Chapter 125

"Those assholes! Raikage is a brute, Hokage is a clueless Sarutobi, and Kazekage is a sly fox. They criticize others every day, but look at what they're actually doing. It's embarrassing," Third-Tsuchikage Onoki muttered angrily inside the Tsuchikage building in Iwagakure. He scolded the leaders of several other villages repeatedly, causing unease among the high-ranking officials of Iwagakure.

"What's happening with our Shinōbi forces? What is that old fool, Kurotsuchi, doing?" Onoki's face grew increasingly grim as he stared at the map of the Shinōbi World. The Land of Thunder, Land of Fire, and Land of Wind were all amassing troops at the borders, ready to strike if he made a move. The problem was that he held a deep grudge against these three villages.

"I am consolidating the results of the battle in Ame no Kuni. You know that we also need to regulate the water flow in order to improve the environment," a cautious and solemn elder from Iwagakure village spoke up. Everyone was well aware of Onoki's volatile temper, so it was best to tread carefully to avoid provoking him.

"Ame no Kuni?" Onoki pondered for a moment, considering the environmental improvements needed in the Land of Earth. It was one of their national policies, and they had witnessed the positive effects of Sunagakure's reforms. If they could divert water for irrigation, their land would flourish, and they could sustain a larger population.

"Let me lead half of our Shinōbi forces toward Kumogakure, and have Kitsuchi lead a quarter toward Konoha. Send a small team to support Sunagakure, and transfer three thousand Shinōbi from the other Hidden Villages to reinforce them," Onoki decided, contemplating his plan.

"Enough talk. We must participate in this Ninja War, or they'll launch a joint attack on us next time," Onoki's eyes burned with determination. He understood that the Five Great Hidden Villages were all in a state of mutual constraint, and no one could act independently. Being left unscathed was impossible, but being annihilated was not an option either.

The others sighed and left to execute Onoki's orders.

"Shodai Hokage's plan is partially realized. The Five Great Hidden Villages are constraining each other, momentarily maintaining a semblance of peace. But this kind of peace is nothing more than a farce," Onoki scoffed, disdain evident on his face and in his heart.

Meanwhile, fierce battles raged between Iwagakure and Kumogakure Shinōbi at the border of Raito Ryogoku.

"Lightning Style: Earth Walk!"

"Earth Release: Earth Pillar!"

"Lightning Style: Thunder Light Beam!"

"Earth Release: Earth Array!"

...

Thunder crackled, and the earth trembled as dangerous Ninjutsu techniques were unleashed. The destructive impact on the terrain was astounding. Highly trained Shinōbi skillfully combined their Ninjutsu skills, leading to immediate clashes upon meeting.

Jonin attacked, Chunin screened, and Genin threw shuriken, escalating the intensity of the battle. On another battlefield, the pinnacle of Kage-level experts engaged in fierce combat.

"Every time I visit the Shinōbi World, my desire to destroy this world grows stronger. War, war, endless war. Peace has become a meaningless term," Uchiha Madara mused as he stood atop a mountain, observing the intense fighting below.

"Even Sunagakure, which has achieved prosperity, is still engaged in conflict. There is no room for peace in this vast Shinōbi World. It's utterly ridiculous," Madara, a philosopher, thinker, reformer, and conspirator, expressed his sentiments towards the Shinōbi World. However, his perspective made others want to knock some sense into him.

Despite being the mastermind behind the events in the Shinōbi World, he portrayed himself as independent and aggressive, which made others uncomfortable.

"Madara-sama, your lunch is here," Tobi, in contrast to Madara's demeanor, eagerly looked forward to his meals each day, especially the new canned food from Sunagakure.

"Oh, what do we have today?" Madara turned his head when Tobi called him to eat and inquired about the contents of the lunch box that Tobi held.

"Today, we have vegetable porridge and meat buns. White Zetsu bought them from Sunagakure," Tobi replied with a smile.

White Zetsu not only gathered information but also delivered food swiftly. With White Zetsu's Earth Release, escape was impossible.

"Very well. Next time, I'll ask him to buy a roasted chicken. And if he can find some fruit wine, that would be even better. It'll make for a delightful meal," Madara expressed his satisfaction as he opened the lunch box and observed the simple but satisfying meal inside. Each day, someone brought him food, and he found immense happiness in this small pleasure.

"Alright, I'll inform him. Don't worry, Madara-sama," Tobi quickly nodded. He was ready to add his own requests when delivering Madara's orders. White Zetsu had no choice but to comply.

Tobi, pleased with his own wit, took delight in the thought that he had cleverly outsmarted Black White Zetsu, who had previously looked down on him.

"First, make a list of what you want to eat, and we'll discuss it with Jue later. I'll ensure it's taken care of. Hmph, this time Madara-sama's order will prove that I'm right, and you won't be able to refute me, you foolish Yin-Yang-faced fool. I'm ashamed to be related to you, you unappreciative fool!" Tobi mentally celebrated his small victory over Black White Zetsu's disdain in their last encounter.

Somewhere underground, Tobi and Black White Zetsu faced each other.

"Madara-sama wants to eat roasted chicken, fruit wine, and various candies and sweets. Make sure to prepare them promptly," Tobi arrogantly informed Black White Zetsu.

Black White Zetsu stared at Tobi, dumbfounded by his foolishness. "Do you think I'm a fool? Candies and sweets are your preferences, not Madara-sama's."

With an inward sigh, Black White Zetsu was ashamed of his White Zetsu relatives.

"Understood. Anything else you'd like to add? Let's discuss it all at once," Black White Zetsu asked casually, not wanting to engage in further conversation with Tobi.

Excited, Tobi began listing numerous dishes he wanted: "I also want grilled lizard meat, fruit salad, fried chicken legs, pancakes, and more. Make sure you prepare them as soon as possible."

Black White Zetsu glanced at Tobi speechlessly, realizing how much of a glutton he was. He turned and left, not wanting to spend any more time there. If it weren't for Tobi's combat abilities, his ability to transform into battle attire and assist Madara, Black White Zetsu wouldn't even bother saving him.

Inwardly, Black White Zetsu resolved to plant a tree for Tobi, feeling embarrassed to be associated with him.