"Hmm…"
The Third Raikage put on a thoughtful expression, secretly sharing the same idea as Akashō—he couldn't let the other side realize that he also wanted to end the fight because his chakra was running low.
After all, he was the dignified Third Raikage. He had a reputation to maintain.
"Well then, you've got a point. If we keep fighting, I doubt we'll get a result even after two or three days. Let's call it a draw."
The lightning surrounding the Third Raikage gradually faded, while Akashō, who had gotten back on his feet, narrowed his eyes.
This guy… just dispelled his Lightning Release Armor like that? Wasn't he afraid of a sneak attack? Or was he just that confident?
At that moment, several ninja wearing Hidden Cloud Village headbands rushed over.
"Lord Third Raikage!"
"Oh, you're here."
The Third Raikage cheerfully greeted them.
"When did you arrive? You got here pretty fast."
The leader looked conflicted and gave a wry smile.
"Honestly, I don't even know what to say to you. How could you sneak out without saying a word?"
"Hahaha, it doesn't matter. I'm still alive, aren't I?"
The Third Raikage laughed heartily and patted the man on the shoulder.
"But didn't I leave a note telling you to stay in the Hidden Cloud Village and wait for A and Killer B to return? You've got some nerve disobeying my orders."
"But we're your guards. By all rights, we're supposed to protect you and die before you do. What you did just now… isn't that putting things backward?"
The Third Raikage fell silent for a few seconds.
"Isn't the role of a 'Kage' to lay down their life for the village?"
Hearing this, the Hidden Cloud ninja sighed and said no more. Instead, he turned his wary gaze toward Akashō.
"This person… should be the Moon Sword Demon, Kokushibo, right? How did he end up involved with Lord Raikage?"
In truth, they had arrived an hour earlier. But by then, the battle between the two and the Hidden Stone Village army had already ended, and the two were locked in a fierce, stationary exchange of blows. So they stayed hidden. Only after the fight stopped did they finally step out.
"Hah."
Just as Akashō was about to snap back at the unfriendly guards, the Third Raikage suddenly slapped the man on the back.
"Don't be so tense. This kid's one of us. If he hadn't stepped in and joined forces with me to drive back that ten-thousand-strong Hidden Stone Village army, I might've really died here in battle."
"Just now, we were only sparring. Though we didn't decide a winner, hahaha."
Hearing this, the guards were stunned.
They had already seen the countless corpses on the ground, but due to their assumptions, they thought Kokushibo was allied with the Hidden Stone Village army.
They had even been impressed—thinking the Third Raikage was powerful enough to wipe out at least five thousand enemy troops overnight by himself. But now it seemed things were completely different from what they had imagined.
This troublemaker who had been causing chaos recently… actually helped the Raikage?
So by that logic, they should be thanking him instead?
Moreover, Kokushibo had first helped repel a ten-thousand-man army alongside the Third Raikage, and then fought him to a draw.
His strength… was likely far greater than the rumors suggested.
After tonight, his already terrifying reputation would only grow even more fearsome.
"Who the hell is 'one of you'? Got some nerve saying that."
At last, Akashō couldn't hold back anymore. This Third Raikage was even more overly familiar than Jiraiya.
"Hahahaha!"
The Third Raikage burst into laughter. "Don't be so harsh. We fought side by side—we're comrades who shared life and death. At least give me some face."
"So, Kokushibo—interested in joining our Hidden Cloud Village?"
As he spoke, the Third Raikage smiled and extended his large hand toward Akashō.
"Not interested."
Akashō waved him off and turned to leave.
This old man… so he was after him too. Joining the Hidden Cloud Village? Why not just ask if he was married while he was at it?
Akashō hadn't forgotten—there was still a portion of reputation points from the Hidden Stone Village army he hadn't collected yet. The third template was practically within reach.
Watching his departing figure, the Third Raikage withdrew his hand with some regret. He didn't actually want to shamelessly beg someone to join the Hidden Cloud Village, but he truly valued talent.
Still, if the other party wasn't willing, he wouldn't force it.
"By the way."
Akashō suddenly stopped and turned his head.
"Old man, don't forget what I said before."
"Your head—I'll personally take it myself. Until then, don't go dying on me."
The Third Raikage paused for a moment, then burst into loud laughter.
"Hahahaha! Fine! I promise you—before you take my head with your own hands, I won't die so easily!"
"Heh."
Akashō sneered, then dashed off into the distance.
The guards beside the Third Raikage exchanged glances.
These two didn't seem like enemies, but not quite allies either. It seemed the Raikage held Kokushibo in high regard… but Kokushibo didn't think much of the Hidden Cloud Village?
Meanwhile, the Third Raikage watched Akashō's figure grow smaller and smaller. In his eyes, the two of them had formed a rare bond that transcended age—a connection difficult to put into words.
He was certain that Kokushibo would come to challenge him again in the future. And just as he himself wouldn't kill Kokushibo even if he won, the other side surely wouldn't truly take his head even in victory.
The Third Raikage lifted his head and looked at the sky, which was beginning to lighten in the distance.
What an enjoyable night.
...
On the other side, after leaving the Third Raikage and the others' line of sight, Akashō had already exited the Kokushibo template and returned to his original form. Following the retreating traces of the Hidden Stone Village army, he chased after them while muttering to himself:
"That old Third Raikage feels a bit weird… whatever. He's just a dead man walking whose head I'll take sooner or later. No point worrying about him."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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