Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 25: He Must Be Stopped

The afternoon sun blazed brightly over Kumogakure, casting long shadows across the village's distinctive architecture. The villagers roamed the bustling streets, engaging in lively conversations and going about their daily routines. Stalls lined the thoroughfares, offering various goods and local delicacies. Amidst the throng, Killer B strolled through the streets, his usual swagger in full display, nodding to those who greeted him with a mix of respect and admiration.

In the Raikage's office, the atmosphere was tense and charged with palpable frustration. A's formidable presence dominated the room, his anger evident in the deep furrows of his brow and the tight clench of his fists. He muttered under his breath, his voice a low growl, "Where the hell is Yugito?"

Before him stood Samui, Darui, and Karui, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness. They knew better than to interrupt the Raikage when he was in such a mood. Samui's calm demeanor, Darui's steady resolve, and Karui's fierce loyalty were all directed at their leader, awaiting his orders and prepared to act on whatever directive he gave. The tension in the room was thick, the weight of the Raikage's frustration pressing heavily on them all.

A's gaze locked onto the trio before him, his eyes hard and intense. "If anything happens to Kumogakure, run to Konoha! Lie about wanting a peace treaty, and demand funds for restoration as a condition! They'll pay for allowing this brat on the loose!" His voice was a low growl, filled with simmering rage.

Darui raised an eyebrow, his tone calm. "Do you think you'll lose?"

A's fist slammed onto his desk, causing papers to flutter. "Of course not!" he roared. "But there's no telling what might happen to the village!"

Darui nodded slowly. "Understood."

"For now, head out and search for Yugito," A commanded, his voice a mixture of urgency and frustration.

The trio nodded and exited the office in silence, leaving A to brood in his mounting fury.

Madara, Sasuke, and Yugito stood on a mountain peak overlooking Kumogakure. The village sprawled out below them, unaware of the figures looming above. Madara's long, black hair swayed in the wind, his expression as impassive as ever, the three tomoe Sharingan in his eyes glowing ominously.

Sasuke, standing to Madara's right, had his Sharingan activated, his gaze sharp and focused on the village below. His hair, too, was caught in the wind, framing his intense eyes and determined expression.

To Madara's left, Yugito stood, her posture unnaturally rigid. Her eyes glowed with the same malevolent intensity as Madara's, under his control. Her hair fluttered in the wind, but her expression was vacant, a puppet under Madara's power.

Sasuke glanced at Madara, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why did we leave everyone else?"

Madara's eyes were cold and detached as he replied, "We are not here for the Hachibi, nor is our primary goal the destruction of Kumogakure. We are simply here to test its residents."

Sasuke's skepticism was evident as he pressed further, "But you plan to destroy it if they don't satisfy your expectations, don't you?"

A small, amused grin played on Madara's lips. "That is a possibility, but it depends on factors outside of my control." He shifted his attention to Yugito, his voice taking on a commanding edge. "Attack."

Yugito dropped to all fours, her chakra surging violently, causing the surrounding vegetation to sway as if caught in a tempest. Freed from her bandages, her hair flowed wildly in the intense energy.

With a guttural roar, she transformed into a massive, two-tailed cat enveloped in cobalt blue and black flames. Her heterochromatic eyes—one yellow, one green—were replaced by Madara's Sharingan.