"Raikage-sama, the strategy we previously set is no longer appropriate."
Dodai looked more serious than ever.
They had already finalized their strategic objectives for the coming Great Ninja War—and heavy casualties had been considered unavoidable.
But the appearance of those firearms changed everything.
"Indeed. It's no longer suitable,"
the Third Raikage agreed immediately.
"More importantly, those weapons have an extremely low usage threshold," Dodai continued.
"Anyone capable of refining chakra can use them."
"With sufficient resources and manpower, they can also be mass-produced."
He paused briefly before adding:
"The daimyō's court will inevitably develop… ideas."
He didn't continue.
This was no longer something he could decide on his own—it required the Raikage's judgment.
The Third Raikage's expression grew heavier as he weighed the pros and cons. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"Back then, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha founded Konohagakure with absolute power, ushering in the era of ninja villages."
"Our Lightning Daimyō only supported the establishment of Kumogakure out of necessity."
"At heart, the daimyō has always feared ninja villages more than trusted them…"
As he recalled those years, the Third Raikage's expression turned complex.
He had lived through the Warring States Era and personally witnessed the birth of the ninja village system. More than anyone, he understood the inherent tension between ninja villages and the daimyō courts.
To be honest, he had never fully understood why Hashirama Senju created such an awkward system—one that left both sides wary of each other.
Back then, Hashirama and Madara had possessed godlike power. Hashirama had even been called the God of Shinobi. Together, they could have unified the entire world by force—ending all wars outright.
Yet they didn't.
And it was only after Hashirama's death that the major ninja villages dared to launch the Great Ninja Wars.
The very existence of those wars proved the flaws of the ninja village system.
Now, the Second Great Ninja War was already showing signs of eruption—and there would certainly be more in the future.
Endless wars.
Ever-expanding battlefields.
In some ways, the suffering was even worse than during the Warring States Era.
While conflicts between villages played a role, the daimyō courts' secret manipulation and instigation were also undeniable.
If given the chance, those nobles would gladly see ninja—and ninja villages—vanish altogether.
The Third Raikage understood this clearly.
That was why the daimyō's court had always tightly restricted Kumogakure's funding—never allowing the village to grow too strong.
Both sides were locked in an awkward stalemate, wary of one another.
The ninja village system had already taken shape, balanced through mutual deterrence. No one had the power to overturn it.
But now—
They had glimpsed an opportunity.
One that could not be missed.
"If only one of them can exist,"
"then I would rather see the village become the sole jade."
When he finished speaking, the Third Raikage's expression hardened with unshakable resolve.
He was the Raikage of Kumogakure.
His stance had always been clear—and would never change.
Dodai wasn't surprised by this decision in the slightest.
This was the Third Raikage he knew.
"Then the development of those weapons must be kept under even stricter secrecy," Dodai said.
"They can't remain inside the village."
"We should relocate the project to Turtle Island."
"Personnel must be absolutely trustworthy—quality over quantity."
Turtle Island was a colossal living turtle that could move freely across the sea, even submerging itself. It was extremely well hidden—perfect for conducting top-secret research.
"You'll handle it," the Third Raikage said, approving the proposal.
This matter demanded absolute secrecy. Even the slightest leak would be unacceptable.
"There's another issue," Dodai continued.
"Implementing all of his proposed ideas won't be easy."
"They'll inevitably require advanced sealing techniques as support."
In terms of technological and sealing foundations, Kumogakure alone wasn't sufficient.
"Then we increase our investment in the Land of Whirlpools plan," the Third Raikage replied decisively.
"I'll personally lead the operation."
Dodai nodded.
He was referring to the Uzumaki clan.
Originally, their objective in attacking the Land of Whirlpools had been to obtain high-level sealing techniques—specifically to perfect their jinchūriki program.
The First Great Ninja War had ended because Hashirama's wife—
Mito Uzumaki—
had demonstrated power rivaling Hashirama himself while acting as a jinchūriki.
That display had shocked the entire ninja world.
Once the great villages realized how terrifying a perfected jinchūriki could be, they all grew interested.
Although they had purchased tailed beasts from Konoha during the First Five Kage Summit, tailed beasts were impossible to control properly.
Instead, they drained manpower and posed constant risk.
Mito Uzumaki had shown them a solution.
But long-term, stable sealing required top-tier fūinjutsu—and in the entire ninja world, none surpassed the Uzumaki clan.
"According to our intelligence," Dodai added,
"Konoha's Hiruzen Sarutobi has already sent envoys three times to invite the Uzumaki clan to join them."
"Mito Uzumaki is already elderly. Suppressing the Nine-Tails must be taking its toll."
"Hiruzen's patience is likely running out."
The Third Raikage said nothing, waiting for Dodai to continue.
"Sealing techniques are difficult to learn and even harder to apply," Dodai said.
"High-level Uzumaki techniques are often tailored to their unique chakra traits—and consume enormous amounts of chakra."
"If we want to truly make use of sealing techniques, we need the Uzumaki clan themselves."
"And to obtain them, we need an opportunity to sever their ties with Konoha."
"That opportunity may lie in your disciple's identity—we can use it to make Konoha cooperate."
Originally, their goal had only been to obtain perfect sealing methods for the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails.
Now, their ambitions had grown.
"You'll handle it," the Third Raikage said again.
Dodai was young, but his strategic thinking was exceptional—and he was the Raikage's most trusted aide.
"Do you think these firearm concepts are connected to Konoha or Danzo Shimura?"
the Third Raikage asked suddenly.
This was a concern that couldn't be ignored.
If Konoha already possessed advanced firearms—and in large numbers—then the coming war would be catastrophic for Kumogakure.
"Unlikely," Dodai replied after brief thought.
"Neither Hiruzen nor Danzo has that kind of decisiveness."
"We can also verify this easily—by monitoring large-scale steel circulation."
Dodai knew Konoha's leadership well. Aside from Danzo's radical mindset, the others were fundamentally conservative.
And Konoha itself was far from united.
"Then it seems Kumogakure has picked up a treasure,"
the Third Raikage said, breaking into laughter.
A hearty, unrestrained laugh.
"Danzo Shimura truly is a good man."