Chapter 30: The Gathering Storm
Sorry guys, the internet is so unstable today. And I've been busy doing my laundry, cooking, cleaning the place and then do some voice recording for a video project. So this is the only chapter for the day, tomorrow if I'm not busy I'll update more than one chapter.
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The journey from Kumogakure to the borders of Uzushiogakure had been swift but intense. Kumogakure's army, led by A and reinforced by Ei, B, and their elite forces, pressed forward through thick forests and winding mountain paths. There was no time for rest; the urgency of their mission drove them onward. The Raikage's orders were clear—reach the borders of Uzushiogakure and meet with the other villages before the invasion.
As they neared their destination, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with the tension of impending conflict. Every shinobi in the Kumogakure army could feel it—the anticipation, the danger, the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
A, walking at the front of the army, exuded confidence as usual. His towering frame cut through the misty morning air, his piercing gaze locked on the horizon. Beside him, Ei kept a steady pace, her senses heightened and her mind focused. B, his eight swords strapped to his back, hummed softly to himself, the weight of his bijuu barely noticeable as he kept his usual carefree attitude.
The forces of Kumogakure were not alone on this mission. Ahead of them lay the meeting point—an open valley just outside the borders of Uzushiogakure. It was there that the armies of the Five Great Nations, alongside Amegakure's forces, would gather for this unprecedented alliance. For many, the concept of the villages working together was strange, even unnatural. They had spent years fighting against each other, but now they were united by a common goal—raiding Uzushiogakure for its secrets.
As the Kumogakure army crested the final hill, the valley came into view. What lay before them was a sight to behold.
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The valley stretched out before them, vast and wide, with hills rising up on either side like natural barriers. At the center, five distinct armies were beginning to assemble. Banners waved in the wind, each one bearing the insignia of a different village—Kumogakure's cloud, Iwagakure's stone, Kirigakure's mist, Sunagakure's sand, and Amegakure's rain.
A massive force of shinobi from all corners of the world had gathered here, drawn by the lure of Uzushiogakure's legendary sealing techniques. It was a momentous event, though under a dark and ominous pretext. These were not allies standing together out of mutual respect; they were temporary partners in a shared crime, each village hoping to gain more than the others.
As Kumogakure's forces moved into position on the edge of the valley, A raised his hand, signaling a halt. The shinobi behind him stopped instantly, their disciplined movements in perfect synchronization. Ei, standing beside her brother, scanned the area, her sharp eyes picking out the other village leaders.
Directly ahead of them, the Sunagakure army was already in position. At the front stood Rasa, the Third Kazekage's successor and a man known for his mastery over the Gold Dust. His expression was cold, calculating, his eyes scanning the battlefield as though he were already formulating a strategy. The Kazekage's presence was imposing, his command over his forces absolute. Sunagakure's shinobi stood in tight formation, their discipline rivaling that of Kumogakure's own elite forces.
To the right, the Kirigakure army was beginning to assemble. At the head of the Mist Village forces stood Yagura, the infamous Three-Tails jinchūriki. Yagura's presence was unsettling—his small stature contrasted sharply with the immense power he held within him. His gaze was distant, almost detached, as if he were already lost in thought about the upcoming battle. The Kirigakure shinobi behind him were a grim and hardened force, known for their ruthless efficiency in battle.
On the far left, the forces of Iwagakure were gathering under the command of Kitsuchi, the second son of the Third Tsuchikage, and the man who had saved Ōnoki during their last encounter. Kitsuchi was every bit as formidable as his father, his mastery of Earth Release jutsu making him a force to be reckoned with. His army stood tall and unyielding, their presence a stark reminder of the ongoing war between Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
Finally, the forces of Amegakure had taken their position on the far side of the valley, led by Hattori, one of Hanzo's most trusted generals. Though Amegakure was a smaller village compared to the other great nations, its forces were not to be underestimated. Their rain-soaked uniforms and dark expressions reflected the harsh, war-torn environment from which they hailed. Hattori stood at the front, his eyes narrowed as he watched the other village leaders. He had the air of a man who trusted no one and expected betrayal at every turn.
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As the leaders of the five armies gathered near the center of the valley, the tension between them was palpable. They stood in a loose circle, each leader flanked by their most trusted advisors. A took his place next to Ei and B, towering over many of the others, his arms crossed as he surveyed the scene.
Rasa was the first to speak, his voice smooth but laced with an underlying edge. "The plan is straightforward. We hit Uzushiogakure hard and fast, take what we need, and get out before Konoha can react."
Yagura nodded slightly, though his expression remained neutral. "Konoha will be distracted with the Land of Sky's attacks, but we cannot underestimate them. If they do get wind of this, we'll need to move quickly."
A grunted in agreement, his voice low and rumbling. "Konoha's busy with the war at the Ame border. They won't have the manpower to interfere, but that doesn't mean we can afford to be sloppy."
Hattori, standing with his arms folded, gave a small nod. "Hanzo's diversion will keep them occupied, but make no mistake, if we linger too long, Konoha will respond. We need to be in and out before that happens."
Ei stood quietly beside A, her mind focused on the task ahead. The raid on Uzushiogakure would be dangerous, but it was a necessary step to secure Kumogakure's future. She could sense the mistrust between the villages, despite their temporary alliance. Each leader was here for their own gain, and none of them would hesitate to turn on the others if it meant securing the best spoils.
Rasa, his arms crossed over his chest, glanced at the other leaders. "We'll begin the assault at dawn. My forces will attack from the west, while Kirigakure strikes from the north. Kumogakure and Amegakure will take the south and east, respectively. Iwagakure will handle the initial breach."
A gave a curt nod, his eyes narrowing. "Understood. My forces are ready."
Kitsuchi, standing beside his Iwagakure forces, nodded solemnly. "We'll clear the path. Be ready to move in quickly."
With that, the leaders dispersed, each returning to their respective armies to prepare for the coming assault. As A, Ei, and B made their way back to their own forces, Ei couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. The raid was a dangerous gamble, and while the rewards could be great, the risks were just as high.
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As night fell over the valley, the armies of the Five Great Nations and Amegakure settled into their positions. The sounds of sharpening blades, quiet conversations, and final preparations filled the air. The tension was thick, each shinobi knowing that by dawn, they would be launching an all-out assault on one of the most secretive and powerful villages in the world.
Ei stood at the edge of the Kumogakure camp, staring out into the darkness. Her thoughts were racing, her mind already preparing for the battle to come. She glanced over at A, who stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. B, ever the lighthearted one, was sharpening his blades, humming softly to himself as he did.
Tomorrow, the raid on Uzushiogakure would begin, and the world would never be the same.
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End of Chapter 30