476. Feel Despair

Accompanied by a terrifying storm and a blinding flash of light, the capital of the Land of Lightning suffered a catastrophe unlike any since the nation's founding.

Vast stretches of land were reduced to ruins, and tens of thousands of lives were instantly erased in the explosion.

This would undoubtedly become a painful scar in the Land of Lightning's history—assuming, of course, that Kumogakure even survived this onslaught.

If not, there would be no future history to speak of.

"It's time to end this farce."

Standing atop the wreckage, Danzo held his sword aloft.

His eyes glowed with a sinister crimson light, as if dripping with blood.

The pure-white Susanoo towering behind him looked even more imposing, remaining steadfast despite the Raikage father and son's desperate attacks.

The thick crow tengu armor showed almost no signs of damage.

In contrast, the Raikage father and son appeared utterly battered.

The Third Raikage, the father, had lost most of his body under Danzo's assault.

Countless paper fragments floated around him, slowly piecing him back together.

Were it not for the immortality granted by the Edo Tensei, he would have died countless times over by now.

As for the Fourth Raikage—once a rival to the Yellow Flash—he was covered in blood, his body marred by deep, bone-exposing wounds that were horrifying to behold.

In the past, such injuries would have been unthinkable for the Raikage father and son, masters of the Strongest Lightning Release Armor, a technique hailed as the Strongest Defense in the shinobi world.

Yet, before Danzo, this so-called Strongest Defense was as fragile as paper.

In this world, there was nothing that couldn't be solved with a single slash of Divine Severing. If one wasn’t enough, then two would suffice!

"That arrogant tone of yours is really grating."

The Fourth Raikage growled lowly.

In the past, it was always him standing in the position of strength, mocking others. Never had he imagined the tables would turn like this.

Though seething with fury, he still positioned his wounded body in front of his father.

"You go first, old man."

His tone was resolute as he forced out every last drop of chakra from his cells.

Arcs of lightning crackled across his wounds, making him look like a cornered beast, fighting desperately.

Of course, the Third Raikage had no intention of abandoning his son.

"You're the one who should leave, A."

"I have an immortal body thanks to Edo Tensei!"

The Fourth Raikage shook his head.

"Even with immortality, that old bastard will find a way to counter it."

"So the best plan is for me to hold him off while you escape. Later, you can summon me back from the Pure Land!"

Watching this father-son drama unfold before him, Danzo let out a cold laugh.

"Who would have thought two muscle-brained brutes could be so sentimental?"

"If you don’t want to leave, then stay here together."

The moment he finished speaking, an overwhelming pressure once again engulfed the capital.

Unexpectedly, the Third Raikage—still in a broken state—spoke with unshaken defiance.


"Danzo Shimura, do you really think you’ve already won?"

His hollow eyes flashed with a chilling intensity.

"The strength and trump cards of the Five-Nation Alliance far surpass your imagination!!"

With that, he swiftly formed hand seals and slammed his palm onto the ground.

BOOM!

White smoke erupted as three coffins materialized before Danzo.

As the lids shattered one by one, the trump card the Third Raikage had spoken of was finally revealed.

The Former Four Kage (Edo Tensei).

"So this is the upstart brat who forced the four great nations to unite against him?"

The most arrogant of them, the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki, was the first to speak. He flicked the pompadour on his head, exuding confidence and ease.

In contrast, the Third Kazekage, hailed as the strongest in Sunagakure’s history, remained calm. After scanning the battlefield with his powerful sensory abilities, his expression turned grave.

"Don’t underestimate him. He’s far stronger than we anticipated."

The Second Tsuchikage, Mū, nodded in agreement.

"So, you’re the student of Tobirama Senju?"

"It seems Konoha has indeed produced a remarkable monster."

Despite this, the Second Mizukage refused to tone down his arrogance.

"No matter whose disciple you are, facing the combined might of us four former Kage, you might as well resign yourself to death!!"


With the support of the other Kage, the Third Raikage immediately regained his confidence.

"Who would’ve thought we’d collaborate across time like this? Truly unexpected."

Faced with this formidable lineup, Danzo showed no panic—not even a hint of tension.

"Then I’ll use you remnants of the old era as warm-up."

His words made the assembled Kage widen their eyes in disbelief.

As individuals who once stood at the pinnacle of power in the shinobi world, they hadn’t been looked down upon like this in a long time.

Not even by the so-called God of Shinobi!

At that moment, violent chakra erupted from the four Kage.

The Third Kazekage, surrounded by swirling black iron sand, spoke coldly:

"Anyone can boast. If you truly wish to conquer the shinobi world, then let me test your strength!"

The Second Mizukage nodded, his killing intent surging.

"If you dare compare yourself to Hashirama Senju and belittle us four Kage, then show us your true power!"

"Let’s see if your strength matches your arrogance!"

"Come!!"

The Third Raikage, having finally recovered somewhat, reactivated his Strongest Lightning Release Armor, his hair standing on end as electricity crackled around him.

The Second Tsuchikage, Mū, levitated into the air, his calm voice laced with murderous intent.

"If you seek to destroy our legacies, then we fight!!"

The four Kage had reached a consensus.

No matter what, this battle had to be won—because the survival of the four great nations depended on it.

Gazing at these legends of the old era, Danzo Shimura’s lips curled into a smirk brimming with anticipation.

"You…"

"Do you also want to feel despair?"

"This new era has no ship capable of carrying relics like you!!"

The next instant, an unimaginable surge of power erupted, shaking the very skies and causing the entire capital of the Land of Lightning to tremble.