Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The sun rose high in the sky, its golden rays dispersing the clouds and morning mist.

In a dense forest within the Land of Fire, Raikage Ai and Kirabi led an army of fewer than a thousand ninjas, swiftly advancing toward Konoha Village. Despite their large numbers, the skilled Cloud Ninja army moved through the woods with minimal noise.

"Brother, we're being followed," Kirabi whispered to Raikage Ai as they marched. Kirabi's sensory range far exceeded that of the perception ninjas in their unit, and he had detected the small group tailing them.

"How many?" Raikage Ai asked, his expression hardening.

"Three," Kirabi replied, a grin forming on his face. "Let me handle it. I'll catch up with you shortly."

Raikage Ai nodded in agreement, and Kirabi slowed his pace, falling back from the main group. He quickly set a trap and concealed himself, waiting to ambush the pursuers.

For Kirabi, a Jinchūriki, this was his first mission outside the village and his first operation behind enemy lines. He was eager to prove himself.

Ten minutes after the Cloud Ninja force departed, a three-person Konoha team entered the area, tracking their movements. However, one of them triggered Kirabi's trap, resulting in a powerful explosion that echoed through the forest.

Kirabi immediately launched an attack on the three Konoha ninjas.

"Not good! It's him!"

Boom!

The sound of the explosion carried far. In a mountain stream over ten kilometers away, Raiden Uzumaki, who was resting with his team, suddenly opened his eyes.

"Captain, there's been an explosion," reported a Uchiha clan member stationed as a sentry.

Raiden frowned. "An explosion? This is still the heart of the Fire Country. Could it be an ambush? Or has Senior Jiraiya engaged the enemy?"

He stood quickly, determining the explosion's direction. "Everyone, pack up. We're moving out to investigate!"

With that, Raiden and Fugaku Uchiha led the team toward the source of the explosion.

Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo, leading a force of over 300 searching for Cloud Ninja, also heard the explosion. Realizing his reconnaissance team had been discovered, he hastened his group's pace. Nearby, Namikaze Minato's unit also accelerated upon hearing the sound.

In the Cloud Ninja army, Raikage Ai's expression darkened. He cast a sharp glance at Kirabi but held back his reprimand.

Kirabi's method of dealing with the pursuers had caused a massive explosion, which was sure to draw attention. Raikage Ai knew his brother's strength—ordinary ninjas stood no chance against him—but the unnecessary commotion created a dangerous situation.

Soon after Kirabi rejoined the group, the perception ninjas reported multiple Konoha units approaching rapidly.

"Yo..." Kirabi began, attempting to defuse the tension with a rap, but Raikage Ai silenced him with a fist to the head.

"Set traps and scatter! Prepare for combat!" Raikage Ai commanded.

Under his orders, the Cloud Ninja dispersed into the forest, using the terrain to conceal themselves. Raikage Ai and Kirabi stood together in an open clearing, ready to confront their enemies.

Not far away, Hatake Sakumo's unit halted at the forest's edge. He signaled his troops to stop, wary of the potential dangers within the dense woods. Soon after, Minato's team arrived, merging with Sakumo's group.

"Senior Sakumo, you're here too," Minato greeted as they exchanged information.

"Yes, but charging into the forest would be reckless. Cloud Ninja have already taken advantageous positions." Sakumo's cautious nature prevailed.

Minato nodded, then called over a subordinate. After whispering instructions, the ninja returned with over 20 others. Forming a line outside the forest, the group prepared a coordinated attack.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

The ninjas unleashed a simultaneous barrage of fire, setting the autumn-dry forest ablaze.

Moments later, another group of ninjas stepped forward and performed Wind Style techniques. The gusts amplified the flames, pushing the fire deep into the forest.

"Damn Konoha Ninja!"

From within the flames, a figure cloaked in lightning burst forth, heading directly for Minato with blinding speed. Most only caught a flash of blue light before the attack landed.

Boom!

Hatake Sakumo, standing beside Minato, moved to assist but was intercepted by flying kunai from the forest. As Sakumo blocked the attack, the ground beneath him trembled violently.

The source of the tremor was Raikage Ai, who struck the ground with his lightning-enhanced fist, shattering the area where Minato had been moments earlier. Minato, however, was already gone.

Before Sakumo could react further, four more kunai flew toward him. Simultaneously, a white-haired boy wielding dual weapons rushed at Sakumo, while Raikage Ai launched another powerful punch.

Outnumbered and unable to dodge, Sakumo braced for impact.

Boom!

A sudden flash of purple lightning lit up the sky, striking down the kunai and dispersing the attackers. A figure wrapped in purple lightning appeared beside Sakumo, meeting Raikage Ai's punch with his own.

Crash!

Raikage Ai was sent flying, landing in a distant clearing and creating a deep crater. Kirabi retreated cautiously, retrieving his weapons and joining his brother. They eyed the newcomer warily.

The figure, a young man with long red hair and a black outfit, stood calmly beside Hatake Sakumo. A long blade rested at his waist, and purple lightning crackled around him as he curiously observed Kirabi.

"You're Raiden Uzumaki of Konoha?" Kirabi asked, unsure but recognizing the figure from descriptions.

(End of Chapter)

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