Inside the top floor office of the Raikage Tower, the atmosphere was heavy and rigid.
The Third Raikage, A, stood before the massive floor to ceiling window like an unmovable mountain, overlooking the village below as it gradually grew lively.
The magnificent sea of clouds and steep mountain ranges outside the window could not dispel the deep contemplation between his brows.
The Nine Tails jinchūriki.
The thought was like a red hot branding iron, repeatedly burning through his mind, carrying both irresistible temptation and equally immense risk.
"Dodai," the Third Raikage finally spoke, his low and powerful voice breaking the silence, carrying firm resolve. "Over the next few days, all expenses incurred by Kamiyama Ryo's group in Kumogakure will be covered by the village."
His chief advisor Dodai stood in the shadows, adjusting his glasses. The gaze behind the lenses was sharp as an eagle's.
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
The Third Raikage turned around. His dark and resolute face showed little emotion, but his eyes gleamed with the unmistakable light of a predator.
"After that, make a small request of them. I think they will not refuse."
He paused, his gaze falling on the tall and broad shouldered young man standing to the side, his son with spiky blond hair that pointed straight up.
"Have that brat A go challenge Kamiyama Ryo."
As the Raikage and the symbol of Kumogakure, he could not easily take the field himself.
If he won, that was naturally good. But if he lost, the authority of the Raikage and the dignity of Kumo would suffer a heavy blow.
A challenge was different.
It belonged to the young. It was sparring and tempering. Whether they won or lost, the cost was within a controllable range.
Dodai immediately understood and followed up. "I understand, Raikage-sama. On the day of the challenge, I will arrange personnel in advance and set up barriers specifically targeting space time ninjutsu and mental techniques. At the same time, preparations will be made for separation tactics."
He emphasized the word preparations.
That was the key. While testing Ryo's true strength, it would also create an environment for possible unexpected actions.
The Third Raikage was satisfied with Dodai's swift reaction and precise grasp of his intent. A trace of approval appeared on his face.
"Very good."
He stepped forward, his massive body bringing invisible pressure.
"If the so called Konoha Asura is restrained by our targeted arrangements, or if the strength he shows is not as terrifying as described in the intelligence…"
His eyes instantly became extremely dangerous.
"I will personally step in to hold Tsunade, and you will proceed according to plan and separate the jinchūriki."
The Third Raikage would not miss any opportunity to seize the Nine Tails.
As for the reaction of the shinobi world after taking it, let them come. Kumogakure was not afraid of challenges.
Dodai bowed slightly, then raised a crucial question.
"Raikage-sama, what if the Konoha Asura's strength truly matches the intelligence, or is even stronger?"
This question was vital. It determined whether the entire operation was feasible.
The Third Raikage's gaze landed on his son A.
Feeling his father's eyes on him, A straightened his back. His eyes were filled with youthful sharpness and an unyielding will.
The Third Raikage's voice steadied.
"Then it will be the best possible trial for that brat. Let him personally experience that there is always someone stronger. A valuable defeat is an essential form of training for a village's successor."
He paused, his tone decisive.
"In that case, we drop any thoughts of the Nine Tails jinchūriki."
A look of understanding flashed through Dodai's eyes. He fully grasped the Raikage's intent and responded respectfully.
"I understand, Raikage-sama."
This move by the Third Raikage could be described as killing three birds with one stone.
It tested the true depth of the mysterious Konoha Asura and gathered intelligence for potential future conflict.
It allowed the next Raikage to be tempered against a powerful enemy, accelerating his growth.
At the same time, it preserved a slim chance to seize the Nine Tails jinchūriki if the opponent showed weakness.
As a result, over the next few days, the treatment given to Ryo, Tsunade, Kushina, and Mikoto in Kumogakure rose sharply to the highest level.
They were arranged to stay in the village's most prestigious courtyard for hosting foreign guests. The environment was quiet, the view wide, and the service flawless.
Three meals a day were carefully prepared by dedicated chefs. Fruits and snacks unique to the Land of Lightning were delivered without end.
Wherever they wanted to visit, whether it was Kumo's proudly displayed ninja tool workshops, training grounds, or even some non core waterfall scenery, they were accompanied by dedicated guides. Everything was smooth, and all expenses were waived.
"Hey, Ryo?" Kushina asked while hugging a large bag of Kumo specialty thunder patterned potato chips. She crunched loudly as she spoke through a full mouth. "What is going on with Kumogakure? Why are they suddenly being so generous? It feels weird."
Even with her straightforward nature, this excessive enthusiasm felt off.
Ryo was sitting with Mikoto at a stone table in the corner of the courtyard.
Mikoto quietly brewed tea, her movements smooth and flowing, carrying a natural elegance.
Ryo looked at her focused side profile. His gaze was much softer than usual, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.
Hearing Kushina's question, he took the teacup Mikoto handed him and sipped lightly before looking at Kushina.
"Excessive courtesy usually means there is a request behind it."
His tone remained calm, filled with clear understanding. No matter what Kumogakure planned, he had the strength to deal with it.
Mikoto gracefully set down the teacup and nodded slightly.
"Ryo is right. This kind of sudden attentiveness must have a purpose."
Her delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Her clan upbringing made her instinctively wary of deliberate flattery.
Tsunade leaned against a corridor pillar, casually playing with her gourd of alcohol.
She snorted, her tone filled with disdain and understanding.
"What else could it be? Either they figured out Kushina's identity, or they were frightened by Ryo during the day and want to regain some face. Or maybe both."
She tilted her head back and took a swig. The burning liquid slid down her throat as her sharp eyes looked toward the courtyard entrance.
At that moment, Dodai's figure appeared there.
He wore the impeccable gentle smile of a diplomat and bowed slightly.
"Honored guests, have you been staying comfortably in Kumogakure? If there is anything lacking in our hospitality, please be sure to let us know."
Ryo set down his teacup and met Dodai's gaze calmly.
"Dodai, you are too polite. Kumogakure's hospitality has been excellent."
His tone revealed no emotion.
Dodai's smile remained unchanged.
"I am glad you are satisfied. The Raikage-sama has heard of Kamiyama Ryo's extraordinary strength and the reputation of Konoha's Asura shaking the shinobi world. Kumogakure respects the strong and values exchanges between them."
He changed the subject smoothly, his eyes resting on Ryo with appropriate expectation and a trace of probing.
"The Raikage-sama's eldest son, A, has long wished to seek guidance from a young powerhouse like yourself. I wonder if Kamiyama-sama would be willing, before leaving Kumogakure. Just a friendly spar, stopping at an appropriate point."
The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly tightened.
Kushina stopped eating her chips. Mikoto's hand paused slightly while pouring tea. Tsunade also stopped playing with her gourd, her expression turning playful.
Ryo looked directly at Dodai.
He could clearly sense the calculation hidden beneath that smile.
So this was the test.
The corner of his mouth slowly curved upward into an extremely faint arc. There was no amusement in it, only calm clarity.
"Oh?" Ryo said, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone present. "A? The blond guy who stood at the front on the street?"
He paused as if recalling, then nodded lightly. His tone was casual, as if agreeing to something trivial.
"Sure."
A sharp light flashed in Dodai's eyes, and his smile grew even brighter.
"Wonderful. Kamiyama-sama is truly straightforward. Then the time will be tomorrow morning, and the location will be Training Ground Number One outside the village. It is spacious enough and convenient for observation."
He bowed again.
"I look forward to your performance. I will take my leave and not disturb you further."
With that, he turned and left decisively, his steps carrying the lightness of a plan succeeding.
As soon as Dodai left, Kushina jumped up.
"Ryo, you are really going to fight that big guy?" Her tone was full of curiosity and a bit of concern.
Mikoto also looked at Ryo, her eyes questioning.
Tsunade walked over and sat down at the stone table. She took the tea Mikoto had just poured and drank it, her gaze fixed on Ryo.
"They want to test you. That training ground tomorrow will definitely be full of targeted measures."
Her experience allowed her to see through Kumogakure's intentions immediately.
Ryo picked up his teacup again.
Kumogakure's ambition was as clear as the tea leaves at the bottom of the cup.
The Third Raikage wanted to see just how hard this bone was, and whether it was worth risking everything for the Nine Tails.
"I know," Ryo said calmly, without the slightest ripple, as if talking about going for a walk tomorrow. "If they want to look, then let them look."
His gaze swept over Tsunade, Kushina, and Mikoto.
Beneath that calm lay absolute confidence, and a trace of coldness that was hard to detect.
They want to see my strength.
Then they should open their eyes and see clearly.
(To be continued.)