Hydreigon didn't hesitate at all.It immediately stretched out one of its heads and bit onto the Dragon Fang, its eyes lighting up with pure joy.
"How does it feel, Hydreigon?Did your power go up?"Jiraiya asked eagerly, unable to hide his curiosity.
"Roar—"Hydreigon nodded enthusiastically, its excitement practically spilling out.
Ryo rolled his eyes at Jiraiya's reaction."Seriously, Jiraiya, what do you mean by that?You think I'd lie to you about this?"
"No, no,"Jiraiya waved his hands quickly."Of course I trust you, Boss!It's just... it's hard to believe something could boost power by twenty percent so easily."
Ryo let out a small sigh.In the world of ninjas, it was true—external tools granting such significant strength boosts really did sound unbelievable.
"Alright, enough about that,"Tsunade cut in, directing everyone's attention back to the important matter."Ryo, what's your plan for drawing those guys out?"
"Not yet,"Ryo shook his head."If we want to lure them out, Naruto alone isn't enough.We'll need two more Jinchuriki."
"That's impossible!"Tsunade frowned.
"The Hidden Cloud and Hidden Sand would never agree to lend us their Jinchuriki for this kind of mission,"she said flatly."And don't forget—One-Tail's host is also the Kazekage.There's no way he's going to tag along for something so risky."
"Exactly,"Jiraiya nodded in agreement."Boss, this plan sounds crazy."
Ryo smirked."Who said I needed them to fight?I just need them to travel with us.They don't even have to participate.Honestly, even the Eight-Tails isn't necessary.Just the One-Tail would do."
"Huh?"Tsunade looked confused.
Ryo didn't answer immediately.Instead, he asked,"Hidden Cloud has a way to create Perfect Jinchuriki, right?"
Tsunade nodded slowly."Yeah, they do...But what's that got to do with drawing out those guys?"
"Simple,"Ryo said casually."We'll have Naruto and Gaara go to Hidden Cloud to learn how to become Perfect Jinchuriki."
"No way,"Jiraiya immediately objected, cutting Tsunade off."We can't let Naruto go to Hidden Cloud!That's way too dangerous."
Even in these relatively peaceful times, there was no guarantee that Cloud wasn't still an enemy.Sending Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, right into enemy territory?That was asking for disaster.
Tsunade nodded firmly."Agreed.Naruto can't go."
Ryo frowned and looked at both of them seriously.
"Are you two seriously still thinking about village politics at a time like this?The entire world is on the verge of destruction.Can you please put your village loyalties aside?"
"But what if Hidden Cloud refuses to let Naruto leave afterward?"Tsunade shot back immediately.
"Relax,"Ryo said calmly."Naruto will never make it to Hidden Cloud.They'll attack long before that."
"You're that confident?"Tsunade narrowed her eyes."And if they don't?"
"They will,"Ryo said with absolute certainty."I'll make sure they have no choice but to show themselves."
Faced with Ryo's unwavering confidence, Tsunade and Jiraiya eventually fell silent.If they weren't even going to reach Hidden Cloud, maybe it wasn't as dangerous as they thought.
Still, Tsunade raised another point."But what about Gaara?Why would he agree to go?"
"Yeah,"Jiraiya chimed in."We might agree because it's our plan, but Gaara's different."
Ryo turned his gaze toward Tsunade."That's where you come in."
"Me?"Tsunade pointed at herself, looking baffled."I can't convince Gaara.Even if I do, Sand Village will never allow it."
Ryo shook his head."Not if they understand the real situation.If they know about Madara's plans and the threat to the world, they'll realize we have no choice."
"Be more specific,"Tsunade said, her tone serious."What exactly do you want me to say?"
"Tell them the truth,"Ryo answered simply."Explain that becoming Perfect Jinchuriki is the only way to ensure their survival.It's not about villages anymore—it's about the entire world."
Hearing that, Tsunade's expression became complicated.A chill ran through her as she stared at Ryo.
"Ryo...You had this planned from the beginning, didn't you?Even dragging me into your calculations?"
"Come on,"Ryo said, chuckling."We're friends.How could I possibly plan against you?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes."Whatever.I'll do it.But whether or not it works still depends on them."
"Fair enough,"Ryo agreed, nodding.
With the plan settled, they didn't waste time discussing it further.Tsunade and Jiraiya both needed to leave—after all, there were other important things happening.The Three Great Villages had lost their Jinchuriki, and it was still unclear what condition their remaining forces were in.Tsunade had to oversee everything personally.
And of course, they also needed to begin negotiations with the other villages for Ryo's plan.
Once they were gone, Nagato, who had been silently watching, finally spoke up.
"Boss, are you really sure this will work?"His voice was low, filled with doubt.
He wasn't questioning Ryo's intelligence.He just couldn't understand how Ryo could be this confident.
Would their enemies really take the bait so easily?
Ryo flashed him a reassuring grin."Don't worry.They'll show up."
And with that, he said no more, turning his attention toward Konan and Eliza, who had been standing quietly nearby, just watching the drama unfold.
Seeing Ryo glance at them, Eliza frowned.
"Wait, don't tell me—You didn't drag us into this too, did you?"she said suspiciously.
"If you did, Ryo,"Konan added coldly,"Forget about relaxing for the next few months."
Ryo's mouth twitched.
"Do I really seem that scheming to you?"he asked, putting on an exaggerated hurt expression."I just thought you might be bored watching and not participating, that's all.Seriously... can't believe you'd think that about me.I'm heartbroken."
"Good,"Eliza said without mercy, turning her gaze back to the battle arena below.
Konan followed, not even bothering to respond.
Seeing their reactions, Ryo wisely decided to shut his mouth and dropped the act.Instead, he too turned his attention toward the lower arena, where preparations were already beginning for the next stage of their grand plan.
Deep inside, he was already thinking ahead.Madara, Obito...You won't be able to hide for much longer.
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