Golden Horn and Silver Horn Operation 2

Masaki Fumori found himself hesitating on a crucial decision—whether to eliminate the Golden Horn and Silver Horn during this mission and prevent a rebellion before it begins. On the surface, it seemed like a straightforward choice. However, Masaki couldn't shake the feeling that the rebellion these two might incite wasn't entirely a bad thing. If the Golden Horn and Silver Horn were to rebel after an alliance between the two countries, it could lead to a civil war in Kumo, weakening their forces. This could allow Konoha to extract itself from the conflict without continuing to deplete its own resources.

Masaki was conflicted. While the idea of a rebellion appealed to him strategically, the potential risks were daunting. He didn't want to risk a situation where things spiraled out of control, leading to dire consequences for Konoha—like Tobirama's death in the manga. Even though he knew the rebellion was inevitable, Masaki still worried about the possible outcomes.

In his current mission, Masaki only had a moderate level of confidence in killing the Golden Horn and Silver Horn. He knew that if they unleashed the power of the Nine-Tails, the battle would become nearly impossible to win. The key was to strike before they could fully access that power. On the other hand, at the upcoming alliance ceremony, with two Kages present, victory would be far more likely, even against chakra-enhanced foes.

Unsure of the best course of action, Masaki decided to take it one step at a time and assess the situation as it unfolded.

To prepare, Masaki requested updated intelligence on the Golden Horn and Silver Horn, analyzing their combat abilities and the capabilities of their guards. During this review, he discovered that the Silver Horn had recently begun using a fan-shaped ninja tool that could manipulate fire and lightning chakra.

"This fan…" Masaki's eyes widened slightly.

"Yeah, it's supposed to be incredibly powerful," Hyūga Kei noted, noticing Masaki's interest. "With just that fan, he can manipulate powerful chakra properties. I've never heard of anyone creating something like that."

Masaki knew exactly what the fan was—a legendary treasure passed down by the Sage of Six Paths, known as Bashōsen (Leaf Fan). Although its name came from a different country in the other world Masaki hailed from, its abilities were unique to this world. Bashōsen (Leaf Fan) could manipulate all five chakra natures, not just fire and lightning.

On the battlefield, Silver Horn had only demonstrated fire and lightning properties, leading many to believe those were its limits. In reality, Bashōsen (Leaf Fan) could harness all five chakra natures, making it an incredibly dangerous weapon.

Masaki hadn't expected Silver Horn to start using one of the Sage's treasures. The brothers hadn't used these items before, so even Kumo was likely unaware of their full power. Masaki suspected that the Second Raikage and Hokage were caught off guard by these treasures, which played a significant role in their demise. If Masaki didn't fully understand the Six Paths treasures, even Hashirama and Madara could have been caught off guard.

But it made sense that Silver Horn would rely on the Leaf Fan now. He had lost an arm, making it impossible to use ninjutsu requiring hand seals. Without mastering one-handed seals, Silver Horn was forced to rely on the fan for long-range attacks to maintain his combat effectiveness.

According to intelligence, Golden Horn charged ahead in battle while Silver Horn supported him from the rear with the Leaf Fan. This synergy between the brothers had proven to be a significant problem for Konoha.

"We need to counter the fan's ability to transform chakra properties effortlessly," Masaki said. "It's likely that it can manipulate all five chakra natures."

"If that's true, it's a huge problem," Yamanaka Takuma grimaced. "If it can switch between all five chakra properties, it can counter any jutsu we throw at it."

Masaki silently agreed. The Leaf Fan was troublesome because of its versatility. It could use any chakra nature needed to counter an attack. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, it even wiped out Kakuzu's Masked Beasts with ease.

"We'll need to use compound ninjutsu," Masaki said. "Even if one chakra nature isn't enough, alternating between multiple types might block its attacks."

Sarutobi Konosuke could manipulate fire and earth, while Rimi specialized in water. Masaki himself controlled wind, but none of them could handle lightning chakra. However, with compound ninjutsu, they might still manage to counter the Leaf Fan's abilities.

With a plan in place, Masaki focused on the Golden Horn. Unlike his brother, Silver Horn was more hesitant and relied heavily on his elder sibling. Golden Horn, on the other hand, was far more ruthless and determined.

"I'll take on Golden Horn alone," Masaki decided. "Since Silver Horn will be using the fan from a distance, it'll be harder to approach him. Kei, Konosuke, and Takuma will handle Silver Horn. Rimi and Shigeru will deal with the other guards. Risa will be on standby to assist where needed. Any objections?"

The others shook their heads.

"Good. Let's practice our strategies and refine our combat techniques. We'll need to be sharp when we face them on the battlefield."

After days of preparation, Masaki's team entered the battlefield. For Masaki and Rimi, it had been a long time since they'd faced a conflict of this scale. Although they had previously fought in small skirmishes, this war demanded a higher level of intensity. However, their experience quickly brought them back into the rhythm of combat. With the support of other ninja squads, Masaki's wind release techniques carved through the battlefield, leaving Kumo squads defeated in his wake.

Masaki chose a location where Golden Horn and Silver Horn were likely to appear. The brothers' high-profile behavior made them easier to predict than other enemies. Before long, word of Masaki's return to the battlefield reached Golden Horn and Silver Horn.

"Hahaha!" Silver Horn laughed maniacally when he heard the news. He swung his massive fan, sending a wave of destructive flames across the battlefield. Some Konoha ninjas were caught in the blaze, killed instantly.

After venting his rage, Silver Horn gritted his teeth. "Fumori Masaki, you're finally here. You won't get away this time."

"Exactly, Silver Horn," Golden Horn agreed, though his demeanor was colder and more calculated. "No one can harm my brother and walk away unscathed."

With that, Golden Horn called out to his subordinates and started moving toward Masaki's position. A Kumo ninja quickly blocked his path, urging him to reconsider.

"Kinkaku-sama, you shouldn't leave this area. It will disrupt Raikage-sama's plan."

"Out of my way!" Golden Horn snapped. "That kid is Tobirama's student and a Konoha ninja. Killing him will devastate Konoha's morale and remove a major threat. Isn't that more important?"

"But Raikage-sama's plan is crucial for a larger strategic goal. Although Fumori Masaki is important, he's not worth jeopardizing the plan," the Kumo ninja insisted.

"He also chopped off one of my brother's hands! That's more important than any plan," Golden Horn retorted. Seeing that the Kumo ninja was about to protest further, Golden Horn's eyes flashed with anger. He struck the man across the face, sending him sprawling.

The Kumo ninja crumpled to the ground, blood leaking from his mouth. Without sparing him a glance, Golden Horn continued on his way. Silver Horn, following close behind, grinned and stomped on the downed ninja, eliciting a cry of pain.

"Remember this: don't use Raikage to pressure us. In terms of seniority, he's nothing compared to us," Silver Horn warned before catching up with his brother.

The other Kumo ninjas loyal to Golden Horn and Silver Horn followed them, but the remaining ones, loyal to Raikage, hesitated. Some tended to the injured ninja, while others rushed to inform the Second Raikage of the situation.

When the Second Raikage heard the news, he was furious. The Golden and Silver Brothers had been more restrained when the First Raikage was alive, but since his passing, their behavior had grown increasingly arrogant. Now, they were ignoring strategic plans to settle personal scores. Worse, Masaki Fumori's high-profile actions seemed almost too deliberate, as if he wanted to lure the brothers out.

Like Tobirama, the Second Raikage was a clear-headed strategist. He quickly deduced that Masaki's actions were a ploy to draw out Golden Horn and Silver Horn, creating a trap.

However, despite recognizing the danger, the Second Raikage knew the brothers' pride wouldn't let them ignore the bait. They'd take the risk, even if it meant walking straight into a trap.

At first, the Second Raikage considered intervening, but then he hesitated. To end the war quickly, he needed a significant defeat to justify stopping the conflict. The Golden and Silver Brothers' arrogance presented an opportunity. If they were humbled, it would weaken their influence, ensuring Kumo's stability post-war.

The Second Raikage ultimately decided to let the brothers suffer, though he wouldn't allow them to be completely defeated. He would help them, but only after they had been sufficiently weakened.