"Sorry, big brother, if it wasn't for me…"

Bee looked at the Third Raikage with an apologetic expression.

If it wasn't for him, they could have made a move on Konoha and completely eliminated Kazuki before he had a chance to grow.

Many people of their generation actually grew up hearing the legends of Hashirama and Madara. Ordinary ninjas didn't even know the difference between the Mangekyo Sharingan and the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

They only knew that Madara was very strong and also used the Mangekyo Sharingan. If Kazuki grew to Madara's level, it would be dangerous in the future.

"It's fine. Although the Sharingan is powerful, it's not impossible to deal with." The Third Raikage shook his head slightly.

"I once fought Kagami. As long as you don't look into his eyes, it's still possible to fight him, and even defeating him wouldn't be difficult."

"You have to believe in the legacy of our Kumogakure. Lightning Release Chakra Mode is much stronger than you think."

Ever since his younger brother was captured by Konoha, he had lost his sharp edge. Back then, they used to look down on everything, believing themselves to be invincible. But now, he had lost that sharpness.

The Third Raikage continued to explain, "Ōnoki's side doesn't want to fight us to the death either. We just need to tie down part of Iwagakure for Konoha. As for the rest, it's up to Konoha themselves, consider it training."

"No matter what, it's good that you're alive."

"Big brother." Bee's voice was choked.

He knew that the Third Raikage was comforting him, and the other party had always taken good care of him over the years.

"However, it's time to advance our Jinchuriki plan. What we got from the Land of Whirlpools has mostly been consumed, but it's a pity we didn't get the core inheritances. In the end, Konoha took all the benefits." The Third Raikage said, full of displeasure towards the end.

Back then, Kumogakure had put in a lot of effort, but all they got were some ordinary members of the Uzumaki clan, and they didn't even get the core Sealing Jutsu of the Uzumaki clan.

The Third Raikage estimated that if he didn't get it, other villages probably didn't either.

"Unfortunately, those Uzumaki clansmen didn't master much, and it seems not every Uzumaki is suitable to become a Jinchuriki." Bee said with regret.

"We still haven't found anyone particularly suitable to be a Jinchuriki."

"Hmm." The Third Raikage nodded slightly. "It would be great if we had Uzumaki who were truly our own. Those Uzumaki are unreliable."

"Do you need me to continue searching the Ninja World for Uzumaki clansmen? Their features are very obvious. Their vitality is much greater than ordinary ninjas, and red hair is very easy to distinguish." Bee suggested eagerly.

For Kumogakure, if they didn't have something that others did, then they could just seize it.

This point had already begun to show results, bringing them many benefits.

At this, the Third Raikage fell silent. He was somewhat tempted, but considering Konoha's attitude and Mito, he sighed, "Mito should still have the strength to fight. I don't want her to vent her anger on us right now."

"Besides, at the end of the day, Konoha did let you go. We've given them that much face."

Bee pursed his lips. It seemed he was wary of Mito.

...

Inside Iwagakure, in the Tsuchikage's office, when the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, learned about Kazuki's situation, he couldn't remain calm.

Uchiha, it's Uchiha again!

Ōnoki thought back to when he had followed his teacher all the way to Konoha, hoping to form an alliance with Konoha.

For this, they were willing to pay the price of almost becoming Konoha's subordinate, but instead, they were beaten up by Madara, who said that Iwagakure didn't even have the qualifications to be Konoha's subordinate.

If Hashirama hadn't arrived in time, they might have been completely wiped out.

Although he was grateful to Hashirama, the hatred and fear for Madara could never be dispelled.

Now, due to interests and revenge for the past, Ōnoki had almost become a lifelong hater of the Uchiha, and also a potential enemy of Konoha.

No matter how strong you, Madara, were, what of it?

You were still flesh and blood, gone in an instant. I'm still alive, Madara is gone. In the end, I won.

Ōnoki originally thought that after Madara's death, the Uchiha would no longer be a threat, but then Kagami appeared.

Fortunately, although Kagami's strength was not bad, there was still a considerable difference compared to Madara.

Then Kagami suddenly died. Although Ōnoki felt it was a bit abrupt, he almost celebrated.

Served him right! There shouldn't be any strong individuals in the Uchiha.

But now, Kazuki had appeared, and he had even defeated Hanzō. Seeing that the other party was only a teenager, this made Ōnoki unable to calm down.

This child is terrifyingly powerful and must not be allowed to live.

If he isn't dealt with quickly, he will definitely become another Madara.

This was unacceptable to Ōnoki, whether from his own perspective or from Iwagakure's standpoint.

He had to eliminate the other party before he fully matured, at all costs. Otherwise, if Kazuki grew to Madara's level, they would have no chance at all.

Probably even ten thousand people wouldn't be enough for Madara to kill.

They must declare war on Konoha as soon as possible.

Time waits for no one!

Ōnoki's gaze became deep. During this period, the conflicts between them and Kumogakure were just minor skirmishes, at least compared to the First Great Ninja War, there was still some difference.

Now, if he launched a large-scale war against Konoha, Kumogakure would probably choose to watch from the sidelines.

They still needed to let Sunagakure be the one to stick their neck out.

...

Kazuki had no idea that he had already become a thorn in Ōnoki's side.

Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. If it were an ordinary ninja, they might be wary of Ōnoki, but Kazuki was not afraid. The Flying Thunder God Technique almost completely countered Ōnoki.

Dust Release's power was strong, but it also had fatal flaws.

Huge Chakra consumption, and a long preparation time, which was enough for Kazuki to escape Dust Release's attack range.

As for trying to wear him down like the Third Raikage was worn down, that was just a pipe dream.

Kazuki was not the Third Raikage, who excelled in one-on-one combat but not in group battles.