Land of Lightning – Kumogakure, the Village Hidden in the Clouds
Perched high among the mountaintops, within the Raikage Tower – the highest point in Kumogakure – eight high-ranking shinobi were currently gathered, reporting on the situation at the various fronts.
A young communications officer stood off to the side. From the moment these eight designated leaders from each war zone appeared, he understood his place was not to speak. He gave a slight nod to the Third Raikage, and upon receiving permission, silently withdrew from the tower.
Seated in the Raikage's chair was a robust, brown-skinned man in his later years. His gaze was sharp, his pale-yellow hair cascaded nearly to his waist, and his beard formed a distinct capital 'W' across his jaw and cheeks. A prominent lightning-shaped scar on his right pectoral muscle attested to his fierce combat history, and the presence of the 'Lightning' character tattoo signified his position at the absolute pinnacle of the Land of Lightning and Kumogakure.
This was the Third Raikage, renowned throughout the world as the "Strongest Spear" and "Strongest Shield." Though age might have pushed him past his physical peak, no one in the entire shinobi world dared underestimate him. Within Kumogakure itself, it was considered a tremendous honor if a new recruit could withstand even a single move under the pressure of his imposing aura.
Below him stood the eight shinobi, ranging from Deputy Commanders to full Commanders of the First through Eighth Combat Units. With the Ninth and Tenth Units currently engaged in battle, a high-ranking representative from each of the remaining units was present for this operational briefing.
"Casualty ratios against the Land of Earth are unfavorable," began one commander. "Because Konoha has eased its offensive against Iwagakure, the Land of Earth has shifted its focus from the Land of Grass to the Land of Waterfalls. Over two thousand Iwa shinobi have gathered in Takigakure and, coordinating with Takigakure's own forces, have inflicted considerable losses upon us. Earth Release users excel at nighttime ambushes. With our rear supply lines stretched thin and vulnerable, they frequently attack our storage depots. Currently, we can only resupply via the coastline."
As his words faded, the commander of the Fourth Unit, a slightly overweight, dark-skinned man, let out a disdainful scoff. This drew glances from several other commanders; they didn't recognize him. Theoretically, high-ranking officers should know each other. Where had this fellow come from?
"This is solely attributable to incompetent command," the scoffing commander stated bluntly. "On the water routes bordering the Land of Earth, our forces hold an overwhelming advantage. Those Iwa fools even tried using landfill tactics against us! Can you believe how ridiculous that is?"
"Not ridiculous at all," retorted the previous speaker dryly.
"Heh heh."
"Continue," the Third Raikage interjected, silencing the interruption. He straightened slightly, indicating the commander should proceed.
"We managed to injure Kitsuchi," the Fourth Unit commander went on. "They paid the price of eight Jōnin to push the coastal front forward by one kilometer, closing in on our islands. However, this proves little. Just because we can win on water doesn't mean the troops I lead can't win on land. As long as the Tsuchikage doesn't intervene personally, I guarantee they won't make it back alive."
"Which unit is A assigned to?"
After hearing the commander's report, the Third Raikage didn't immediately ask for his next battle plan or data. Instead, he inquired about his son, A.
The Raikage was deeply satisfied with this son who had inherited his exceptional physique, fighting style, and shinobi aptitude. Before the war even began, he had placed immense hope in him. If A could bring victory to Kumogakure in this Third Great Shinobi War, then he, bearing the name 'A', would undoubtedly become an outstanding successor, potentially leading Kumogakure to unprecedented heights.
"Lord A is with the Third Unit, sir. Currently engaging forces in the Land of Rice Paddies with about a hundred shinobi."
"And the situation?"
The Third Unit commander's expression soured, a hint of shame coloring his features.
"We've lost over half our Chūnin and Genin. Jōnin casualties exceed one-third. Lord A just arrived at the border and hasn't yet joined the battle."
"Over half lost?"
Splinters of wood flew everywhere. The Raikage slammed his fist down, shattering his own desk. His eyes widened in fury – clearly a prelude to an outburst.
"Yes, sir. The opponent is Konoha's 'Yellow Flash,' Minato Namikaze. The Land of Earth also struggled immensely against him previously; their loss rates were even more exaggerated than ours. We still haven't devised an effective countermeasure for Minato Namikaze's elusive tactics. Originally, Lord A was meant to join Lord Killer B in the Seventh Unit, but after we requested reinforcements, Lord A volunteered to join our front and even brought Lord Killer B along with him."
"Killer B? With the Eight-Tails inside him, that fellow will be fine."
The Raikage reigned in his anger, kicking away the desk fragments at his feet. His gaze swept across the remaining commanders.
"Fighting both Konoha and Iwagakure requires significant manpower. Effective immediately: the First and Second Combat Units are merged. The Third and Sixth Combat Units are merged. The Fourth and Seventh Combat Units are merged. The Fifth and Eighth Combat Units are dissolved; they will patrol the Land of Rice Paddies, searching for infiltrating Konoha shinobi. Instruct the Ninth and Tenth Units to conclude their battles swiftly and return to defend the Land of Lightning's interior."
"Lord Raikage, why?" The commanders of the Fifth and Eighth Units couldn't hide their reluctance and had to voice their dissent, albeit cautiously. "Aside from the strained front against the Yellow Flash and the losses in Takigakure due to Iwagakure's overwhelming numbers, the other fronts have yielded numerous victories! Why dissolve four combat units?" Suddenly disbanding units could significantly impact shinobi morale; some might even refuse subsequent orders.
"Regarding Minato Namikaze, I have faith that A and Killer B can handle him. They have yet to fail a mission together, and this time will be no different. As for the land battle against Iwagakure in Takigakure... once A returns, I will personally go and meet that old stubborn fool, Onoki. It's been years; let's see if he's learned anything new."
"The Tsuchikage's Kekkei Tōta is extremely dangerous, Lord Raikage. Please, exercise utmost caution."
"Techniques that cannot hit their target are meaningless," the Raikage declared, absolute confidence radiating from him. "Before my shield and spear, any Earth Release ninjutsu will crumble like dust, utterly useless."
Recalling the legendary battle where the Raikage went toe-to-toe with a rampaging Eight-Tails in hand-to-hand combat, even severing one of its horns, the commanders' hearts swelled with confidence. In the Land of Lightning, the Raikage was the symbol of invincibility – a human capable of matching a Tailed Beast. What incredible power!
Deep reverence mixed with unwavering trust. Hearing that the Third Raikage himself would take action rendered everyone else's struggles almost secondary. All they needed to do was wait for Lord Raikage to retrieve the fruits of victory.
"Ah, speaking of which, Lord Raikage," the slightly overweight commander from the Fourth Unit spoke up again. "Our logistics team encountered a Genin at the border claiming to be from the Land of Water, seeking help. He was with another, who was heavily injured and is currently receiving treatment. They claim they fled here after being pursued by Konoha shinobi. We are still allied with the Land of Water... should we escort them back?"
"Excellent timing. The Land of Water, an ally? Not anymore." Lightning briefly flickered around the Third Raikage's right hand, scorching characters onto a piece of paper on the ruined desk.
"Ask them if they are willing to become Kumogakure shinobi. If not, send them to the prisoner of war camp. If they agree, have them draw up the Land of Water's defensive layout."
He looked at his commanders, his voice resolute.
"I hereby formally declare: Kumogakure is at war with the Land of Water."
________________________________________
If you want more chapters, please consider supporting my page on Patreon. with 30 advanced chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/Leanzin