Chapter 29: Chapter 29
In the hidden research facility deep within the heart of Kumo, surrounded by tight security and sealed off from any external sensing abilities, the Raikage, Ay, and the Tsuchikage, Onoki, met in secret. Both Kage had long understood the delicate balance of power in the shinobi world, but recent events and the growing dominance of Konoha, especially with Naruto Uzumaki, had pushed them to the edge. The emergence of Naruto's power had shifted the entire landscape of the shinobi world, and Ay and Onoki were determined to find a way to restore balance.
While Konoha basked in its newfound strength, the other shinobi villages struggled to adjust. Kumo and Iwa, old rivals to the Land of Fire, had been forced into uneasy alliances, but their shared animosity toward Konoha's rising power was undeniable. The scars from past wars and betrayals ran deep—Kumo's destruction of a training facility for young children in the Land of Fire and Iwa's devastating earthquake that had wiped out thousands in Konoha were just a few examples of the animosity that still lingered between the villages. The two Kage knew that their time to act was running out. With Naruto's overwhelming potential, Konoha had the potential to dominate not just the Land of Fire, but the entire world.
The two Kage agreed that Naruto was a kind child, but that didn't mean it was permanent. Regardless, he belonged to Konoha and it was easy for the Hokage to manipulate him into forcing them.
It wouldn't have been an issue if the power balance wasn't so skewed, and they would have worked together because all of them would have an equal voice. However, it was not the case now.
They didn't want to destroy the world or kill its only guardian, but they needed to quickly break the disparity in power.
For this goal, the Raikage and Tsuchikage had gathered for a secret mission in a research facility that sealed off all sensing abilities.
Ay, his towering form exuding raw power, leaned back in his chair, looking every bit the powerful leader he was. However, his usually fierce presence had been tempered by the weight of the situation. Despite his pride, he couldn't shake the unease he felt in the face of Naruto's unprecedented strength. The Hokage was no longer just another Kage. He had the potential to reshape the world.
Onoki, with his small yet imposing stature, sat across from him, his expression unreadable. The Tsuchikage had always been cautious, never one to reveal his hand without being absolutely certain. But even he couldn't deny the growing disparity in power between Konoha and the other villages. His personal vendetta against Minato Namikaze, whose actions in the Third Shinobi War had cost him his eldest son, still burned hot within him. But now, it wasn't just Minato's legacy that haunted him. It was Naruto's.
"We've said enough about the past, Onoki. What's your plan?" Ay's voice was firm, though tinged with impatience. He had come here to get results, not idle conversation. The weight of his leadership rested heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time.
Onoki smiled slightly, his sharp eyes twinkling with the pride of a man who had always known how to play his cards close to his chest. "I could indulge in stories of my achievements, Raikage. But, you know I prefer to keep things simple." He leaned back in his chair, his hands folded neatly in his lap. "I'd like to see your hand before I reveal mine."
Ay narrowed his eyes at the Tsuchikage, understanding the older man's reluctance. But he wasn't about to be outmaneuvered by Onoki's usual games. The stakes were too high. With a deep breath, Ay slammed his fist onto the table, causing it to shake under the force. His powerful build made the room feel even smaller, his presence filling the space with an almost suffocating intensity.
"Fine. Enough games. I'll show you why Kumo is superior." Ay's voice was low, but filled with a confident pride that left no room for doubt. He snapped his fingers, and the walls of the facility seemed to shift and open, revealing an array of weapons and technology hidden from the world's view.
Weapons of all shapes and sizes, many of them highly advanced, were displayed before Onoki.
Ay gestured to the man standing off to the side, his tone commanding yet composed. "Douman, explain to our guest."
The man addressed as Douman stepped forward. He was a striking figure, dressed in a sleek black ensemble. His polished obsidian eyes gleamed with intelligence, and his face carried a smile so sharp and cruel it bordered on perfection. His physique exuded both elegance and raw power, giving him the appearance of a beast in human form—terrifying yet strangely captivating. There was an aura about him, a presence that demanded attention, leaving an indelible impression on anyone who met him.
"Thank you, Lord Raikage. I will take it from here," Douman said respectfully, bowing slightly to Ay before turning his attention to Onoki. His voice was smooth and confident, underscored by the pride of a man who knew the weight of his work.
"Lord Tsuchikage," Douman began, his tone measured and deliberate, "what you see here is the culmination of over a century of research, a testament to Kumo's dedication to progress and innovation. This," he gestured to the centerpiece of the room, "is the prototype chakra armor. It represents the very pinnacle of our achievements."
Douman moved closer to the armor, his hands gesturing with precision as he described its features. "The armor is crafted from the highest-grade chakra metal, its durability further enhanced through advanced fuinjutsu seals. At its core lies a revolutionary system that accumulates and concentrates chakra to enhance the wearer's physical and combat abilities. The armor not only passively boosts the user's stats but also generates a defensive barrier that strengthens their resilience. Initial tests suggest that even an average shinobi wearing this armor could rival the power of the Raikage himself."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in, before adding with a touch of pride, "But this armor is more than just a protective shell. The true innovation lies in its core. The system allows for modular upgrades—multiple chakra cores can be installed depending on the user's capacity. Additionally, the cores can replenish their chakra reserves using backup cores stored within specialized seals, or directly from external chakra storage seals."
Onoki listened intently, though his expression betrayed his skepticism. The old Tsuchikage was not one for flowery presentations. He leaned forward slightly, his tone gruff as he interrupted. "Tell me this, Douman—can this armor enable your master to defeat Killer Bee at full power? I'm not interested in theoreticals. I want results."
Douman's smile didn't waver, though his tone shifted to one of calculated diplomacy. "We have yet to conduct live tests against a Jinchūriki of Lord Bee's caliber, Lord Tsuchikage. However, theoretically, the armor, combined with the other tools at our disposal, would allow Lord Raikage to surpass even Lord Bee. I assure you, if you'll grant me your patience, everything will become clear."
Douman resumed his explanation, moving seamlessly to the additional equipment. He gestured toward an array of items displayed alongside the armor. "Beyond the armor, we've developed complementary tools to amplify its capabilities. This," he said, pointing to a large shield, "is the prototype chakra shield. It is equipped with its own chakra core, capable of generating barriers strong enough to withstand even the most devastating attacks. When combined with the armor, its defensive potential is unmatched."
He shifted his attention to a sleek, gleaming blade displayed nearby. "This is the Lightning Blade, the strongest weapon we've ever created. It is a fully transformable weapon, able to take on the form of any blade the user requires. Its core is infused with chakra harvested from the Eight-Tails, and its surface is inscribed with microscopic lightning seals, allowing it to channel devastating energy. When paired with the armor and shield, its offensive capabilities multiply exponentially."
Douman's enthusiasm grew as he gestured toward a row of smaller devices. "Finally, we have the flying light blasters. These autonomous weapons are powered by chakra cores and based on the Laser Circus jutsu. Each blaster is capable of delivering a single, devastatingly accurate attack that can kill any shinobi—except perhaps someone like Lord Raikage. When combined, their firepower can produce an even greater attack, strong enough to challenge even our Lord himself."
He took a step back, his expression one of satisfaction as he delivered the final piece of his presentation. "All of these tools are designed to work in tandem. When used together, they unlock the Over The Limit Mode. This feature temporarily boosts the entire system's capabilities by a factor of ten, though only for a short period. With all of these combined, defeating any Jinchūriki—barring Uzumaki Naruto—would be a trivial matter."
Douman ended his explanation with a deep bow to Onoki, his smile returning to its usual, razor-sharp perfection. "I trust this demonstration has been illuminating, Lord Tsuchikage."
Onoki's sharp eyes lingered on the array of equipment, his mind racing as he considered the implications of what he had seen. While he admired the ingenuity on display, one question lingered in his thoughts: would this be enough to tip the scales against Konoha?
Onoki floated slightly above his seat, his piercing eyes scrutinizing the impressive equipment displayed before him. His voice, though calm, carried a hint of doubt. "And that is the problem. Can this truly help bridge the gap with him? What if Killer Bee were to use it? Would he become as strong as Naruto?"
The Tsuchikage's words hung in the air as he studied the technological marvels crafted by Kumo. The equipment was undeniably groundbreaking—a game-changer, had the war not already reshaped the world's balance.
Douman met Onoki's gaze with unflinching confidence. "In theory, it is possible, Lord Tsuchikage. That is precisely why we requested the use of Naruto Uzumaki's chakra."
Ay, standing tall beside them, folded his arms and leaned slightly forward, his sharp gaze fixed on his head researcher. "How confident are you, Douman?" The Raikage's voice carried a mixture of pride and expectation, though he knew full well the challenge they faced was beyond even the legends of Hashirama and Madara.
"100 percent confident, my lord," Douman replied, his tone firm and unwavering. "If Lord Bee cooperates, I can guarantee success. Without his help, however, the outcome remains uncertain." Douman's posture and tone radiated authority, making it clear he was far more than just a research head.
A satisfied smile broke across Ay's stern features. "Good. I'm happy with your results. You may leave now, and I will ensure that Bee works with you."
Douman bowed respectfully, his ever-present smile softening just slightly. "Thank you, my lord. I will not disappoint you." With those words, he exited the room, his confidence evident in every step.
As Douman departed, Ay turned his attention back to Onoki. His expression shifted to one of challenge, his smile sharp. "Do you have anything of equal value, Onoki?"
The diminutive Tsuchikage did not flinch under Ay's words. Instead, he smirked faintly, his gaze calm and measured. "I do. We've succeeded in cloning the First Generation Tsuchikage and Raikage at full power. It was originally meant to secure our victory, though I'll admit it feels somewhat meaningless now."
The mention of Kumo's founder stirred something in Ay, and his demeanor darkened. His voice dropped, laced with cold fury. "Give me one reason I shouldn't end you for disrespecting my village's legacy."
Onoki, unfazed by the threat, replied with his usual calm tone. "You shouldn't let your emotions cloud your judgment, Raikage. Besides, I have something else—something equally significant."
Ay's glare narrowed as Onoki continued, his voice steady. "We've developed what we call the Heart of Earth. It is a chakra core we've been infusing with earth chakra for decades. This project began long before my time, but we've only recently perfected it. The Heart of Earth can produce concentrated, powerful chakra cores for our golems. This core could potentially enhance your chakra armor as well, don't you think?
"And let me remind you, Raikage, not to underestimate our cloning efforts. We've managed to clone both of our founders at full power. This is no small feat."
Ay's anger simmered, replaced by curiosity and calculation. "You're saying you could clone Sage Madara?"
Onoki shook his head slightly. "I'm not certain. But in theory, it could be possible. Did your village collect his remains?"
"Of course," Ay replied sharply. "It's standard practice in Kumo to preserve the remains of fallen legends."
Onoki gave a small nod, his weariness evident for the first time in the conversation. "What do you think, Raikage? Do we truly have a chance to bring balance to this world?"
The Raikage folded his arms, his expression conflicted as he considered the monumental challenges they faced. "We can only try. But if we work together, constantly pushing our limits, a path forward should reveal itself."
Onoki's shoulders sagged ever so slightly. "I hope so," he murmured.
Though both men aimed for the same ultimate goal—world stability—their methods and motivations could not have been more different. Onoki, a man who had long since severed emotional ties for the sake of success, viewed peace as a necessity for survival. Ay, in contrast, was willing to employ any method, no matter how ruthless, so long as it served the interests of his people. Yet, unlike Onoki, Ay cared deeply for his family and the bonds that connected him to his village.
Their contemplation was suddenly interrupted by a sharp announcement. "Lord Raikage, we've detected an unidentified creature entering the exosphere."
Both Kage turned to the screen as it flickered to life, revealing a meteor-like object descending rapidly toward the Land of Snow. Onoki's sharp eyes widened slightly, while Ay's expression hardened as they braced themselves for yet another unknown threat.