The reason why the Five Great Ninja Villages stood at the top was because each had their own unique techniques and traditions. Konoha had its powerful Fire Release and unrivaled Taijutsu users like Might Guy and Rock Lee.
Kirigakure was infamous for its Water Release mastery, Iwagakure for Earth Release, and Sunagakure for its deadly Puppet Masters. Each had something that defined them.
Kumogakure was no different—the village of the Raikage was feared for its Lightning Release–based techniques, both brutal and efficient.
The difference between Ninjutsu and pure Taijutsu, like the style of Rock Lee and Might Guy, was similar to the difference between an outsider throwing flashy tricks and an insider who had sharpened his body into a weapon.
Kumogakure's Lightning Release Armor wasn't just a jutsu, it was like coating the body with living thunder. It hardened the muscles, accelerated reflexes, and gave explosive strength. It wasn't to be underestimated.
That was the reason Kumogakure was always able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other great nations. In the ninja world, unless one had infinite chakra reserves like a tailed beast, nobody wasted energy spamming fireballs and water dragons every second. Chakra was finite—it was a balance of physical stamina and mental focus.
Overuse it, and your body collapsed. You'd be sluggish, weak, and as drained as if you had run for days without rest.
That's why most ninja fought with kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and close-quarters combat.
Ninjutsu was for finishing moves, desperate counters, or to break a stalemate—not to be tossed around like candy.
This was why Kumogakure's style, which turned chakra into physical reinforcement, had such a huge advantage. Their regular shinobi could push past normal limits. It wasn't just the Kage—every soldier could fight harder, longer, and faster.
Raikage A didn't believe Kazekage Mufasa could truly grasp Kumogakure's techniques.
Lightning Release Armor was something drilled into the body from childhood, refined until it became second nature. Outsiders couldn't just pick it up overnight.
Raikage A's lips curved into a grin. "Then show me what you've got."
Blue lightning exploded around his frame, crackling like a living storm.
Mufasa placed his left hand behind his back, extending his right palm. "Please… after you."
Pretentious? Maybe. But it was his style.
To everyone watching, the Raikage's figure vanished in a flash of blue. He reappeared at Mufasa's side, elbow crackling with lightning as he aimed for Mufasa's waist.
The crowd gasped.
"So fast!"
"My eyes can't even follow!"
Even Sasuke's Sharingan barely caught a blur. His eyes widened. "Tch—his speed is unreal…"
Raikage's elbow was like a thunderbolt, aiming to smash Mufasa's ribs into powder.
The hairs on Mufasa's waist stood on end as the lightning grazed him. If that connected, even Sunagakure's best medics wouldn't patch him up.
"Not today."
Mufasa thrust his right palm forward.
Palm met elbow—force against force.
Raikage's balance was broken, his body stumbling forward. Mufasa bent his knees, twisted his hips, and slammed his shoulder forward.
It was like a mountain crashing down.
Raikage A was launched backward, smashing into the outer wall of the Raikage's tower. Stone and dust exploded.
The crowd froze, jaws dropping.
"No way…"
"Did someone just—send the Raikage flying?!"
Nobody wanted to believe it, but the sight was undeniable.
The rubble shook. A massive arm burst out, scattering stone. Raikage A stood up, his white cloak torn, his chest bare, muscles rippling like steel. Sparks of lightning still danced across his skin.
"Kazekage… I didn't expect your taijutsu to be that strong."
Each of his steps was heavy, shaking the ground.
"Looks like I should stop holding back."
Mufasa smirked. "About time."
Raikage's aura erupted. Blue lightning thickened around him, his blonde hair standing on end. His strongest form—the Lightning Release Chakra Mode—blazed in full force.
Mufasa chuckled. "What's this? Super Saiyan mode?"
Raikage squinted, not recognizing the term. "Don't know what nonsense you're spouting, but—eat this!"
He blurred, hand shaped into a blade of thunder, thrusting forward with lethal precision.
Mufasa's body surged with power. Muscles coiled, his entire being focused into one strike.
He stepped in and swung.
Fist met blade.
BOOM!
A thunderclap roared through the sky, a hurricane of raw force exploding around the Raikage's Tower. The shockwave blasted tiles from roofs and sent shinobi tumbling.
When the storm settled, the two stood shoulder to shoulder—neither fallen.
But instead of snarling, they were laughing.
The crowd blinked in confusion.
"What…?"
"Weren't they just trying to kill each other?"
Raikage A raised his voice. "I declare this a draw! Kazekage Mufasa and I are equals!"
Gasps spread. "He's… Kazekage?!"
The shinobi of Kumogakure exchanged looks. To stand even with their Raikage in raw power—this was no ordinary opponent.
Darui and the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Yugito, exchanged a glance. Both were impressed despite themselves.
Raikage A slung an arm over Mufasa's shoulders. His right hand still trembled slightly—the bones nearly cracked from the impact—but he grinned.
"You're tough, Kazekage. But don't think you came out of that unscathed either."
Mufasa smirked, shaking his hand like it stung. "You almost cut clean through me. My arm's still numb."
They both laughed, playing it off.
A draw was the wisest choice. Mufasa was a guest. Crushing the Raikage on his own turf would sour relations, while losing outright would make Sunagakure look weak. Mutual respect was the perfect outcome.
Both men knew the truth. One exchange was enough to recognize each other as equals. As the saying went—a true warrior only needed a single clash to understand another.
Raikage A gave a toothy grin. "Hmph. If my brother Killer B were here, we'd show you our Double Lariat. That move would split you in half."
Mufasa chuckled. "I'll take your word for it."
The two stood atop the tower, laughing and waving to the cheering crowd.
Mufasa finally rolled his eyes. "So tell me… is it Kumogakure tradition to leave your guests standing around after a fight? Or are you finally going to invite me inside for a drink?"
Raikage A barked a laugh. "Now you're speaking my language!"
Raikage's Office.
Raikage A and Mufasa sat across from each other on a massive leather sofa.
Sasuke stood silently to the side, along with Raikage's guards—Yugito Nii and Darui—watching carefully.
The Raikage smirked, his booming voice filling the room.
"Your disciple Sasuke… he's impressive. Stronger than I expected."
Sasuke lowered his gaze. The arrogance that once clung to him was gone, replaced with quiet determination. Deep down, he swore to keep training until his power could rival even the strongest.
Mufasa gave a polite smile. "He's average."
Raikage A's sharp eyes flickered as he studied Mufasa. "Hmph. How did you train your body to such strength?"
Mufasa stretched out an arm and tightened his fist, letting his muscles ripple with raw energy. "I train my body daily, and I use lightning chakra to stimulate my cells. Keeps everything alive and constantly evolving."
Raikage A leaned back slightly, eyebrows raising. "Stimulating… your cells?" He stared at Mufasa like he was looking at some kind of monster. "You're out of your mind."
Darui muttered under his breath, "Cells, huh… this guy's really on another level."
The Raikage huffed. "Forget it. I'm not here to swap training tips. Tell me, why did you come to Kumogakure?"
Mufasa blinked. "Didn't you invite me?"
Raikage A tilted his head, confused. "Did I?"
Darui stepped closer, whispering into his leader's ear. Only then did the Raikage's eyes widen with realization. "Oh. Right. That."
Then, raising his voice, Raikage A barked, "Kazekage! Cease your unfriendly actions immediately!"
Mufasa tilted his head. "Unfriendly? I haven't even set foot in the Land of Lightning before today."
Raikage A scowled. "Your Sand forces are exporting technology to Konoha, helping them build and expand. That damages Kumogakure's interests. We will not tolerate it!"
The tension in the room thickened. The guards shifted uneasily while Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
Mufasa chuckled lightly. "If you feel threatened, there's a simple solution. We can work with you too—sign agreements like Konoha did. My people can build projects for you as well. That way you'll be on equal footing."
It was a cunning play. Mufasa dangled cooperation like bait, hoping to strengthen his own ties while weakening Raikage's hostility.
But Raikage A only laughed, his voice like thunder. "Ha! As if I'd rely on outsiders. If my Cloud shinobi build something, it will be stronger than anything you or Konoha can provide!"
Mufasa sighed. "Then why bother dragging me here?"
The Raikage slammed his fist onto the armrest. "These factories, these little economic games—mere annoyances to Kumogakure. Such problems can be solved by battle. One fight, or two if necessary!"
Mufasa raised a brow. "You don't want to start another Great Ninja War, do you?"
"Why not?" Raikage A growled. "Kumogakure does not fear war. Stop your cooperation with Konoha, or we'll crush you!"
Mufasa leaned forward, chuckling. "Separated by so many nations… You'd fly all the way to Sunagakure just to pick a fight?"
Raikage A's glare sharpened. "Whoever blocks the might of my armies will be flattened."
Mufasa suddenly slammed his palm against the desk, his voice thunderous. "Raikage! Understand this clearly. If you start a war, it won't just be Sand versus Cloud. You'll be fighting four great villages at once."
The Raikage's eyes widened. "What?!"
Mufasa's lips curled into a smirk. "I've been busy while you've been sitting on your mountain. Sunagakure, Konohagakure, Kirigakure, and even Iwagakure—we all share economic and military ties. If you want war, I'll bring them all to your doorstep."
Darui gave a weary sigh. "Boss… he's not bluffing. We've been receiving reports on this daily. You just don't read them."
Raikage A's cheeks twitched. He had been trying to intimidate, only to find himself cornered instead. One village? Fine. Four? That was different.
Mufasa crossed his arms. "The world is changing, Raikage. Strength is important, yes, but so is cooperation. Instead of threatening war, why not talk about alliances first?"
Raikage A folded his arms, unwilling to back down completely. "Hmph. Even if it's four against one, Kumogakure won't cower."
Mufasa smirked. "Then name the time and place. I'll be ready."
The Raikage's bravado faltered. "…I'll send word when I decide."
Mufasa shrugged. "Fine. But you really should consider working with us. There's more to strength than fists."
"Not interested," Raikage snapped. "Cloud has its own technology. We don't need yours."
Mufasa let out a small laugh. "As you wish."
The tension slowly eased. But Raikage A, still burning with pride, wasn't ready to end things on that note. "Come with me. I'll show you real strength—through ninjutsu."
Mufasa's grin widened. "Good. I've been wanting to learn."
They left the office, heading to the training grounds. Sasuke, Yugito, and Darui followed, curious about what was about to unfold.
Raikage A stood tall, lightning crackling faintly across his skin. "This is chakra armor. Lightning Release focused to the surface of the body, enhancing durability, speed, and reflexes. It requires precise control."
He demonstrated, his body flashing with blue arcs of electricity, his movements sharp and instantaneous.
Mufasa's eyes lit up with understanding. Slowly, he focused his chakra, letting sparks crawl across his arms. The glow intensified, spreading through his entire body until he radiated blinding light.
Yugito gasped. Darui's jaw dropped. Sasuke narrowed his eyes, studying carefully.
And then, before their eyes, Mufasa's chakra expanded outward, shaping into a radiant form towering nearly ten meters tall.
Raikage A's mouth fell open. "…What the hell?! A giant of light?!"
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Word count: 1925
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