299. The Realization of the Cloud

No matter how much Obito tried to hold back his tears, the military exercises of the Hidden Mist Village in the southern part of the Land of Fire finally came to an end.

Upon hearing about Danzo's achievements, the once boastful fleet immediately turned their ships around and announced the conclusion of the exercises.

What kind of retribution the "Darkness of the Shinobi" would take for their opportunistic behavior remains unknown for now.

However, regardless of the situation, the Hidden Mist's current predicament is still much better than that of the Hidden Cloud.

At this moment, the Fourth Raikage, A, the leader of the Hidden Cloud, was facing a group of grim-faced high-ranking officials.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was extremely tense, almost suffocating.

But this tension was understandable, as the Hidden Cloud Village had suffered tremendous losses this time.

Not only did the Third Raikage, the spiritual leader of the Hidden Cloud, die at the hands of Danzo, but they also lost thousands of ninjas in one fell swoop.

Such heavy losses were unprecedented since the founding of the Hidden Cloud Village.

The only silver lining was that the Fourth Raikage and the two Jinchūriki managed to escape back to the village in time.

Otherwise, one of the five great ninja villages might have been wiped out right then and there.

"Everyone, the responsibility for this defeat lies entirely with me," A began, his tone heavy with guilt. He bowed deeply to the assembly, a rare gesture in the Hidden Cloud Village.

Unlike some villages that emphasize balance, the Hidden Cloud operates under absolute authority.

The Raikage's word is law, with no room for compromise. Therefore, when the Fourth Raikage displayed such humility, the high-ranking officials were at a loss for how to respond.

Finally, the seasoned ninja Dodai broke the silence to offer some comfort: "A, we understand the situation. The failure of this war isn't solely your fault. There's no need for such self-reproach. What we should discuss now is our next course of action. Should we launch a counterattack against Konoha, focus on defense, or... seek reconciliation?"

When he mentioned the last option, Dodai's voice noticeably lowered.

As a veteran of the Hidden Cloud who had served under the Third Raikage for many years, it wasn't that he didn't want to avenge his former leader.

But now, he had to prioritize the village's survival above all else.

To this question, the Fourth Raikage responded without hesitation, surprising everyone with his answer: "Let's seek reconciliation. We can't continue fighting Konoha."

The Fourth Raikage leaned on the table, his voice laden with gravity.

This answer shocked everyone present.

After all, the Third and Fourth Raikages were known as the most hardline hawks in the Hidden Cloud.

For him to choose reconciliation at this moment showed just how devastating this war had been for the young Raikage.

"Has Danzo's power reached such a terrifying level?" Dodai's voice also grew serious.

Having watched A grow up, he knew the young man had inherited his father's unyielding nature.

The only reason he would make such a statement was if Danzo had demonstrated overwhelmingly fearsome power in the war.

Hearing Dodai's question, all eyes turned to A. As members of the Hidden Cloud, they were also curious about the current strength of the "Darkness of the Shinobi."

Under their gaze, A, still leaning on the table, clenched his teeth and shook his head. "His power has completely surpassed that of my father and me. Even if I teamed up with Killer Bee, we might not be able to defeat him."

To ensure the high-ranking officials understood the reality, A decided to be brutally honest.

He even revealed an even more chilling fact: "More importantly, besides Danzo, the Root has a squad codenamed after the Earth Branches. Each member of this squad possesses strength close to or at the Kage level!"

This revelation left all the high-ranking officials stunned. If the powerful Danzo was merely a cause for concern, then the Earth Branches squad, with its members each near or at Kage level, was truly terrifying.

After all, no matter how strong an individual is, unless they reach the level of the God of Shinobi, they still have weaknesses, such as chakra reserves.

But if Konoha truly had as many Kage-level ninjas as the Raikage claimed, then reconciliation was indeed something they needed to seriously consider.

"Currently, I have encountered five members of the Earth Branches squad. Including Danzo, Fugaku Uchiha, Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi who remains in the village, and Minato Namikaze, Konoha's current strength is already a behemoth in the shinobi world! The Hidden Cloud's only option now is reconciliation. Only then can we secure a chance for survival in the future!"

A's straightforward speech made the atmosphere in the room even more tense.
After all, the ninjas of the Hidden Cloud were known for their pride.

To suddenly realize that Konoha, whom they had looked down upon, had far surpassed them, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Fortunately, Dodai stepped forward at this moment. "Given the current situation, this seems to be the only way. Everyone, I am willing to go to Konoha as an envoy from the Hidden Cloud to handle the negotiations."

Hearing that Dodai was willing to take on this responsibility, the high-ranking officials breathed a sigh of relief and looked at him with gratitude and admiration.

After all, this mission was different from before. In the past, envoys from the Hidden Cloud went to extort and intimidate, flaunting their power.

But this time, they would have to endure humiliation, bury their hatred deep within, and bow their heads to Konoha to seek reconciliation.

Throughout this process, they would not only face various provocations from Konoha but also attacks and slander from the villagers of the Hidden Cloud. Such a task was not something just anyone could bear!

Looking at the resolute Dodai, the Fourth Raikage opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

It wasn't until after the meeting ended that Dodai patted the younger man on the shoulder with a smile.

"I know what you're thinking, but let this old man take on the burden of infamy. You are the Raikage, the symbol and faith of the Hidden Cloud. You must remain untainted. Let me handle this. If you truly feel sorry for me, then work hard! Grow stronger, carrying my share, your father's share, and the shares of all the fallen Hidden Cloud ninjas with you!"