While Kitagawa Minamoto was conquering Kumogakure, Konohagakure was holding a major conference.
This meeting involved three villages and covered a wide range of topics, something Hiruzen Sarutobi took very seriously.
"Gentlemen, Konohagakure can guarantee the success of this defensive mission, but regarding the attack on Kumogakure, I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Hiruzen spoke as he reviewed the scrolls in his hands.
Everyone present was a seasoned veteran of war, long accustomed to the intricacies of conflict.
"My troops are already assembled."
Ōnoki wasted no time, speaking directly.
"Konohagakure should already be prepared in the Land of Hot Water. The next steps should be straightforward."
"I think instead of discussing this, we should focus on other matters—like resource procurement."
Mizukage Genji chimed in, his wrinkled face adorned with a smile.
"I propose purchasing more supplies from the Land of Water. Their quality is guaranteed, and although the distance is farther, it won't cause any issues!"
"That's excessive, Genji."
Ōnoki raised an eyebrow, his tone dismissive.
"Everyone knows the Land of Earth has the best mineral resources in the ninja world, and it's much closer to Konohagakure. Why go out of your way?"
"Alright, let's set this matter aside for now. All resources will be allocated fairly."
Hiruzen rubbed his temples, understanding that such negotiations were inevitable in a three-way alliance.
Beyond military concerns, the distribution of benefits had to be carefully balanced.
"For now, let's focus on quickly resolving the Kumogakure issue. Only by dealing with them can we secure a larger share of the pie."
"Kirigakure can launch attacks from Turtle Island, using it as a base to raid their western coastline."
Genji didn't waste time, having already coordinated with his village in preparation.
Ōnoki glanced at Genji skeptically.
"I suspect you won't move off Turtle Island once you occupy it. But it doesn't matter—Iwagakure can attack from the eastern sea to form a pincer movement."
"No problem, but I hope intelligence can be shared."
Hiruzen nodded, and the other two leaders had no objections.
War was no joke. Despite the complexities of their alliance, they had to approach it seriously—no one wanted excessive casualties among their own forces.
Just as they were discussing the finer details, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Hm?"
Hiruzen looked puzzled but gestured for the person outside to enter.
Moments later, Jiraiya and Tsunade rushed in, their expressions urgent.
"What are you two doing here?"
Hiruzen's face showed his confusion. Shouldn't Jiraiya be studying Naruto's seal? And Tsunade dealing with other matters or working alongside her two grandfathers?
Their sudden appearance made him uneasy.
"Has something happened?"
"Yes, something has happened, but not in the village."
Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged glances, their faces reflecting mutual shock.
Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya spoke first.
"According to frontline reports, there's been a massive Chakra surge in Kumogakure. Based on the situation relayed by the Anbu, it seems Kumogakure has fallen!"
"…"
The room fell silent.
Everyone was stunned, as if their ears were deceiving them.
Kumogakure has fallen?
But the war hadn't even started yet. What was going on?
"You're not joking, are you?"
Hiruzen was the first to recover, his face filled with disbelief.
"What happened? Could it be… Ōtsutsuki Minamoto?"
The battle between Ōtsutsuki Minamoto and Akatsuki outside Konohagakure had been nothing short of earth-shattering.
Single-handedly, he had crushed the entire Akatsuki organization and even summoned a meteor.
Such feats seemed beyond human capability!
The geographical environment outside Konohagakure had been permanently altered, making it hard not to speculate.
"If he launched a surprise attack on Kumogakure and summoned a meteor, they likely wouldn't stand a chance."
The thought made Hiruzen, Genji, and Ōnoki's expressions grow even more grave.
None of them knew how to deal with an assault from Ōtsutsuki Minamoto.
"It's not him."
Just as their faces turned darkest, Jiraiya scratched his head and clarified.
"According to the Anbu's report, there were three attackers."
"Three?"
The leaders exchanged puzzled glances, and Tsunade elaborated.
"Yes, three. These three launched their attack from the sky, bombing key facilities in Kumogakure and targeting the Raikage's office."
"…"
"One of them acted alone, while the other two continued their assault using techniques resembling Lava Release and Boil Release."
"…"
Ōnoki and Genji exchanged knowing looks.
Could it be…
"And the third attacker?"
Hiruzen's body trembled slightly as he asked Tsunade and Jiraiya, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Taking down Kumogakure isn't easy. Even though their Raikage is dead, they're experienced and have two Jinchūriki…"
"Wood Release."
Tsunade sighed deeply, her tone heavy.
"We've confirmed it. It's Wood Release."
"Wood Release?!"
Ōnoki and Genji gasped audibly, with Ōnoki turning to Hiruzen in shock.
"Did you teach him Wood Release as well?!"
"Minamoto never mentioned anything about this…"
Hiruzen's expression was a mix of bitter laughter and disbelief.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, it's been confirmed."
Tsunade nodded solemnly. Before coming here, she had been with her two grandfathers, who were the first to notice the anomaly.
She couldn't forget their expressions—shock, fear, and disbelief all mixed together.
"I see. It must've been a clone left behind in the village."
Hiruzen rubbed his temples and issued orders.
"Have the clones come here. Also, notify our troops to prepare for anything."
"We understand."
Jiraiya and Tsunade nodded, while Ōnoki and Genji still seemed dazed.
They were both angry and impressed—angry that their "shadow" had secretly undertaken such a dangerous mission, but impressed that Kumogakure had been so easily subdued.
The word "fallen" wasn't used lightly.
Though they didn't know the exact details, it was clear the situation wasn't simple.
"This is quite the novel approach to warfare. Konohagakure might be returning to its former glory."
Ōnoki chuckled bitterly, while Genji frowned and asked,
"Is Kitagawa Minamoto part of the Senju Clan?"
Ōnoki leaned in curiously, both leaders eager for answers.
"This question…"
Hiruzen paused, then shook his head with a wry smile.
"I don't know. But even if he isn't, it wouldn't be surprising."
"That boy's talent is beyond imagination."
The question of whether Kitagawa Minamoto belonged to the Senju Clan puzzled not only Hiruzen but also others.
In the Anbu research lab, Hashirama and Tobirama Senju were equally baffled.
They had lost all interest in their experiments, overwhelmed by what they had sensed.
"Hey, was that… True Several Thousand Hands?"
Tobirama broke the silence after a long pause, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Hashirama hesitated but nodded.
"If I'm not mistaken, yes. It's incredible that he can wield such power."
True Several Thousand Hands was Hashirama's ultimate technique, used only in his battle against Madara Uchiha.
The technique required immense Chakra and precise control, along with Sage Mode to execute.
Its rarity made it all the more shocking to see someone else use it.
"Brother, could Minamoto be part of the Senju Clan?"
Tobirama asked hesitantly.
"After all, Wood Release…"
"Not necessarily. Wood Release is just my invention. It's not surprising that he learned to use it."
Hashirama shook his head, though his uncertainty lingered.
The Senju Clan wasn't famous solely for Wood Release—it was Hashirama's mastery that elevated it to legendary status.
"Let's wait until they return to discuss this further."
Hashirama sighed, his expression growing serious.
"Perhaps Minamoto really can handle Ōtsutsuki Minamoto."
"Agreed."
Tobirama thought back to the devastation outside Konohagakure, which surpassed even the destruction caused by Hashirama and Madara's battle.
"I never expected such trouble after Madara's death."
"Ōtsutsuki Minamoto… Maybe the future truly depends on him."
The oppressive presence of Ōtsutsuki Minamoto was undeniable, impossible to ignore even if unmentioned.
Meanwhile, in a cave in the Land of Lightning, Kitagawa Minamoto stared at his Status Panel in silence.
[Side Quest Complete: The Fall of Kumogakure]
[Reward Obtained: Kumogakure Secret Technique Compendium]
"Kumogakure Secret Technique Compendium? The techniques they stole from others?"
Minamoto looked puzzled.
He had expected to gain a Tailed Beast's Chakra, only to receive this instead.
Scratching his head, he sighed—not because the reward was bad, but because he valued the Tailed Beast Chakra more.
"Messing with Kumogakure is fine, but not getting Tailed Beast Chakra? That's just unfair."
Glancing at Deidara, who was boasting about their success, and Mei Terumi, who seemed unusually quiet, he sighed again and stood up.
"Well, I guess I have no choice. I was planning to let things end here, but now…"
"Ōtsutsuki Minamoto, it's time for round two."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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