Hidden Cloud Ninja Camp.
A large number of Cloud ninja were gathering.
Standing at the highest point of a rocky platform were the Third Raikage and Tsuchidai.
Tsuchidai's plan this time was simple; use the speed of the Third Raikage's son, A, in coordination with the immense chakra of the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki, Killer Bee, to create massive chaos behind Konoha's front lines.
Whether or not they could ambush any key Konoha ninja wasn't the main goal. Even if they only managed to take out a single squad of Jōnin, that would be enough, because Konoha would then have no choice but to send one of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade, or the Silver Flash.
And at that point,
The Third Raikage would launch an all-out frontal assault. A and Killer Bee would loop back around and join the battle at the frontlines, catching Konoha completely off guard and breaking their formation once and for all!
Just as the Third Raikage waited for a report from the raiding party, a communication shinobi finally leapt up onto the platform.
"Reporting, Raikage-sama! We've received intel from the strike force... A-sama and Bee-sama have encountered the Princess of Konoha, Tsunade, and the Silver Flash. They're currently engaged in battle!"
The communication ninja reported nervously, tension visible in his expression.
The report caused both the Third Raikage and Tsuchidai to furrow their brows.
Tsuchidai locked eyes with the messenger and asked in a deep voice, "Why would Konoha send those two out together? Has our plan been exposed? Did the ambush fail?"
The communication ninja nodded. "We're not clear on the details, but the ambush appears to have had no effect."
Tsuchidai's expression darkened.
Luring a Konoha squad and eliminating them was the foundation of his strategy. If it had drawn out Tsunade or the Silver Flash and succeeded in taking them down, all the better.
But now, the situation has taken a turn. They hadn't even managed to wipe out a Jōnin team. And considering this was within the Land of Fire, Konoha's home turf, any prolonged engagement would give Konoha's reinforcements the advantage in speed.
If it dragged on, A and Killer Bee would be in serious danger!
"…Looks like there was an unexpected variable. Konoha's ninja are more cautious than we thought."
The Third Raikage crossed his arms calmly. His voice was steady. "But A and Bee won't lose to those two."
Tsuchidai nodded in agreement.
He had confidence in A and Killer Bee as well. A hadn't yet surpassed his father, but having inherited the Raikage's strength, he was still an overwhelmingly powerful ninja.
As for Killer Bee, that went without saying. A perfect jinchūriki capable of fully controlling his Tailed Beast, the Eight-Tails, his power was nearly equal to the beast itself. If he went berserk, only the Third Raikage could hope to suppress him.
"Maintain communications!" Tsuchidai ordered the comms shinobi with a serious look.
Once word came that A and Killer Bee had defeated Tsunade and the Silver Flash, they could launch a full-scale assault immediately!
With A and Killer Bee circling around to strike from the rear, while the main forces attacked from the front, even the Third Hokage wouldn't be able to turn the tide!
"Yes, sir!"
The communication ninja answered and vanished in a flash.
The Third Raikage glanced down at the gathering Cloud ninja below. His arms crossed, he called out in a low, commanding voice:
"Move faster, everyone, finish assembling!"
Swish! Swish!
The order prompted the Cloud ninja below to speed up.
In no time, multiple squads formed into square formations, lining up in neat rows across the plain at the front of the camp. Everyone was equipped and ready, shuriken, explosive tags, and other tools in hand.
Time continued to pass…
Everyone was waiting anxiously for news from the strike force.
Finally, another communication ninja burst out of the relay tent, eyes locked on the platform where the Third Raikage and Tsuchidai stood. His expression flickered with urgency.
Here it comes!
But instead of a triumphant update, the comms ninja who reached the platform was drenched in cold sweat, his face tight with anxiety.
"Raikage-sama! Bad news!!"
"A-sama has been severely injured by Konoha's Silver Flash, he's lost the ability to fight. Bee-sama is holding on alone, but he's already in serious danger!"
The announcement froze both the Third Raikage and Tsuchidai in place. The Raikage had even been just about to give the order for a full assault.
Tsuchidai's face twisted in disbelief. "That's impossible! How could A and Bee lose to Konoha's Silver Flash and Tsunade?!"
There was no need to even speak of A and Killer Bee's strength.
Their coordination was built on more than a decade of training together. Their teamwork was flawless, no ordinary shinobi duo could ever match them. In a two-on-two, they shouldn't lose to anyone!
The comms ninja, drenched in sweat, stammered, "That's the intel we received. Bee-sama is currently entangled with the Silver Flash and can't break away…"
Tsuchidai clenched his fists tightly.
This was a disaster!
That A and Killer Bee could lose to Tsunade and the Silver Flash, he had never even considered that possibility. And now, with A unable to fight and Bee unable to retreat with him, the situation had reached a critical low point.
Konoha had likely already received the same intel. Their reinforcements were probably already en route, and any support from the Cloud side would never reach them in time!
"…"
The Third Raikage's face darkened to a thunderous shade.
He, too, hadn't anticipated this outcome. If the report was true, and things continued to drag out, then both A and Killer Bee might die there!
Tsuchidai's mind raced wildly, scrambling for solutions, but every idea led to a dead end. Sweat streamed down his forehead.
Then,
The Third Raikage, who had been silent until now, finally spoke in a deep voice.
"Prepare the Heavenly Transport Technique!"
"…The Heavenly Transport Technique?"
Tsuchidai froze, then immediately cried out nervously, "Raikage-sama! That technique is only meant for transporting supplies! It'll tear a person's body apart!"
The Third Raikage turned to look at Tsuchidai and said in a grave tone, "That won't happen to me. My body is far more durable than any cargo."
"This…"
Tsuchidai broke out in a cold sweat. After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and finally responded:
"Yes! I'll prepare it right away!"
There was no other option.
Without the Heavenly Transport Technique, they had no hope of reaching A and Killer Bee before Konoha. If the two of them were captured, then this war would be as good as lost!
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