Chapter 136: Chapter 136: The Death of the Raikage
"I'm dead... Can Kumogakure still..."
A's bronze-toned, muscular body was covered in a sheen of sweat. His eyes were tightly shut, teeth clenched, and his fists so tightly balled that his nails threatened to pierce his palms.
From the rooftop, Tobirama observed the Raikage's inner struggle with an expression devoid of sympathy or pity—only cold severity.
Why did the Raikage have to die?
A solid Kage-level force like him, along with Kumogakure itself, could have been brought under Konoha's wing. Wouldn't that be better?
Indeed, it would have been ideal.
But Tobirama was not one to let go of grudges.
When he was first resurrected and headed to the Fire Nation's capital to meet the Daimyo, it was Kumogakure shinobi who ambushed him. He was certain the order had come from the Raikage.
Going further back, the infamous Gold and Silver Brothers were also Kumogakure shinobi. Even though the village had labeled them traitors, Tobirama still harbored resentment toward Kumogakure for their actions.
Moreover, the Raikage's death would provide long-overdue retribution for what the Hyūga Clan had endured.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, A broke his silence as Tobirama grew impatient.
"Hokage, if I take my own life, will you spare Kumogakure?"
A's voice startled everyone nearby.
"Raikage-sama, no!"
"Why should we listen to him?!"
"Raikage-sama, let's fight him together!"
The protests from the surrounding shinobi were immediate and unanimous.
A clenched his fists as his dark face paled slightly.
Did he truly want this?
Of course, his subordinates' sentiments mirrored his own. But in the end, they didn't understand the depth of Tobirama's power.
Looking up at the blue-clad figure standing above, A could feel the oppressive weight of Tobirama's chakra. It was suffocating.
Through precise chakra control, Tobirama focused his intimidating aura solely on A, leaving the surrounding shinobi unscathed. This was why they dared to speak out.
Furthermore, Tobirama's Edo Tensei form rendered him immortal. A couldn't imagine any shinobi in Kumogakure capable of sealing such a monster, especially one who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Choosing to fight would likely result in Kumogakure being wiped off the map.
"A, I've made myself clear."
Tobirama repeated his earlier statement, a faint smile playing at his lips.
Did A truly believe that, after his death, Tobirama would allow Kumogakure to rebuild and seek vengeance?
A let out a deep sigh. The Hokage's response didn't surprise him—it was merely a fleeting hope.
"If that's the case..."
"As Raikage, my greatest duty is to protect the people of my village."
"If my death is necessary, so be it."
Tobirama's eyes flickered with a rare hint of respect as A made his decision. He had anticipated a fierce last stand but was now spared from a bloody confrontation.
"Raikage-sama, no!"
"Raikage-sama, why would you do this?!"
Cries of despair and protest echoed as A raised his hand, crackling with the power of his signature lightning chakra.
The Kumogakure shinobi watched in horror as their leader prepared to strike himself down.
But just as A's hand neared his neck, a booming voice stopped him.
"Raikage-sama, wait!!!"
The words rang out in unison, shaking the air. A froze mid-motion.
Even Tobirama, standing atop the rooftop, glanced over in mild surprise.
Darui had returned, leading a massive crowd.
Among them were young shinobi, elderly villagers, children, men, and women—all of Kumogakure's non-combatants who had been hiding from the White Zetsu attack.
Now, they stood united behind Darui.
"What is this?" A lowered his hand, puzzled. He had ordered Darui to lead the evacuation, yet here they were.
Darui stepped forward, resolute and unwavering.
"Raikage-sama, we refuse!"
"We will not exchange your life for our survival. Kumogakure does not accept such terms!"
His gaze burned with defiance as he locked eyes with Tobirama.
"WE REFUSE!"
The crowd erupted in agreement, their collective roar echoing through the battlefield.
Tobirama remained impassive, indifferent to their outrage.
"You fools!" A's voice cracked with emotion as tears streamed down his face—tears of both gratitude and sorrow.
"To be absorbed by Konoha? We don't care!!"
"Kumogakure would rather die standing than live kneeling!"
"Die standing, not live kneeling!"
The crowd roared in unison. The shinobi among them, inspired by the people's unyielding will, tightened their grips on their weapons. Fear and reverence for Tobirama were replaced by fiery defiance.
"Raikage-sama, lead us into one last charge!"
A lone voice sparked the rally, and more soon followed. A's initial despair transformed into a blazing resolve.
"Hokage, it seems I'll have to retract my earlier decision."
A's confident demeanor returned, and with it, the indomitable spirit of the Raikage.
"I see... You've chosen the less favorable option," Tobirama replied coolly. His eyes flashed, the ripple-like blue patterns revealing his detached resolve.
"Everyone, attack!"
Ninjas and civilians alike charged forward together, unified in their determination to fight.
"Raikage-sama, charge!"
Sparking with lightning chakra, A led the charge, unleashing his signature technique against Tobirama.
"Your resolve... I acknowledge it."
Tobirama's calm words were the last thing A heard before a flash of blue light ended the battle. Blood filled the air as Ai's head fell to the ground.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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