Common Enemies

As the barrier enclosed the entire discussion scene, the slug hidden in the woods immediately used its visual-sharing ability to relay the situation. Due to the limited distance, it had to pass the information along several times before reaching the slug beside Fumori Masaki.

"Masaki-sama, something went wrong at the meeting site!" sensing the distress from its clones, the slug hurriedly informed Fumori Masaki.

Fumori Masaki realized that Golden Horn and Silver Horn had made their move, but Rimi, unaware of the situation, asked the slug, "What happened?"

"It's Golden Horn and Silver Horn. Their forces have surrounded the meeting scene with a barrier and seem intent on assassinating both Hokage and Raikage," the slug explained concisely.

Rimi was taken aback. Although she suspected that Golden Horn and Silver Horn might cause trouble, she didn't anticipate they would go as far as attempting to assassinate both village leaders. This could be one of the most tragic events in ninja history.

"We need to support them immediately, or there might be serious consequences," Fumori Masaki said. "Since Golden Horn and Silver Horn dare to assassinate, they must be well-prepared."

Rimi, confident in their strength, believed that joining forces with Raikage should ensure they wouldn't lose to Golden Horn and Silver Horn. Hearing Fumori Masaki's reasoning, she subconsciously accepted that things would unfold as Masaki predicted. From past experiences, Masaki's words had always come true.

Fumori Masaki informed his men of the situation and instructed them to relay the orders. He then headed towards the prisoner-of-war camp with Rimi following closely, carrying the slug and listening to it report further details. Upon learning that Golden Horn and Silver Horn were using the treasures inherited from the Sage of Six Paths, Rimi's eyes widened in shock. Knowing the power of the Bashōsen, combined with the other six treasures, they realized even the second Hokage and Raikage might be at risk.

The two quickly arrived at the prisoner-of-war camp. The Kumo ninjas, seeing Fumori Masaki, wondered if the negotiations had ended and if they were to be released.

"Everyone, you will be free soon," Masaki began. Before the Kumo ninjas could rejoice, he continued, "But not because the negotiations are over. There's been an incident, and we need your help."

The Kumo ninjas were puzzled. Why would their assistance be needed for peace talks? They were still technically prisoners, enemies of Konoha.

"Golden Horn and Silver Horn have staged a rebellion at the meeting, intending to assassinate both Hokage and Raikage. " Masaki explained "This is not a conspiracy. My summoning beast, prepared for such emergencies, reported this to me. Given the power of the Six Paths treasures they're using, even our leaders are in grave danger. Their troops are our common enemy now, so we need your strength."

The Kumo ninjas were skeptical. What Fumori Masaki said was shocking, but it seemed plausible. If true, they needed to help, not for Konoha's Hokage, but for their Raikage.

While the Kumo ninjas hesitated, Sora, the disciple of the second Raikage, couldn't remain still. She deeply cared for her teacher and trusted Masaki wouldn't lie about such a matter. She stepped forward and said, "Fumori Masaki, if what you say is true, I am willing to help."

"I assure you, it is true. Time is of the essence. Whoever wants to help, raise your hand, and we'll immediately release your seals so we can head to the meeting site," Masaki instructed.

Though some Kumo ninjas still harbored doubts, seeing Sora, the second Raikage's disciple, ready to act, they couldn't remain idle. Everyone raised their hands. Masaki gave a nod to the Hyuga and Uzumaki clan members, who quickly unsealed the Kumo ninjas. Feeling their chakras return, Sora asked, "Where to?"

"Follow us," Masaki replied, leading the combined forces of Konoha and Kumo ninjas. While some Konoha ninjas were still wary of their Kumo counterparts, they had no choice but to cooperate.

After explaining the cooperative effort with the Kumo ninjas, Fumori Masaki led the group towards the meeting site, continually receiving updates from the slugs to adjust their route as needed.

This was an advantage Kumo did not have. As the chaos caused by the Golden and Silver Horns spread, Kumo's forces had no idea their village was under siege. No one had managed to break through the barrier to send word.

The leader of Kumo's army, the future Third Raikage, was growing increasingly anxious. He had been specially trained by the Second Raikage as his successor, a role he was more than capable of fulfilling. Now, however, the actions of the Golden and Silver Horns had thrown everything into disarray.

"The two brothers are truly despicable, causing such chaos now," he fumed, knowing Golden Horn and Silver Horn had likely set an ambush.

" Move!" he ordered, leading his troops toward the meeting site. However, without information about the barrier or the precise location of the ambush, they were at a disadvantage. They could only hope they would arrive in time.

While Konoha ninjas didn't faced the same dilemma, Fumori Masaki's connection with the slugs ensured they could find the target quickly.

In normal timeline, without any preparations, someone had to stay behind as bait, leading to Tobirama's death. Now, history had quietly changed—Tobirama and the second Raikage's fates would be different.

###

Meanwhile, at the meeting site, chaos reigned. After sealing the Second Raikage, the Golden and Silver Horns were in pursuit of Tobirama and his team. The Raikage's guards had attempted to save their leader, However, against Golden Horn, Silver Horn, and their numerous troops, they were quickly overwhelmed. Though Kinkaku wanted to annihilate them all, he was wary of straying too far from the scene and had left a small group behind to continue to surround and suppress the guards.

Kinkaku glanced at the crimson gourd on his waist, thinking about the sealed Second Raikage. He briefly considered killing him outright, but releasing and executing a Kage would take time—time he couldn't spare at the moment. He'd deal with it after catching up with Tobirama. Deciding to pursue the escapees, thanks to this he temporarily spared the second Raikage's life.

Kinkaku and Ginkaku continued their pursuit of Tobirama's group, intent on finishing them off.

Tobirama and his team used the woods for cover, but Golden Horn and Silver Horn's troops were relentless in their pursuit. Eventually, Tobirama and his team couldn't move further unless someone could delay their pursuers.

Finding a temporary safe spot, Tobirama sensed the chakras of Golden Horn and Silver Horn and judged their numbers. He didn't suggest leaving someone as bait because his sharp sensory abilities told him help was near—Masaki's forces were closing in.

Instead of stalling, Tobirama began formulating a plan to work with Fumori Masaki and turn the tide of battle. This time, history would change. The fate of Tobirama and the Second Raikage was no longer sealed.