Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

"Well done."

Shinki gently patted Kushina on the head. Turning toward the Five Kage, he said gravely:

"Compared to the battlefield itself, the true danger lies in White Zetsu's infiltration and spore-implantation abilities. You never know who they might imitate or when they might strike. Once panic spreads, the coalition's operations could collapse entirely."

"Those cursed things!"

Onoki stomped the ground furiously, his frustration culminating in a blast of Dust Release that disintegrated the remains of the captured White Zetsu.

The assembled Kage couldn't help but feel a lingering dread at the thought of ninjas turning on each other, consumed by suspicion and doubt. Shinki's early preparations had undoubtedly averted chaos. Without them, the coalition might have self-destructed before the battle truly began.

A Quick Solution Dismissed

"Should I summon Bee here?" the Third Raikage asked, his expression dark with concern.

Shinki waved the suggestion away. "No need. The Nine-Tails can sense hatred and malice, which is why Kushina can pinpoint White Zetsu. Other Jinchuriki don't have the same ability."

Bring Killer Bee? Shinki thought with amusement. That would only make things worse.

The last time Bee had been in Konoha, Kushina's threatening fists had kept him in line. But the moment he returned to Cloud Village, the rap-obsessed shinobi had reverted to his antics, speaking in rhymes and driving everyone mad. Cloud's tolerance for Bee's quirks amazed Shinki.

Reflections on Madara's Plan

Shinki's gaze turned toward the battlefield. "The enemy stopped their attacks overnight, hoping for internal chaos within our ranks. They weren't expecting us to be prepared."

He smirked. "I wonder if Uchiha Madara is disappointed. That man loves stirring up trouble and watching the aftermath. Seems like his fun has been spoiled."

The other Kage exchanged uneasy glances.

Prepared? Onoki, the Third Raikage, and the Third Kazekage each felt their faces grow warm. Only Tsunade remained composed, knowing Shinki's true role in the preparations.

The senior Kage hadn't contributed much—Shinki had devised and executed the plan alone. Even Tsunade, who knew about Kushina's patrols, hadn't realized the full extent of his strategy until it unfolded.

Despite their lack of involvement, Shinki had shared the credit evenly. For figures like Onoki and the Third Raikage—men who valued their pride as senior leaders—this was a bittersweet moment.

Embarrassed Departures

"Ahem! Well, it's all thanks to Shinki's careful planning," Onoki said, clearing his throat. "Since Kushina is handling things so well, we can relax."

The Third Raikage suddenly slapped his forehead. "I just remembered something important. I'll take my leave." Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

The Third Kazekage, ever silent, followed suit.

Yagura hesitated briefly before departing as well.

Tsunade couldn't help but shake her head. "Why does it feel like these old men are always trying to squirm their way out of something?"

"Haha, don't lump Yagura in with them," Shinki replied with a laugh. "He's not an old guy yet."

Tsunade glared at him, catching his playful tone. "You know what I meant. Poor Yagura. He's practically invisible among the Five Kage."

It was true. Yagura, the youngest of the Five Kage, struggled to find his place in a circle dominated by veterans like Onoki, the Third Raikage, and the Third Kazekage. The older Kage, whether intentionally or not, often excluded him, leaving him to fend for himself.

Tsunade, by contrast, had Shinki's support and was confident enough to hold her own. Yagura had no such advantages.

"I hope their treatment of him doesn't cause divisions among the Mist ninjas in the coalition," Tsunade said, voicing her concern.

"It won't," Shinki reassured her. He wrapped an arm around her waist, offering comfort. "Yagura may be young, but he's tough. He'll endure. And he knows how to bide his time."

Yagura's patience was his strength. Though he resented the condescension of the senior Kage, he chose to remain silent, storing his grievances for later. Unlike others who might stew in anger, Yagura was calculating—he would wait for the right moment to settle scores.

"If this dynamic continues, though," Shinki added, "it'll be a challenge for the next generation. When the old Kage step down, their successors will struggle to build trust with someone like Yagura. That's when things could get messy."

Tsunade nodded. "Let's just hope it doesn't disrupt the coalition for now. Whatever happens afterward is their problem, not ours."

Konoha won't get involved in your grudges, she thought. If Yagura has issues, let him take them up with the Rock, Cloud, or Sand. Leave us out of it.

Madara's Disappointment

From his perch on the battlefield's edge, Uchiha Madara watched the camp with a faint frown.

"It seems tonight's entertainment has been canceled," he said, his tone laced with disappointment. "The coalition was prepared for White Zetsu's infiltration."

He hadn't even bothered to change his relaxed posture. Propping his chin on one hand, he gazed down at the battlefield with a bored expression.

Black Zetsu, standing by his side, was less composed. Though his face revealed little, his frustration was palpable.

"It seems to be the work of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki," Black Zetsu said.

Though they couldn't see the camp clearly, the faint golden glow of Kushina's chakra had been enough to reveal her presence.

"Hmm, interesting," Madara mused, though his disappointment lingered. So they have someone capable of countering White Zetsu's tricks. No matter—it changes nothing.