Chapter 29: A New Storm on the Horizon
This the last chapter for the day. I'm so tired, I'm still eating my dinner right now. Even my manager is scolding me, because I'm way too busy.
---
The Third Raikage sat in his office, his broad hands holding an intricately sealed scroll, the contents weighing heavily on his mind. It was an invitation from Hanzo of the Salamander, proposing a raid on Uzushiogakure. The village was famed for its mastery of fuinjutsu, a treasure trove of sealing techniques and knowledge that any nation would covet. Hanzo's plan was as audacious as it was dangerous, and it came at a time when Kumogakure was already embroiled in a fierce war with Iwagakure.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. His aide entered swiftly, bowing low. "Raikage-sama, we have received intelligence from the border. Onoki has accepted Hanzo's invitation. Iwagakure will join the raid on Uzushiogakure."
The Raikage's face hardened. This was exactly what he had feared. The war with Iwagakure had been brutal, and although he had bested the Tsuchikage in their last encounter, the losses on both sides had been significant. If Iwagakure succeeded in obtaining Uzushiogakure's resources and sealing techniques, it could tip the scales in their favor. Kumogakure couldn't afford to let that happen.
He clenched his fists, the muscles in his arms tensing beneath his robes. "Prepare my response to Hanzo. I will give my answer soon."
But before he could make any final decisions, his thoughts turned to his daughter, Ei. She had expended nearly all her chakra in the last battle, unleashing her full power in a desperate move that had left her unconscious. Although she hadn't sustained any physical injuries, her chakra reserves had been utterly depleted. She had only recently regained consciousness, and despite her exhaustion, she was already itching to return to the battlefield.
The Raikage stood up, his large frame casting a long shadow across the room. He needed to check on Ei before making his final decision. She was strong, but he couldn't ignore the toll the last battle had taken on her.
---
Ei sat up in her hospital bed, her hands clenched into fists as she stared at the bandages wrapped around her arms. She wasn't injured—her body was fine—but the overwhelming depletion of her chakra still left her feeling hollow. Her reserves had been completely drained in that last battle, when she had unleashed Musou no Hitotachi, a technique that demanded more from her than she had ever given before.
Her thoughts were turbulent, filled with frustration and impatience. She had pushed herself to the limit, and still, it hadn't been enough. She needed more strength, more power. The battles ahead wouldn't wait for her to recover at a leisurely pace. Kumogakure was at war, and she needed to be ready.
*I must get stronger,* she thought, her violet eyes narrowing in determination. Her heart pounded as she mentally replayed the battle in her head. If only she had more chakra. If only she had been more prepared.
Just then, the door slid open, and the massive form of her father, the Third Raikage, stepped inside. His presence was commanding, his eyes sharp as they landed on his daughter.
"So, you're awake," he said, his voice a deep rumble. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Ei replied, though the frustration in her voice was clear. "I just need more time. I'll recover my chakra soon."
The Raikage's eyes softened, though his expression remained stern. "You pushed yourself to the edge. It's good that you're eager to fight again, but you can't rely on brute strength alone. Power needs control. You'll need to balance that if you're going to survive in the wars ahead."
"I know," Ei muttered, her fists tightening. "But I can't just sit here. I need to do more. I need to be stronger."
The Raikage crossed his arms, watching her carefully. Her resolve was unmistakable, and it was something he respected deeply in her. But there was also a recklessness in her drive, a desperation that could lead her to make dangerous mistakes. Still, she had proven herself time and again, and he had no doubt that she would continue to grow stronger. But for now, she needed to rest.
"You'll have your chance," the Raikage said. "But for now, rest. You've done enough."
Ei wanted to protest, but she knew her father's word was final. She leaned back in the bed, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. She would recover, and when she did, she would be ready for whatever came next.
---
A week passed, and the tension in Kumogakure continued to grow. The village was on high alert, the war with Iwagakure looming over every decision. The Raikage had spent the week carefully weighing his options, knowing that whatever choice he made could have lasting consequences for the future of the village.
Hanzo's invitation was bold—an opportunity to gain invaluable resources from Uzushiogakure. But the risk was immense. If they joined the raid and failed, it would leave Kumogakure vulnerable. And yet, if Iwagakure succeeded in obtaining Uzushiogakure's resources, it would give Onoki the advantage he needed to turn the tide of the war in his favor.
It was a risk the Raikage couldn't afford to ignore. With a heavy heart, he made his decision.
---
In the Raikage's office, the atmosphere was tense as A, B, and Ei stood before their father. The Raikage sat behind his desk, his powerful hands resting on the surface as he regarded his children with a serious expression.
"We have been invited to join a raid on Uzushiogakure," the Raikage began. "Hanzo of the Salamander has called upon the hidden villages to attack Uzushiogakure and claim their seals and resources. Onoki has already agreed to join, and I believe Iwagakure will make a move soon."
Ei's heart raced as she listened, her mind immediately jumping to the possibilities. She had heard of Uzushiogakure's sealing techniques—legendary jutsu that could turn the tide of battle in an instant. The idea of obtaining such power was thrilling, but it also carried an undeniable weight.
"Why are we joining the raid?" A asked, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "Isn't it risky to spread ourselves too thin while we're still fighting Iwagakure?"
The Raikage's eyes narrowed. "If Iwagakure gains those resources, it will give Onoki the advantage in the war. We cannot let that happen. And besides, Kumogakure needs those resources as much as anyone. The war with Iwagakure has drained our supplies, and if we're to continue fighting, we'll need to take this opportunity."
B grinned, his usual carefree attitude showing through. "Heh, I'm ready for anything. If we're goin', I'm all in!"
Ei's gaze hardened with determination. "I'll join you, Father. Whatever it takes, we can't let Iwagakure get ahead of us."
The Raikage nodded approvingly. "Good. I knew I could count on you. This raid is about more than just gaining resources—it's about showing the other villages that Kumogakure is still strong. Onoki may think he has the upper hand, but we'll show him that we're not to be underestimated."
He leaned forward, his eyes locking with Ei's. "You've grown stronger, but you'll need to be at your best for what's coming. There's no room for mistakes."
Ei nodded firmly, her mind already racing with thoughts of how she could push herself further. She had a week to fully recover, to hone her abilities and replenish her chakra. She wouldn't let her father down, and she certainly wouldn't let Iwagakure walk away with Uzushiogakure's secrets.
"Prepare yourselves," the Raikage said. "In one week, we leave for Uzushiogakure."
---
As Ei, A, and B walked through the corridors of Kumogakure's administrative building, the gravity of the upcoming raid weighed heavily on Ei's mind. She glanced at her brothers, each of them walking with purpose. A, the future Raikage, walked ahead with his usual confidence, while B hummed quietly to himself, unphased by the tension.
But Ei couldn't shake the feeling that this mission was different. It wasn't just another battle; it was a race for power, and the stakes were higher than they had ever been. If Kumogakure failed, the war with Iwagakure could take a turn for the worse.
As they stepped outside, the sunlight bathed the village in a soft glow, but Ei's thoughts were far from peaceful. She knew that her father trusted her strength, but she couldn't help but feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on her. She had proven herself time and time again, but this raid was unlike any challenge she had faced before.
A suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning to face his siblings. "Ei," he said, his voice gruff. "Don't overdo it this time. You know you don't have the chakra reserves to pull off Musou no Hitotachi more than once."
Ei met his gaze, her violet eyes flashing with determination. "I know my limits, A. But I won't hold back when it matters."
A grunted in response, crossing his arms. "Just don't get yourself killed. We can't afford to lose you."
B threw an arm around Ei's shoulders, his usual grin spreading across his face. "Heh, don't worry about her, A. Ei's tough. She's got that lightning spark, y'know? We're gonna rock this raid, just wait."
Despite herself, Ei smiled at B's carefree attitude. He always knew how to lighten the mood, even in the most serious situations. Still, her thoughts were already turning toward the battle ahead, and the preparations she would need to make.
---
The week before the raid passed in a blur. Kumogakure's forces were being mobilized, elite squads being handpicked by the Raikage himself. The village was buzzing with activity as shinobi gathered supplies, repaired their weapons, and prepared for the mission ahead.
Ei spent her days in intense training, pushing her chakra reserves to their limits. Though she had recovered from her last battle, she still needed to refine her control over her lightning chakra. Musou no Hitotachi was her ace, but she couldn't rely on it recklessly.
At night, she would sit alone, staring at the distant mountains, her mind focused on the upcoming raid. She knew that Iwagakure would be a formidable opponent, and with Onoki himself joining the raid, the battle would be anything but easy. But Ei welcomed the challenge. She had to grow stronger, and this raid was the perfect opportunity to test her limits.
---
As the final hours before the raid approached, Kumogakure's forces were in full preparation mode. The Raikage's elite squads were sharpening their weapons, sealing their scrolls, and mentally preparing for the task ahead. The tension in the air was palpable.
Ei spent the final night before the raid meditating, focusing her mind and chakra. She couldn't afford to be distracted. This was her moment to prove herself—to her father, to her village, and to herself.
As dawn broke on the day of the raid, Ei stood alongside A and B at the gates of Kumogakure, the Raikage's towering figure ahead of them. Their father looked back at them, his eyes full of determination.
"Remember," the Raikage said, his voice carrying authority, "we're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for the future of Kumogakure. Don't forget that."
With those words, the Raikage turned, and their forces began to move out. The raid on Uzushiogakure was about to begin, and Ei knew that whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on.
End of Chapter 29.