Chapter 78: The Thundercloud’s Ignorance

The wind howled through the night, carrying the scent of damp earth and the lingering traces of blood. Thunder rumbled in the distance, rolling across the sky like the growl of an unseen predator, heralding the storm that had yet to come.

And yet, Kumogakure remained blind.

They sharpened their weapons, rallied their forces, and fortified their walls, believing themselves ready for the war to come. They were convinced that their ultimate weapons—their Jinchūriki—stood at the peak of their power, safe within their borders.

They did not know.

They had already lost two.

The Return to Konoha

Ryūsei walked through the dim corridors of Konoha's underground facility, his steps echoing in the silence. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment, burning torches, and the faint metallic tang of sealing ink.

Across his back, the unconscious form of Yugito Nii was draped, bound in intricate golden seals that pulsed faintly, suppressing the raging chakra of the Two-Tails within her. She had fought fiercely, clawing and striking with everything she had, but in the end, it had not mattered.

Tsunade leaned against the entrance, arms crossed, watching his approach with a smirk. The flickering torches painted golden highlights in her hair, making her look both regal and dangerous.

"You're late," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Ryūsei exhaled, adjusting the unconscious Jinchūriki on his shoulder before tossing her onto the seal array prepared on the floor. The markings flared to life, weaving around her like silent chains.

"You try carrying a pissed-off cat spirit across half the continent," he replied dryly.

Tsunade chuckled, stepping forward. "I'd say it builds character, but I think your ego's big enough already."

Ryūsei smirked. "If I recall, you like my ego."

She rolled her eyes but didn't refute it.

A low chuckle echoed through the chamber.

Orochimaru.

"You're starting to sound like me," the Sannin mused, golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

Ryūsei gave him an unimpressed look. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

With Yugito secured, Ryūsei turned his focus to the others gathered in the room—Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and Sakumo.

The true guiding forces of Konoha.

Hiruzen took a slow drag of his pipe, the faint embers casting a glow over his lined face. "Did you confirm it?"

Ryūsei nodded, his golden Byakugan gleaming in the dim light. "Kumo still doesn't know about the Eight-Tails' capture. Their focus is entirely on mobilizing for war."

Sakumo's expression darkened. "That level of negligence is either arrogance or desperation."

"It's arrogance," Ryūsei corrected, crossing his arms. "They believe their Jinchūriki are untouchable. That no one would dare to infiltrate their stronghold and take them."

His smirk sharpened.

"They're wrong."

Orochimaru's smile curled at the edges. "Then I assume our collection will continue?"

Hiruzen exhaled, watching Ryūsei with a calculating gaze. "With two of their Jinchūriki missing, Kumo will realize something is wrong soon." His voice was measured, calm. "What do you propose?"

Ryūsei leaned against the stone wall, tilting his head as he sifted through the endless probabilities in his mind.

"The next step is momentum." His voice was smooth, unwavering. "We move before they have time to react. Before panic settles in." His gaze flickered toward Tsunade. "It's time for our next target."

She hummed, pretending to consider. "And who's the unlucky soul this time?"

A slow, almost predatory smile curled at Ryūsei's lips.

"The Four-Tails."

A Mysterious Offering

Before their meeting adjourned, Ryūsei turned toward Tsunade, something unreadable in his golden eyes.

"Tsunade," he said smoothly, "I need a piece of the Eight-Tails' tail."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Let's call it an investment."

She studied him for a long moment, then exhaled. "Fine. But you owe me dinner for this."

"You say that like I wouldn't have taken you out anyway."

Rolling her eyes, she handed him a small, carefully preserved fragment of the severed Eight-Tails' tail. The chakra within it still pulsed faintly, a testament to its raw power.

Ryūsei turned to Orochimaru and tossed it to him.

The Sannin caught it effortlessly, his golden eyes flashing with intrigue.

"Try not to have too much fun with it," Ryūsei said smoothly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

Orochimaru chuckled, turning the severed fragment over in his hands, his mind already swimming with possibilities.

Kumo's Looming Crisis

Far beyond the Land of Fire, Kumogakure remained blind.

The Raikage stood within his war chamber, the heavy scent of burning incense curling through the air. Maps lay spread across the stone table before him, marked with red ink, detailing the impending assault on Konoha.

His warriors stood at attention, their expressions grim, their bodies thrumming with tension.

"Konoha will pay for what they've done," the Raikage growled, his fists clenching. "We will remind them why we are the strongest."

The room echoed with roars of agreement.

They did not know.

They did not realize.

Two of their strongest weapons had already been silenced.

And soon…

Another would fall.