Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
Inside the highest council chamber.
More than a dozen senior representatives from the Land of Earth, led by the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, sat around a round table.
Among them was the jinchuriki of Iwagakure’s Four-Tails—Roshi!
Although he often disagreed with Onoki on political matters, he had been granted a position within Iwagakure’s highest decision-making body as an exception because he could control the Four-Tails’ power relatively perfectly, on top of possessing formidable strength himself.
“Konoha has not only lost its ultimate weapon, the Nine-Tails, but has also suffered the loss of thousands of shinobi. On top of that, a considerable portion of their forces are currently fighting Sunagakure in the western region.”
Onoki placed both hands on the round table and looked around at the members of the decision-making body.
“I believe this is the perfect opportunity to attack Konoha. What does everyone think?”
The Iwagakure higher-ups immediately began whispering among themselves, discussing the matter.
The Land of Earth, which was rich in mineral resources, could be said to have the second-strongest economy among the Five Great Nations, surpassed only by the Land of Fire.
But even so, they were still unsatisfied.
Who wouldn’t want land as fertile and prosperous as that of the Land of Fire?
After several rounds of discussion, more than half of the decision-making members immediately expressed their agreement.
“I support Tsuchikage-sama’s idea. If we miss this opportunity, who knows how long we’ll have to wait for another one?”
“Exactly. Our previous battle with Amegakure consumed quite a bit of our strength, but we didn’t suffer much in terms of actual combat power. This is the perfect opportunity to attack Konoha.”
“This time, we’re probably not the only ones eyeing Konoha. The other three great nations should also be considering an attack. If we act too late, another village may seize the initiative!”
…
…
Within just a few minutes, almost every member of the decision-making body had expressed support for launching a war against Konoha at this time.
At that moment, Roshi, the Four-Tails jinchuriki, who had remained silent since the beginning of the meeting, finally spoke.
“Launching a war against Konoha now is undoubtedly an act of taking advantage of their misfortune. Such an action will certainly provoke Konoha. If we choose to go to war, we’d better be prepared for the consequences.”
Onoki glanced at Roshi unhappily.
That guy always had to oppose him.
“Roshi, are you afraid of the enemy?” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
One of the decision-making members mocked him.
“Konoha is already this weak. No matter how we look at it, there’s no possibility of us losing. And you are currently the strongest shinobi in Iwagakure after Tsuchikage-sama. Could it be that you’ve already grown cowardly before the war has even begun?”
As jinchuriki, they were unpopular no matter which village they belonged to.
Even when they held high positions, it was still the same.
“I’m merely stating the facts.”
Roshi replied coldly.
“In that case, let’s vote.”
Onoki didn’t want to argue with Roshi any longer and said coldly, “Those who agree to launch a war against Konoha now, raise your hands.”
After saying this, Onoki raised his right hand first.
The more than ten members of the decision-making body in the conference room all raised their hands without exception, except Roshi.
“Good. Then it’s decided.”
Onoki smiled upon seeing this.
He was confident.
Even if they couldn’t completely take Konoha down, they would at least bite off a chunk of this fat piece of meat!
…
…
Meanwhile, what Yusuke hadn’t expected was that before he could even complete his sign-in at the Scroll of Seals, a new sign-in location notification had already sounded in his mind.
[New Sign-In Location Unlocked — Onoki of the Two Scales]
[Sign-In Reward — Perfect Mastery of Chakra Shape Transformation and Nature Transformation]
When he saw this reward, Yusuke couldn’t help but pause.
At first glance, this reward didn’t seem as outrageous as White Fang’s inheritance or the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But in terms of practical usefulness, it was in no way inferior to either of them.
After all, this ability could be applied to practically every ninjutsu.
Naruto’s strongest technique in his early days, Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, was developed after he perfectly mastered both shape transformation and nature transformation.
Sasuke’s Kagutsuchi was another typical example.
Although, to be honest, there was something a little off about Sasuke’s ability.
It simply didn’t have the same level of flair as Itachi’s Tsukuyomi.
“But why is the sign-in location Onoki? Could it be…”
Yusuke rubbed his chin, already having a vague idea.
Soon, he came up with a plan that could kill two birds with one stone…
No, three birds with one stone.
Another evil smile appeared on his face.
At that moment, several Konoha shinobi passing by noticed Yusuke’s smile and couldn’t help shivering.
They hurriedly quickened their pace and left.
Although the Nine-Tails leaving on its own had played a part in it, Yusuke could indeed be considered a hero who had helped Konoha survive a catastrophe.
However, unlike the Three Ninja or the future Minato Namikaze, he had not become a hero worshiped by everyone in the village.
Ultimately, it came down to Yusuke’s way of doing things.
The news that he had beaten several ANBU members to within an inch of their lives in broad daylight had already spread throughout the village, causing the civilians to both respect and fear him.
The shinobi, meanwhile, knew that Yusuke had specifically beaten the people who had once mocked and insulted him and White Fang.
Clearly, unlike White Fang, who would take a beating without fighting back and endure insults without answering them, Yusuke had a completely different personality.
Whoever dared to provoke Yusuke would immediately pay the price.
He had even dared to beat the Hokage’s own son without hesitation.
Let alone other shinobi.
As a result, the shinobi of Konoha had no admiration for Yusuke either.
They only feared him.
But that was exactly what Yusuke wanted.
You don’t need to respect me.
Just fear me!