Chapter 98: The Strength of Konoha

Konoha: The Final Preparations

The air in Konoha had shifted.

What had once been a village known for its peaceful balance now carried an undeniable weight. A storm loomed on the horizon, and Konoha was ready.

Every shinobi, from the youngest genin to the most seasoned jonin, had undergone a transformation unlike any in history.

The clans had awakened their full potential.

The Hyūga Clan had refined their Byakugan, pushing their dojutsu beyond its former limits. Their sight extended farther, their control over the Gentle Fist now able to sever chakra points with a mere touch.

The Uchiha Clan, with the support of Ryusei's guidance, had stabilized their Sharingan evolution—every single Uchiha who had potential for the Mangekyō Sharingan had achieved it without the curse of blindness. Their Susanoo forms were stronger, more refined, and capable of reshaping the battlefield itself.

The Senju Clan had fully integrated their genetic purity. Those who inherited Hashirama's Wood Release could now command forests at will, their healing abilities nearing godlike levels.

The Uzumaki Clan, once nearly erased from existence, had now been restored to their former glory. Their sealing techniques were now absolute, capable of suppressing even the strongest beings with a single command. Their chakra reserves, already legendary, had been further refined through bloodline purification.

Even the minor clans—the Aburame, Akimichi, Nara, Inuzuka, and Yamanaka—had undergone purification, enhancing their unique abilities beyond what was previously imaginable.

Every shinobi of Konoha had optimized their power to its peak.

They were no longer just the strongest village.

They were something beyond shinobi.

And the world had no idea.

Inside the War Room: The Plan Takes Shape

A massive map of the world lay before them, marked with key locations of every shinobi nation. Red markings indicated troop movements, while blue signals represented defensive strongholds.

Hiruzen stood at the head of the war council, surrounded by Konoha's greatest minds and warriors.

Danzo. Orochimaru. Jiraiya. Tsunade.

And standing beside them—Ryusei.

"This meeting is not about whether war is coming," Hiruzen stated. "It is about how we will crush it before it begins."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "Onoki is preparing for an attack. He won't strike first, but the moment someone else makes a move, he'll send Iwagakure's army forward."

Tsunade's golden eyes gleamed. "The Raikage is already looking for a fight. Kumo's troops are restless. If we provoke him the right way, he'll be the first to break the peace."

Danzo, ever the strategist, studied the map with calculating precision. "And once Kumo moves, the other villages will have no choice but to react."

Orochimaru smirked. "A chain reaction of war. Perfectly predictable."

Hiruzen turned to Ryusei. "What do you suggest we tell them at the summit?"

Ryusei's Golden Six Magatama Rinne Sharingan shimmered.

"We tell them nothing," he said simply.

Jiraiya frowned. "Nothing?"

Ryusei turned to face the room. "If we deny it, they will assume we are lying. If we confirm it, they will turn their combined forces against us. So instead—" his lips curled slightly— "we let them argue among themselves."

Orochimaru chuckled. "You want to weaponize their paranoia."

Ryusei nodded. "They do not trust each other. They are already suspecting one another. We simply add to that doubt."

Danzo smirked. "A brilliant move."

Tsunade exhaled. "So we go to the summit, say nothing, and let them tear each other apart?"

Ryusei met her gaze. "Exactly."

A silence stretched between them.

Then—

Hiruzen nodded. "Then that is what we shall do."

Jiraiya grinned. "Damn, I almost feel bad for them."

Orochimaru smirked. "Almost."

Danzo's eye gleamed. "And if they do accuse us?"

Ryusei's golden Rinne Sharingan pulsed.

"Then we remind them why Konoha has never been defeated."

The air in the room became heavier.

Every shinobi present understood the meaning behind those words.

If they were forced into war—they would not fight to survive.

They would fight to end it.

Permanently.

The Final Moments Before Departure

As the sun set over Konoha, the village stood stronger than ever.

Ryusei walked through the Senju Compound, feeling the life Tsunade had infused into the very ground. The trees thrived, the rivers ran with chakra, the village breathed power.

Behind him, Tsunade approached, her arms wrapping around his from behind.

"You really think this summit will stop the war?" she murmured.

Ryusei glanced over his shoulder at her. "No."

She exhaled. "Didn't think so."

For a moment, there was silence between them.

Then, Tsunade smiled.

"Then let's enjoy this moment while we can."

She pulled him toward her, pressing a soft kiss against his lips.

And for now, Ryusei allowed himself to forget about war.

Because when the summit ended—

The world would never be the same again.

End of Chapter 98.