movements precise.

Upon arrival, they swiftly moved under the guidance of their respective Jōnin. Some stood guard, others rested, all without making a single unnecessary sound.

From last night until now, only one day had passed.

Yet, the number of shinobi teleported had already exceeded one thousand.

A chilling aura enveloped the entire canyon.

Even snakes, insects, and rodents did not dare to approach the barrier.

Standing atop a high rock, the Raikage looked down on the troops steadily gathering below.

His tall, muscular frame stood unmoving. His gaze swept across the assembled forces, his heart weighed down by pressure as heavy as a mountain.

Five thousand shinobi.

This was the force he had gambled everything on. The Hidden Cloud Village, and even the future of the Land of Lightning, now rested on this army.

To assemble this surprise attack unit, he had nearly emptied the Land of Lightning's resources.

He had even pulled back troops stationed at the borders with the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire.

Because of that, Kumo's remaining border garrisons had been suffering constant attacks from Konoha's army.

Not a single favorable report had returned.

They had gained virtually no advantage in the border skirmishes.

But those battles had to be fought.

By bleeding the enemy this way, he could firmly tie down Konoha's attention and buy time for this decisive move.

The cost had been four elite Jōnin.

An empty homeland.

And his own reputation as Raikage.

If they did not win this war, the country would fall.

"Mabui."

His voice was deep and commanding.

Mabui, who had been maintaining the technique, immediately looked up. Sweat clung to her forehead, her face pale from prolonged exertion.

Maintaining a large-scale spatial technique like this had drained both her chakra and mental strength.

"Raikage-sama."

"How much longer?"

"At this pace, by tomorrow afternoon at the latest, all five thousand troops will be assembled."

Though her voice was weary, her eyes sparkled with determination.

She could feel it. As the total chakra level in the canyon increased, the efficiency of the technique also grew higher.

At the beginning, it could only teleport ten people at a time.

Now, it could manage nearly fifty in one burst.

The more that arrived, the more chakra was injected into the array, which in turn allowed for even larger-scale teleportation next time.

A perfect feedback loop.

"Very good." Raikage A nodded. His eyes grew fierce as he gave the order.

"Everyone, use this time to rest and restore your strength."

"The day after tomorrow at noon, we march on Konoha."

"Yes!"

...

The sun was setting.

Night had not yet fully descended.

At last, the gates of Konoha Village came into view.

The convoy that had been rushing for half a day finally began to slow.

Inside the carriages, the tense atmosphere began to ease.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

They had made it.

The village... was safe.

Kurenai lifted the carriage curtain slightly.

Looking at the familiar scenery of her home drawing nearer, her red eyes welled with mist. It was a mix of joy and the anxious emotions that came with returning after so long.

The convoy came to a steady halt outside the village gates.

Minato stood at the front, with Koharu and Homura standing behind him. Jōnin-level representatives from various clans were also present.

The scene was solemn and grand.

Arashi stepped out of the carriage, supported by Ragyō.

"Welcome, Daimyo-sama."

Minato stepped forward, bowing slightly. The Konoha higher-ups behind him also saluted in unison.

"Everyone has worked hard."

"It is our duty."

"Daimyo-sama, you've traveled a long way. A residence has already been prepared. Would you like to rest first?"

"It's fine." Arashi waved his hand.

"Compared to me, they're the ones who truly deserve rest." He turned to the dust-covered Shadow Guard behind him.

"I'm giving you all a break. Go home and see your families."

The Shadow Guard were momentarily stunned.

"Daimyo-sama, what about your safety...?" Asuma asked instinctively.

"With the Shadow Guard still around, it's enough." Arashi waved his hand again. "Go. Rest well tonight."

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama!" The Shadow Guard bowed in unison.

Just as they were about to leave, a flash of red caught Asuma's eye.

He saw Kurenai step out of the carriage.

Surprise flickered in his expression.

"Kurenai?"

The joy of seeing an old friend surged in him. He instinctively stepped forward to greet her.

But just as his foot moved, someone held him back.

It was Enmaru.

"She is now the Daimyo's wife."

Enmaru's voice was low, but each word struck heavily.

"Don't overstep."

Asuma froze.

His surprise turned to stillness.

Words caught in his throat.

He looked at the girl he had once been so familiar with.

Now she stood beside the man who held more power than any of them.

She looked elegant, graceful, like a figure from another world.

Yes... she was already the Daimyo's woman.

Asuma lowered his gaze, burying his impulse, along with the bitterness that welled up inside.

The small commotion did not attract much attention.

Arashi naturally noticed it, but he didn't care.

The fleeting emotions of youth were nothing in the face of time.

He turned his gaze to Kurenai.

She didn't seem to have heard Asuma's voice.

She was focused on someone else. Her eyes were locked onto a figure in the crowd.

Arashi followed her gaze.

There stood a middle-aged man with a tense expression, Jōnin Yuhi Shinku.

Arashi smiled.

He turned to Ragyō and Kurenai.

"You two as well."

"Ragyō, didn't you keep talking about your sister? Go see her."

"As for you..." he glanced at Kurenai, teasing slightly, "If you don't go now, your father's neck might snap from craning."

Ragyō's heart trembled softly. She bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

Kurenai's face was already red from embarrassment.

She hesitated no longer. Bowing deeply, she said, "Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

Before the words had even fully left her mouth, she lifted her skirts and ran toward her father.

"Father!"

That teary cry moved many of the hardened shinobi present.

Watching the reunion between father and daughter, Arashi's expression remained soft.

After addressing these personal matters, he turned back toward Minato and the Konoha higher-ups.

Minato immediately understood.

"Daimyo-sama, please proceed to the Hokage Building."

Arashi gave a small nod and stepped forward.

Minato followed closely behind, maintaining half a step of distance, the respect of a subordinate clear in every motion.

The others followed in silence.

Soon, the Hokage Building loomed before them.

Surrounding Arashi, they moved inside in an orderly fashion.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Bob79 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 97: Battle Reports Can Be Deceptive

The welcoming ceremony concluded, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

The Daimyo, surrounded by the Hokage and other high-ranking Konoha officials, walked toward the Hokage Building.

Orochimaru was left alone.

No one spoke to him, and he didn't care.

For him, such occasions were truly boring.

He turned and walked home.

His steps were unhurried, like a leisurely stroll under the twilight sky.

"Orochimaru."

Just as he rounded the corner of the street, a voice called out to him.

His usually indifferent face immediately broke into his characteristic smile.

"Hiruzen-sensei."

"It's so late. Aren't you going to sleep, old man?"

"It's only just gotten dark..." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him and got straight to the point.

"What kind of person is that Daimyo?"

"Sensei," Orochimaru chuckled. "Before asking that, shouldn't you first ask what I've been doing these past few days?"

Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe.

"Would you tell me?"

"Hehehe..." Orochimaru's laugh was low and hoarse.

"You haven't asked. How do you know I wouldn't?"

Hiruzen fell silent.

He looked at the familiar yet distant face in front of him, then spoke again after a pause.

"Come sit with me at my place."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered slightly toward the nearby alley.

It was empty.

"Don't bother looking." Orochimaru's tone carried a trace of mockery.

"Those are the guards sent by Daimyo-sama to protect me. Very professional."

Hiruzen paused.

Guards that even Orochimaru admitted were professional...

He silently retracted his gaze, then looked back at Orochimaru.

"Are you coming?"

"Forget it." Orochimaru waved a hand. "I still have things to do."

Hiruzen did not move. He simply stood and stared at him.

No questioning. No pressure. Just a silent gaze.

The smile on Orochimaru's face faded slightly.

"I really do have things to do."

Hiruzen remained silent. The embers of his pipe flickered dimly.

Orochimaru finally showed a hint of impatience.

He knew his teacher well. This kind of silence meant he wouldn't leave until he got what he wanted.

Letting out a sigh, Orochimaru tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Alright, I'll tell you."

"Two things."

"First, to develop a vaccine capable of dealing with large-scale plagues."

"Second, to research a method that can double food production."

Then he added.

"This Daimyo is different from any dignitary we've ever known."

With those words, he turned and left.

His figure slowly merged into the night.

Only a drifting sentence lingered in the air.

"Smoke less, Sensei. Your wrinkles are getting worse."

Hiruzen stood silently in place.

The evening breeze stirred a few fallen leaves.

At some point, his pipe had gone out.

Vaccine. Increased food production.

These two phrases left him dazed for a long time.

...

In the Hokage's office, the lights were bright.

Over a dozen elite Jōnin-class shinobi gathered around a massive map, discussing in low voices.

The map was covered with densely packed markers in different colors.

This room had clearly become a temporary war command center.

When Arashi entered the office, surrounded by the group, all the busy shinobi stopped what they were doing and stood up to salute.

"Daimyo-sama."

"You've all worked hard. Please continue." Arashi waved his hand, his gaze sweeping across the room.

Minato followed closely, explaining with initiative.

"Daimyo-sama, these Jōnin-class shinobi are working overnight to analyze the infiltration clues from the Kumo squad."

Arashi nodded and continued walking, heading toward one particular corner.

There, a man with pineapple-like hair and a slightly weary expression was staring intently at an intelligence scroll on the desk.

Arashi walked up beside him and casually picked up the scroll laid out before him.

Shikaku immediately looked up. When he saw who it was, he quickly stood and explained.

"Daimyo-sama, this is a compilation of all the tracking intel we've gathered on the infiltrating Kumo squad."

Minato quickly added.

"Jōnin Shikaku had just returned from escorting supplies to the front line. He jumped straight into intel work without rest and hasn't slept in two days."

Arashi paused while flipping through the scroll and glanced at Minato.

This young Fourth Hokage was using this moment to demonstrate Konoha's diligence, showing they had not been negligent.

"You've worked hard."

Arashi closed the scroll and spoke calmly.

His eyes left the intel and turned sharp again.

"Are there any battle reports from the border?"

"Yes." Minato quickly retrieved a scroll from a nearby stack and handed it over.

"To ensure nothing is missed, intelligence from the Land of Lightning border is reported daily."

"These are the reports from the past half month."

Arashi opened the scroll.

It recorded the results of every minor skirmish along the northeastern border over the last two weeks.

Victory. Rout. Minor victory.

Line after line reflected good news.

Based on these reports, Konoha's border forces had seemingly overwhelmed the Kumo harassment teams.

The strength of the largest Hidden Village in the world was on full display.

Arashi nodded slightly in approval. He was just about to say something when he suddenly stopped.

His gaze froze on one particular section of the report.

Everyone nearby noticed the change in his expression.

The once slightly relaxed atmosphere instantly turned heavy.

Arashi tapped on the scroll and looked at Minato.

"This report begins from the day after the Kumo infiltration squad entered the country."

"What about before that?"

"Uh..." Minato hesitated for a moment, answering instinctively.

"The earlier reports have already been archived. These are the latest..."

"I'll get them."

Before Minato could finish, Shikaku spoke up and stepped away.

He too had sensed something and immediately moved toward the wall, where scrolls were stacked high.

"Thank you."

As Shikaku searched, Arashi asked again.

"Jōnin Shikaku, you just returned from the front line. How are things there?"

"Very troublesome," Shikaku answered without turning.

"Those Kumo shinobi are completely reckless. They fight like they have nothing to lose."

"We're about even. Neither side is gaining a major advantage. It's been a stalemate..."

He suddenly stopped talking.

Evenly matched. Stalemate.

When he left the front lines, that was still the case.

But after returning, the reports he saw were all Konoha victories.

A chill ran down his spine.

He finally realized what was wrong.

His hands began moving faster. He rummaged through the scrolls with urgency.

The rustling of paper echoed through the room, drawing confused glances from the surrounding Jōnin.

Finally.

Shikaku grabbed several old scrolls and quickly returned, his hands trembling.

Arashi didn't say a word. He simply took the scrolls and laid them out on the table alongside the current report.

Two sets of reports. A clear timeline. A shocking dividing line.

That line was exactly the day the Kumo infiltration squad entered the Land of Fire.

Before that, the battles were evenly split. Wins and losses confirmed a stalemate.

After that, every entry glowed red with victory. A flawless winning streak.

Everyone who saw the two scrolls side by side fell silent.

Color slowly drained from their faces.

They had been fooled.

All of Konoha had been deceived by Kumo's illusion of false victories.

"This... how could this be..."

Minato stared at the dividing line. His body swayed. His lips lost all color.

Arashi slowly looked up, his eyes cold and devoid of warmth.

"The answer is already clear."

His voice was soft, yet every word struck like thunder.

"Kumo's main forces were never at the border."

"They..."

"...have already entered the Land of Fire by some method we don't yet know."

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Bob79 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 98: Daimyo Takes Over Konoha

"The main Kumogakure forces are not at the border at all."

"The enemy's main forces have already entered the Land of Fire."

Arashi's words exploded in everyone's minds like a thunderclap.

The entire office fell into stunned silence.

"How could this be... how could this be..."

Minato stared blankly at Arashi, his eyes lifeless, lips trembling as he muttered to himself.

Shame, fear, and the rage of being deceived surged through the Konoha higher-ups present.

Shikaku stared at the two contrasting battle reports, his mind going completely blank.

Cold sweat soaked his back.

They had actually believed such blatantly false reports.

And even felt proud of them.

While everyone was still reeling from the realization, Arashi stepped forward.

Ignoring their shock, he quickly moved to the large map of the Land of Fire.

The sound of his boots tapping against the floor was the only noise in the room.

Everyone held their breath as their eyes followed the young Daimyo's every move.

Unconsciously, he had already become the center of this temporary war command center.

Arashi's gaze swept swiftly across the map.

In his mind, the Land of Fire's geography, military deployments, and intel network were all mapped out with clarity.

The south. The Fire Capital?

He sneered inwardly.

His high-profile departure had been the biggest smokescreen. The enemy wouldn't be foolish enough to attack the capital when the Daimyo wasn't there.

As long as he remained safe and Konoha was under his control, even if the capital was reduced to rubble, it could be rebuilt.

Kumogakure attacking the Fire Capital would be a waste of effort.

Rejected.

The north.

The supply lines and border troops were tightly integrated, with two thousand elite shinobi stationed in layers, forming a tight defense.

For Kumo's main force to sneak in from here would be a fantasy.

The east.

It had been thoroughly searched, yet no signs were found.

This could only mean the enemy had never been there to begin with.

Having ruled out the south, north, and east, only one answer remained.

Arashi's sharp gaze fell on the wide, sparsely marked region of the map.

The western Land of Fire.

The terrain was rough. Mountains and valleys dominated the area, and the population was sparse.

It was the perfect place to hide troops.

It was also the weakest point in Konoha's current defense system.

In previous wars with Sunagakure, enemy forces had typically moved northeast after entering the Land of Fire.

That path had access to more villages and easier supplies.

But the west, even the southwest, was often overlooked.

With this realization, Arashi turned around, his cold gaze sweeping across the room, falling on everyone present, including Minato.

"Shikaku."

"Here."

Shikaku immediately stood straight, his posture tense.

"Dispatch all search units in the western region." Arashi issued the order directly. "Focus on this mountainous valley. I want a full sweep."

His finger traced heavily across the continuous ridgelines of the western region on the map.

"Not even a mouse should slip through."

"Understood."

Shikaku did not hesitate and immediately turned to deliver the command.

"Wait."

Arashi called out again.

He pointed to the area between the Fire Capital and Konoha.

"Send a team to sweep this zone as well."

"I want absolute certainty."

"Understood."

Shikaku nodded firmly, veins rising on his forehead.

He understood what Arashi was thinking.

Not only had the Daimyo identified the enemy's likely location, he was also guarding against the possibility of an ambush close to home.

A tactic akin to hiding in plain sight.

Such precise thinking made even Shikaku, proud of his intellect, feel a sense of shame.

"Minato."

"My Lord."

Minato stepped forward solemnly.

All his pride as Hokage had faded, replaced by deep concern for the village's safety.

From the moment Arashi arrived, to exposing the false battle reports, then calmly locating the enemy's position, only half an hour had passed.

In that time, he had done what should have been the Hokage's responsibility.

Now was not the time for emotion.

Arashi said bluntly, "From this moment forward, all intelligence in Konoha is to be reported directly to me."

"The authority to deploy all units will also be temporarily handed over."

His voice was calm but firm.

"Any objections?"

Minato knelt down on one knee without hesitation and bowed his head.

"Konoha will fully comply with Daimyo-sama's command."

That kneel marked the formal transfer of the Hokage's authority in this crisis.

That kneel also meant the entire Village would now follow the command of the young Daimyo during this unprecedented threat.

The other shinobi in the office, upon seeing the Hokage kneel, also followed in unison.

"We respectfully obey Daimyo-sama's command."

Their voices echoed together in the chamber.

But Arashi's face remained composed.

He turned back toward the map.

Kumogakure's surprise attack had disrupted his original plans.

Annexing the Daimyo Manor. Subduing the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Gradually eroding Konoha's inner power.

All of that was meant to be done steadily, with patience.

But reality had struck him hard.

A sharp, humiliating slap.

His knowledge of the future had lulled him into arrogance.

He had assumed the world would follow a script.

He forgot that every decision he made after arriving in this world was a butterfly flapping its wings, changing everything.

He had become too confident.

This was a painful reminder.

A lesson paid for with the risk of Konoha's annihilation.

This world was no longer the anime world he remembered.

Where the plot would flow safely toward its destined outcome.

Kumogakure.

Arashi's eyes narrowed coldly.

They had taught him an unforgettable lesson, using a bold and vicious gamble.

Then, the price of that lesson... would be repaid with the Raikage's head.

Night fell.

Orders spread swiftly through the Village.

Countless Anbu silhouettes darted over rooftops and vanished down alleyways.

The Uchiha compound, the Hyūga, Sarutobi, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka clans, even civilian shinobi spread throughout the Village, all received the same order.

An order from the Daimyo.

Yuhi residence.

Warm light filled the house. The atmosphere was peaceful.

Kurenai sat with her father, happily recounting her experience at the Fire Capital.

"...Father, the Fire Capital is so prosperous. Way livelier than Konoha..."

"And the Daimyo's Manor, you wouldn't believe how magnificent it is."

Shinku smiled gently, patiently listening to his daughter's excitement. He was just about to respond when—

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Heavy, urgent knocks interrupted the moment.

Shinku's smile faded.

That knock... it was Anbu.

He stood up immediately and moved to the door.

Outside stood an Anbu in a tanuki mask.

"Jōnin Yuhi Shinku."

Shinku frowned.

"What's happened?"

"The Daimyo has issued an order."

The Anbu's voice was devoid of emotion.

"You are to proceed to the Hokage Building immediately for a meeting. No delays permitted."

Daimyo's order?

Shinku's pupils contracted.

"Understood."

He turned and reentered the house, his expression turning grim.

He looked at Kurenai and barked a command.

"Kurenai, return to Daimyo-sama's side now. Immediately. Go."

Without waiting for protest, he donned his gear and pulled his daughter out the door.

Tonight, no one in Konoha would sleep.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Bob79 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 99: Clouds Swallow Konoha

The night was deep, and all was silent.

In the vast mountain range of the western Land of Fire, the chirping of insects and the roaring of beasts had long ceased, leaving only the whisper of wind rustling through the forest.

Countless Konoha shinobi moved silently through the canopy and over jagged rock formations.

Hyūga clan members stood atop vantage points, veins bulging at their temples, their Byakugan piercing the darkness, observing every Chakra fluctuation for kilometers around.

Inuzuka clan members crouched low to the ground with their ninken, sniffing for the faintest scent that didn't belong to this mountain range.

Aburame clan shinobi released swarms of kikaichū, dispersing over every leaf and patch of soil, forming an invisible and all-encompassing surveillance net.

Around them, Perception-type shinobi formed coordinated formations, pushing their Mental Energy to the limit.

Konoha's most elite reconnaissance force had been fully deployed.

They fanned out from the area the Daimyo had marked on the map, carefully inspecting every inch of land.

The operation was tight and disciplined.

All reports were relayed using concise, standardized codes.

"A3 area, clear."

"B5, no abnormalities."

"C1, scent remains unchanged."

Cold, efficient status updates converged and dispersed, as the methodical search continued.

Time passed slowly.

As the first hints of dawn crept into the eastern sky, the faint light of morning began to cut through the darkness.

The high-intensity overnight search had left many younger shinobi mentally and physically drained.

"Captain, are they really... here?" a young Inuzuka muttered, glancing at his ninken, which let out a soft, exhausted whimper.

They had already searched their designated area three times with no results.

"This is the Daimyo's order."

The middle-aged Jōnin leading the squad didn't turn his head, still carefully observing the terrain ahead.

Just those words—the Daimyo's order—were enough to dispel all doubt.

Since last night, those words now carried more weight than even the Hokage's.

Just then, a Hyūga at the front suddenly froze.

In his Byakugan's field of view, behind what looked like an ordinary rock wall, a faint, unnatural Chakra flow appeared.

It was subtle.

But not subtle enough to escape a Byakugan pushed to its limit.

What he saw was a finely constructed genjutsu barrier, masterfully blended with the natural terrain.

If he hadn't been pushing his dōjutsu to its absolute limit, it would have gone unnoticed.

He made no sound, only raised a silent hand signal: Target found.

In an instant, the entire squad entered combat formation.

Their movements were ghost-like, completely suppressing their presence as they began surrounding the rock wall.

But just a few steps in, the Captain suddenly raised his hand to stop them.

His sharp eyes had locked onto something—a withered tree, dozens of meters from the rock wall.

An outpost.

If they attacked the barrier directly, the lookout would immediately sound the alarm.

"I'll take care of him," a shinobi skilled in assassination whispered, drawing a short blade.

"No," the Captain shook his head. "Dawn is almost here. We're out of time."

"We go with Plan B."

"Yes."

The Captain turned to the Hyūga and the Perception-type shinobi.

"You two, pull back immediately and transmit the coordinates back to headquarters."

"This is a top-priority order."

"Captain?!"

"Execute it!"

Grinding their teeth, the two turned and disappeared into the shadows.

The Captain inhaled deeply and gave a final hand signal to the rest of the squad.

Three... two... one... move.

As his hand dropped, his figure vanished instantly.

The Kumo shinobi at the outpost sensed something was wrong and snapped his eyes open.

But what greeted him wasn't a blade.

It was a massive ninken, leaping down from above.

"Fang Over Fang!"

The high-speed spin and fangs of the Inuzuka's ninken forced the outpost to use Body Replacement Jutsu to evade.

But that was just a feint.

The instant the Kumo shinobi reappeared, the Captain was already behind him, kunai in hand.

Pfft!

A single thrust. Blood sprayed.

The Kumo shinobi didn't even have time to scream.

But in the final moment of life, his hand instinctively crushed a scroll hidden in his sleeve.

A faint spark of electric light flickered and vanished.

"Withdraw!"

The Captain barked a command, not lingering a second longer, leading the squad in immediate retreat.

Their mission was complete.

They had confirmed the enemy's precise location.

Meanwhile, deep within the canyon.

The massive Heavenly Transfer Technique operated at full capacity, each pulse of light bringing in dozens of elite Kumo shinobi.

Mabui's face was deathly pale, her body only upright due to the support of medical-nin constantly replenishing her Chakra.

The canyon had become densely packed with people.

Three thousand.

Three thousand bloodthirsty Kumo elites.

Atop a ledge, the Raikage stood, his eyes scanning his troops with intense ambition burning in his chest.

This was his ace. Everything had been wagered on this force.

"Raikage-sama!"

A Kumo shinobi rushed up. He was part of the outer perimeter defense.

"We've been discovered!" he panted. "Konoha's scouts have located our position!"

"Where?" the Raikage asked.

"They're already in the mountain range!" the Kumo shinobi said, panicked. "At their current pace, they'll find the canyon itself by noon at the latest!"

The Raikage's fist clenched tight.

How could they have responded this fast?

By his calculations, Konoha shouldn't have found their approximate location for at least two more days.

His original plan had been to launch the surprise attack the day after tomorrow and shatter Konoha's resistance in one swift blow.

Now, they'd been exposed an entire day ahead of schedule.

That meant Konoha had one extra day to prepare.

The element of surprise was slipping away.

As his mind raced, a deafening alarm suddenly rang out from the canyon's entrance.

Buzz!

A piercing screech split the air, turning every head in the Kumo camp.

Their eyes glinted with killing intent.

"It's the warning barrier at the entrance!" the reporting shinobi's face went pale. "They've found us!"

The shrill alarm obliterated the Raikage's last hesitation.

If hiding was no longer an option, then so be it.

They wouldn't hide.

"Hahahahahahaha!"

He threw his head back and laughed wildly, a mad, suppressed ferocity bursting forth.

"Perfect! They're just in time!"

"Since we've been discovered, we'll start the war ahead of schedule!"

He turned toward the three thousand elite troops now staring up at him.

"Relay my orders!"

"Deactivate the barrier!"

"Mabui!"

He looked at the barely-standing Mabui.

"Before noon, teleport as many of the remaining forces as you can."

"After noon, destroy the formation."

He was all in now.

"Yes, Raikage-sama!"

Mabui bit her tongue, using the pain to force herself back into focus as she began weaving hand seals once more.

A moment later.

Buzz!

The genjutsu barrier covering the canyon disintegrated and vanished.

Three thousand Kumo shinobi.

Three thousand ruthless Chakra signatures.

They erupted all at once.

The monstrous Chakra that had been suppressed for so long surged out like a tidal wave, disrupting sensory balance for miles in every direction.

The advancing Konoha recon unit suddenly froze, overwhelmed by the terrifying pressure.

The Hyūga shinobi at the rear turned around, eyes wide in horror.

Through his Byakugan, he could now clearly see the hidden canyon in the distance.

Three thousand Chakra signatures.

Compressed into one space, radiating pure destruction.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Bob79 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 100: Surprise Attack?

In the western Land of Fire, within a canyon.

Killing intent surged into the sky.

Three thousand Kumo shinobi stood assembled, a dense, black tide of figures.

Many of them still looked pale from the long-distance teleportation, but their eyes burned with savage light.

The shame of the Third Raikage's lone death, and the pride of being the strongest village in the shinobi world, had ignited a battle-hungry fire in every single one of them.

To trade their lives for a future worthy of the Hidden Cloud was a price they were willing to pay.

At the center of the formation, Mabui leaned against a boulder, panting heavily as a medical-nin channeled Chakra into her body.

The cost of the Heavenly Transfer Technique had far surpassed expectations. She felt utterly drained.

But seeing the growing number of comrades gathered in the canyon, she believed it was all worth it.

Killer B leaned beside her, seven swords strapped to his back, humming a broken rhythm.

"Yo, yo… stupid brother, don't worry… watch me crush 'em all, make 'em sorry… yeah…"

His rap sounded relaxed, but the veins bulging on his clenched fists betrayed his tension.

Even the Eight-Tails inside him was abnormally silent, silently transferring vast Chakra to prepare for the coming battle.

At that moment, the Fourth Raikage, A, walked out from the ranks, bare-chested.

His bulging muscles radiated pure, explosive power.

All eyes turned to him.

Young and old alike, their gazes burned with passion.

The canyon fell utterly silent. Only the wind could be heard.

"We were discovered ahead of schedule!" the Raikage's thunderous voice echoed through the canyon. "So what?"

"We came here without the intention of returning alive!"

"Doro and the others died to give us this chance to stand here!"

"That's why, today, Konoha's decades-long dominance will end at our hands!"

"Raise your heads, tighten your grips on your blades!"

"Let your enemies know with blood and screams which village is truly the strongest in the shinobi world!"

"Roar!!!"

Three thousand Kumo shinobi roared in unison, their voices echoing into the sky, filled with a burning desire for glory.

The Raikage raised his right fist high, Lightning Release erupting from his body.

"All forces, attack!"

...

Inside the Hokage's office, silence reigned.

The Hyūga shinobi who had risked his life to return from the frontlines had already been taken away to rest, completely drained of Chakra and mental strength.

But the news he delivered stunned everyone present.

Three thousand.

That number pressed on their chests like a boulder.

Panic spread like wildfire.

"Three thousand Kumo shinobi… how dare they!" a Jōnin cried out in alarm, his face draining of color. "How did they even do it?"

"We're finished… our main forces are all stationed at the border. We only have maybe eight hundred left in the village!"

"A four-to-one ratio. How are we supposed to win this fight?!"

Even Minato, the Fourth Hokage, was sweating coldly.

He had prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Reality, however, had outstripped even that by a factor of ten.

Only one person in the room remained composed.

Arashi.

He listened quietly, expression unreadable.

No one could have imagined the towering rage concealed beneath his calm exterior.

Kumo's move had gone beyond his expectations.

They weren't just attacking Konoha.

They were trying to break his blade.

Konoha could not be allowed to suffer such damage.

His anger and killing intent turned to ice.

He calmly placed the scroll back on the table.

Clack.

The quiet sound echoed through the room, cutting off all discussion.

Everyone instinctively turned to the Daimyo.

"What's with all the panic?" Arashi's cold gaze swept across them. "Three thousand? That's a lot?"

"This is Konoha."

"This is the strongest village in the shinobi world."

"Beneath our feet is home turf built up over decades."

"The defense formations outside the village, the underground traps and barriers, the full-coverage sensory network—are those just for show?"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word pulled the panicked Jōnin and officers back from the brink.

"Kumo has numbers, yes."

"But they are deep in enemy territory, without supply lines or reinforcements. Each death is permanent."

"And us?"

"We have Konoha, fortified for forty years as our foundation."

"Two thousand reinforcements are already en route."

"So tell me, how exactly are they going to win?"

Realization.

That's right. This is Konoha!

And reinforcements were coming.

All they had to do was hold the line.

Panic receded. Battle intent flared.

Minato was the first to move. He took a deep breath, then bowed deeply to Arashi.

"Your words are wise. I apologize for my lapse."

When he looked up, all hesitation had disappeared from his eyes.

"Please give the order, Daimyo-sama."

"Please give the order, Daimyo-sama!"

The Konoha shinobi in the room all shouted in unison.

"Please give the order, Daimyo-sama!"

Arashi nodded in satisfaction.

This was the atmosphere he needed—absolute obedience.

"Tsunade."

"Here."

From the back of the group, Tsunade stepped forward.

Though she had her own frustrations about the Daimyo temporarily taking command, the emergency left no room for dissent.

"Organize every medical-nin in the village," Arashi ordered, voice firm. "You're in charge of all wounded."

"Also, relocate all civilians to the shelter behind the Hokage Rock."

"Yes!" Tsunade replied without hesitation. She turned and left, moving swiftly.

"Third Hokage."

"I'm here." Hiruzen stepped forward, expression grave.

"You will command the barrier unit and the village's internal security forces." Arashi tapped a few points on the map. "Guard every street. While we face Kumo, I don't want any rats sneaking around behind us."

A sharp light flickered in Hiruzen's old eyes.

"Does Daimyo-sama mean…"

"A precaution," Arashi replied coldly.

"I understand!" Hiruzen nodded firmly, then departed.

"Orochimaru."

"Hehehe…" A low chuckle echoed from a dark corner.

Orochimaru stepped forward, licking his lips. "What are your orders, Daimyo-sama?"

"You'll be responsible for post-battle cleanup." Arashi's tone remained flat. "I want samples of Kumo's high-level fighters, especially those capable of using Lightning Release Chakra Mode. The more, the better."

"As you command." Orochimaru's smile widened, his figure sinking into the ground.

He knew this Daimyo had power beyond anyone's imagination.

"Fourth Hokage."

"Daimyo-sama!"

"Those two thousand reinforcements, they'll only arrive by nightfall?"

"At the earliest, yes."

Arashi looked calmly at the map, then shook his head.

"Two thousand won't be enough."

He pointed at two additional positions on the map, one near the Iwa border and one near the Suna border.

"Have each force stationed there dispatch five hundred. Converge on Konoha. Set a hard deadline for their arrival."

Even Shikaku frowned at this command.

"My lord, those troops are too far. By the time they arrive, the battle will be over. A distant remedy can't treat a present crisis…"

"Treat an illness?" Arashi turned to him, voice cold. "Who said they're here to treat anything?"

He said no more, but a sneer formed in his heart.

Reinforce?

He never intended for them to reinforce anything.

He had no interest in a defensive battle.

What he wanted was total annihilation.

Those thousand shinobi weren't reinforcements.

They were coffin lids.

Prepared for the three thousand Kumo shinobi who had dared to dive into the Land of Fire.

None of them would leave alive.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Bob79 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 101: Six Paths?

Tsunade, Hiruzen, and the others received their orders and departed one after another.

The vast Hokage office was left with only Minato, Shikaku, and a few other senior officials.

"My lord," Minato stepped forward quickly, his voice full of urgency. "The Kumogakure army will arrive soon. It's too dangerous for you to remain here."

"Please relocate to the shelter behind the Hokage Rock immediately. It's the safest place in the village."

The shelter.

It had been designed and reinforced under the direct supervision of the First Hokage himself, hidden deep within the mountain, capable of withstanding even a Tailed Beast Ball.

Ensuring the Daimyo's safety was the Hokage's most fundamental duty.

Arashi merely smiled in response.

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked toward the large floor-to-ceiling window of the office.

Outside, the sun had already set, and night had fallen.

The lights of Konoha shimmered like stars.

Under Tsunade's command, countless civilians were steadily evacuating toward the shelter.

"The shelter?" Arashi murmured, as if talking to himself. "Minato, tell me… in this world, is there such a thing as an absolutely safe place?"

Minato was taken aback. He hadn't expected that question.

He instinctively replied, "Yes… a place where one has the power to protect themselves."

"Exactly." Arashi's smile widened.

He stood there with his back facing everyone.

In his perception, countless sources of Chakra were converging from the west, closing in rapidly.

Three thousand killing intents merged as one, so thick it felt tangible.

They had arrived.

Heh.

The moment they were discovered, they began their assault.

That Raikage A was truly decisive.

"My lord?" Shikaku felt something was off.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak—

Bang!

A sudden explosion rang out.

The blast made everyone's eardrums ring.

The tempered glass of the window shattered in front of everyone's shocked eyes.

A violent gust of wind rushed in, sending maps and scrolls flying all over the office.

In the midst of the chaos, Arashi's figure leapt out from the window.

"Daimyo-sama!"

Minato cried out in alarm, instinctively reaching for his Flying Thunder God marker to save him. But his hand froze mid-air.

Because what he saw next defied belief.

The Daimyo, who had just leapt out of the window, didn't fall.

Instead, his body halted mid-air, then lightly tapped his foot against the wall and soared upward again.

In just a few breaths, under the stunned gazes of everyone in the office and the village, the man in ornate robes was already standing atop the Hokage Rock.

The office fell utterly silent.

Shikaku stood there with his mouth open, scrolls slipping from his grasp unnoticed.

"Th-the Daimyo… he… he can use Ninjutsu?" Asuma had just returned from relaying orders and was frozen in place, mumbling as if in a daze.

"This… this isn't Ninjutsu…" Minato muttered, his voice trembling. "This kind of movement… this level of body control…"

He couldn't finish the sentence.

His gaze remained locked on the figure now standing atop Hokage Rock.

Even he, without using Flying Thunder God, would have to leap multiple times to reach that place.

But Arashi didn't need any footing at all.

At that moment, standing on Hokage Rock, Arashi slowly closed his eyes.

His vast perception spread outward in an instant, crashing directly into the oncoming tide of killing intent from the west.

Among them, he sensed several familiar Chakras.

"Raikage A. Killer B…"

"Three thousand Kumogakure shinobi…"

"Very good. You're all here."

He spoke softly to himself, then opened his eyes.

The Nine Tomoe Rinnegan activated in silence.

He slowly raised both hands, clasping them together in front of his chest.

"What's that?"

"What is Daimyo-sama about to do?!"

The Konoha shinobi who could see him were all stunned.

Then, they heard it.

His voice wasn't loud, yet it echoed through the entire village with perfect clarity.

"Earth Release: Earth Wall Barrier."

Boom, boom, boom, boom—!!!

The moment his voice fell, the entire ground began to shake violently.

Starting from the base of the Hokage Rock, the earth cracked open with a deafening roar.

A massive yellow-brown wall surged up from underground.

The moment it appeared, it plowed straight through the forests on either side, sending trees and debris flying.

Soil and boulders rose like a wave, rapidly expanding outward.

Ten meters.

Fifty meters.

One hundred meters.

The wall continued to grow taller and wider.

Metallic luster began to emerge on its surface, covered in countless flowing runes.

It extended outward, tracing the perimeter of the village, eventually forming a perfect ring.

The two ends met directly in front of Konoha's main gate.

They crashed together with a deep rumble.

Sealing it shut.

A towering wall, over a hundred meters tall and more than ten meters thick, had risen in the span of a dozen seconds, encircling the entire village.

A fortress wall had formed in an instant.

"This… this is Earth Release?" Tsunade, who had been leading evacuation efforts, stared up in disbelief.

Her worldview felt like it had been shattered into pieces.

No one answered.

Because everyone in the village was too stunned to speak.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Minato, Shikaku, and the others stared blankly at the miraculous scene through the shattered window.

"This scale… this Chakra…" Minato mumbled, eyes filled with shock.

Everyone present, and all across Konoha, had been left speechless.

...

Western Land of Fire.

"Roar!"

"Konoha dogs! I'm here!"

"Get ready to die!"

Three thousand Kumogakure shinobi charged forward with deafening war cries, their formation surging like a tidal wave.

Raikage A led the charge, Lightning Release coursing across his body. His speed blurred the air, leaving afterimages behind.

"B! Don't hold back! The moment we're in, release the Eight-Tails!"

"Yo, stupid big brother, I know..."

Killer B answered in his usual rhythm.

Suddenly, a thunderous boom erupted.

The earth shook.

Just as the outline of Konoha came into view in the distance…

A line of yellow earth rose from the horizon.

It grew taller and wider by the second.

"What the hell is that?!"

Raikage A stopped instantly, and the shinobi behind him slammed to a halt.

All of them stared, dumbfounded.

Within seconds, that "line" had become a sheer cliff face.

An earthen wall that cut them off from Konoha entirely, stretching endlessly in both directions.

Their path was completely blocked.

"Damn it!" Raikage A roared like a wild beast.

What even was this?

Was it Genjutsu?

Killer B's joking demeanor vanished. Eight-Tails' Chakra surged within him.

He stood still for a moment, listening intently, then his expression grew grim.

"Big bro… this thing… it's real."

...

In the forest farther away.

From behind a tree trunk, three shadowy figures observed the scene.

White Zetsu, Tobi, and Uchiha Obito peeked out together.

Behind his spiraled mask, Obito's Sharingan spun frantically as he stared at the massive earthen wall rising around Konoha.

His former amusement and carefreeness vanished.

All that remained was silent, overwhelming dread.

"What… what is this…" Black Zetsu emerged as well, voice trembling with unease.

This was a variable far beyond his predictions.

This power… was reminiscent of that legendary figure…

The Sage of Six Paths.

He turned suddenly, eyes locking on the lone figure standing atop the towering wall.

"…The Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Chiba Arashi."

"Just who… are you?!"

(To be continued.)