"Lord Raikage, the strategy we set before is no longer suitable."
Dodai's tone was weighty with concern. They had already formulated operational plans for the Second Great Ninja War, which would inevitably require sacrifices. However, the emergence of firearms now offered a drastically different path forward.
"It's indeed no longer appropriate."
The Third Raikage nodded solemnly. He understood full well that their current strategy, rooted in traditional combat methods, would need revision.
"These firearms are revolutionary. They require minimal chakra control and can be wielded even by low-ranking shinobi. With enough resources and training, they can be mass-produced on a national scale.
And if word of this spreads to the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning..."
Dodai trailed off. This wasn't a matter he could decide alone. It was up to the Raikage.
The Third Raikage fell silent, brows furrowed as he weighed the implications. After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"Years ago, when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha founded Konohagakure, they changed the world by centralizing power into military villages. The Land of Fire's Daimyo supported the creation of the Hidden Leaf, and the other great nations, including our Land of Lightning, had no choice but to follow suit, establishing our own ninja villages."
He spoke with a grim expression, clearly recalling the time before the Warring States Period ended.
"I never understood why Hashirama, despite possessing power akin to a god, would leave a political power structure intact that kept the Daimyo above the ninja. With the strength of the Wood Style and Madara's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, they could've unified the entire shinobi world permanently."
Indeed, it was only after Hashirama's death and Madara's betrayal that war resurfaced. The First Great Ninja War erupted soon after, proving that the village system hadn't created peace—only delayed conflict.
The Third Raikage's voice grew colder.
"The first war already revealed the flaws in this system. And now, the Second Great Ninja War is brewing. The scale of destruction will only continue to grow. In some ways, this is worse than the Warring States era. Back then, skirmishes were small-scale. Now, entire villages mobilize, and entire countries bleed."
He clenched his fists.
"Make no mistake, Dodai. If there can be only one ruling power—the Daimyo or the Ninja Village—then I choose the village, every time."
Dodai wasn't surprised. He knew the Raikage's resolve.
"In that case, we must ensure the secrecy of the firearms project. Research and development cannot remain here in the village. I propose relocating the project to the Genbu Sanctuary on Turtle Island."
Turtle Island—an enormous, mobile giant turtle—served as a hidden haven. Its ability to submerge and move across vast ocean distances made it ideal for clandestine operations.
"You take charge of that."
The Raikage gave his approval without hesitation. Not a single detail could be leaked.
"The technology Hao proposed isn't feasible with our current capabilities. Without advanced sealing techniques, especially chakra storage and recoil management, progress will stall."
Dodai pointed to the real crux of the problem: the sealing arts.
"Then we'll deepen our involvement in the Whirlpool Country project. I'll lead the strike personally."
The Raikage's eyes glinted with determination.
The Uzumaki clan of the now-isolated Uzushiogakure were unparalleled in sealing techniques. Long ago, they had close ties with Konohagakure—after all, Mito Uzumaki, the wife of the First Hokage, had sealed the Nine-Tails within herself, becoming the first Jinchūriki of Kurama.
The First Great Ninja War had seen the Uzumaki sealing techniques on full display. Mito's Jinchūriki transformation had stopped countless enemy advances, showing how sealing arts could rival even the raw power of the tailed beasts themselves.
After witnessing this, all the great villages began seeking similar methods to stabilize their own Jinchūriki.
"Though we acquired tailed beasts from Konoha during the First Kage Summit, we've failed to fully utilize them," Dodai said. "The beasts are volatile. We spend more resources suppressing them than benefiting from them."
But there was a solution—one Konoha had long ago implemented.
"If we want to weaponize the tailed beasts reliably, we must master sealing. And for that, we need the Uzumaki clan."
Dodai continued.
"According to our latest intelligence, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, has already sent emissaries multiple times, trying to coax the Uzumaki to relocate to Konoha. With Mito Uzumaki aging, the Nine-Tails' stability is at risk. Hiruzen's patience may be wearing thin."
He paused for emphasis.
"Most advanced Uzumaki seals demand massive chakra reserves. Their bloodline helps, but they're not widely applicable. We can't simply study them—we must acquire them. And to do that, we need to sever their alliance with Konoha."
"Do you have a plan?" the Raikage asked.
Dodai nodded.
"If I use my position as your student, and arrange for 'Konoha's cooperation,' we might sway the Uzumaki—perhaps even fracture their loyalty."
Originally, their aim had been to obtain a sealing technique strong enough to secure the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails. Now, with firearms on the table, they required even more. New ambitions demanded new strategies.
"Make the arrangements," the Raikage said.
Dodai bowed. Despite his youth, he had always been the Raikage's most trusted strategist.
Suddenly, the Raikage's eyes narrowed.
"Do you think Shimura Danzo is behind this? Is it possible that Tamura Hao's invention was orchestrated by Konoha, and they've already stockpiled superior firearms?"
This was a critical concern. If Konoha had firearms and had disguised them as an accidental leak, the war's outcome could be catastrophic for the Hidden Cloud.
Dodai shook his head.
"It's unlikely. Danzo is radical, yes—but firearms fundamentally decentralize power. Danzo would never encourage mass production of a weapon anyone could use. And Sarutobi Hiruzen is a pacifist and micromanager. Even if they had such weapons, they would hoard them for Root, not public distribution. We can verify this by monitoring steel shipments."
The Raikage smiled.
"In that case, it seems we've truly found a treasure in Tamura Hao."
He laughed heartily, pounding his chest.
"Shimura Danzo is such a good man!"