Chapter 214: The Third Ninja World War Comes to an End!

As the news of the death of the Third Raikage spread into the meeting room, an eerie silence filled the space.

The shocking news left everyone momentarily unable to react. After a long pause, Hatake Sakumo asked in disbelief:

"What did you say? The Third Raikage is dead?! That tough man... is he really gone?"

Hatake Sakumo had faced the Third Raikage before and knew just how terrifying his strength was. Even Uzumaki Raiden's devastating slash had only left a deep wound—he couldn't imagine what kind of attack could actually kill such a formidable opponent.

Moreover, the Raikage wasn't just powerful in defense but also possessed incredible speed. Sakumo believed that Konoha had no way to contain such an opponent. Yet, Uzumaki Raiden's Anbu had just reported that the Raikage, with his superhuman defense and speed, had died in his own homeland. This was almost impossible for Sakumo to believe.

"Report, it's true!"

"Ai, the son of the Third Raikage, has taken over as the Fourth Raikage. By now, he should have returned to Cloud Village and begun rallying forces!"

The shocking news didn't stop there. With the Third Raikage's death, Cloud had already selected a Fourth Raikage within just a few days.

"No matter how that old man died, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Konoha!"

"Sakumo, now I can approve your request to go back and assist Senior Brother Jiraiya!"

"Join me in attacking the Mist Ninja and driving them back!"

Uzumaki Raiden's eyes flashed as he spoke decisively. Hearing this, Hatake Sakumo took a deep look at Raiden, sighed softly, and nodded.

"Alright, but I must report to Lord Hokage first. If he disagrees, I will leave immediately."

"Until Hokage's order arrives, I will follow your command."

Sakumo had no objections; he wasn't a fool and understood this was an opportune moment for Konoha. Once the Third Hokage received the news, he would undoubtedly support the reinforcement of the border troops.

With internal opinions aligned, Hatake Sakumo smoothly handed over command, and Uzumaki Raiden shifted his focus away from the Land of Lightning. What happened there was no longer his concern.

The Stone Ninja, who had ambushed and killed the Raikage, remained in conflict with the Cloud Ninja. Meanwhile, Konoha had successfully pulled itself out of the war.

Now, only one enemy remained.

Uzumaki Raiden swiftly arranged for the wounded to be sent back to Konoha, including Kakashi Hatake, Obito, and Rin. Namikaze Minato was assigned to escort them—a decision influenced by Raiden's personal motives. Minato's relationship with Uzumaki Kushina was well known in Konoha, and Raiden wanted his brother-in-law to have some time with his sister.

Another reason for this decision was Raiden's concern for the safety of Rin and the others. The Mist Ninja's Jinchūriki plan reeked of conspiracy, and Minato's strength was crucial in ensuring their protection.

At this stage, even if Uchiha Madara himself made a move, taking someone from Minato would be no easy task.

After making these arrangements, Uzumaki Raiden led his forces toward the border, joining the Konoha troops to launch an assault on the Mist Ninja.

A new battle erupted once again!

The Mist Village was known for having fewer ninjas, but their quality was exceptionally high. The individual strength of their squads was outstanding, often requiring Konoha to deploy more than twice the number of forces to suppress them.

However, once Raiden's troops arrived, the situation reversed. Each of his soldiers was a seasoned warrior with extensive battle experience.

With their reinforcements, the Mist Ninja began retreating steadily. Within a month, Konoha forced a significant portion of Mist forces to the border of the Land of Whirlpools.

Mist Ninja, however, had not committed their full strength to fighting Konoha; most of their forces were engaged in the war in the Land of Wind.

Previously, Konoha had defeated five of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and now their Jinchūriki project had failed. With their frontline struggles, the Mist leadership decided to withdraw from Konoha and focus their efforts on the Wind Country.

Konoha, under the Third Hokage's orders, chose not to pursue the retreating enemy. Though Uzumaki Raiden wished to push deeper into the Land of Water to locate Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu's secret base, Sarutobi Hiruzen promptly sent an order halting the advance.

The kind-hearted Sarutobi did not want to prolong a meaningless war. After driving the Mist Ninja away, he commanded Raiden to initiate peace talks.

Initially, Raiden considered disregarding the orders, but with Hatake Sakumo opposing him and growing anti-war sentiment within the army, he eventually relented.

In mid-December, the Mist Ninja accepted Konoha's peace offer, and a treaty was signed. Although it was framed as a "request," Konoha made no demands for compensation, following the Third Hokage's belief that peace was enough.

Despite disagreeing with Sarutobi's methods, Raiden had no say in the peace negotiations.

By early December, Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled Uzumaki Raiden to Konoha Village.

Meanwhile, with the Third Raikage's death, Cloud Village fell into a period of turmoil. The Fourth Raikage, Ai, ascended to power and launched a war against the Stone Ninja to stabilize his rule and avenge his father.

As the war between Cloud and Stone escalated, Konoha finally withdrew from the Third Ninja War, earning a much-needed period of recovery.

Leaf Village.

A somber air filled the village cemetery. The setting sun painted the sky with hues of sadness.

In front of the memorial monument, a large number of black-clad ninjas stood silently, mourning the lives lost in the long years of war. Konoha had suffered immense losses, but they had finally withdrawn from the war.

At the forefront stood Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Mitokadu Homura. Behind them were the current generation of Konoha's elite—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Uchiha Shinki, Hatake Sakumo, and Uzumaki Raiden.

Namikaze Minato stood among the family patriarchs, big and small. The hierarchy of Konoha's power was evident from their positions.

"Hiruzen, as Hokage, you led Konoha into an abyss."

"Right now, countless children under the age of thirteen lie buried in this cemetery. As Hokage, you are responsible for Konoha's great losses!"

"You're to blame for this, Hiruzen!"

In the silent graveyard, as everyone mourned, Shimura Danzo suddenly spoke, his gaze dark as he addressed the clan leaders who supported him.

"Danzo?! You...!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his eyebrows in surprise but remained calm, fully aware of Danzo's nature.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru, standing nearby, smiled and licked his lips in anticipation.

"Brother Orochimaru, you seem quite excited," Uzumaki Raiden remarked with a sly grin.

Turning to look, Orochimaru met Raiden's gaze. Despite Raiden's calm demeanor, Orochimaru felt an intense pressure, as if he were being hunted by a ferocious beast.

"Hehehe... I just find it... very interesting," Orochimaru said, licking his lips again as he shifted his gaze back to Danzo.

It was Danzo's time to take the stage.

(End of Chapter)

>>>>>>>

Please leave PowerStones and Reviews if you're enjoying the story

Read up to Chapter 355 ahead on [Patreon.com/ggfanfiction]