Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

The Third Raikage's mocking grin cut deep into Onoki's pride. His words dripped with sarcasm.

"I don't know how much wealth your Iwagakure has," the Raikage sneered. "But judging by your village's obsession with mass troop deployments, I'd say it's not much. Compared to our Cloud Village, your wealth is laughable."

Onoki's already dark complexion turned a shade darker, and his jaw tightened. Damn it. Is being rich really that impressive?

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Onoki countered with a sneer of his own. "True, Iwagakure isn't as wealthy as Kumogakure, but at least we only need to support our own ninja troops. Your wealthy Cloud Village, on the other hand, is supplying not just yourselves but also Konoha and Sand Village. That can't be easy."

The words hit their mark, and the Third Raikage's smirk faltered slightly. Onoki pressed on.

"Don't forget, Raikage, if you want Konoha and Sand Village to keep fighting on your behalf, you'll need to keep their supplies flowing. Otherwise, why would they risk their ninja for your sake?"

The Third Raikage's lips twitched, but he didn't immediately respond. Onoki's point was valid. The financial burden of supporting not just one, but three villages, was enormous. The Cloud Village's resources might hold out for now, but the long-term strain was undeniable.

"Don't trouble yourself worrying about our finances, Tsuchikage," the Raikage finally replied, his deep voice laced with irritation. "Instead, you should focus on how your people will survive this war. From what our intelligence says, the civilians in your village are already struggling."

Onoki's scowl deepened. The verbal sparring had reached a stalemate, each leader delivering blows that left the other visibly bristling.

"In that case," Onoki said, turning his back, "we'll see who has the last laugh when the war ends. I look forward to watching you sign your surrender."

"Likewise," the Raikage shot back with a smirk. "Let's see who's smiling then."

Both leaders retreated with their entourages, neither willing to escalate into open combat. Despite their bravado, neither the Third Raikage nor Onoki was eager to engage directly. Their mutual restraint wasn't born from fear, but from the practical recognition of their immense destructive potential.

The Third Raikage, renowned for his invincible defense and devastating offense, would wreak havoc if unleashed on the battlefield. His raw power made him a nightmare for enemy forces, leaving behind only destruction and corpses. However, unlike the original timeline, with Konoha and Sand Village backing Cloud Village, he wouldn't face the overwhelming odds that led to his eventual demise in other circumstances.

On the other hand, Onoki's Dust Release was arguably more terrifying in the context of war. His ability to attack from the air, obliterating entire groups of ninja with a single move, was a weapon no army could afford to underestimate. His mobility and long-range capabilities made him a nearly untouchable force.

Back at the Cloud Village camp, the Third Raikage discussed the day's events with his son, A.

"Father, are we just going to let Onoki walk away like that?" A asked, his tone laced with frustration.

The Raikage's sharp gaze turned to his son. "Don't let your anger cloud your judgment, A. Onoki is a threat, but rushing into battle without strategy would only lead to disaster."

"But—" A began, only to be cut off.

"No buts," the Raikage said firmly. "On the battlefield, Onoki's Dust Release poses a greater threat than my strength. His ability to decimate troops from the sky makes him untouchable in open combat. That's why I won't risk engaging him directly."

A's expression softened, though his frustration lingered. "I understand."

The Raikage placed a heavy hand on his son's shoulder. "Good. That's why I'm assigning Dodai to support you in commanding the troops. He will handle strategy, while you maintain morale in the camp."

"Wait—what about you?" A asked, confused.

The Raikage's expression hardened. "I won't engage Onoki directly, but that doesn't mean I'm sitting this war out."

His tone darkened as he mentioned another name. "Yagura. That little runt started this war, and I'll see to it that he pays for it."

A's confusion deepened. "You're going to the Mist Village?"

"Exactly," the Raikage replied, his voice brimming with fury. "Unlike Onoki, Yagura isn't a threat. He's nothing more than an annoyance, and I'll personally deal with him. Let him feel the full weight of the Cloud Village's power."

A nodded, recognizing his father's resolve. Though the Third Raikage's decision seemed impulsive, it was clear that his anger at Yagura's actions had reached a boiling point. 

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]