"We need to study the Lightning Armor technique itself, not why the Raikage and A are so strong."
Kyohiko stated, "If we focus purely on the jutsu, can't this technique be roughly seen as an extension of Lightning Release chakra enhancing physical vitality?"
He believed that when researching ninjutsu, the key was to identify its core and find comparable references.
Kakashi thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"That's a valid angle. If that's the case..."
"Lightning Release chakra stimulates the body's vitality, enhancing muscle condition. In this state, it doesn't just boost defense—it also increases speed and physical strength."
Kyohiko quickly reached this conclusion after considering basic medical and taijutsu principles.
According to physiology, a person's speed and strength are tied to muscle performance. If Lightning Release chakra could stimulate muscles, similar effects should be achievable.
Kakashi wasn't well-versed in medicine, but he had studied physical enhancement techniques and immediately agreed.
Minato pondered, "So it's a nin-taijutsu hybrid, requiring both ninjutsu and taijutsu to maximize its power."
"I think so. The real Lightning Armor is definitely more complex than our speculation, but we should simplify the problem first—find the thread's end before unraveling the rest."
Kyohiko shared his perspective.
Kakashi nodded. "I understand!"
If he could master it—
No, even achieving just 30-40% of its defensive effects would be a significant upgrade. It might save his life in battle.
"Innovating ninjutsu starts with the right approach. Like the Rasengan—my initial inspiration came from the Tailed Beast Bomb..."
Minato recounted his creative process.
Kakashi's horizons broadened.
He realized Kyohiko and Minato were suggesting they identify the core concept first, then deduce the technique's variations to develop their own version of Lightning Armor.
Gai watched enviously.
But he knew ninjutsu wasn't his path. Kakashi, however, had the talent—and this technique suited him perfectly. That's why everyone encouraged him to explore it.
Research, decipher, learn.
This was common in the shinobi world. As long as they weren't stealing scrolls or secrets, other villages couldn't accuse Konoha of wrongdoing.
Minato summoned a toad to maintain contact with Mount Myōboku.
Then, everyone settled in for the night.
---
Outside, Kumo's ANBU monitored the area.
From a distant rooftop, Dodai stood watch, unable to sleep.
"Can't rest, elder?"
"Sleep? Hardly!"
Dodai sighed, gazing at the lodging where the Konoha team stayed. "One misstep could spark a war. Not that we fear it, but..."
A frowned. "They're too relaxed. How can they sleep so easily? Aren't they afraid we'll kill them?"
"Perhaps they have undetectable reconnaissance methods. Konoha excels in such techniques—especially that Kyohiko kid. Young, but seemingly connected to the Senju."
Dodai recalled the boy's abilities.
Superhuman strength, unique water techniques—all linked to the Senju.
Who knew what else he was hiding?
A considered this and nodded.
True, Kyohiko had already delivered enough "surprises." One more wouldn't be shocking. Otherwise, their boldness made no sense.
After a pause, Dodai murmured into the night, "What will Konoha look like in a few years?"
"We train harder. Then, we defeat them."
A slammed the railing, grinning.
"Just because they're geniuses doesn't mean we assassinate them. Where's the fun in that? I want to crush them fair and square!"
With that, A turned away. "I'm heading back to train."
"Get some rest too."
Dodai called after him.
A just waved dismissively.
---
The next morning, the team rose early.
Even the ever-diligent Might Gai avoided outdoor training, exercising indoors instead.
After washing up, Minato entered—
Their quarters were a standalone house with a courtyard. For safety, none had fully closed their doors last night.
Seeing Kyohiko awake, Minato asked, "Should you dispel your clone and rest more?"
"Unnecessary. My recovery rate is high now—this level of fatigue is manageable."
Kyohiko released the shadow clone outside.
A flood of memories rushed into his mind—
Thankfully, most were redundant. Only a few held value.
"We were watched last night."
"Expected. They fear we'll cause trouble, especially after learning about the Eight-Tails."
Minato wasn't bothered by the surveillance.
Controlled monitoring kept both sides at ease.
"No observers now?"
"None."
Kyohiko confirmed.
Satisfied, Minato unsealed a scroll.
"Let's strategize the negotiation. I lack experience in this..."
He sounded embarrassed.
Despite being a decade older, Minato often deferred to Kyohiko's sharper political instincts.
Kyohiko took it in stride.
His teacher, Jiraiya, had been the same—though more seasoned, needing only slight nudges. Minato required deeper collaboration.
Tsunade's orders were simple:
Assess Kumo's stance, strengthen ties, and prevent the alliance from collapsing.
Just one sentence.
Yet Minato had no concrete plan.
Kyohiko began, "The first point is already settled."
Minato responded instantly, "Kumo once tried kidnapping Kushina, but currently, the Raikage seems hesitant to break ties. His stance is wavering."
"Right. Our goal is deeper mutual interests—binding our villages so tightly that the Raikage leans toward maintaining the alliance."
Kyohiko outlined the approach.
Minato's eyes lit up. "Like the Land of Waves agreement?"
He'd heard of that deal.
Shared benefits—
To him, it meant similar pacts.
"The Land of Waves was a multilateral geopolitical consensus. Even if Konoha and Kumo clashed, it wouldn't affect it. Not true interdependence."
Kyohiko paused briefly.
He pondered—
Where could Konoha and Kumo complement each other for mutual gain?
Medical knowledge and herbs.
Kumo's mountainous terrain yielded rare herbs Konoha lacked—just as Konoha had exclusive resources like the Nara clan's medicinal antlers.
As for medical expertise—
Thanks to Tsunade, Konoha's system was the most advanced in the shinobi world. Kumo had no reason to refuse.
"First, trade exchanges—medicinal herbs, soldier pills, and so on..."
Kyohiko listed potential areas of cooperation.
"Agreed."
After some thought, Minato nodded in approval.
These were Konoha's strengths. After years of research, their soldier pills were cost-effective and highly efficient, giving them an edge over other villages.
As for medicinal herbs, he also considered that the Land of Lightning had unique ingredients that could supplement Konoha's supplies.
"Additionally, I have an idea—let's see if we can establish an annual ninja academy exchange program."
Kyohiko proposed.
Minato straightened. "What kind of exchange?"
"Students and instructors from both academies would engage in friendly sparring and teaching methodology discussions."
In truth, he had initially thought of an exchange student system like in his past life.
But—
First, Konoha had only recently implemented educational reforms. Directly offering exchange students would just hand advantages to their rivals.
Second, neither side could fully trust the other, making deeper collaboration difficult.
A structured exchange, however, would benefit both villages while showcasing Konoha's educational advancements.
Two birds with one stone.
Later, Kumo might even come begging for a full exchange program.
No one values what's given freely.
Minato's eyes brightened at the idea.
A ninja academy exchange.
There was no precedent, but it would indeed strengthen ties and offer mutual benefits.
"Good. Anything else?"
"That's enough for now. The rest depends on Jiraiya-sensei's situation. If the frontlines go poorly, no amount of effort here will matter—we'd just be planning our escape."
As soon as Kyohiko finished speaking, a toad appeared.
It brought news from Jiraiya.
"Perfect! Sensei is brilliant!"
---
Half an hour later, the team arrived at the Raikage's office.
Kumogakure's administrative complex was built into a towering cliff, its structures seamlessly merging with the mountain. Morning mist swirled around the peaks, creating an ethereal landscape.
"Konoha's guests, I hope you rested well? Our village is prone to thunderstorms—I trust the noise didn't disturb you."
Dodai greeted them warmly.
"We're shinobi. Such sounds are routine."
Minato smiled, then got to the point. "Is the Raikage available today? We'd like to discuss potential collaboration."
Actual cooperation?
Dodai was inwardly surprised.
He and the Raikage had assumed this visit was purely reconnaissance—not a genuine overture for deeper ties.
Yet Minato's demeanor suggested otherwise.
Without hesitation, Dodai replied, "Of course!"
Inside the office, Minato outlined their purpose.
"After jointly facilitating peace around the Land of Waves, Hokage-sama believes our villages should strengthen relations. Hence, we're here to explore collaborative opportunities."
The Third Raikage maintained a diplomatic smile.
"Collaboration is always welcome. War benefits no one. But what areas did you have in mind?"
"Medicinal trade, for one. Your high-altitude herbs complement our Nara clan's medicinal antlers. We could discuss reciprocal exchanges."
Minato provided examples, then clarified, "Naturally, we can't finalize terms—this is just preliminary dialogue."
The Raikage understood.
A scouting mission.
Still, Kumo did have significant demand for herbs, which they currently sourced expensively through black markets. Official channels with Konoha could reduce costs substantially.
Mutually beneficial.
After consideration, he nodded. "A sound proposal. We can explore herb trade further."
Minato exhaled inwardly.
As Kyohiko predicted, Kumo's herbal needs made this offer irresistible.
Emboldened, he continued, "Second, an annual ninja academy exchange program."
"An... academy exchange?"
The Raikage was baffled.
Unprecedented.
What was Konoha scheming now?
Wary but out of his depth in intrigue, he opted for neutrality.
"How would this work?"
"Instructors share teaching methods; students spar. Details would require further discussion."
Minato kept it vague—this was just a framework.
But as long as Kumo showed interest, relations would stabilize. Deepening interdependence would make hostilities increasingly costly.
The Raikage deliberated. "That could be discussed."
"Then, might we tour your academy?"
Minato added smoothly, "With your instructors as guides, of course."
"Agreed."
He needed to consult Dodai anyway.
After seeing the Konoha team out, the Raikage immediately summoned Dodai.
Dodai was equally surprised.
"Minato's proposals are too structured to be improvised. Konoha genuinely seeks closer ties."
"Or they're weak and buying time. Intel suggests Iwagakure and Sunagakure are preparing to strike."
Dodai conceded, "Possible!"
Before he could elaborate, an ANBU agent rushed in.
"Raikage-sama, urgent news from the Land of Grass."
"Dodai's moved?"
The Raikage brightened, snatching the scroll—only for his expression to shift from elation to shock.
Wordlessly, he passed it to Dodai.
The contents were... unsettling.
Dodai scanned the report, equally stunned.
Two men.
Could Konoha truly wield such power?
After a long silence, he muttered, "They must be unique assets. Konoha can't have many at this level."
"Obviously. But..."
The Raikage hefted the scroll as if it weighed a ton.
Each word carried immense gravity.
After a pause, he ordered, "Dispatch more ANBU. I want full details of Konoha's engagement with Kusagakure!"
"Yes!"
Once alone, the Raikage slumped into his chair.
"The issue isn't how many can do it—it's that Konoha can. Any aggressor must now weigh the consequences."
He couldn't help but admire.
"Jiraiya... what a masterstroke. Dodai must be reeling."
"And our... collaboration?"
Dodai hesitated.
Had Konoha shown weakness, they'd have rejected cooperation outright.
But the calculus had changed.
"Cooperate. We must cooperate!"
The Raikage slapped his thigh decisively. "We understand Konoha too poorly. Rather than clashing, let's join forces against Dodai!"
Expanding south and west made more sense than bashing heads against a fortified enemy.
The Raikage's body was tough—he could likely survive whatever had devastated half of Kusagakure.
But his villagers weren't so resilient.
Why sacrifice lives just for others' gain?
"Dodai, personally escort them through the academy. Let them see our future's strength!"
"Understood."