279. Testing The Power

Hearing Uchiha Gin's words, the gathered Kage looked at each other helplessly, unable to figure out what to do with the massive tailed beasts before them. Even though they now owned these "treasures," they couldn't feel any joy about it.

The issue was clear: when they came to Konoha for the negotiations, they hadn't brought enough manpower to transport the tailed beasts back to their respective countries.

Seeing their distressed expressions, Uchiha Gin stepped forward with a strange smile on his face and said,
"Well, if you’re willing to pay a tiny bit of shipping fees, Konoha might be able to spare some manpower for home delivery~."

At that moment, Uchiha Madara, who was busy discussing dinner plans with Hashirama, suddenly felt a chill down his spine and instinctively shrank his neck.

"Wait, we have to pay? Can't you offer free shipping?"

Ishikawa, the representative from Iwagakure, couldn’t hold back his frustration. They had already paid a hefty sum to purchase the tailed beasts, and now Konoha had the audacity to charge for delivery.

"Sorry, no free shipping to remote areas," Uchiha Gin replied with a regretful shake of his head.

"Fine, then undo the hypnosis on the tailed beasts. We’ll manage on our own."

Unwilling to spend more money, Ishikawa put his hands on his hips and pointed at the sleeping Four-Tails and Five-Tails.

"Are you sure?"

Uchiha Gin was taken aback. The people of the Land of Earth were surprisingly bold! These were tailed beasts, not some backyard pigs you could casually herd. Did they not realize the danger?

"Who do you think you’re underestimating?"

Ishikawa, who had united the clans of the Land of Earth to become the First Tsuchikage, wasn’t one to back down.
"Hey, cousin! Friends from Iwagakure want some entertainment," Uchiha Yin called out.

"Which one?" Madara asked as he stepped forward.

"The Four-Tails will do."

"Got it~."

"Be ready. If you can’t handle it, just yell 'stop.'"

After all, they hadn’t paid yet, and it would be embarrassing if they got killed by their chosen product.

"You're oddly considerate," muttered the bandaged man behind Ishikawa, though his raspy voice made it sound more like a snarky remark.

Noted: The mysterious bandaged man from the Land of Earth is sarcastic toward me.

Madara leaped in front of the sleeping Four-Tails. His eyes turned crimson, and a blue spectral figure emerged behind him. Its skeletal hand clenched into a fist and smashed down onto the Four-Tails' face with a thunderous blow.

"What technique is that?"

The foreign Kage, unfamiliar with Susano’o, speculated wildly about Madara's abilities.

Uchiha Gin, however, facepalmed. He had told Madara to lift the hypnosis, not to physically wake the beast! Clearly, spending so much time with Hashirama had caused Madara to lose the Uchiha's traditional finesse.

Meanwhile, in its dream, the Four-Tails was chasing a beautiful female gorilla with a pink bow. Just as it was about to embrace her, she transformed into a terrifying blue giant. A massive fist smashed into its face, jolting it awake with a furious roar.

The air grew suffocatingly hot as the Four-Tails' anger surged. Feeling the deadly threat, everyone except Ishikawa and his team quickly retreated.

"Tsuchikage-sama, be careful!" the bandaged man warned.

"Foolish humans! Return my beauty!"

The enraged Four-Tails reared up, magma bubbling in its mouth before spewing forth in a devastating attack.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

Sensing the danger, Ishikawa quickly slammed his hands to the ground, creating a massive stone wall to shield them. However, the wall groaned under the magma's heat and began to melt.

Realizing they couldn't hold their ground, Ishikawa and his companion activated the Light-Weight Rock Technique, lifting themselves into the air.

"What kind of technique lets them fly?"

Flying was a rare ability in the shinobi world, and their display drew gasps of surprise.

"So this is the power of a tailed beast?" Ishikawa muttered, his face grim as he hovered above the battlefield.

"Tsuchikage-sama, should we use 'that'?" asked his companion.

"No, your injuries haven’t healed yet. Let me test its strength first," Ishikawa replied, landing back on the ground.

From the sidelines, Uchiha Gin sat on a small stool, calmly watching the First Tsuchikage. "As expected, those who become Kage aren’t weaklings."

"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!"

With a slap to the ground, Ishikawa transformed the terrain beneath the Four-Tails into a sticky swamp, trapping the beast in place.

"Earth Release: Earth Mausoleum Dumpling!"

As the Four-Tails struggled, Ishikawa summoned a massive boulder and hurled it at the beast, confident it would knock it out again.

"Not bad, First Tsuchikage. Your Earth Release is... straightforward," Uchiha Gin commented, taking another bite of watermelon.

Meanwhile, the Four-Tails, furious and unwilling to be subdued, began forming a Tailed Beast Bomb in its mouth. The terrifying energy caused everyone nearby to freeze in shock.

"So that’s the Tailed Beast Bomb we’ve heard about in the intel…" someone murmured in awe.


Following behind the First Raikage, young A stared at the dark Tailed Beast Bomb in awe, instinctively swallowing nervously.

"Even the Four-Tails is this powerful. Doesn’t that mean our Eight-Tails is... even more terrifying?"

"This is all thanks to Brother Gin’s help. Young A, make sure to promote and reward the Kinkaku and Ginkaku Brothers when we return," the First Raikage replied, also amazed by the sheer power of the tailed beasts. Relief filled his heart—owning the mighty Eight-Tails meant Kumogakure's rise was just around the corner.

"BOOM!!!"

A deafening explosion echoed from the sky. Before Ishikawa’s massive Earth Mausoleum Dumpling could land, it was engulfed by a black beam of energy.

"My Earth Mausoleum Dumpling...?"

As the light dissipated, Ishikawa, who had been feeling quite proud of himself, was stunned to see that the boulder had vanished without a trace—not even a fragment remained. The intense heat of the Tailed Beast Bomb had vaporized it entirely.

"Huff... Huff..."

Exhausted from his earlier technique, the aging Ishikawa found himself short of breath. Just as he prepared to repeat the move, he noticed something alarming—the Swamp of the Underworld he had used to trap the Four-Tails was beginning to change color.

"Look! Lava!"

A sharp-eyed spectator shouted, drawing everyone’s attention to the swamp beneath the Four-Tails. The once dark brown mud was now emitting white smoke and rippling with dark red waves. Within moments, the swamp transformed into a lava pool, the Four-Tails' favorite habitat.

Using its searing chakra, the Four-Tails had successfully converted Ishikawa’s swamp into bubbling, scalding magma. The acrid smell of sulfur filled the air, making everyone wrinkle their noses.

"Tsuchikage-sama, let us know if you need help~!"

Uchiha Gin cupped his hands around his mouth to amplify his voice, cheerfully calling out to the grim-faced Ishikawa.

"Hmph!"

Ishikawa snorted, refusing to dignify the remark with a response. As a Kage, his pride wouldn’t allow him to ask for assistance. Gritting his teeth, he began weaving hand signs for a new technique.

Tiger → Sheep → Rat
"Earth Release: Mountain Soil Technique!"

Determined not to disgrace himself, the First Tsuchikage poured every ounce of chakra from his aging body into this technique, aiming to crush the Four-Tails in a single blow.

"Wow, that’s pretty impressive," Uchiha Gin muttered, spitting out a few watermelon seeds as he watched the massive, dome-like structure rise around the Four-Tails, closing in rapidly. While it wasn’t as grand as the Mountain Soil Technique used during the Fourth Great Ninja War by Kitsuchi, it was still remarkable enough to draw admiration.

"See, cousin? The other Kage aren’t as weak as you think," Uchiha Gin remarked.

"This won’t hold me—I can fly!" the Four-Tails bellowed, struggling against the encroaching dome.

"Shut up and stay put!" Ishikawa growled, veins bulging on his forehead as he struggled to maintain the jutsu. His entire body trembled under the strain, his voice hoarse with determination.

"Humans like you can’t hope to contain me!"

The Four-Tails roared, pressing its massive hands against the encasing rock. Its deep, booming voice rattled the ears of everyone present.

"AAAAAHHH!!!"

As the battle intensified, blood began to drip from Ishikawa’s nose and mouth. From the sky, his companion, Mu, watched in horror. He had never seen the Tsuchikage in such a desperate state. Just as he prepared to intervene, a sharp cracking sound echoed across the battlefield.

"CRACK CRACK CRACK..."

The dome-like rock structure began to fracture, the cracks spreading rapidly across its surface.

"Break!"

The Four-Tails clenched its fists, its body surging with dark red chakra. With a mighty roar, it slammed its magma-coated fists into the fragile structure, shattering it into countless pieces that scattered across the battlefield.

"Urgh!"

The backlash from the broken jutsu sent Ishikawa staggering, blood spilling from his mouth. He could only watch helplessly as the Four-Tails pounded its chest in triumph. Yet, amidst his fear, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"With this divine beast, Iwagakure will surely prosper."

"Human, prepare to die!"

Freed at last, the Four-Tails locked its fiery gaze on Ishikawa’s frail figure. The nearly tangible killing intent radiating from the beast sent shivers down everyone’s spines.

"Tsuchikage-sama!"

Mu immediately dove from the sky, desperate to rescue Ishikawa before the Four-Tails could strike.

"Is this the end for me?"

Drained of all strength, Ishikawa could only watch as the Four-Tails' gaping maw drew closer. Memories of his life flashed before his eyes like a lantern slideshow.

"Ah... I wonder when that brat Onoki will be ready to take over."

Was this how the legendary First Tsuchikage would meet his end—at the claws of the Four-Tails?



Of course not! The payment hasn’t been made yet.
"Hey, cousin, time to get to work. Don’t let our big client die."

Patting Uchiha Madara on the shoulder, Uchiha Gin casually gave the order.

"Relax. As long as I’m here, these tailed beasts are as obedient as kittens."

Madara stood up swiftly, leaving behind those words before disappearing in an instant.

"Old man, step aside—I’m about to make my move."

As Ishikawa closed his eyes, resigned to his fate, a cold and arrogant voice suddenly rang out behind him, compelling him to instinctively step aside.

"You again!"

The Four-Tails’ exclamation held a trace of unmistakable fear, surprising everyone. Curious, they craned their necks to see what kind of power Uchiha Madara had to intimidate a tailed beast so thoroughly.

"Look into my eyes, you beast."

Madara wasted no time. His Sharingan flared a vivid scarlet, releasing an overwhelming wave of ocular power. The startled Four-Tails had no chance to react and was swiftly subdued by Madara’s genjutsu.

"Thud!"

"Huff... huff..."

The massive body of the Four-Tails collapsed to the ground with a loud crash, its snores echoing moments later.

"What are you staring at? Never seen a handsome guy before?"

Having finished his task, Madara turned to leave, but noticed Ishikawa staring at him, wide-eyed. Feeling offended, Madara frowned.

"You just looked at it... and it fell asleep?"

Ishikawa, filled with a bitter helplessness, gazed at Madara’s youthful, striking face. His old features twisted in frustration—it was like spending the whole night fighting a tiger only to have some kid stroll in and resolve everything effortlessly.

"How pathetic. Resent your own unfortunate fate of not having the Sharingan," Madara said with disdain.

Cousin, you're stealing lines now?

That was unnecessary!

Uchiha Gin, who had been quietly observing, almost broke character upon hearing the familiar phrase. He internally ridiculed his smug cousin for using such a dramatic remark.

"The Sharingan, huh..."

Everyone heard Madara’s comment clearly. Their gazes shifted toward him, now filled with intrigue and awe. The Uchiha clan had always been somewhat mysterious, but now they had cemented their reputation in the minds of all present.

"Ahem, let me clarify—this is purely my cousin’s personal ability and doesn’t represent the entire Uchiha clan. Honestly, there’s no one else in the clan who has developed the Sharingan to this level."

Sensing the shifting mood, Uchiha Gin quickly stepped in to distance the clan from Madara’s display.

"Is that true?"

The crowd seemed skeptical.

"Of course! Why else would he be the clan leader?" Gin replied smoothly.

The strongest naturally becomes the leader—a statement no one could argue with.

With the Four-Tails subdued once more, the exhausted Ishikawa was supported by Mu and gently brought back to the group.

"I was too rash before. What’s the proper method to control a tailed beast?"

A humbled Ishikawa directed his question to Senju Hashirama, who had been quietly observing, his tone unusually sincere.

Hearing this, representatives from other nations that had purchased tailed beasts also perked up. After all, they didn’t want to suffer the same fate as Ishikawa.

"Huh? I’m not really sure," Hashirama admitted awkwardly.

Controlling tailed beasts had always been easy for him—just clap his hands and it was done. Other nations, however, faced far greater challenges.

"Why not ask Sunagakure? They’ve got experience with tailed beasts," Uchiha Gin suggested, slyly diverting attention.

"Right, Lord Kazekage, care to share your insights?"

Prompted by Gin, the crowd immediately surrounded the startled Reto, their gazes demanding answers.

"Uh..."

Reto was at a loss—he knew nothing about controlling tailed beasts. Shukaku had always been sealed in a temple, and he had only bragged about it to boost his own reputation.

"I’ve only heard they can be sealed."

With no other choice, Reto shared the little he knew, hoping to appease the crowd.

"Sealed? Sealing techniques, huh..."

The mention of sealing techniques made everyone frown. Such techniques were rare, and even though most villages had some knowledge of them, truly advanced methods were hard to come by.

"Hey, Byakuren, doesn’t your neighbor specialize in sealing techniques? Got any connections?"

After some thought, Ishikawa turned to Byakuren, addressing him unusually politely. The "neighbor" referred to the Uzumaki clan of the Land of Whirlpools, renowned for their expertise in sealing. If they could gain their help, controlling tailed beasts would be a breeze.

"Don’t mention those people to me," Byakuren snapped, his expression darkening as he ground his teeth. Clearly, the Uzumaki clan had left him with some unpleasant memories.

"Ugh..."

Frustrated by Byakuren's refusal, Ishikawa sighed deeply and gazed at the sleeping Four-Tails. A complicated mix of emotions flickered in his eyes. He had to find a way to control the tailed beasts.

But even if they started research immediately, it would be a long and arduous journey. With the war still raging, they needed an immediate solution.

Looking at the two tailed beasts purchased by Kirigakure, Ishikawa’s heart sank. If Byakuren found an opportunity to unleash those tailed beasts on the battlefield, Iwagakure would suffer devastating losses. The entire war could be thrown into chaos.

After a brief internal struggle, Ishikawa turned to Senju Hashirama and said,
"Lord Hokage, the Land of Earth is ready to agree to your peace treaty. Let’s sign it now."

"Huh?"

Hashirama was caught off guard. He had just been pondering how to convince the others to prioritize peace, and now the First Tsuchikage was proactively proposing it. Glancing at Madara, who stood with crossed arms, Hashirama couldn’t help but wonder if his friend had used genjutsu on the Tsuchikage.

"We in Kirigakure also agree," Byakuren announced reluctantly. As a weaker party in the war, he had little choice but to seize this chance for peace and buy time to study the tailed beasts further.

"Did he get controlled too?"

Watching two nations agree so quickly, Hashirama was thrilled. He turned his hopeful gaze toward the leaders of the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind.

"We in the Land of Lightning have no objections," the First Raikage said with a smile, eager to wrap things up so he could enjoy a relaxing evening with Uchiha Gin.

"Lord Kazekage?"

All eyes now turned to Reto. Under the weight of their gazes, Reto licked his dry lips and tentatively said,
"We can agree... but..."

"No buts!" Byakuren barked impatiently.

"Since you agree, let’s sign already!" Ishikawa added, eager to return home and focus on studying the tailed beasts.

"You’re all bullying me!" Reto grumbled, feeling deeply wronged.

As Reto sulked, Uchiha Gin smiled at the group of leaders and gestured for payment.
"Before signing, let’s settle the bill. We’re running a special—pay in full now, and we’ll include free delivery of your tailed beast!"