Chapter 704: Turbulent times...

Chapter 704: Turbulent times...

Fujin answered nonchalantly, "658, including 3 Elite Jounins."

Since they already knew that Fujin had eliminated 6 bases, both had expected such an answer. Even so, their smile widened. Hiruzen couldn't help but say, "You've done a great job, Fujin."

Fujin nodded and continued, "I've no idea how many fell to the traps, though I suppose our spies should get that information easily once they arrange the funerals. I also sent a few Wind Clones around. I didn't task them with killing anyone and just sent them to create some disruptions. They should've started several hurricanes which will disrupt their internal trading for some time."

Shikaku said, "That's good. It'll keep them busy with their internal matters for longer. Along with Eagle eliminating their spies, their losses exceed 700 ninjas even without considering the traps.

With such heavy blows to their elite ninjas and their intelligence network, Kumo will be unable to start a war for at least 3 to 4 years. The fourth Raikage will have no choice but to tone down his aggression."

Ever since Minato's death and Orochimaru's betrayal, Kumogakure had always been on the lookout to find Konoha's weak spots. The Hyuga incident was just the start. They continued poking Konoha continuously since then, but Hiruzen had done an excellent job ensuring that Konoha wasn't caught in another scheme while giving Kumogakure a bloody nose once.

Even though Konoha's strength had recovered, Kumogakure always remained a major threat due to its aggressive nature. For the first time in over a decade, Konoha would be able to enjoy some peace. Of course, that was if they fended off Sunagakure and Orochimaru's scheme.

Fujin had the same thought. He nodded in agreement, but asked, "While it does cripple their military temporarily, aren't you afraid that the Raikage might do something drastic? He isn't exactly known for his calmness, is he? If Orochimaru extended an olive branch to him and he accepts, we could be in deep trouble."

Shikaku chuckled and said, "You don't need to worry about that. He'll soon be buried in so much internal work that he wouldn't even be able to glance in our direction. I'm sure he would want revenge on us for this maneuver, but he is on thin ice. If he tries something and Kumogakure suffers once again, he'll have a very difficult time keeping his chair. Any alliance with Orochimaru has the potential of being backstabbed. The circumstances won't allow him to take this risk."

Hiruzen agreed and added, "The Fourth Raikage's decisiveness is quite troublesome to deal with in difficult situations. Fortunately, your actions will ensure that Kumogakure won't allow him to be that decisive.

Of course, we'll keep an eye on them just in case they do something drastic. However, considering the pressure he'll face internally and even in their council, I don't think there's any reason to be worried."

Hiruzen suddenly sighed and muttered, "It's a shame that we don't have any spies inside their council. If we did, I could have kept him occupied in Kumogakure's internal problems for at least a decade."

His words immediately earned stares from Fujin and Shikaku. Both were slightly surprised at how miserable Hiruzen wanted to make Ay. Fujin couldn't help but wonder, 'Is he still salty about the embarrassing loss he took during the Hyuga incident?'

Sensing their stares, Hiruzen shrugged and said, "Neither of you had the chance to see Sensei in action. What we've pulled this time is a child's play compared to what he did on a regular basis. Anyway, you've done a great job, Fujin. Take a good rest. We need you to be at your best during the final round of the Chunin Exam."

To the south of the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water was still engulfed by a civil war. Their battles were becoming increasingly tense.

A few thousand kilometers away, the Sunagakure ninjas were busy preparing for an assault on Konoha, while their higher-ups were still debating whether they should go forward with the plans or halt them for the time being.

To their north, even the higher-ups in Iwagakure were stressed out. In a matter of days, they lost contact with more than half of their intelligence network! They were busy checking what had happened in their neighboring countries for such a sudden change.

At the center of everything, Konoha looked stable as a monolith, seeming unbothered by everything happening around them. However, in the dark, the Anbu and the clans were preparing for another major war. As such, the entire ninja world was on a thin edge.

At such a time, a few birds were flying peacefully towards their targets, carrying terrifying news on their back. It was evening when a few of them reached the Land of Water and informed both factions about the events that took place inside Kumogakure. A few minutes later, a few birds reached Konoha. Sunagakure and Iwagakure were farther from Kumogakure, so they received the messenger birds a few hours later. The minor villages received them at varying hours as well.

Regardless of when they received the scrolls or which leader opened and read it, everyone's eyes widened in shock! Even Hiruzen was no exception as he muttered, "What in the hell?"

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