Chapter 218 : Response!

What opportunities did they spot? Naturally, it was the perfect chance to drive a wedge into Konoha!

The Third Raikage had long suspected that there was discord between the Uzumaki Clan and Konoha. Ever since the Mist Shinobi invaded the Land of Whirlpools, Konoha had turned a blind eye to their ally's crisis.

With the Uzumaki clan's fiery temperament, it was inevitable they would seek retribution and sever ties with Konoha directly.

While other smaller nations might tolerate Konoha's actions for their own gain, the Third Raikage was certain that the Land of Whirlpools wouldn't. The Land of Lightning understood the Uzumaki clan better than most.

They were a family that refused to compromise, their integrity matching their ferocity, a fact well known in the Cloud Shinobi Village.

In particular, the Third Raikage had witnessed firsthand the disdain the Uzumaki clan held for Konoha, from top to bottom.

Thus, the Third Raikage was confident that the Land of Whirlpools would eventually sever ties with Konoha.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent so many resources to the Land of Whirlpools after the war.

He had been awaiting news from both the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha. Now that news had arrived, it exceeded his expectations!

Publicly accusing Konoha and branding them as traitors!

This delighted the Third Raikage immensely. He turned to his son, the future Fourth Raikage, and remarked,

"This is a significant blow to Konoha. The Uzumaki clan leader's actions are truly remarkable!"

"What a formidable adversary! Especially after what was said at the Hokage Rock..."

"Not only did he declare the end of diplomatic relations with Konoha, but he also ensured the news spread rapidly throughout the ninja world."

"In the future, other nations will understand that the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha are completely estranged. If we ever have issues with Konoha, we won't have to worry about the Land of Whirlpools intervening."

With the village's Kage abilities, the Third Raikage comprehended Kazuhiko's strategy, particularly pondering how Kazuhiko managed to sever ties with Konoha convincingly to the rest of the world.

You know, you mentioned severing ties, but if a friendship that has lasted for many years turns out to be false, when another nation initiates a conflict with Konoha and you suddenly extend aid, it's likely your country will face dire consequences.

Hence, it's not just about cutting ties; it's crucial to make others believe those ties have been severed.

Kazuhiko's approach is quite astute, and now other nations are firmly convinced that Konoha couldn't possibly suffer such humiliation in such a public setting.

Upon hearing his father's words, the future Fourth Raikage, still in his youthful twenties, a time brimming with energy, particularly favored resolving all matters in Cloud Shinobi Village with force.

Furrowing his brow, he realized the complexities involved in a breakup.

Glancing over the information in his hand, he swiftly grasped the situation. He wasn't dull-witted; otherwise, he wouldn't ascend to Raikage in the future. However, having been accustomed to resolving issues through force in Cloud Shinobi Village, he seldom bothered with introspection.

"Incredible! The Uzumaki clan head, still in his teens, defeated the Third Hokage and Third Mizukage!"

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with an unquenchable thirst for battle, eagerly anticipating a clash with Kazuhiko, despite the distance separating them.

The document not only detailed the severance of diplomatic ties between the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha but also highlighted Kazuhiko's actions against Konoha.

The accounts of his confrontation with the Third Hokage, triumphing over the Third Hokage in direct combat, coupled with the revelation from his father that Kazuhiko had similarly defeated the Third Mizukage, fueled his eagerness for combat. In Cloud Shinobi Village, he was already unmatched among his peers, with few elders capable of challenging him.

Save for his father, he was now willing to engage anyone in one-on-one combat.

However, as the Third Raikage's son, his responsibilities kept him preoccupied with official matters, prioritizing safety above all else, both of them mastering the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

Consequently, he hadn't found a suitable opponent in quite some time. Seeing Kazuhiko, a fellow combat enthusiast, intensified his longing for battle even further.

Surprisingly, the Third Raikage, observing his son's aggressive demeanor, refrained from praise this time, instead expressing concern with a furrowed brow.

"It's time you learned to adapt. Relying solely on violence won't suffice. If you aspire to become the Fourth Raikage, you must learn to strategize! Those who rely solely on force may become formidable ninjas, but they cannot lead as Raikage!"

"Yes, Father!"

Regardless of the lessons imparted by the Third Raikage, the current atmosphere within the land was charged with excitement.

***********

Onoki, with his diminutive stature, sat upon the seat, his presence seemingly unassuming yet commanding respect from those around him.

Beside him sat his son, Kitsuchi, accompanied by several Jōnin from Iwagakure. Together, they scrutinized the documents detailing intelligence on Konoha and the Uzumaki clan. These papers held the key to their summons by Lord Tsuchikage.

As they absorbed the contents, smiles of satisfaction graced their faces, each individual swiftly contemplating the implications before turning their attention to Lord Tsuchikage.

Onoki, observing the Rock Shinobi present, envisioned the future leaders of Iwagakure and sought to gauge their comprehension of the current affairs. The outcome pleased him, with many recognizing the opportunities presented by the information.

"Cough, cough..." Onoki cleared his throat, sensing all eyes upon him.

"Everyone, the Land of Whirlpools has severed diplomatic ties with Konoha. Consequently, Konoha's staunch allies are lost. Without the support of the Uzumaki clan, the future of Konoha may not be as assured as during the Shinobi World War.

"Examining the intelligence, it's apparent that should Konoha encounter further troubles, the Land of Whirlpools will exploit it to their advantage," he concluded.

At that moment, Kazuhiko surveyed the room in silence, his demeanor unmoving.

Beside him, Fumito observed their clan head intently, curiosity evident in his inquiry, "Kazuhiko-sama, what do you observe?"

A gust of wind swept through, causing the grass to sway, while Kazuhiko's crimson hair danced like flames.

With a sword gripped firmly in his left hand, Kazuhiko remained serene, his voice calm as a tranquil lake, "I observe the battlefield."

********

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