The moment those words were spoken, the eyes of every Kumogakure high-ranking official turned toward the Elder who had suggested them.
He didn't waste time circling around the point and spoke with conviction.
"Raikage-sama, don't you think that destroying the Uchiha Clan's present and future pillars would be the most fitting revenge?"
The Fourth Raikage, A, narrowed his eyes. He had already begun to guess where this was going, but he pressed further with a low growl.
"Of course… but how exactly do you propose we do it?"
The Elder stroked his beard with the air of a strategist, his confidence swelling as though he were a war tactician unveiling a masterstroke.
"At present, the Uchiha Clan has three individuals who can be considered their pillars, figures whose names carry weight throughout the shinobi world.
"First, Uchiha Gen, the Mangekyō Sharingan wielder they call 'Fear Shura.' Second, Uchiha Shisui, known as 'Shisui of the Body Flicker.' Third, Uchiha Itachi, the eldest son of the former clan head Fugaku. Though young, he's an exceptional prodigy. He awakened his Sharingan early and graduated from Konoha's academy in just one year. A true genius of the next generation."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"If these three were to be eliminated, the Uchiha Clan's prestige would plummet overnight. They would never recover. In fact, given the tensions between Konoha's leadership and the Uchiha, their deaths might even trigger Konoha to eradicate the clan entirely."
The chamber fell silent. Everyone knew the Uchiha were entrenched in the Military Police and rarely left the safety of Konoha itself. Acting against them in secret was near impossible.
"That is why," the Elder continued, "we must act openly. Let us use Uchiha Gen's insult against Kumogakure as our excuse. We will send three of our elites and formally challenge them. If we kill them in honorable battle, Konoha will have no grounds to declare war. At most, the Uchiha will choke on their resentment in silence."
The room erupted into murmurs. Many nodded in approval, but a few furrowed their brows in hesitation.
"This plan sounds good," one elder admitted, "but the most crucial question is...how do we ensure victory? Uchiha Itachi is manageable. No matter how talented, he's just a Genin, barely seven years old. But Uchiha Shisui and especially Uchiha Gen… neither are simple opponents.
"Gen alone has those three monstrous summons, each more terrifying than the last. And we still don't know the full extent of his Mangekyō abilities."
Another elder grunted. "In a fair duel, the only shinobi in the village who could contend with him are Raikage-sama himself, Killer Bee, or Yugito. But Bee is in seclusion, striving for perfect Jinchūriki control. Yugito… her odds aren't great against a Mangekyō user. That leaves only Raikage-sama."
The Anbu Captain leaned forward, his voice grave. "Are you saying… Raikage-sama must fight personally?"
The statement stirred heated discussion. Some worried about the risks, others about the precedent. But Raikage A silenced them all with a single word.
"Quiet."
His expression hardened, then split into a dangerous grin. "There's no problem with me fighting. It's been far too long since I stretched my muscles. A Kage-level Mangekyō wielder… such opponents are rare. I'll personally snap Uchiha Gen's neck."
Crack. Crack. Crack!
His fists clenched, knuckles popping. He rolled his neck until it gave a sharp crack, his body trembling with anticipation.
The others exchanged glances. Their concerns faded.
Everyone knew A's strength. His Lightning Chakra Armor, reflexes, and speed rivaled no one but the Third Raikage himself. Against Genjutsu, his overwhelming chakra flow made him difficult to ensnare. In raw power, he could stand toe-to-toe with tailed beasts. If anyone could do it, it was him.
The Elder smiled smugly. "Of course, we won't rely on Raikage-sama alone. My plan is more layered. We'll make it a best-of-three challenge. Perhaps victory will be secured before Raikage-sama even takes the field."
He raised one finger. "First, Uchiha Itachi. His opponent must be a Chūnin, but not an average one. A top-tier Chūnin, one with enough strength to crush any genius who dares overreach. No matter how gifted Itachi is, he is still a child. He cannot cross the chasm of experience."
He raised a second finger. "As for Uchiha Shisui, we have a new option. Darui. Recently promoted to Jōnin, inheritor of the Third Raikage's Black Lightning, wielder of Storm Release. His power is not beneath seasoned veterans. Facing Shisui will force him to shed his laziness and grow sharper. To further secure victory, we'll seal a measure of tailed beast chakra within him. With that power, even Shisui of the Body Flicker will fall."
Finally, he spread his hand wide. "And if all else fails, Raikage-sama himself will crush Gen. In addition, we will set up an ambush around the chosen battlefield. If something goes wrong, we'll surround them and wipe them out completely."
He leaned back with a satisfied smirk. "The battlefield will be chosen in the Land of Hot Water, between our territories and Konoha's. Neutral ground, perfect for our purposes. Every angle has been considered. This plan is foolproof."
He lifted his teacup, sipping with all the grace of a man who believed his scheme flawless.
Mabui, the Raikage's secretary, could only twitch her lips. So this is how the high council plots… terrifying. Poor Uchiha, why did you have to provoke Kumogakure of all villages? If they agree, you might truly be doomed.
The other officials muttered among themselves, then one by one, nodded in agreement.
Too despicable? Too underhanded? Too shameless? None of that mattered. What mattered was victory. Kumogakure had never risen by playing fair. They achieved results because they were willing to do whatever it took.
The Fourth Raikage slammed his hand on the armrest. "It's decided. Begin preparations immediately."
"Yes, Raikage-sama!" the council chorused.