Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 77: The Grand Ploy

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💡 Author's Note: 💡

🎉 It's exhilarating to GO back into the politics of the story after the world-building from the previous chapters! 🌐🌟 ⚡🌊

✨ Coming up next: The moment many of you have been eagerly awaiting we shift our focus to Konoha's perspective and reaction in the next chapter! 🦊🌳 With strained old alliances and rising uncertainties, Konoha's stance will reveal yet another layer to the grand chessboard of nations. This chapter is unique in that we are getting a peak into Onoki's mind♟️🔥

🙏 Thank you for your incredible support, insights, and engagement! Don't forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts! 💬 Your feedback means the world to me and helps shape this journey. 💖✨ I am happy that many of you restarted commenting.

Stay tuned for more twists and turns! 🚀📖

🔥🔥 Let the games begin! 🔥🔥

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"Great rulers don't just play the game—they change it entirely."

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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 84: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War. IS OUT !

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT !!!!!!!!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom !!!!!!!!(New)

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Last time on NTLHOS:

The result was a squad that embodied the best of both worlds—a synthesis of the disciplined traditions of old Uzu and the adaptive innovations of the new era. This restructured ANBU was not only a highly efficient and lethal force but one perfectly tailored to meet the unique challenges facing Uzu.

As his gaze swept from the huge whirlpools surrounding the islands, back to the Uzukage Palace, Rashirom allowed himself a moment of pride. This was no mere city. It was a legacy, legacy of his clan the Uzumaki. From the marble streets to the glowing palace spires, Uzu was more than a home. It was a promise to the world that the Uzumaki Clan had returned, stronger and tougher than ever before.

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Now:

The cave was dimly lit, the flickering light of a single lantern casting shadows that danced along the cavernous walls. At its centre sat a masked man. Before him stood a figure divided—white and half black—Zetsu.

The masked man's voice broke the silence. "Zetsu, how is the world reacting to the rebirth of Uzushiogakure?"

White Zetsu shifted, his tone almost giddy. "Oh, it's chaos out there. I haven't seen this much drama in decades! The last time the world was so uncertain, so completely thrown off balance, was 18 years ago. Remember when the Fourth Hokage died and Kyubi rampaged? The entire world panicked. If a man as powerful as Namikaze Minato could fall, and Konoha—the strongest village—could be shaken by a single beast, it made everyone wonder if anything was truly safe."

Zetsu chuckled, an eerie sound in the dimness. "Some were shocked, others angry that they couldn't avenge themselves on the man they feared. Fear, vengeance, shock, aggression—it all swirled together. But now?" White Zetsu leaned forward slightly, as if to emphasize his point. "Now we're seeing it all again. The rebirth of Uzushiogakure, the emergence of an Uzumaki stronghold, and a network of allied villages forming under their banner? It's the biggest event since then. The timing of the leak was perfect—everyone is scrambling to process it."

The masked man's fingers tapped a slow. "And how is the wind blowing now, Zetsu?"

This time it was Black Zetsu who answered, his tone darker, "Not as we expected."

Then he continued, "Naruto Uzumaki played a game we didn't foresee. We watched him rebuild Uzushiogakure, but we didn't grasp the full scope of his actions until now. As soon as he realized the ruse was up and we leaked the information, he countered with his own revelation—a calculated move. He let the world know that many of the businesses and economic ventures tied to this resurgence are directly under his control. We still don't know if what he revealed represents all of his enterprises or merely the ones he was willing to expose."

The masked man stilled, his tapping hand frozen mid-motion.

Black Zetsu pressed on. "This revelation struck harder than the first. Not only has a network of villages and the Uzumaki stronghold risen under the nose, but the world now knows that one man controls a substantial portion of the economy. While it doesn't cripple the major nations outright, the implications are clear. His influence extends inside their homes, their markets, their coffers. The shock of it has forced them to hesitate."

"And so," Black Zetsu concluded, his tone carrying grudging respect, "instead of an immediate war, the great villages find themselves contemplating their next move. Their leaders are hesitant. To strike, without understanding the full extent of Uzumaki's reach would be reckless, maybe suicidal. This uncertainty disturb them."

The masked man reclined slightly. The mask concealed his face, but the tension in the air made it clear. His mind churned, piecing together the brilliance of Naruto Uzumaki's moves.

"He's forced them to play his game. Clever. But, the games needs a winners and losers."

Black Zetsu's lips twisted into a thin, satisfied smile. "And all it takes is one mistake for the tide to turn."

The masked man's gaze turned. "Then we must ensure that mistake happens."

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Iwagakure

In the high council chamber of Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Ōnoki hovered inches above his stone seat, his arms folded tightly across his chest. The room was tense, the revelation settling heavily over the half-dozen trusted advisors arrayed before him. Their faces bore a mix of shock, confusion, and barely concealed frustration.

The silence broke as Tokuma, an elder and senior strategist, stepped forward, his voice trembling with incredulity. "Uzushiogakure has been rebuilt! How on earth is this possible?" he exclaimed. "And more than that, they now call this conglomeration of minor villages—the Land of Woods, Demon, Valley, Marches, Neck, Vegetables, and others—the Hokubu Ocean Principality, as Neo Uzushiogakure, all united under Uzushiogakure's banner. Utter Madness I say! The sheer audacity of it!"

Ōnoki's sharp eyes, undimmed by his years, betrayed no surprise as he responded. "This Uzumaki have been clever. They avoided open confrontation, built silently, and revealed their hand only when we all are too entangled in stalemates to act swiftly. Each major nation is preoccupied. Should we move rashly now, we risk either solidifying his allies or triggering another war."

A younger advisor, less seasoned and more impulsive, hesitated before speaking. "Tsuchikage-sama, Uzushio's main ally was Konoha. Now that their leader is missing-nin of Konoha, they won't support him. I say we finish what we started all those years ago. Or… are you suggesting we do nothing?"

Ōnoki turned his steely gaze toward the young man, his stare heavy with the weight of decades of experience. "We watch. We learn. Patience. I will not repeat the mistakes of the past. Let the other villages sacrifice their men in the effort to destroy Uzushio. Do not forget what happen last time, Tokuma you still remember those days, the consequences of that butchery still linger. This time, we wait."

Tokuma gave a slight nod, but the room remained thick with tension. Another advisor, his voice quaking with barely contained fury, broke in. "How can you say this, Tsuchikage-sama? He is the son of that man and the monstress. We have a duty to avenge our people!"

Ōnoki sighed, the sound carrying both exhaustion and irritation. "You fool," he said sharply. "That man never fought for Uzushio. Your priorities are misplaced. If you want revenge, look to Konoha. It was Konoha who sanctioned the messacre on our people, not Minato Namikaze or his son.

"And as for the boy," Ōnoki continued, his voice low and laced with cold steel, "do not mistake my pragmatism for forgiveness. I despise Kushina Uzumaki for what she took from me, and if the chance arises, I will deal with her spawn myself. But I will not let my personal grievances override my duty to Iwagakure."

The room fell silent again as his words settled. Ōnoki's gaze swept over his council, ensuring none missed his point.

"Unless Naruto Uzumaki aims to reshape the world and test the limits of power, we will not act. But if he does, we must be ready. Dispatch scouts—carefully. Look for cracks in his alliances, disgruntled merchants, anyone who might offer insight into his operations. Also remove reliance on any and all companies associated with Uzumakis unless absolutely necessary. But we must not show overt hostility. Not yet."

With that, the Tsuchikage's tone shifted, signaling the end of the meeting. "Dismissed."

Ōnoki's small frame floated from the chamber.

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Immediately after the council meeting in the Tsuchikage's office, the venerable Tsuchikage hovered near his desk, arms folded behind his back in a posture of grim contemplation. Before him stood his granddaughter Kurotsuchi, cheeks flushed with anger, and Akatsuchi and Kitsuchi, his broad-shouldered aides, both exchanging uncertain glances as the old man's silence stretched.

Kurotsuchi broke the hush, her voice echoing off the stone walls. "Grandfather! When his name first appeared in the Bingo Book, I told you we should deal with that Uzumaki boy swiftly—nip the problem in the bud! But you said our hands were tied. And now look what has happened!" She gestured angrily at a recently delivered scroll spread out on a low table. "He's rebuilt the ruins of Uzushio, annexed so many minor nations they're practically a great land, rivaling any of the big five. Still, you stand here telling us not to react? Even after all this?"

Akatsuchi nodded in hesitant agreement. "I'm not saying we should rush into war, Tsuchikage-sama, but this is unusual for you, isn't it? You're the one who always told us to remain vigilant. Yet now, you counsel patience?"

Ōnoki, hovering just above his stone seat, rested his chin on his hand. His gaze swept over the room. His voice, steady yet weary, filled the space. "You green children. You see only the surface: pride and revenge. You think we're dealing with a mere threat, a rogue shinobi who got lucky. But you don't understand what's truly transpiring beneath the currents."

He paused, and the flicker of a lantern flame caught the lines of contemplation etched deep on his face. "I have known Hiruzen for decades—a man who once bore the mantle of the strongest Kage in his youth. Did it not strike you as strange that, rather than press Jiraiya into leadership, he himself struggled to regain his prime form? Why should an aging monkey strain and scrape to rekindle that old strength unless something monumental was at stake? Jiraiya might protest, but if ordered, he would comply; Hiruzen knows this."

Kitsuchi frowned. "You mean… the Hokage's recent skirmishes and drills, the push to make Konoha battle-ready—is it not just pride?"

Ōnoki waved a hand, dismissing the notion. "Pride alone doesn't explain it. Konoha never truly became weak. When I heard Sarutobi began toying with Kumo, that confirmed my suspicions. Konoha isn't weak—it never was. Not after the Nine-Tails attacked, and certainly not now. Even after the Kyūbi attack years ago, we never dared invade them. And why? Because they still had their Sandaime Hokage, an array of formidable shinobi, and the strongest of the nine tailed beasts sealed within their walls. Yes, the Fourth Hokage's death was a significant blow, but it didn't remove Konoha from its pedestal as the strongest village. Hiruzen Sarutobi remained a force to be reckoned with.

"And then there's Tsunade. Despite her lineage and influence, she has not returned to Konoha. That alone raises even more questions. For Hiruzen to restore his strength in a time of supposed peace was the first red flag. He refrained from taking drastic action, merely biding his time. At that very moment, I began utilizing enhancements and other techniques to regain my strength and cure my backache. So if need come to combat him." 

"Now consider the timing of his sudden aggressiveness—it aligns almost perfectly with Uzumaki Naruto's departure and subsequent silence. That isn't a coincidence."

He lifted a new scroll, tapping it lightly with a knotted finger. "Did you think we hadn't considered the possibility that Naruto Uzumaki might attempt to rebuild Uzu? Of course, we did. We placed spies, monitored every inch of the seas, and kept watch on all the known approaches. Yet there was no sign of the thrice-damned seals created by Lord Ashina Uzumaki on that cursed island coming down. Not a ripple in the four known entrances to Uzushio's ruins. Everything stayed quiet. Too quiet."

"And then, suddenly, the boy reveals that not only has he rebuilt Uzushiogakure, but he has also gathered a coalition of lands we never anticipated he could integrate so seamlessly. Worse still, how did he manage to smuggle in an entire population when no one ever smuggled out the citizen or shinobi during the destruction, other than the three entrances and a hidden one we knew of? How did he manage to smuggle in an entire population when no one ever smuggled out the survivors during the destruction?"

Akatsuchi's eyes widened. "Five entrances… but the Uzumaki never used such a secret path in the old war. Why now?"

"Exactly. That can only mean one thing—there is or was a fifth entrance, one we didn't know about, one the Uzumaki never used during the last war. But why? Did it not exist at the time, or was there some reason they couldn't use it?"

"We had analysts report that there is a 95% chance Naruto Uzumaki would rebuild Uzushiogakure. We had troops stationed nearby, ready to strike, but not once were the known barriers pulled down. We in the sense Konoha, Kumo, Kiri, and Iwa. Yet when the village emerged, it was thriving, fully populated. He anticipated every move we might make. Our focus on Uzushio blinded us to the other side of the equation—The Hokubu Ocean and its network of villages."

Ōnoki sighed, his tone heavy. "Even more troubling are the economic ramifications. Uzumaki was preparing for this for years. While the old monkey engaged in meaningless skirmishes to be prepared for Uzumaki—like that farce with Kumo—to lubricate the gears of war, to test and maintain readiness, yes, but also as a smokescreen. While everyone's attention focused on these old grudges and petty conflicts, Uzumaki quietly expanded his economic influence in anticipation of his reveal. He owns arms companies we all relied on to re-arm ourselves in anticipation of war. Three out of five arms suppliers we use are his, in secret. By arming ourselves, we funded his rebuilding. What a brilliant trap: we thought to prepare for conflicts to come, all the while enriching our adversary."

Kurotsuchi covered her mouth, stunned. "He tricked the entire continent into paying for his resurgence?"

Ōnoki continued, his voice grim. "I checked for any seals on the weapons—only a few special siege tools bore suspicious marks, easily removed once I noticed. He never intended to sabotage us blatantly. He wanted our money, our panic-driven purchases, to flow steadily into his coffers. While we prepared for a war that never came, he funneled resources into Uzu and Neo-Uzu. Poetic, isn't it? He used the very villages that destroyed his own to fund his rebuilding."

Both Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi looked stunned, but Ōnoki wasn't finished.

He paused, allowing them to absorb the enormity of it. "Now consider Kiri, under Yagura's brutal—or rather, idiotic—foolish reign. He's absorbed sixty percent of what made Mist a major village. Most of its valuable bloodlines, techniques, people, and businesses have fled—where do you think many ended up? Under Uzumaki's protection. He has, in essence, taken the best parts of Kirigakure's heritage without firing a shot. And what about Jinchūriki? If my informant is to be believed, he secured the one from Takigakure by offering them trade and resources at dirt-cheap rates for a Jinchūriki that was about to be exiled. The Six-Tails is also missing from Kiri, likely in Uzumaki's hands. He's collecting resources that ensure long-term security and deterrence."

Akatsuchi's shoulders slumped. "So he not only unified lands but also secured strategic bloodlines, techniques, even tailed beasts? It's like he anticipated every response we'd have and turned it to his advantage."

Ōnoki nodded. "I had my doubts. I never believed that Danzo would do something so... for lack of a better word, amateurish, to get caught. Now I can say with full confidence that it was Uzumaki who orchestrated rifts between Kumo and Konoha. Meanwhile, Suna—too dependent on external help—would never support a coalition against him, not after witnessing what he did to them the last time.

And Iwa, us… He knows I won't commit to a reckless war. The last time taught us caution."

Kurotsuchi's voice trembled with a mixture of awe and frustration. "You pieced together all these conclusions from mere fragments of intel? You're saying Naruto Uzumaki planned all of this, step by step, anticipating everyone's moves for the next five years?"

Ōnoki finally settled onto the edge of his desk, the stiffness in his back more pronounced than ever. "Kurotsuchi, my dear granddaughter, he played the long game. He's no longer just a rogue shinobi. He's a ruler, a strategist who leveraged the pride and paranoia of the great villages. By doing nothing at crucial junctures, we all played into his hands. I cannot, in good conscience, lead Iwa into a war blindly, not after realizing how perfectly we've been ensnared."

"That," Ōnoki said with finality, "is why I won't commit us to another reckless war. Not after last time. Not without understanding the full extent of his plans."

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Kumogakure

High among the peaks of Kumogakure, Raikage A stared through the council chamber's expansive window, watching storm clouds drift ominously across the horizon. Surrounding him were his closest advisors: Darui, C, and several clan heads and dignitaries, veterans who had witnessed Kumo's fortunes rise and fall over the years.

"He's controlling vast sea trade, and now land routes too," A growled, his voice heavy with frustration. "If we lash out, we risk losing essential imports—grain, metals, even rare medicines. Worse, the world would see us as brutes attacking a vital lifeline."

The unspoken truth lingered heavily in the room. After their recent debacle with Konoha, Kumo could ill afford an economic war without the full backing of their daimyo—a backing A was certain he wouldn't get, not after the humiliation of their last failed venture.

Darui inclined his head thoughtfully. "This Uzumaki—he's forced us into caution. It might be wiser to attempt subtle diplomacy. We can't afford to alienate a potential key supplier."

A grimace tugged at A's lips, and his fists clenched at his sides. "I hate bending, but we cannot afford recklessness." He turned, his gaze hard. "Send feelers. Offer trade terms beneficial to them. If they rebuff us, we'll know where they stand. Meanwhile, keep our shinobi alert. If we find a weakness, we won't hesitate to exploit it. And..." His voice grew quieter, more deliberate. "Begin finding alternatives to Uzumaki's influence. Be subtle."

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Kirigakure

Deep in the mist-shrouded corridors of Kirigakure's Mizukage Tower, Yagura Karatachi ruled with an iron grip. Though his enemies had vanished three years ago, whispers persisted that the rebels might be taking refuge within the domains of Uzumaki Naruto—a realm now being called Neo Uzu by the world.

Yagura faced a half-circle of advisors, their faces a mix of loyalty and self-interest. One of them cleared his throat nervously. "Mizukage-sama, if the rebels truly found refuge in Neo Uzu, what should we do?"

Yagura's crimson eyes flickered briefly, but he didn't turn to face them. His voice was measured, cold. "We can't strike at them—not now. The time is not right. Yet."

A disgruntled elite Jōnin stepped forward, his frustration evident. "So we just let them grow stronger?"

Yagura's gaze sharpened as he finally turned, his tone like frost. "Fortify our borders. Strengthen internal surveillance. If an opportunity arises to sabotage their growth discreetly, we'll take it. But until then, we hold. Patience will reward us."

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Sunagakure

In Sunagakure's council chamber, Kazekage Gaara sat quietly, listening to the reports of his advisors. His expression remained calm, impassive, as Temari rested her iconic fan by her side and Kankurō idly adjusted the mechanisms of one of his puppets. Advisors hovered anxiously, waiting for Gaara's verdict.

"Neo Uzu's agricultural output could save us from scarcity," Temari said carefully, her voice low but steady. "If we secure trade, we might stabilize our economy."

Gaara inclined his head. "Naruto Uzumaki. His efforts seem grander now, but the intent feels familiar. Perhaps this is simply on a larger scale." He paused, then added, "Offer official envoys. Seek favorable terms. We must reposition ourselves not as challengers, but as partners."

One of the advisors, hesitant but wary, asked, "And Konoha's reaction? How will they respond after what Baki did?"

Gaara's teal eyes narrowed slightly, his voice even but laced with caution. "Konoha's stance is uncertain. They may attempt to reassert dominance over us, and perhaps over Neo Uzu. We must become indispensable to Neo Uzu—secure our future through mutual benefit.

"Until we see how Uzumaki's power translates in the real world, beyond theory, we tread carefully. Focus on trade. Nothing more. We cannot afford to provoke Konoha beyond a certain point."

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Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 84: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War. IS OUT !

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT !!!!!!!!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom !!!!!!!!(New)

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