Chapter 288: The Daimyō and the Raikage!

Chapter 288: The Daimyō and the Raikage!

The Five Nations Conference.

This type of meeting is only convened when the host nation is making a significant national decision. Unlike the Five Kage Summit, which is held when conflicts arise between nations or when a decision affecting the entire ninja world is imminent, the Five Nations Conference does not involve direct meetings between Kage. Instead, each major nation's ninja village sends envoys.

The host nation uses the conference to gauge the attitudes of various forces before finalizing and announcing its major decision.

The purpose of this Five Nations Conference, convened by the Land of Lightning, is for the Land of Lightning's Daimyō and the Third Raikage to jointly decide the nation's direction in the Third Great Ninja War.

However, the outcome of the conference had, in reality, already been determined beforehand. The reason for holding such a meeting was—

For the first time, the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning and the Third Raikage had a disagreement.

At this moment—

In the Raikage's Office, which was under reconstruction in Kumogakure,

"Raikage, you must understand—this is a chance for the four nations of Wind, Water, Lightning, and Earth to unite and attack the Land of Fire together!"

"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

A middle-aged man with dark skin, wearing luxurious robes and gold-rimmed chain glasses, leaned against the Raikage's chair. Resting his cheek against his raised fist, he gazed deeply at the Third Raikage, who stood respectfully before him, his chest wrapped in bandages, his usual ferocity subdued.

This man was none other than the most powerful lord and highest authority in the Land of Lightning—the Daimyō, Ryūzōji Nobu.

A strict ruler with formidable control over the nation, he was known for his hardline stance. Throughout history, he had provided unwavering support for Kumogakure's military endeavors.

In the original storyline, with his backing, Kumogakure initiated several wars, including the Second Great Ninja War, the Land of Fields invasion during the Third Great Ninja War, the assault on Iwagakure, the Battle of Kikyo Pass after the Third Great Ninja War, the conflict with Konoha before Naruto's graduation (before the attempted abduction of Hyūga Hinata), and even the Fourth Great Ninja War.

A deep thinker with a strong grip on power, he was highly skilled in governance. Domestically, he promoted technological and economic advancements; externally, he waged wars to plunder resources for the nation's growth.

Even though he wasn't as physically strong as the Third Raikage, the Raikage did not dare to underestimate him.

In fact, he treated him with the utmost respect!

Unlike Konoha and Kirigakure, which boasted many powerful Bloodline Limit clans from the Warring States period, Kumogakure had few such clans. It was originally formed by a group of ambitious individuals who bonded as brothers. Kumogakure's current strength was inseparable from the unwavering support of this Daimyō.

Now, seeing the Third Raikage feign ignorance like a stubborn old man, Ryūzōji Nobu rubbed his temples in frustration. His gaze sharpened as he sternly rebuked:

"The Land of Fire alone cannot withstand an assault from the four nations. You should understand this better than I do."

"But if you insist on sticking to your previous plan, you must provide me with a reasonable explanation. Otherwise, at the Five Nations Conference, I will make the decision for you!"

"Understood!"

The Third Raikage bowed slightly and stepped forward. His aged face was solemn as he spoke in a deep voice:

"General!"

"A four-nation assault on the Land of Fire is indeed the main theme of the Third Great Ninja War. However, due to Orochimaru's 'Kumogakure Collapse Plan,' we can no longer advance into the Land of Fields as a pathway to attack Konoha and divide the Land of Fire's territory."

"As a result, this war will no longer benefit us—it will only serve the other nations!"

"However, if we follow our original plan, we can either strike at Iwagakure's rear or use it as a ruse to launch an attack on the Land of Fire through the Land of Earth."

"All we need now is an opportunity!"

"What opportunity?"

Ryūzōji Nobu's gaze sharpened as he looked at the Third Raikage.

"The Five Nations Conference!"

The Third Raikage responded solemnly.

"By uniting the nations and having you, as the Daimyō, personally establish a formal alliance pact, we can gain the trust of Ōnoki of Iwagakure!"

Hearing this, a nearby guardian ninja beside Ryūzōji Nobu's side immediately turned pale. A chilling light flashed in his eyes as he glared at the Third Raikage and shouted angrily:

"The turmoil in Yunming City is already spreading!"

"Raikage, are you suggesting that the General should risk his life?!"

The Third Raikage remained silent and merely lowered his head with a sigh.

Not long ago, the collapse of the Tenshūkaku and the third assassination attempt had already been reported to Kumogakure via the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu. It no longer mattered who was behind it—

The key issue was that everyone in Yunming City now knew that the 'Daimyō' in the Tenshūkaku was an imposter.

And to form a credible alliance, the real Daimyō had to appear in person!

The situation was already in turmoil—there was no option but to seize this opportunity in the midst of chaos.

But this was not something the Third Raikage could force upon the Daimyō—he could only wait for the Daimyō's own decision.

At this moment—

Ryūzōji Nobu merely narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Third Raikage, his expression unreadable.

Unlike his guardian ninja, who only cared about his safety, he understood the deeper meaning behind the Raikage's words.

On the surface, the Raikage's proposal required him to personally step into a dangerous situation. However, with the Third Raikage—a man known as the "Fastest in the Ninja World," someone who had dominated the battlefield and remained undefeated—guarding him, his safety was a minor issue. The Raikage would undoubtedly risk his life to protect him.

But the real issue was—

This plan would require him, the Daimyō, to sign a treaty that was destined to be broken.

In other words, the Third Raikage was leveraging his credibility as the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning!

Ninjas had no qualms about using any means necessary to achieve victory, no matter how underhanded.

But he was not a ninja—he was a ruler!

This was what troubled Ryūzōji Nobu the most and made him hesitate.

Perhaps... this was the true intention of the Third Raikage?

He couldn't be certain. He simply closed his eyes and pondered in silence for a long time.

Finally—

He opened his eyes, his gaze filled with an overwhelming aura of authority.

"I agree to this!"

Then, looking at the Third Raikage, a flicker of struggle appeared in his eyes.

"Raikage, I have never interfered in matters of war—I have always given you full authority."

"Because trust is the foundation of the brotherhood between the Land of Lightning and Kumogakure. It is the very root of our rise from weakness to strength!"

"I only ask—"

"Do not forget this!"

Hearing these words, the Third Raikage gazed intently at the Daimyō before him.

A hint of emotion flickered in his eyes. Even his aging body, as he bowed in salute, trembled slightly.

Unlike other nations, where the Daimyō and the ninja village were often in conflict or at odds—

Kumogakure truly had a ruler who unconditionally trusted them!

"Yes!"

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