"Huh?"
Ōnoki was utterly dumbfounded.
He had stationed those Iwagakure shinobi around the Land of Iron simply as a precaution — in case anything went wrong, they could serve as a deterrent, a warning to keep the Land of Iron from acting rashly.
But now…
It turned out the other side was thinking the exact same thing.
This time…
Had the other side anticipated his anticipation?
Still, at least they weren't here for him. The target was Uchiha Madara, not Iwagakure. Otherwise, things would have gone south fast — especially since Kanda Kyoichi's strength had grown to the point that Ōnoki couldn't even form hand seals in time against him.
Even if part of that had been due to his own lack of mental preparation, he had to admit…
That speed — even if he had been ready, he might not have been able to block it. And he could feel that Kyoichi still hadn't shown everything he could do.
After more than a year apart, this guy had become even stronger… and more terrifying.
Ōnoki thought this silently to himself.
Of course, he couldn't just admit it outright — not in front of Kyoichi. So he coughed lightly and said,
"So, this so-called 'grand plan' of yours — as participants, we have the right to know everything, don't we?"
"Of course," Kyoichi replied with a small smile. "Originally, I was going to explain everything at the Five Kage Summit. But since you're an important ally and partner to Konoha, I'll be honest with you now."
Ōnoki chuckled quietly.
An "important ally and partner"? Yeah, right.
Just two years ago, they were practically enemies — and when this brat came waving his blade around, he hadn't exactly been friendly.
But…
There was no point saying any of that aloud. Everyone here was an adult.
So he replied instead,
"Of course. Iwagakure and Konoha have always had good relations since ancient times. Though we've had our share of misunderstandings, they're all resolved now. From here on, we'll continue to cooperate in friendship."
"Hahaha, I believe that."
The two "foxes" sat down, feigning camaraderie as if all their old grudges had been buried.
Outside, however, Kurotsuchi and Jiraiya were drinking together — the atmosphere inside and out couldn't have been more different.
Kyoichi laid out the general situation. At first, Ōnoki didn't think much of it. But the further Kyoichi went, the more serious his expression became.
Madara had been found —
and he was in the Land of Iron.
That was something Ōnoki had never expected. He had suspected Kyoichi was behind the strange movements in the Land of Iron, but he hadn't imagined that Kyoichi had already tracked down Madara's actual hideout.
"You're sure about this intel?"
"I confirmed it myself with Jiraiya. I can guarantee he hasn't detected us," Kyoichi nodded.
Ōnoki took several deep breaths.
He thought of many things — not just about Madara, but about Kyoichi himself.
If Kyoichi could locate Madara within his blind spots, that meant his sensory ability surpassed even Madara's.
And his ability to hide… was frighteningly good.
A man like that was a deadly threat to anyone on the battlefield — capable of throwing entire war strategies into disarray. So, yes…
When he returned home, he'd make sure to warn his people again: if a mission involved conflict with Kyoichi, better to just cancel it.
---
This guy wasn't normal.
Thinking about it now — Konoha's Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, had already been an absurd existence. But who could have imagined that only a couple of years later, another even more ridiculous person would appear?
Truly… the Sage of Six Paths must be blessing Konoha.
Ōnoki sighed inwardly.
After a moment to compose himself, he asked,
"So Madara's location — it's up north, you say? The area's still uncertain, but the range is narrow now. What's the next step?"
"We surround the Land of Iron's perimeter. Besides eliminating Madara, we have to make sure none of his followers escape. If even one survives, there's a chance he could be revived again — and that would be trouble."
Kyoichi's tone was calm.
Ōnoki nodded thoughtfully.
A man like Madara deserved to die — and the more thoroughly, the better.
Though resurrection sounded like fantasy, every hidden village had been secretly researching it in recent years — some hoping to restore their fallen heroes, others simply to bring back those they loved.
Most attempts had failed or resulted in half-finished jutsu, but one truth remained:
reviving Madara was not impossible.
For a man like him, creating a revival technique might be difficult — but not beyond reach.
Ōnoki thought long and hard.
"If we can get Mifune's permission, I'll have my people move in from the borders and set up outer defensive lines. But there's also a sea route they could use to escape — we can't cover that."
"Don't worry," Kyoichi said softly. "Others will handle that side. If necessary, I'll make sure not a single one gets away."
Even though Madara was the primary target, Kyoichi had Minato and Nagato to support him there — leaving him free to focus on hunting down any fleeing White Zetsu.
Of course, if Kirigakure could handle that front, he'd gladly focus all his attention on Madara and Black Zetsu — eliminating the real threats first.
Kirigakure wasn't weak, but who knew if spies loyal to Madara still lurked among them?
Hopefully Yagura could stand firm this time — maybe then, the Fourth Mizukage would have a real chance to prove himself.
Ōnoki continued asking a few tactical questions, all centered around how to take down Madara, even offering his own advice. He truly wanted to see the man destroyed once and for all.
Even though there was now another "Madara" in play, Kyoichi was different.
Unlike Uchiha Madara, Kyoichi had his own code — a clear set of principles. As long as others didn't cross certain lines, he wouldn't act against them.
It was a mindset that carried traces of Senju Hashirama's ideals and temperament.
By comparison, Ōnoki much preferred dealing with someone like him.
He wasn't domineering, and he could be reasoned with.
To Ōnoki, Kyoichi was practically a fusion of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama — yin and yang united, strength and restraint balanced. Truly flawless.
A miracle born of Konoha.
After further discussion, Ōnoki had a clear picture of Kyoichi's strategy.
He created a shadow clone — he'd personally issue orders to the Iwagakure forces. After all…
If he left it to Kurotsuchi, who knew what kind of mess would follow.
With the main business handled, Ōnoki suddenly asked,
"By the way — what kind of spell did you cast on Rōshi back then? He came back to the village and immediately started fighting with me!"
"Don't pin that on me," Kyoichi said firmly. "Rōshi was just a guest in Konoha. I didn't 'influence' him to do anything."
Ōnoki let out a cold snort — clearly unconvinced.
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