The photograph had been taken during the era of the First Raikage.
At first, most people dismissed it as a mistake—perhaps dust on the telescope lens or a photographic anomaly like a "ghost image." Such things weren't uncommon.
But over time, more and more records emerged—images, notes, and logs—all pointing to one terrifying truth:
Cloud Shinobi Village had to confront an unsettling reality:
"There really is life on the moon. They're standing right above our heads... watching us."
Killer Bee said grimly, "The moon is barren, but every Raikage has believed the same thing—those monsters hiding up there will one day descend and start a war against humanity."
"And humans need the power to fight back."
This belief was why Cloud Shinobi Village relentlessly expanded its military capabilities.
The current generation of ninjas and ninjutsu weren't enough to counter potential enemies from beyond the stars. They needed a new kind of strength—one that could defend Earth against threats from outer space.
That's also why Cloud Shinobi Village instilled a deeply rooted doctrine throughout its ranks: "Better to die than surrender."
Because their envisioned enemy wasn't other ninja villages or fellow humans—it was an entirely different species. If two races came into conflict, and one chose to surrender, the result would be inevitable:
The losers would become livestock.
Sasuke held the ancient photo with both hands, examining it closely. "But why didn't Cloud Shinobi Village spread the word? If the threat is real, shouldn't you want more people on your side?"
Secretary Mabui answered quietly.
"Because of selfishness."
Resources for military enhancement were already scarce. If news of the alien threat spread, it would force all villages to increase their military strength. That competition would lead to mistrust… then arms races… then war.
"And we can't rule out the possibility," Mabui added, her eyes narrowing, "that some people—for the sake of profit, power, or misguided peace—would hunt down dissenters and side with the aliens, becoming human spies."
Sasuke noticed the way everyone was looking at him.
"What? Why are you staring at me?"
Killer Bee cleared his throat. "It's nothing."
Before his death, Danzo had exposed the full details of his deal with Uchiha Itachi in front of Root members, as well as Kakashi, Asuma, and others. In the ninja world, even walls had ears. Announcing sensitive things publicly was never wise.
The story of Uchiha Itachi's supposed insanity was no longer a secret among village leaders. Even Pain and Konan in the Akatsuki had heard the news. But instead of feeling betrayed, Pain's doubts about Itachi dissolved.
Their philosophies aligned.
Both believed that only through blood and fire could peace be achieved. The difference? Pain imposed that suffering on others. Itachi took it upon himself.
Logan brought the discussion back to the heart of the matter. "The selfishness you're talking about—it doesn't just apply to others. It applies to Cloud Shinobi Village as well."
Killer Bee fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
He couldn't deny it.
Cloud Shinobi Village had its own motives. They poured immense resources into their military, assuming the burden of protecting humanity. And naturally, they expected something in return: power.
They wanted other villages to follow their lead. They wanted to dominate the world.
Through generations of planning, Konoha had grown old. Kirigakure had nearly destroyed itself. Sunagakure was impoverished, and Iwagakure had grown cowardly.
This was supposed to be Cloud Shinobi Village's time to rise. But then... Logan appeared.
Secretary Mabui glanced sideways at Logan and sighed internally.
Now came the big question:
Should Cloud Shinobi Village continue expanding its military might?
If they stopped now and other villages focused on development instead, then when the aliens came, Cloud might end up with food in their hands while others carried guns. They would be the ones harvested first.
But if they kept going, they risked igniting war with the other villages. It was a dangerous line to walk.
Logan was silent for a long while, then finally spoke.
"Continue investing in military equipment. But we'll shift the focus toward military technology research instead of raw production. Cloud Shinobi Village will collaborate with Kirigakure to build a joint research facility."
Killer Bee and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
From their point of view, Kirigakure had been the 'Blood Mist Village' for years. They weren't exactly known for academic collaboration.
Just as they were trying to think of a polite refusal, Logan added:
"I'll provide Orochimaru's biotechnology research."
Killer Bee immediately grabbed Logan's hand. "Say no more. I'll gather the personnel and form the research team."
Logan nodded.
He made a mental note: when he returned, he'd burn more offerings for Orochimaru. No, burning paper wasn't enough. He needed to fold paper snakes and paper people for him, too.
As for the Fourth Raikage Ai's memories and ninjutsu discs, Logan would decide how much to return based on Cloud's cooperation.
If everything went well, they'd be returned in three years.
By then, Cloud Shinobi would be under Killer Bee's leadership. The world would be different. Ai, whose body was broken and whose mind was stuck in the past, would finally have the chance to reflect—and hopefully retire in peace.
The key issues had been addressed.
As for the remaining details, Terumi Mei and Killer Bee would handle them. Logan didn't need to worry. Once they finalized the agreements, he would give it a final review and sign off.
---
"After this negotiation, Mist, Cloud, and Konoha will all implement the 'Awakening Thought' education program."
As for poor Sunagakure, well... they'd simply modify the curriculum to match their capabilities and boost their productivity. It wouldn't be too hard.
Logan calculated: "If each village brings in 10 soul fragments a day, that's 40 fragments daily. That's 1,200 per month…"
"Passive income truly is addictive."
And it wasn't just soul fragments. As the villages adjusted their technology trees and boosted production, the ninja world would stabilize. The concept of "awakening" would flow quietly beneath the surface—radiating outward from every village.
---
Meanwhile…
Knock knock.
"Samui, come out," said Raikage guard Darui, tapping on the cell door.
Samui looked up. "Who won?"
"The Fourth Raikage lost."
"...Huh?"
That wasn't the answer she expected.
Shouldn't it be "Cloud Shinobi Village won" or "Logan won"? Why frame it as the Raikage lost?
Darui hesitated. "It's... complicated."
In the short term, Raikage Ai's defeat brought consequences: compensation payouts, severe injuries across the ninjutsu squad, and cuts to military spending. All of that weakened Cloud's combat readiness.
But in the long term?
With shared military research, access to Orochimaru's biotechnology, and reduced pressure to shoulder the alien war alone—Cloud Shinobi Village would only grow stronger.
"The elders have appointed Killer Bee as acting Raikage," Darui added. "If things go smoothly, he'll become the official Fifth Raikage."
Samui stood in stunned silence.
All this... over the span of a few days?
She'd been in jail, waiting to be sentenced for "betraying the village." And now? Raikage Ai had stepped down. Logan had soloed a village. Her chaotic, poetry-loving teacher had become Raikage. And now there were aliens in the mix?
Before she could process it, they arrived outside the Raikage conference room.
Samui shot Darui a look. Why are we here?
Darui replied, "You'll be in charge of handling the Kirigakure collaboration."
"Me?"
Just days ago, she was branded a traitor. Now, because Logan had won, she was the lead liaison?
It almost felt like...
Like I'm the kind of scumbag who betrays the village and is rewarded with power and comfort...
Samui's expression darkened.
At that moment, Darui pushed open the door.
Inside, she saw her teacher seated at the Raikage's desk, Mabui beside him, and Logan—the person she hadn't seen in a long time—smiling calmly.
He smiled like nothing had changed.
"He really does look good when he smiles," she thought reflexively, and remembered how much she'd practiced her own smile.
She thought she'd improved.
But right now... she couldn't smile at all.
Her face remained cold.
As always.
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