Chapter 357: Explosive Art's Nemesis
A's gaze swept across every face, reading the cowardice in their hearts clearly.
He sighed internally. Ōnoki and Mei Terumī had died at the worst possible moment. These newly appointed Kage possessed far inferior strength and courage—practically identical to Rasa's caliber.
But circumstances left no alternatives. He could only steel himself and ask:
"After reviewing the intelligence, does anyone have viable strategies?"
Compared to Rasa who'd already lost fighting spirit after reading reports, the others managed slightly better composure.
"Ah, truly art's nemesis..." Deidara scratched his head irritably, eyes flashing with manic light. "His complete form's defense may genuinely be unmatched worldwide, but I believe my ultimate art absolutely won't prove inferior."
"Deidara-senpai, stop talking nonsense!"
Kurotsuchi frowned deeply, turning to rebuke him before whispering urgently:
"We're discussing how to defeat enemies—not debating art with you."
"No! Art is explosion! Nothing exists that explosions cannot solve!"
Deidara's face showed extreme excitement, arms waving wildly before him.
"I've developed a bloodline secret technique. I call it C0: Ultimate Art. It transforms my body into a 'living bomb,' detonating with life as payment after compressing chakra to its absolute limit. Its power is limitless—definitely capable of breaching that complete form's defense."
"I'll prove to the world that even this supposedly invincible complete Susanoo cannot obstruct explosive art!"
This time everyone finally understood. They collectively gasped, their gazes toward Deidara transforming completely.
"Deidara-senpai..." Kurotsuchi's expression shifted rapidly, but ultimately she couldn't voice objections.
Throughout the shinobi world, for mission success, protecting comrade lives, fulfilling Daimyo orders... too many ninja sacrificed their lives gambling for minimal opportunities.
She could only categorize Deidara among such individuals, deciding to establish him as village hero afterward—while not preventing his suicide mission.
If the Tsuchikage held no objections, others naturally wouldn't oppose either.
A nodded approvingly:
"Excellent. We've established a promising foundation. If anyone has additional viable plans, please share them for collective discussion."
"These strategies may not ultimately be employed, but more preparations mean more options when actually confronting Uchiha Yasushi."
He surveyed the assembly. Seeing everyone frowning without speaking, he took the initiative:
"Actually, Cloud Village has developed contingency plans."
"We've specifically brought the village's secretly preserved Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths, intending to use their power to seal Uchiha Yasushi."
"If our plan proceeds smoothly, we can seal him before he activates complete Susanoo."
Hearing the Raikage's declaration, others' spirits lifted immediately. They hastily inquired for details.
The Raikage hesitated before shaking his head:
"This opportunity exists only once. For secrecy, these Treasured Tools' usage methods remain temporarily classified."
"Specifically when we employ them will be separately arranged. Everyone must simply act according to my requirements when the time comes, helping create opportunities."
After listening, everyone's eyes flickered—clearly harboring insufficient trust in the Raikage. But ultimately, they all agreed.
Seeing he'd gained preliminary trust and support, A breathed relieved before continuing:
"The Treasured Tools can only catch Uchiha Yasushi off-guard once. If we fail, we'll ultimately face complete Susanoo directly."
"We must prepare for this scenario, considering how to defeat him once Yasushi activates Susanoo."
"Like Deidara proposed—if he breaches complete Susanoo's defense, how should we coordinate follow-up attacks to avoid wasting the opportunity created with his life?"
"If his attack fails to completely breach the defense, who performs supplementary strikes? How do we prevent other Konoha Village ninja from interfering?"
"All these factors require consideration."
He lifted the table's intelligence reports:
"Sunagakure's intelligence proves extremely valuable."
"Though complete Susanoo's size and defense strengthened considerably, those weaknesses should persist."
"Sonic attacks, light-based assaults should remain effective. However, 'trap tactics' likely prove useless now. Creating vacuum by burning oxygen also seems extremely difficult."
"I believe we can redesign tactics based on this intelligence, testing whether we can bypass complete Susanoo's defense to harm Uchiha Yasushi."
"But everyone must note one factor—Uchiha Yasushi's ocular technique includes self-healing capability. Without lethal strikes, sustained injuries heal rapidly."
"Please consider this factor when formulating tactics."
That night, the tent's lights never extinguished. Guards stationed outside periodically heard fierce arguments from within, continuing until dawn without stopping.
But arguing ceased quickly—forward scouts reported Konoha Village's forces approaching imminently.
The tent flap lifted. The Raikage and others emerged in succession.
Despite lacking sleep overnight, everyone's spirits remained vigorous. Having developed numerous tactical contingencies actually increased their confidence.
The Raikage surveyed surroundings before bellowing loudly:
"Brothers!"
"Friends from other ninja villages!"
"Regardless of why you've entered this battlefield, regardless of past grievances between us—before the approaching enemy, we share only one identity: comrades!"
"I hope we can all trust mutually, assist each other, concentrate wholeheartedly on killing enemies, and ultimately depart this battlefield alive with spoils!"
After pre-battle motivation, A turned to quietly address those behind him:
"If our previous judgment proves correct, the first enemy wave must be those Edo Tensei bodies. Have our joint sealing units prepared adequately?"
After careful confirmation, the other three Kage nodded:
"Prepared!"
"Excellent. Let's welcome Konoha Village's enemies!"
"Remember—each tactical opportunity exists only once. I hope everyone seizes chances properly."
After speaking, the Raikage brothers led the charge from their position to engage enemies.
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