Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

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.

"The Akatsuki have already begun hunting the tailed beasts. Kumogakure's Two-Tails and Eight-Tails will be prime targets."

Zixu wasn't entirely certain which Jinchūriki Akatsuki would go after next. He was simply making a logical guess—since they had already taken the One-Tails, the Two-Tails would likely be next.

"Should I directly contact the Raikage? No, that could be seen as a provocation..."

It wasn't that he feared angering the Raikage—what concerned him was what would happen if the Raikage actually attacked. If Zixu fought back and defeated him, this war-monger of a Kage might just start a full-scale war.

Kumogakure was known to possess the most advanced shinobi weaponry of all the villages. If pushed into a corner, there was no telling what they might unleash.

"But they are extremely xenophobic. How do I get inside?"

After some thought, Zixu decided to infiltrate the village first. At the very least, he could observe the Raikage's daily movements. If the opportunity arose, he might knock him out and take him somewhere secluded for a private conversation.

With that plan in mind, Zixu retrieved a massive kanabō (iron club), which he had originally sent to Orochimaru for forging. It was crafted from Wapometal, an incredibly durable yet malleable metal. Whenever he had free time, Zixu would refine it further using Armament Haki, aiming to surpass even the legendary 12 Supreme Grade Swords in power and dominance.

"Orochimaru also took an experimental Devil fruit to study. He looked quite excited, as if he had abandoned some previous research. That guy is definitely up to something... No, he's always up to something."

Gripping the kanabō tightly, Zixu began ascending the mountain toward Kumogakure. His plan was simple—he would claim to be a wandering warrior seeking to study their techniques.

At the peak, standing beneath a Raijin-seki (Thunderstone Rock), was a man with dark skin, short blonde hair slicked back in neat rows, and black sunglasses. He carried seven swords and held a small notebook, occasionally jotting something down.

His left shoulder bore a kanji for "iron", his face was marked with horn-like tattoos, and every now and then, he mumbled words in an odd rhythm.

"Bagayalu, konoyalu, I'm a sand storm, Killer Bee~"

"Tch, that's lame, let's rewrite that."

Killer Bee was composing new lyrics, his pen scratching against the paper as he revised his rap.

Meanwhile, at the base of the mountain, Zixu was halted before he could enter.

"Oi! Hold it right there! This is Kumogakure! You with the iron club—state your business! And don't think we won't cut you down if you step out of line!"

Several Kumogakure gate guards drew their swords, their eyes filled with hostility.

Zixu chuckled, resting his kanabō against his shoulder. "So aggressive already?"

"Cut the crap! State your name! And don't think just because you're armed, you're anything special! This is Kumogakure—if you cross us, you'll regret it!"

The lead guard's voice was sharp and threatening. The others brandished their swords, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

"Haha! Fine, no need for pretense then. I'm a traveler, seeking to train under Kumogakure's famed shinobi. I've heard tales of your mastery in Kenjutsu (Sword Techniques) and Nintaijutsu (Ninja Hand-to-Hand Combat), and I wish to learn from the best." Zixu clasped his hands together in a respectful greeting, setting his kanabō aside.

The guards exchanged knowing glances. Another one of these guys?

To Kumogakure shinobi, such visitors were nothing new. Many foreigners came seeking to train with them, eager to test their strength. They had a name for these types: punching bags.

It wasn't that no spies had ever attempted to infiltrate their ranks under the guise of training. It was just that every single one had failed. Kumogakure shinobi had no intention of teaching outsiders their techniques.

"You want to train? Sure, let's see how many times we have to knock you unconscious before you run home."

The guards whispered among themselves, already placing bets on how long Zixu would last before getting thrown out.

Meanwhile, Zixu found himself surprised by their reaction.

"Are Kumogakure shinobi really this lax? Anyone can just walk in? Maybe they're not as aggressive as the rumors say..."

He and the guards exchanged grins, as if they had found kindred spirits.

Yet, unknown to them, their smiles carried entirely different meanings.

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