Because of Ye Zi's attack on Konoha, many began to recognize his immense strength, which in turn created ripple effects across the shinobi world.
Starting in the Land of Earth, Ye Zi's name evolved from a target every village sought to eliminate into a figure who had surpassed the renown of the Three Legendary Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and many other famed shinobi. His fame had reached new heights after his audacious raid on Konoha and his escape without harm.
Naturally, with fame comes comparison. Ye Zi began to be compared with other Kage-level shinobi. Chief among these comparisons was the Third Raikage.
Both were renowned masters of Lightning Release, which fueled the debate: who was stronger, the Third Raikage or Ye Zi?
This topic gradually gained traction, and in Kumogakure, the answer was clear without any need for deliberation. The Raikage's loyalists were adamant that he was superior. In other villages, many also leaned toward the Raikage, given his legendary feats.
The Third Raikage's reputation was forged through numerous wars. To those who had witnessed his prowess, he was a veritable monster: his Lightning Release Armor rendered him impervious to weapons, while his speed and destructive power struck despair in his enemies.
Against the Third Raikage, finding an opening seemed impossible, leading to a feeling of utter hopelessness. By contrast, facing Ye Zi was considered slightly less daunting, as it appeared there was at least a faint hope of victory.
This difference in perception led most to conclude that the Third Raikage was stronger than Ye Zi—especially in Kumogakure.
"The Third Raikage's Lightning Release is the strongest in the shinobi world. Who is this 'Lightning Blade' Ye Zi? Compared to the Third Raikage-sama, he's unworthy of the title."
Such dismissive remarks were common among the Raikage's devotees.
"The Third Raikage-sama participated in countless wars, never suffering injury thanks to his Lightning Release, and slayed innumerable enemies. What does Ye Zi have to compare with that? At best, he's someone who managed to inconvenience Konoha."
"Exactly. The title of the strongest Lightning Release belongs only to the Third Raikage-sama."
While some acknowledged Ye Zi's strength, they still believed the Third Raikage to be superior:
"Ye Zi's 'Lightning Blade' is impressive, but the Third Raikage-sama is undoubtedly stronger."
Amidst these debates, Ye Zi was given the moniker "Lightning Blade," replacing his previous epithet "Little White Fang." Though seemingly ordinary, the name symbolized a lightning-infused blade that was impossible to ignore.
Despite the apparent outcome of this comparison, the topic remained a hot discussion, serving as a frequent source of entertainment.
...
The Raikage's Office in Kumogakure
Perched high in the mountains and shrouded in clouds, the Raikage's office overlooked the village and seemed to touch the sky.
In the office, Dodai, a trusted advisor with a distinctive eyepatch over his left eye, addressed the Third Raikage. "Raikage-sama, the villagers are discussing comparisons between you and Ye Zi. Should we suppress these discussions?"
Dodai, a reliable aide, was akin to Konoha's Shikaku Nara in terms of influence and capability.
The Third Raikage, leaning back in his chair with an elbow on the armrest and a finger pressed to his temple, replied calmly:
"It's a trivial matter. There's no need to make a fuss."
Dodai nodded. "Understood. However, the topic may persist for some time."
"Let them talk," the Raikage replied indifferently. Though the villagers compared him to Ye Zi, he didn't see Ye Zi as a threat.
As Kumogakure's shinobi often said, his Lightning Release was the strongest in the shinobi world. It bestowed upon him both unparalleled offense and defense, making him the undisputed champion of his craft. To him, Ye Zi was unworthy of being compared to his Lightning Release.
The Raikage shifted the conversation. "Konoha has suffered a heavy loss. That is a good thing. Now, we only need to focus on development. Eventually, we will become the strongest village."
Dodai responded earnestly: "I believe the village is already the strongest, Raikage-sama."
The Raikage laughed heartily for a moment before his expression turned serious.
"Perhaps you're right. But with organizations like Akatsuki weakening the other villages, it works in our favor. It's amusing that no one else sees their potential."
He added with a sly smile: "After all, Ye Zi is a member of Akatsuki."
Dodai smirked faintly. "Konoha has suffered greatly at Ye Zi's hands. I doubt they will let this slide."
The Raikage shook his head. "I hope they don't let it go. But it's unlikely Konoha will act rashly. If they gamble everything on an attack against Amegakure, it would leave them vulnerable, creating opportunities for other villages. I would not hesitate to seize such a chance."
Dodai raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean to say that if Konoha makes a move, we should attack them?"
"Absolutely," the Raikage affirmed without hesitation.
Dodai hesitated briefly before voicing his concern: "But… the peace treaties—"
The Raikage interrupted with a cold gaze. "Peace treaties are little more than fragile paper barriers. The Land of Fire is rich in resources. If the opportunity arises, no one would let it slip away."
If Konoha couldn't bear the humiliation and decided to retaliate against Ye Zi by mobilizing their forces against Amegakure, they would expose their rear. Such an opening would be too enticing for other villages, especially Kumogakure, to ignore.
Still, the Raikage believed Konoha would not risk such a gamble under the watchful eyes of rival villages.
Dodai pondered for a moment before asking: "Do you truly believe Konoha will endure this disgrace?"
The Raikage's eyes gleamed with certainty. "They won't. But they won't act rashly, either."
Currently, Sunagakure and Kirigakure are weak, while Iwagakure is relatively stable. Konoha and Kumogakure used to be on par in terms of strength, but after this recent loss, Konoha's power has likely fallen below that of Kumogakure. If Konoha were to persist in pursuing Ye Zi, it would be a situation the other villages would gladly see. Konoha is undoubtedly aware of this.
Ye Zi is a member of the Akatsuki, an organization based in the neutral country of the Land of Rain. Unless the major villages are willing to unite against the Land of Rain, no single village would dare take the lead in such a move.
Mobilizing forces to attack means war, and war inevitably brings casualties.
Konoha won't initiate such a conflict, so they won't make any major moves. However, minor actions are inevitable.
Dodai sighed with regret: "It's a pity. If Konoha dared to launch a full-scale assault on the Land of Rain, even if we couldn't seize the opportunity to destroy Konoha, we would have a great chance to capture the Nine-Tails."
The Third Raikage's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice: "During the last war, we missed the chance to capture the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. If we could capture the Nine-Tails now, combined with the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails, we could launch a full-scale assault on Konoha and occupy the Land of Fire."
Dodai's eyes gleamed with longing, though he sighed regretfully.
The village already had jinchūriki capable of perfectly controlling the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails. Adding the Nine-Tails to their arsenal would make them unstoppable.
Among all nations, the Land of Lightning only had its eyes on the Land of Fire. The Land of Fire's abundant resources and fertile environment made it the envy of other countries.
Currently, Sunagakure is weak, and Iwagakure could theoretically suppress and slowly devour Sunagakure by exerting steady pressure. However, Iwagakure has not pursued this course, simply because the Land of Wind's environment is so poor that Iwagakure does not covet it.
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