---
The moment the Raikage stirred awake, Dodai's heart clenched with emotion.
"Quickly, inform Mabui that Raikage-sama has regained consciousness!"
"Yes!"
The attending doctor couldn't help but smile faintly. Lord Dodai was clearly eager to spread this news—to reassure the anxious villagers and suppress those already scheming to take the Raikage's position.
The Raikage slowly turned to Dodai and asked, "Dodai, what's the situation in the village?"
Dodai answered with a respectful nod, "Mabui is overseeing operations. We've already begun restoration and reconstruction efforts."
"Casualties?"
Dodai hesitated for a few seconds. He opened his mouth but couldn't immediately form the words. Seeing this, the Raikage's face darkened slightly.
"I understand."
If even Dodai was unwilling to speak of it, the losses must be severe.
Damn it, Akatsuki.
They didn't just ravage the village—they also captured Yugito Nii.
The Raikage's fists clenched in rage. Killer Bee stepped forward, his eyes full of intensity as he raised a fist.
"Brother, I'll take revenge with you."
The Raikage's stern expression softened into a rare warmth as he looked at his younger brother. A smile formed on his face.
"Bee!"
Their fists met in a solid bump, a silent yet powerful show of their bond.
"But wait, Bee—why are you even here?"
Killer Bee looked toward Naruto. "Yo, Naruto got the word from the Leaf. Konoha received a distress message sent from Kumogakure."
The Raikage raised an eyebrow and looked at Dodai.
Dodai explained, "Mabui and I agreed to use the Heavenly Transfer Technique to contact the Five Great Nations and request assistance."
The Raikage fell silent, closing his eyes in thought for several seconds. Finally, he exhaled heavily. "You made the right decision. Right now, it's not about face or pride—there's no longer any meaning in standing tall alone. Akatsuki's threat is real and imminent."
Naruto stepped forward and said firmly, "Raikage-sama, I hope you can come to understand the pain this village has endured—and through this, help form the Allied Shinobi Forces as soon as possible."
"With your status," Naruto continued, "the alliance will almost certainly nominate you as Supreme Commander. Once it's formed, we can launch a full-scale counterattack against Akatsuki."
The Raikage nodded, his sharp gaze settling on Naruto.
"Naruto, there's something I'd like to ask of you."
"What is it?"
The Raikage turned toward his brother. "No matter what happens... let Bee continue to travel with you."
Killer Bee looked shocked. "Brother?"
The Raikage sighed deeply. "Kumogakure can't protect you anymore. Akatsuki is far too dangerous. If they capture you, their strength will grow exponentially. And at that point, even Naruto might not be able to stop them."
Naruto gave a small smile, choosing not to refute him.
The Raikage continued. "At first, I suspected your motives. I thought you wanted to control Bee—use his power for your benefit."
"But now I see it clearly. You're protecting him. You're keeping him from falling into Akatsuki's hands. That way, you retain your strength... but not through manipulation."
"You're matching their power without losing yourself... Isn't that right, Naruto?"
Naruto smiled knowingly. "Raikage-sama, I see you've become enlightened."
The Raikage let out a huff, but the smile on his lips betrayed his respect. "I've been the Raikage for years. I know all about balancing power through manipulation and control. But this is something different."
"Don't worry. I'll contact Konoha immediately and push for the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces. We'll deliver a decisive blow to Akatsuki on the frontlines."
He stared directly at Naruto, eyes burning with clarity and intent. "I don't know what your endgame is... but I get the feeling this is what you've been working toward all along."
Naruto met the gaze without blinking. "That's right, Raikage-sama. A world united against evil. That's what I want to see. It'll benefit you, me, everyone—now and in the future."
"Hmph. We'll see."
Suddenly, the sharp sound of high heels echoed through the hallway. Mabui entered quickly and bowed.
"Raikage-sama, you're awake."
The Raikage grunted. "Mabui, how's the village holding up?"
Mabui answered confidently, "All the injured have been stabilized. Security forces are maintaining alert status, and the reconstruction process is already underway. Additionally..."
She paused, holding up a document. Her eyes flicked to Dodai, who understood immediately.
This was likely the Daimyō's directive concerning the Raikage's position.
The Raikage noticed her hesitation and narrowed his eyes.
"Just say it. Even if Naruto hears, it doesn't matter."
Mabui sighed internally. He says that now... but this won't sit well with him.
"Please have a look, Raikage-sama."
He took the scroll and quickly scanned it. His eyes widened. The veins on his forehead bulged.
"What?! Removal? They dare remove me?!"
With a furious roar, the Raikage tore the document in half and leapt from the bed.
"Bee, come with me!!!"
"You got it, big bro!"
Dodai rushed over and held him back. "Please, Raikage-sama! The Daimyō may have his reasons. If you confront him in this state, there'll definitely be a conflict!"
Raikage Ai glared fiercely. "What? Is he going to devour me?"
No, Dodai thought, but the fallout will be catastrophic.
A weak voice cut through the tension.
"Raikage-sama... are you alright?"
Everyone turned to see C, walking in with the support of two guards.
Raikage looked at him with concern. "Are you alright, C?"
C gave a tired smile. "I'm fine, Raikage-sama. Heh... you're all here. Bee-sama?! You're finally back! Eh—Naruto?!"
Killer Bee gave a thumbs-up. "No worries. Naruto's here to help us."
The moment C heard that Naruto was helping them, a wave of relief passed through him. With Naruto here, even if Akatsuki attacked again, they had a fighting chance.
"By the way, Naruto—I have a request."
Naruto nodded. "Go ahead. If I can help, I will."
C bowed deeply. "Please help us rescue Yugito Nii!"
Raikage's expression darkened, lips pressing into a tight line.
Yes... He couldn't even save one of his own Jinchūriki. And right now, only Naruto might stand a chance against that masked man.
Killer Bee turned to Naruto. "Naruto?"
Naruto didn't hesitate. "Of course. Uncle Bee's friends are my friends."
Cee let out a long sigh of relief. "Thank you... Naruto."
Suddenly—
Boom!
An explosion rocked the sky above the village.
A mocking voice rang out across the battlefield.
"Raikage of the Hidden Cloud! Have you made up your mind yet? We're back!"
BOOM! BOOM!
From high in the sky, Deidara appeared, hurling explosive clay constructs at the village with wild glee.
After the attack on Iwagakure, Akatsuki had reevaluated Deidara's usage. Obito had withdrawn, leaving Deidara behind to unleash chaos once more.
The Raikage clenched his teeth. "Akatsuki... again?! I'll crush them!"
Killer Bee's fury exploded outward. "You hurt my village... you hurt my brother... UNFORGIVABLE!"
With a roar, Killer Bee surged forward, immediately beginning to transform into the mighty Hachibi (Eight-Tails).
"Tailed Beast Bomb—coming right at ya!!!"
A black orb began forming in front of the transformed Hachibi as he locked onto Deidara's position in the sky.
The war wasn't over. It was just beginning.
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