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  Baki no longer had time to dwell on the Summer Camp fiasco. His attention was now fixed oicle, "The Uchiha and Uzumaki Wedding of the tury."

  Uchiha Fugaku…

  He had retly unleashed the Susanoo, a jutsu that had shocked the entire ninja world, during Konoha's special military operation against Kusagakure.

  Such a promi figure's marriage, even to a sed wife, would undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by the Hokage.

  This meant—the Uchiha-Uzumaki union had Konoha's approval.

  And what did that mean? Even with his—limited intellect, Baki uood. This was Konoha's way of deg—

  We're back! The ninja world's overlords have returned!

  Why had Uzushiogakure beeroyed? Because of its close ties to Konoha and its powerful sealing jutsu.

  Back then, Konoha had been at its peak. If they couldn't trol the Uzumaki, they'd simply—elimihem.

  For years, Konoha hadn't dared rebuild the Uzumaki , fearing the other vilges' reas.

  This marriage—it olitical statement.

  This was—his st ce. If he missed this opportunity, Sunagakure might truly bee Konoha's vassal state.

  He had to seize trol. No matter the cost.

  Rasa's leadership was too soft. He was leading Suna down the wrong path.

  He, Baki, had to—correct this.

  Returning to his residence, his face grim, Baki opehe door.

  He froze, his eyes widening in shock. He instinctively drew his kunai. "Who's there?!"

  A bizarre figure, a bck cloak embroidered with red clouds and partially cealed by twe leaves, sat casually at his table.

  "Greetings, Baki. I am Zetsu. I'm here on behalf of my anization to—propose a deal."

  "A deal?" Baki scoffed. "I don't iate with intruders."

  He cpped his hands, preparing to summon the Suna Anbu. But Bck Zetsu, unfazed, produced a small object. "Perhaps—after seeing this, you'll resider."

  Baki's gaze fell upon the obje Zetsu's hand.

  "That's…!" His eyes widened. "Sasori's pendant! How—who are you?!"

  "I'm—Sasori's partner. We're part of the same anization. We've—e to seek your assistance regarding—the ret Uchiha-Uzumaki marriage."

  Baki hesitated, his grip on the kunai loosening.

  This—Zetsu, possessed Sasori's pendant and seemed ed about the political implications of the marriage.

  Perhaps—there was room fotiation.

  Sasori…

  Chiyo's grandson, Ebizo's grandnephew, Sunagakure's—no, the Land of Wind's—most talented puppeteer!

  He'd earned his moniker, Sasori of the Red Sand, before even reag fifteen.

  He was Suna's brightest star, destined freatness, a ninja whose power could ge the tide of war, a ninja on par with Konoha's White Fang.

  Every fa within Sunagakure had seen him as a symbol of hope.

  And with his lineage—he ractically guarao bee the Fifth Kazekage. If not for his youth, he might have even bee the Fourth. He would lead Sunagakure to a new era of prosperity.

  But then—tragedy struck. After his parents' death at the hands of Konoha's White Fang, Sasori had withdrawn, his personality twisting.

  And at fifteen, he'd defected. Around the same time, the Third Kazekage variggering the Third Shinobi World War.

  Sunagakure's leadership was devastated.

  They had ied everything in Sasori, provided him with the best resources, even access to the vilge's limited water supply.

  And he'd betrayed them.

  Baki had been furious, dreaming of capturing Sasori and bringing him to justice.

  But now…

  If Sasori were still alive, how powerful would he be?

  And if he were part of this—anization—could he be persuaded to help Sunagakure?

  "So, Baki, are you ied in—a deal?"

  Baki grunted, gng around to ehey weren't being observed. He then led Zetsu inside, log the door behind them.

  "What does Sasori want?"

  "It's not just Sasori. It's the Akatsuki."

  "Whatever. Get to the point."

  "I want to disrupt the Konoha-Suna Trade Route opening ceremony—and eliminate Gojo Kaigetsu," Bck Zetsu said bluntly.

  Baki's breath hitched. He shook his head. "You want Suna's help? Impossible. That would trigger an all-out war with Konoha." He was ambitious, but not foolish. Sunagakure couldn't afford a war with Konoha. Not now.

  "No, no. The Akatsuki will hahat. We just need you to—ensure Suna's ninja don't interfere. Perhaps evee a distra. Provide a—hunting ground."

  Baki's eyes gleamed. "If that's all—I agree." Openly defying Konoha was too risky. But secretly—that was a different matter.

  Insuffit support? Even within a vilge, such things happened. Bming an ally for a ck of reinforts was easy. Chakra exhaustion, a sudden sandstorm—any excuse would suffice.

  And at a crucial moment, he could even "trap" the attackers with a rge-scale sand barrier, leaving them to die.

  It would be an "act," a "miscalcution." Surely a few ninja deaths wouldn't jeopardize the alliance. After all, they couldn't let the living suffer for the dead.

  "Just—a distra?" Baki asked, wanting to firm.

  "Exactly." Bck Zetsu nodded. "But—this is a transa. What does Baki want iurn?"

  "I want the Fourth Kazekage dead," Baki said without hesitation.

  "Iing. May I ask why?"

  "Because—he's holding Sunagakure back. He—deserves to die."

  "The Fourth Kazekage will be attending the trade route ceremony." Baki's voice was cold.

  The current state of Sunagakure—it was humiliating.

  A mere trade route opening, and Konoha had only sent an elder. Sunagakure? The Kazekage himself.

  It was as if they were a subordinate vilge.

  "So—you want us to elimih a Konoha elder and the Kazekage at the same ceremony. That's—challenging. And you know Sasori's history. Asking him to eliminate Sunagakure's leader—isn't that a bit—cruel?"

  Baki frowned. "Are you—bag out?"

  "No. Killing one is the same as killing two. But—the difficulty has increased. So—we'll need more—iive."

  "Money? Sunagakure doesn't have that kind of money."

  "Then—bee the Fifth Kazekage. And provide the Akatsuki with—resources. Chakra metal, explosive tags—whatever you spare. We'll—assist you. If there are any—obstacles in your way, just give us their names." Bck Zetsu revealed his true objective.

  The Akatsuki had been hiding in Amegakure long enough. It was time to—re-emerge.

  Konoha had bee increasingly active tely.

  Since Fugaku Uchiha awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, Bck Zetsu had sensed a shift in the ninja world's power bance.

  Kirigakure ractically Konoha's vassal state. Sunagakure, b Amegakure, couldn't be allowed to fall under Konoha's influence.

  The Konoha-Suna Trade Route, a projeheard of for turies, was about to be pleted.

  The ninja world was ging.

  Konoha, it seemed, inteo—quer it all. If they were allowed to tinue unchecked, solidating the ninja world's power—it would be a problem.

  The flow of power ebbed and flowed. A unified ninja world—Bck Zetsu might have to wait another lifetime for his pns to bear fruit.

  He had to—stir things up. Create chaos. And Sunagakure…

  That vilge, which had instigated three Shinobi World Wars, was the perfect pawn.

  But the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was too—passive, too tent with Konoha's scraps. He was difficult to manipute.

  So, Bck Zetsu had set his sights on Baki, the leader of the War Hawks.

  A greedy, ambitious warmonger who hated Konoha. The perfect Kazekage for his pns.

  Baki's eyes gleamed. "Fifth Kazekage—an attractive offer. I accept."

  "Then, we'll see you at the ceremony, Baki."

  Bck Zetsu's body sank into the sand.

  Baki didn't even watch him go. His mind was already rag, plotting his future as Kazekage, his policies against Konoha…

  No, that remature.

  First, he had to eliminate Rasa. And even then, being Kazekage wasn't guaranteed.

  Sunagakure, though g Kirigakure's—unventional power structure, still valued seniority.

  Chiyo and Ebizo. Though elderly, Chiyo was still Suna's greatest puppeteer. And Ebizo, though semi-retired, still maintained a vast intelligework.

  To bee Kazekage, he heir support.

  And he knew how to get it. Sasori.

  Whether by retrieving a token, delivering intel, capturing him alive, ing back his head.

  And then, there was Kosaka Kaoru and the other elders—But that was easy. He trolled Sunagakure's military. No matter Kosaka's political maneuvering, he'd bow to Baki's strength.

  Elder support, political rivals elimiwo steps pleted. As for the third…

  "The Oail's power is wasted on that old fool, Bunpuku. We need a new jinchuriki, to unleash Shukaku's power. Only then Sunagakure recim its rightful p the ninja world."

  "Ohese three steps are plete, I will bee Kazekage, and Sunagakure will rise to the top!"

  Baki turo his—subordinates.

  "Hmph, that arrogant Konoha—Once I'm Kazekage, I'll make their ambassador kneel and apologize uhe Suna banner!"

  "Heh heh heh…"

  …

  …

  "The Raikage has agreed to our terms!"

  Samui's message reached Gojo Kaigetsu, interrupting his—activities. He quickly—disengaged.

  After carrying a limp Samui to the bathroom and ing up, he ged his clothes and rushed to the Hokage Tower.

  "It's happening in three days."

  Minato immediately summohe vilge leadership.

  A rge map of the Land of Lightning read across the table.

  "The primary objective isn't war with Kumogakure, but rather a symbolic show of force. We'll target a few insignifit border towns and Co-Prosperity Sphere members, applying pressure on the Raikage, giving him the authority to deal with the Elder cil," Minato expined. "The question is—which towns and vilges?"

  Kumogakure's current situation was—plicated. Like a powerful, yet vulnerable, figure forced to promise.

  Aside from a few noiables, they were willing to—cede trol.

  So, Konoha's—demands were:

  Gojo Kaigetsu, pig up a pen, circled several locations on the map.

  "The Land of Rice Paddies—and three border towns?"

  Minato gasped. That was—a lot. He was essentially cutting off Kumogakure's access to the western ninja world.

  "The Land of Rice Paddies has a strategic location, ri—resources. Bananas, pineapples, cocoa beans, coffee beans—It's known as the 'Fruit Basket of the Ninja World.'"

  "Not just fruit, but other valuable crops essential for Konoha's development."

  "Normally, we wouldn't target a ral nation. But they foolishly joihe Co-Prosperity Sphere and allowed Kumogakure to establish a military presehere. Though not as signifit as Kusagakure, it still poses a threat. We'll—elimi."

  Cocoa beans, coffee beans. Essential ingredients for Konoha's booming new ercial district, but scarce within the Land of Fire.

  Due to limited supply, the Hokage Tower's new cafes and dessert shops were stantly sold out.

  tless ninja, their pockets full of cash, craved these reats.

  Chocote, bitter yet sweet, though ly chakra-restorative, was pad high in calories, a perfect addition to a ninja's rations. And ninjas, like steam engines, needed fuel.

  Gojo Kaigetsu had even issiohe Akimichi to develop a chocote-fvored Soldier Pill. The potential profits were—unimaginable.

  And then, there was coffee.

  Ninjas, despite their enhanced enduraill needed sleep. Though they could push their limits, it came at a cost.

  And coffee—it worked wonders, especially for those dedicated to training.

  If Orochimaru, holed up in his b, had access to coffee, he might only need an hour of sleep, maximizing his research efficy.

  Occupying the Land of Rice Paddies would solve Konoha's chocote and coffee she.

  They could even lower prices, making them avaible to everyone, not just Konoha citizens and VIPs. Imagiourists taking photos with "Missing You at the Coffee Shop" signs.

  "The Land of Rice Paddies also has a—thriving—ninja—industry. Though they ck a Hidden Vilge, their indepe ninja are quite skilled. We establish a Konoha military base there, a gateway to Kumogakure. And a raining ground, a Summer Camp location for the Academy. Perhaps even—a Konoha Ninja Academy middle school, focused on practical training, open only to exceptional academy graduates with in potential. It would alleviate the pressure on Konoha's Genin while providing the vilge with high-quality ninja…" Gojo Kaigetsu's voice trailed off, lost in thought.

  But no one minded his rambling. He'd painted aig picture of future prosperity, and they were captivated.

  They were Konoha's elite, after all. They khe value of coffee and chocote.

  Having tasted luxury, they craved more. After years of hardship, they were ready to enjoy the fruits of their bor.

  "As for the border towns…"

  "I anticipate the following bes:"

  "In jun with Kirigakure, we blockade Kumogakure's nd and sea routes, isoting them, weakening their trol over the Co-Prosperity Sphere, disrupting their trade, and exacerbating their internal flicts."

  "With Kumogakure's borders open, Konoha's goods flow freely into the Land of Lightning."

  Gojo Kaigetsu drew two lines on the map.

  The three border towns wouldn't pletely seal off Kumogakure. Even if they wao, Konoha cked the manpower.

  But it would disrupt trade and travel, hindering Kumogakure's development.

  Three Konoha-trolled towns at their border? Who wouldn't be wary?

  Konoha couldn't unch a full-scale invasiohat would only unite Kumogakure.

  And if, ter, the Raikage tried to recim the towns—he'd have to choose between losiory and losing—face.

  Kumogakure was bordered by Kirigakure and the open sea. Crossing the sea meant invading Iwagakure, but they cked the naval power.

  With their nd and sea routes blocked, they'd have to establish a new port in the Land of Frost.

  The two lines Gojo Kaigetsu drew were like shackles, binding Kumogakure, limiting its growth.

  "The Land of Rice Paddies—that's ohing. But the border towns—the Raikage's rea will be—intense," Minato said cautiously.

  "Naturally. That's why we'll announce different targets and then unch a blitz. The Raikage will likely assume it's a—misuanding."

  "We'll eventually returowns, of course. But we use the excuse of maintaining order, preventing u, assisting the Raikage—stalling for time. The longer we hold them, the better."

  "By the time he realizes it, it'll be too te. He'll be forced to focus on his internal struggles before dealing with Konoha."

  "There's no possibility of true peace with Kumogakure. We use any means necessary. There's no need for—ies."

  "Which means—we'll have to—tarnish your reputation a bit, Minato." Gojo Kaigetsu's voice was tinged with—mret.

  The Raikage had only agreed to Konoha's "symbolic attack" because of Minato's reputation, his perceived trustworthiness, and that—letter.

  And where did Minato's reputation e from? From giving the A-B bo a ce to shine?

  If ōnoki had tried this…

  The Raikage would have mobilized his forces and waited.

  This tactic could only be used once. And afterward, the enraged Raikage would likely reveal Minato's letter, shattering his reputation.

  Even the Nara 's best strategies couldn't repair that kind of damage.

  If even Minato Namikaze couldn't be trusted, who could? The ninja world would desd into chaos.

  But history was written by the victors. He'd gamble on his friend's reputation. They had to win this war.

  "For Konoha, my reputation is a small price to pay," Minato said solemnly.

  "Good! Now that we've settled orategy, let's assigeams."

  Gojo Kaigetsu began pg miniature figurines on the map. "Fugaku Uchiha will lead the White Fang unit—Hyuga Hiashi, the newly reanized Hyuga division…"

  …

  …

  "Elder Advisor, the Raikage requests your presence."

  "A? Now? Why?"

  Elder Advisor, leaning heavily on his staff, was escorted by two of his most trusted guards to the Raikage's office.

  Sihe Elder cil had assumed trol, the Raikage's office had been—ed. Dust had eveled on the floor.

  Elder Advisor's eyes flickered. He felt a twinge of—sympathy for A. After all, he'd watched the boy grow up. It was this e that had led the Third Raikage to appoint him as A's advisor.

  But he quickly hardened his heart.

  Everything he did was for Kumogakure.

  His sce—it didn't matter. He'd earhe right to—indulge his whims.

  "You two, wait here." Atsui, the Raikage's fidant, blocked the guards.

  Elder Advisor tapped his staff. "They're my personal guards."

  "The Raikage's orders. This is a fidential meeting. No outsiders allowed," Atsui said, his face impassive.

  "fidential?" Though puzzled, Elder Advisor trusted A and dismissed his guards.

  "Yes, Elder Advisor," they replied, bowing.

  Creak—

  Elder Advisor opehe door, as if entering—the gates of hell.

  Atsui followed him inside, closing the door and taking his position beside the Raikage.

  Two muffled thuds echoed from the hallway, unnoticed by Elder Advisor.

  The Raikage's office was dimly lit.

  A sat at his desk, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Elder Advisor.

  "Kneel!" Atsui roared.

  "What?!" Elder Advisor's eyes widened in shock. He instinctively tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge.

  His heart sank. But he maintained his posure, a sneer curving his lips. "I've k before the Third Raikage my entire life. I expect the Fourth to—excuse me."

  "Eguchi! You've abused your power, undermihe Raikage, and exploited the vilge for personal gain! Your crimes are unfivable!"

  "Anbu! Seize him!"

  Crash—

  Six Anbu operatives, bursting through the windows, surrounded Elder Advisor.

  They were all personally chosen by A, civilian-born ninja with unwavering loyalty.

  Elder Advisor, despite being surrounded, remained calm. "A, you've grown. You dare challenge me now?"

  "You've forced my hand, Elder Advisor."

  "I don't want to kill you. Surrender, and you —atone for your crimes. Once Kumogakure uhe ninja world, I'll release you."

  A's face was grim, his muscles twitg.

  He didn't want to kill his adoptive father.

  If Elder Advisor surrendered, relinquished his power, and accepted impriso—it would be the best oute.

  But if he resisted…

  "Kill me?!" Elder Advisor's voice rose, as if he'd heard a joke. He began to reminisce, reting his past glories.

  "At twenty, I withe Gold and Silver Brothers' rebellion. I fought alongside the Third Raikage to quell it. And to this day, I've never rexed my vigince against the southerories…"

  "I was born in Kumogakure's first year! At eighteen, I earhe title of Kumogakure's Stro! I served uhree Raikage!"

  "I am a three-time veteran! I've withree Raikage rise and fall, and I've remained!"

  "If you think I'm easily eliminated, A—try me."

  He tossed his staff aside and formed a single hand seal. "Ninja Art: Libra Release – Unseal!"

  His aura surged.

  The frail old man transformed, his body radiating power, the aura of Kumogakure's Stro returning.

  Though his muscles remained wiry, no one dared uimate him now. Not even A.

  "The Libra Release—Father once said you were already old when he was a child. So, this is your secret." A's expression turned serious.

  Traditional Kumogakure ninja traiheir muscles, fog on brute strength and Lightning Release. Their physical prowess and taijutsu were unmatched.

  But the Libra Release—it was different. It involved suppressing one's physical appearance, Enhang internal strength. It required years of suppressing one's chakra, making the user appear older than they were.

  Releasing the Libra Release enhanced speed, agility, and resilience, even granting a form of damage redu against taijutsu.

  A couldn't gauge Elder Advisor's true strength now. But it was at least elite Jonin level.

  "It's been a long time since I've—stretched these old bones. I hope they still work." Elder Advisor cracked his knuckles. He raised his hand, three fingers extended, blue chakra crag around them. "Hell Thrust: Two-Fingered Lance Hand!"

  "Lightning Release: Lightning Armor!" Blue chakra enveloped A, his blond hair standing on end.

  "So, Elder Advisor, you io challenge my strength with ninjutsu."

  "A, you misuand. You are the one challenging me."

  "Not ninjutsu versus strength, but strength versus ninjutsu. You are the challenger."

  Kumogakure's internal flict was about to erupt.

  The six Anbu operatives retreated, f hand seals and smming their palms onto the floor.

  "Lightning Release: Lightning Prison Jutsu!"

  Their orders were simple: if Elder Advisor surrendered, imprison him. If he resisted, tain the fight.

  This battle—wasn't for them.

  Atsui, his arms crossed, stared in awe. "Elder Advisor's using the Third Raikage's Hell Thrust, and the Raikage's using his perfected Lightning Armor—This is—incredible! Even if I die witnessing this, it will be worth it!"

  "They're moving! Elder Advisor's attag!"

  Elder Advisor lunged, his Two-Fingered Lance Hand aimed at A.

  A's eyes narrowed. He instinctively recoiled, remembering the Hell Thrust's power.

  "Are you—afraid of this old man's attacks?" Elder Advisor taunted.

  "Heh, let's see what you've got!" A abandoned his evasive maneuvers, his body l into a defeance, his elbow raised. "Lariat!"

  A, his body crag with Lightning Release chakra, charged.

  The two forces collided.

  The Hell Thrust pierced A's Lightning Armor, drawing blood. But the force of A's elbow sent Elder Advisor flying, crashing into the Lightning Prison barrier.

  It seemed A had the upper hand, but…

  He clutched his bleeding abdomen, while Elder Advisor, seemingly unharmed, casually dusted himself off.

  "Chakra absorption—he's abs the impact!" Atsui excimed. "This is bad!"

  A stared at him, his eyes narrowed. He'd uimated Elder Advisor.

  "Despite ye, your Libra training has—enhanced your abilities. Iy, thirty years, I wouldn't be a match for you."

  "But now…"

  "The bonds of brotherhood surpass all!"

  "Killer B! Now! Lightning Release: Ultimate Lariat!"

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