Simply put, the relationship between Kumogakure and Konoha had already become one of irreconcilable hatred.
Even if it meant death, Kumogakure would stand against Konoha and fight the Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ren, to the very end.
The moment he thought of that, the Fourth Raikage's fists clenched instinctively, killing intent spilling from his body without restraint.
This time, he was willing to gamble everything.
He would cling to Madara's side and see whether they could defeat Uchiha Ren and destroy Konoha.
As for losing?
A no longer cared.
"The hatred you bear toward Konoha is admirable, Fourth Raikage."
At that moment—
a spiraling spatial distortion suddenly appeared in the office.
Madara, Obito, Black Zetsu, and White Zetsu stepped out from the vortex.
"Lord Madara, you've arrived?"
The Fourth Raikage froze briefly before asking instinctively,
"Does this mean the plan is about to begin?"
"That's right."
Madara answered expressionlessly,
"Everything is ready. We can begin at any moment."
"Excellent!"
Excitement flashed across A's eyes.
"At last… I can avenge Kumogakure."
"Our plan is very simple."
Obito slowly added,
"In a few days, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure will declare war on Konoha."
"And thus, the Fourth Great Ninja War will begin."
"Is that really wise?"
The Fourth Raikage frowned slightly.
"Declaring war on Konoha so abruptly seems reckless."
"The Fifth Hokage is no ordinary opponent. On top of that, Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Takigakure, and Amegakure have already sided with Konoha."
"If war breaks out now, we'll be at a major disadvantage."
After saying that, A shook his head with a troubled expression.
Yes, he hated Uchiha Ren deeply.
But hatred had not blinded him.
More accurately—
he did not dare underestimate Konoha recklessly.
"There's no need to worry."
Obito's eyes turned cold.
"We've already prepared everything."
"This battle against Konoha must happen."
"With Lord Madara here, what exactly are you afraid of?"
White Zetsu suddenly sneered.
"We've already made all the necessary arrangements."
Black Zetsu also spoke calmly,
"Uchiha Ren's influence has already become unstoppable."
"If we don't strike now, then later…"
He did not finish the sentence.
But everyone understood the meaning.
If they allowed Uchiha Ren to continue growing stronger…
If they allowed Konoha to keep swallowing village after village…
Then eventually, there would be no point fighting at all.
By then, Uchiha Ren alone would be enough to crush everything.
"…I see."
The Fourth Raikage's expression became conflicted.
Finally, he looked directly at Madara.
He wanted confirmation from the man himself.
Not because he distrusted Obito or the Zetsus—
but because he wanted certainty.
"Declare war."
Madara drew a deep breath and said coldly,
"The time has come."
There was no denying it anymore.
As Uchiha Ren continued growing stronger and more monstrous by the day, even Madara himself could no longer remain completely calm.
They had to strike first.
"I understand."
The Fourth Raikage gritted his teeth and nodded firmly.
"Oh, right…"
Madara suddenly seemed to remember something.
He glanced toward Black Zetsu.
"Show the Fourth Raikage our results."
"…Results?"
A frowned in confusion.
But before he could say anything, his expression froze solid.
The space inside the office rippled violently.
Then—
three familiar figures slowly emerged.
"…Father?!"
Bang!
The Fourth Raikage's body trembled violently before he collapsed back into his chair in shock.
Because standing before him were—
the First Raikage,
the Second Raikage,
and the Third Raikage.
Due to being revived through Edo Tensei, the three of them still looked dazed, their eyes unfocused as though they had not yet fully regained awareness.
"Release."
Madara formed hand seals rapidly and spoke calmly.
"Kumogakure…?"
"We're in Kumogakure?"
"…Madara revived us? Is this…"
"…Son? Is that really you?"
Only after several moments did the First, Second, and Third Raikage finally react, each speaking with disbelief.
Clearly, they had not yet adapted to being resurrected.
"First Raikage-sama… Second Raikage-sama… Father…"
The Fourth Raikage's expression turned emotional.
Then—
he dropped heavily to his knees before them.
"What's going on here?"
"We were revived?"
"Damn it! What exactly happened?!"
Seeing A kneeling before them, the hot-tempered former Raikages immediately erupted in furious confusion.
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