"Lord Raikage, the strategy we previously planned is no longer viable," said Dodai, his expression growing even more serious.
They had already outlined strategic goals for the impending Second Ninja World War, knowing full well it would involve great sacrifices. But now, the sudden appearance of firearms had presented them with a better alternative.
"You're right—it's no longer appropriate," the Third Raikage agreed, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation.
"These firearms are easy to use and require only a minimal amount of chakra control. With enough resources and manpower, they can be mass-produced. If word of this spreads to the Daimyo's court…"
Dodai trailed off. This wasn't something he could decide alone—it was up to the Raikage to weigh the implications.
The Third Raikage's expression turned grim as he silently calculated the pros and cons. It was a while before he finally spoke.
"Back when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha founded the Hidden Leaf Village with their overwhelming strength, it marked the beginning of the ninja village era. Our own Daimyo, wary of their power, was forced to support the creation of the Hidden Cloud Village. Ever since then, he's feared our village's growth."
As he recalled the origins of the village system, his expression became complicated.
He was a man who had lived through the Warring States Period. He had personally witnessed the formation of the ninja villages and the uneasy balance of power between them and the Daimyo's governments. Even now, he struggled to understand why the First Hokage would establish such a contradictory system—one that made the ninja villages subordinate to political rulers who neither understood nor respected their power.
Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha had godlike strength. The First Hokage was known as the God of Shinobi. Together, they could have united the entire world and ended war permanently. But instead, they established a system that only lasted until the First Hokage's death.
Soon after, the Ninja World Wars began, proving that this village system was flawed. These wars brought pain and destruction even greater than those of the Warring States era, and their scale only continued to grow.
And though the ninja villages fought among themselves, there was often manipulation from the Daimyo behind the scenes. Many within the Daimyo's court would have gladly seen the ninja villages weakened or destroyed. Over the years, the Daimyo's office had been stingy with funding, afraid to let the village grow too powerful.
"If it ever comes down to a choice between the Daimyo's court and the ninja village, I would choose the village every time."
His tone had turned firm—unyielding. As the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud, his allegiance was clear.
Dodai wasn't surprised. He knew the Third Raikage well. This was the decision he expected.
"Then we must take every precaution. The development of these firearms must be completely secret. It's not safe to conduct this work in the village. I propose we relocate the research to Turtle Island—and involve only the most trustworthy individuals. Fewer people is better than the wrong people."
Dodai was focused on operational security. Turtle Island, a massive sea turtle capable of diving deep beneath the ocean, was an ideal covert location. It was mobile, secluded, and nearly impossible to track.
"You'll take charge of this," the Third Raikage replied, agreeing with the proposal.
"Also," Dodai continued, "many of the design concepts Tanaka Haruki proposed can't be realized without advanced sealing techniques. Our village doesn't have the foundation for that kind of work."
The Third Raikage understood immediately what Dodai was implying.
"Then we'll expand our efforts in the Uzushio Project. I'll lead the next operation myself."
They had long planned to invade the Land of Whirlpools in order to obtain high-level sealing techniques—an essential part of their Tailed Beast Jinchūriki strategy. During the First Ninja World War, the wife of the First Hokage had shown the terrifying potential of a Tailed Beast Jinchūriki—her destructive power rivaled even that of her husband.
This revelation changed everything.
Although the Five Great Villages had purchased tailed beasts from Konoha at the first Kage Summit, they soon discovered they couldn't control them. Rather than being assets, the tailed beasts became burdens—requiring entire squads just to keep them contained.
But the First Hokage's wife had shown another way.
She was an Uzumaki—descended from a clan with the strongest sealing techniques in the world. She could even control the Nine-Tails. That kind of power was invaluable.
"According to our intel," Dodai added, "the Third Hokage of Konoha has sent emissaries to the Uzumaki clan three times, trying to persuade them to join Konoha. The First Hokage's wife is growing old—she likely can't suppress the Nine-Tails much longer. Time is running out."
The Third Raikage remained silent, letting Dodai continue.
"Their sealing techniques are extremely complex. Most high-level ones are customized to fit the Uzumaki bloodline, and the chakra cost is astronomical. If we want to make full use of sealing tech, we need the clan itself. And to get them, we have to sever their ties with Konoha.
Perhaps I can use my position as your disciple to negotiate—or manipulate—the situation to our benefit."
Originally, their goal had been to secure enough sealing knowledge to contain the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails. But after learning the potential of firearms and Jinchūriki, their ambitions had grown. They now needed much more.
"You have full authority to handle it," said the Third Raikage, trusting Dodai completely. Though he was young, Dodai was sharp and loyal.
Then the Raikage asked a more sobering question.
"Do you think these firearms and their designs could be linked to Shimura Danzo or Konoha?"
It was a valid concern. If Konoha had already developed more advanced firearms in secret, and the designs that Tanaka Haruki revealed were merely a ploy, the upcoming war could spell disaster for the Hidden Cloud.
Dodai shook his head. "Unlikely. Shimura Danzo is ruthless but not visionary. Hiruzen Sarutobi is too cautious. And Konoha isn't exactly united right now. We can confirm this by tracking steel distribution in the region."
The Third Raikage chuckled with satisfaction.
"Then we've struck gold. Who would've thought Shimura Danzo would deliver us such a precious gift!"