Naruto: Sukuna's Jinchuriki, I am Uchiha

Chapter 122: A Gathering of Forces

Eight main highways led to Konoha.

It wasn't just small country shinobi making their way there.

Even Ōnoki, walking along the broad, smoothly paved roads that stretched over fifty meters wide, found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

What stood out most was not encountering a single bandit along the way.

In any other country, such peace would have been unimaginable.

Caravans rushed by, some carrying tourists, others laden with goods.

Though Ōnoki had heard of the Land of Fire's rapid development—how the Land of Lightning was practically forced to export beef and liquor there—seeing it firsthand was a different experience altogether.

---

When Ōnoki finally caught sight of Konoha's sprawling cityscape, it felt like stepping into another world.

Towering buildings dozens of stories high stood among networks of rails, their bustling vehicles gliding through like schools of fish.

The streets below teemed with people—so many that their voices merged into a constant hum.

Ōnoki took in the sight of well-dressed individuals, noting that his own once-proud Tsuchikage attire now seemed quaint by comparison.

And yet, the most jarring detail wasn't their appearance; it was their confidence.

A singular, unmistakable air of self-assurance marked the locals.

It was a quality Ōnoki had only ever seen in the most gifted shinobi.

Here, it seemed every young person radiated that same inner strength.

It left a bitter taste in his mouth. For a brief moment, he questioned whether it would be better for the ninja world to fall under Uchiha Kagami's rule.

But no—

He shook the thought away.

The legacy of the founding Tsuchikage, the village passed down through generations… he couldn't just hand it over.

---

"Hey! Old man, is this Konoha? It's huge!"

A blond, single-ponytailed boy jumped excitedly, clutching at Ōnoki's cloak as he hovered.

"Wow! So many people!"

"Imagine dropping a bomb—"

Thud!

Ōnoki punched him back to the ground.

"Deidara! Behave yourself!"

"Ah! That hurt, you fossil! You're lucky I don't blow you up!"

A massive hand grabbed Deidara by the shoulder, lifting him effortlessly.

It was the former Raikage, A, who set him down firmly behind the group.

Now walking alongside Ōnoki, A took in Konoha's vibrant energy. His tone turned grave.

"They're not just ahead militarily. Their economy and culture have outpaced everyone… and with Kagami keeping things steady, there aren't even any political power struggles."

A hesitated before asking, "Ōnoki-sensei, do we even have a chance?"

The elder shook his head, responding with determined resolve.

"Let's focus on reclaiming our titles.

If the Land of Fire ever truly absorbs the other nations…

I'll return to Iwagakure and meet my end there.

At least, as an Iwa-nin."

---

"Don't be so pessimistic, Ōnoki-sensei."

Yagura's voice broke the tension.

"Honestly, I think Kagami might not even care about our territories. Once this is over, I'm planning to leave the alliance.

Elder Genbu agrees—it's better for me to return to the Land of Water and take charge."

Of the Four Nations Alliance, the Land of Water boasted the most elite shinobi, many with unique kekkei genkai.

Families that produced geniuses wielding abilities like the Shikotsumyaku or Ice Release served as specialized units.

In this era, with the Land of Fire dominating, Yagura had left for the Land of Lightning before Tobi's influence could take hold.

This choice spared him from the tragic fate of being controlled.

Rasa, however, grew visibly anxious.

Unlike Yagura, he had no home to return to.

If the alliance disbanded, where would Sunagakure turn?

"Yagura, we've been close allies for nearly a decade. How can—"

"Hold it. I'm not Mizukage anymore," Yagura interrupted, raising his hand and gesturing toward a group of patrolling Uchiha.

He wouldn't risk giving them any reason to twist his words.

---

"Step aside," a cold voice ordered.

The Alliance turned, seeing a group of shinobi clad in black cloaks adorned with red clouds.

Their first instinct was to check for headbands.

Leading them was a Rain-nin.

Since when had Hanzo's subordinates grown so brazen, daring to command the Four Nations' leaders to move?

But something was off.

"You're… Sasori!"

Chiyo's sharp eyes spotted her grandson instantly.

It was no secret; Sasori's entanglements with Hatake Sakumo had long since exposed his possession of the Third Kazekage puppet.

Sunagakure, overwhelmed with other crises, never had the resources—or nerve—to hunt him down.

"Chiyo-baa… it's been a while."

Sasori's face betrayed no emotion as he turned his gaze to Rasa.

"To think you'd let this man lead the village. Sunagakure really has fallen."

"What did you just say!?"

"Enough. I said—step aside."

Pain's detached voice carried an eerie weight, the Rinnegan radiating an aura that silenced the crowd.

Ōnoki was the first to recognize it.

"…Rinnegan!"

"So it truly exists…"

The legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths—one of the Three Great Dōjutsu, said to wield control over life and death itself.

"Who are you?"

Pain offered no reply, leading the Akatsuki past the gathered shinobi without another word.

In Pain's mind, these major nation shinobi were nothing more than relics of the system that had destroyed his parents' lives.

With the power he wielded now, he could easily crush any of them outside the Land of Fire.

Yes, this was the perfect opportunity.

He would show them what it was like to endure the suffering of smaller nations.

The Land of Fire?

Hadn't Uchiha Kagami already subjected them to enough pain to grow stronger and better?

Pain smiled inwardly. His methods were indeed correct.

If only Uchiha Kagami were willing to grant peace to the ninja world…

No matter. If Kagami wouldn't do it, then Pain would.

It wasn't until the Akatsuki had passed that anyone dared to move again.

"That level of power…"

Ōnoki's voice trembled.

He thought back to the night he lost his legs.

That man's eyes, those abilities… they were on par with what Uchiha Kagami had displayed that night.

When did such a terrifying force emerge in the ninja world?

"Even Sasori follows him now?"

Chiyo muttered, her tone heavy.

"Hanzo hasn't been heard from in a long time. Judging by his headband…

It's safe to say he's dead."

A's brows furrowed.

"I've never heard of someone like that before. If he wasn't trying to start a fight, I'd have decked him on the spot."

At that moment, another group approached.

Leading them was an elderly man, his chin and mouth concealed by a long beard, his head wrapped in bandages.

He wore green lamellar armor and carried a katana at his side.

He stopped.

"I am Mifune of the Land of Iron. Greetings to you all."

"Mifune… Even you're here," Ōnoki remarked, not with disdain but a sense of resignation.

It seemed every notable figure in the ninja world would converge here today.

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