Chapter 114
Zixu's primary target was Kumogakure (Cloud Ninja Village), not for any personal grudge but simply because the shinobi of Kumogakure were known for their explosive tempers among the Five Great Shinobi Nations. If he could handle the Cloud Shinobi, dealing with the other villages would be far easier.
Their aggressive and impulsive nature was well known, spreading across the other villages like wildfire. Kumogakure was a warrior village—battle was in their blood. Fights could erupt over the smallest disagreements, and their history was filled with conflicts that proved their warlike tendencies.
The village itself was built atop a towering mountain, surrounded by dense clouds and mist, with thunder constantly echoing in the skies. The climate was harsh, making it difficult for outsiders to adapt. Most of its people had darker skin, and some were even completely black-skinned, distinguishing them from other shinobi nations.
Beyond their volatile nature, the shinobi of Kumogakure were renowned for their mastery of Raiton (Lightning Release) techniques. However, this was merely one aspect of their fearsome reputation. What truly made them a formidable force was their unbreakable unity.
To the outside world, the people of Kumogakure seemed prone to violent outbursts—staring at one for too long might result in a fight. Yet, within their own village, they shared an unparalleled sense of camaraderie. There were no factional rivalries or internal power struggles. They stood as one, bound by an unshakable loyalty.
If you happened to beat up a Cloud Shinobi, you wouldn't just deal with him alone—within days, his entire family and neighbors would show up at your doorstep, ready for payback.
At this thought, Zixu couldn't help but chuckle. "Konoha should take some notes on unity... Cough, cough, Sarutobi, look at this."
Yet, there was another reason Zixu had set his sights on Kumogakure—the village currently possessed two Jinchūriki. The Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails were both under their control, and the latter had achieved perfect synchronization with its tailed beast. Unlike other villages, Kumogakure made no effort to hide this fact.
After all, their Jinchūriki weren't burdens but weapons of war. Their mere presence served as a deterrent, much like holding two nuclear warheads. Anyone who considered attacking Kumogakure had to first ask themselves: Can we survive the counterattack?
Other villages had their own Jinchūriki, but not all could control their Bijū. Without mastery, a Jinchūriki was nothing more than an unstable bomb—one that could just as easily explode on their own side.
Thus, Kumogakure lived in relative security. But Zixu knew that peace wouldn't last much longer.