HTP: Ch. 53

In the Raikage's office, the teacups on the desk were trembling slightly.

The ANBU had already reported Akatsuki's invasion to Darui. But honestly, there was no need for a report, even within the office, one could vaguely hear the sounds of intense battle.

He spoke with frustration to C beside him. "Akatsuki has really managed to come this far."

Mabui was currently leading a diplomatic mission to Konoha. For now, C was assisting Darui with administrative affairs in her stead. The intel previously sent from Konoha hadn't been exaggerated at all. The members of Akatsuki were all S-class threats, each capable of wiping out a country alone. Their leader even possessed the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths.

Their goal was to collect all nine tailed beasts to carry out a nefarious plan for world domination.

As of now, Tails-Two through Seven-Tails had already been captured by Akatsuki. The only survivors were the Eight-Tails in Kumo and the One-Tail and Nine-Tails in Konoha.

C stood to the side, his expression heavy as he looked out the window. In the distance, the roars of summoned beasts and the booming blasts of jutsu echoed together. As a sensory-type all-rounder ninja, he could feel it, every passing second, more people of Kumo were dying.

He said grimly, "The situation is worse than we imagined. Darui, you need to make a decision."

How had Kumo fallen this far?

Darui's sorrowful gaze swept over the portrait of the Fourth Raikage hanging on the wall, the iron-willed man who always led the charge, now just a picture.

The current state of the village was dire.

After losing a large number of elite ninjas in the Land of Fire, the upper-tier fighting strength of the village had been severely depleted. Nearly half of the village's jonin were out on missions, just to maintain their status as one of the Five Great Nations. At this moment, Kumo was perhaps at its weakest since the rebellion of Ginkaku and Kinkaku.

And worse still… Darui was nowhere near as strong as the fallen Fourth Raikage.

Akatsuki's target could only be B. What should I do? Darui frowned, unable to make up his mind.

Just then, a blood-covered ANBU ninja staggered into the office. "Raikage-sama!"

Ignoring all protocol, he shouted urgently, "Latest intel! The intruders have broken through the final defense perimeter! They're closing in on the Raikage Building fast!"

A decision had to be made.

He took a deep breath and said to C, "Gather Omoi, Karui, Atsui, and Samui, have them find Killer B."

C frowned, "You mean to recall B to defend against Akatsuki's invasion?"

Understandable. Right now, Killer B was undoubtedly the strongest force in Kumo. The only one capable of taking on Akatsuki was him, a perfect jinchūriki.

But Darui shook his head, "No. Even if he returns, he won't be able to stop them."

C's confusion deepened. Ever since Darui became Raikage, it had been hard to predict his thoughts.

"Then what are you saying?"

Darui said with certainty, "Have them leave with him. Catch up to Mabui's team and go to Konoha."

He paused, then added, "You're going too."

C's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Darui.

He couldn't help but shout, "What are you planning to do?!"

Darui took a deep breath and slowly stood up. He took down the Raikage hat hanging on the wall, and handed it to C.

"Give it to B for me. I'll find a way to buy you time."

C tried to speak and stop Darui from going through with his plan, but he was cut off immediately.

"The final battlefield with Akatsuki isn't here in Kumo, it's in Konoha."

The remaining tailed beasts were both in Konoha.

"If I die, B will be the next Raikage."

He slung his ninja blade onto his back and gave his final order, "Carry out the Raikage's command."

The entire building suddenly shook violently. Dust fell from the ceiling of the office. The battle had reached the Raikage Building.

C was silent for a few seconds before finally saying, "Darui… take care."

Then he accepted the order and left.

As he watched C's departing back, Darui couldn't help but call out. "Tell B… this time, it's my turn to cover the retreat."

C nodded and kept walking forward.

Darui looked up at the portrait of the Fourth Raikage on the wall.

This time, it's my turn to protect the pride of Kumo.

He summoned all ANBU who still had fighting strength, and headed for the battlefield.

---

Kumo's diplomatic group had already arrived at the border of Konoha. Even from outside the high walls, the bustling buildings of the village were visible.

The group took a short rest and waited for Konoha's escort to arrive. Standing at a high vantage point, looking out toward Konoha, she couldn't help but sigh. "Konoha's development is astonishing. No wonder the Raikage made that decision back then."

Her memory flashed back to that pre-war meeting. His roar still echoed in her ears.

But the plan had failed.

And now they were forced to seek peace through paying reparations, Kumo's dignity seemed to have perished alongside the Fourth Raikage in the Land of Fire.

She was filled with a sense of sorrow. What would become of Kumo's future now?

"Mabui-sama?" A Kumo genin traveling with them carefully interrupted her thoughts while holding a water flask. "Konoha's escort seems to have arrived."

Mabui turned around and saw a tall, lean figure leading a group toward them.

Shikaku had both hands in his pockets, a Konoha flak jacket casually draped over his black tactical outfit. He spoke with a slightly lazy tone, "I'm Shikaku, the one in charge of this peace negotiation."

Mabui said, "Seems the Hokage really values this meeting."

At that moment, Shikaku's expression became subtly awkward.

---

"I'm not going. I won't be the Raikage. I want to fight!" Killer B threw the Raikage hat back and shouted angrily. "Darui's trying to act cool again! I'm going back to save him!"

How could he stand idly by while enemies invaded, and he was running away instead of fighting?

Akatsuki had tricked A, killed Yugito, and they wanted to kill Darui too! Now that they were coming right to his doorstep, he had all the more reason to get revenge!

C helplessly handed Konoha's intel to Killer B and said, "Konoha's report is clear, Akatsuki's goal is to capture all nine tailed beasts and use them to dominate the world. If you go back now, you'll be playing right into their hands."

The leader of that villainous group even possessed the legendary Rinnegan. Konoha's assessment of him was: In today's shinobi world, he is unmatched.

After reading the intel, Killer B fell silent, torn and conflicted inside.

At the same time, the Eight-Tails inside him spoke up, B… I've got a really bad feeling about this.

C repeated firmly, "This is the Raikage's order."