Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The stars shifted, and several days passed in the blink of an eye.

The peace talks between Konoha and Iwa Shinobi continued, with corresponding clauses finalized one by one. Iwa Shinobi, with new objectives, began focusing on the matter of attacking the Cloud Village. As a result, negotiations on Konoha's side proceeded more smoothly.

However, progress in the ninja world was not as straightforward. Under deliberate manipulation by Iwa Shinobi, the entire ninja world became flooded with various news reports, the most notable being the story of Tsuchikage personally leading a team to kill Konoha's Uzumaki Raiden—a failed attempt that attracted widespread attention.

After hearing this news, the Third Raikage dispatched investigators, who found clues from the aftermath of the battle within the Land of Fire. Believing the reports, the Cloud Village grew increasingly complacent in their vigilance against Iwa Shinobi.

News of the peace talks reached Konoha. The Third Hokage expressed great concern but left the matter in Uzumaki Raiden's capable hands. His replies contained only opinions and advice, granting Raiden significant freedom in handling the situation.

As November arrived, autumn skies turned crisp and clear.

Finally, Konoha and Iwa Shinobi reached a consensus on all terms of the peace agreement. A secret signing ceremony was held in the Land of Rain.

Early one morning, three mysterious guests arrived outside Dishui City. Under the guidance of Root Ninjas, Atsuchi, Kitsuchi, and Tsuchikage Onoki secretly entered Konoha's base.

In the conference room, Uzumaki Raiden, Shimura Danzo, Orochimaru, and Nara Shikaku were already waiting. The peace talks were top-secret, and only Konoha, Iwa Shinobi, and Nara Shikaku, the chief mediator, were privy to the details.

Outside the conference room, Uchiha Fugaku led ten Uchiha clan guards, strictly prohibiting anyone from approaching.

"They're here," Raiden announced. The conference room had been modified for the occasion. Raiden, Orochimaru, and Danzo sat on one side of the table while Shikaku stood on the other. At Raiden's cue, Shikaku approached the door and opened it, revealing a Root Ninja leading Onoki and his delegation inside.

Onoki entered, his sharp gaze fixed on Raiden, who remained seated. "Boy, I'm here," Onoki declared as he floated to a chair across from Raiden.

"Hehe, it's an honor to host you," Raiden replied with a casual smile, maintaining his seat. Orochimaru and Danzo observed Onoki intently. Once Onoki was inside, the Root Ninja closed the door behind him.

The conference room was heavily guarded. Uchiha clan members secured the immediate vicinity, while Root Ninjas ensured the surrounding buildings were fortified. This was to guarantee the security of the peace talks.

Nara Shikaku placed the finalized terms before Raiden and Onoki, marking the beginning of negotiations.

Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at his office window, distracted despite the paperwork on his desk.

"By now, the peace talks with Iwa Shinobi should be underway. I hope all goes well," he mused.

Unbeknownst to him, a grave threat was inching closer to Konoha from the northeast.

Within the Land of Lightning, a massive Cloud Village army advanced toward the border. This elite force of 1,000 highly skilled ninjas, led by the newly appointed leader Raikage Ai and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki Killer B, was preparing to strike.

"Brother, we're nearing the border. What's our mission again?" Killer B asked, his comedic demeanor contrasting with his formidable presence.

"You idiot! Didn't I already explain this before we left?" Raikage Ai snapped in frustration.

"I forgot," Killer B admitted sheepishly.

Raikage Ai's response came in the form of a fist, sending Killer B tumbling. Despite this, the army pressed on, and Killer B quickly caught up, unharmed.

As they moved, Raikage Ai leaned closer and whispered, "We're crossing the sea to infiltrate the Land of Fire. Our frontline forces have pushed Konoha back into their territory, and we're here to deliver the final blow. Mist Ninja will attack simultaneously."

The brothers marched in unison, their troops following silently behind.

Konoha remained oblivious to the movements of the Cloud forces. On the frontlines, Jiraiya, unaware of the looming threat, faced his own challenges.

At the Fire and Hot Water Country border, Jiraiya led a defensive force against relentless Cloud Village attacks. Explosions echoed across the battlefield, mingling with the stench of smoke and blood.

Despite the support of Hatake Sakumo and Tsunade, Konoha's forces struggled. Cloud Ninjas, known for their mastery of Lightning Style and Taijutsu, overwhelmed their opponents. Even Jiraiya's large-scale Earth Style techniques were countered with devastating Water Style ninjutsu, leaving Konoha vulnerable to waves of lightning attacks.

"Retreat!" Jiraiya shouted as lightning rained down, forcing his troops to withdraw. Yet some were too slow, succumbing to paralysis or death from the lightning-infused water.

After regrouping, Jiraiya assessed the heavy losses. Over a dozen comrades had fallen, and the camp faced a dire shortage of supplies. A message from Tsunade confirmed the situation: surprise attack forces had encountered Cloud Ninjas and suffered severe casualties.

"We need reinforcements and supplies immediately," Jiraiya ordered as his troops prepared to return to camp, knowing that more battles awaited.

(End of Chapter)

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