Mid-July, Year 32 of Konoha.
"Everyone, please do not panic," Uzumaki Komaki shouted loudly. "According to the arrangements, please board the ships in an orderly manner."
"Civilians will evacuate first, followed by the ninjas."
"Rest assured, our Uzushiogakure forces will not retreat until all civilians have left."
"So do not be afraid!"
Komaki sighed helplessly in his heart. This was how wars began—ordinary people were powerless and could only watch numbly. "You there, the one raising your hand, what is the matter?"
A middle-aged man tremblingly lowered his hand. Feeling everyone's eyes on him, he mustered the courage to speak cautiously, "I... I-I don't want to go. Can I stay?"
"..."
The entire area fell into silence.
Komaki stared at him with a dark expression and signaled to a nearby ninja. "Hurry up and take him onto the ship, just take him!"
Still trying to refuse?
No way!
He had already memorized this man's face. Once they returned to Uzushiogakure, he would assign him to clean toilets—for ten years!
Causing trouble at a time like this.
...
"How is the situation with Sunagakure?" Uzumaki Jun took a sip of tea and asked Uzumaki Hibiki. "There shouldn't be any unexpected issues, right?"
A few days ago, he had sent the three girls back to Uzushiogakure. Kyoko was a bit unhappy—she had only been here for two days and was already being sent back. However...
Because of the war, she didn't throw much of a tantrum.
"Sunagakure has sent a message demanding that Uzushiogakure hand over the ninjas responsible for the attacks," Hibiki replied. "Otherwise, they will declare war on Uzushiogakure."
"It seems that after the appearance of the Senju's Wood Release, they can no longer hold back," Jun said with a sigh. Didn't they realize those ninjas were framed by another village?
They were probably just pretending to be ignorant.
After seeing Wood Release reappear, they couldn't wait to jump out and pressure Konoha.
Even though the Senju clan was nearly extinct, weren't there still two left?
Who could guarantee that those two wouldn't awaken it?
"No need to pay attention to Sunagakure. We should be able to complete the evacuation within the next two days," Jun said. "Keep an eye on the refugees and ensure no accidents happen during this time."
"Yes!"
...
Konoha Defense Line.
"Lord Orochimaru, Uzushiogakure's airships have entered the defense line again," a Konoha jonin reported respectfully. "Meanwhile, Sunagakure has also begun reinforcing their border troops."
"It seems Sunagakure can no longer wait," Orochimaru said, narrowing his eyes. "After observing for so long, they're finally joining the war?"
Konoha had been fighting other villages for half a year, while Sunagakure and Amegakure had just been drinking tea at the border?
They probably wanted to play the role of the fisherman.
But...
"For Konoha's sake, you will join whether you want to or not," Orochimaru said with a faint smile. "Has Uzushiogakure also started mobilizing troops?"
"Yes, they have," the Konoha ninja nodded. "According to intel, Uzushiogakure has dispatched thirteen airships to the Land of Rain this time."
"Tsk tsk," Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes gleaming. "Uzushiogakure is truly wealthy."
"Iwagakure has also reduced their offensive," the jonin added. "The pressure on Konoha has lessened somewhat."
"Hmph," Orochimaru chuckled lightly and shook his head. "An alliance of the three great villages? How laughable."
The five great villages each had their own agendas—how could they truly unite?
As long as Konoha held on, the situation would eventually devolve into a free-for-all. But...
"Stay vigilant during this time," Orochimaru sighed. "No matter what, we must hold out. Only by enduring will Konoha have a chance to win."
For now, the plan was to draw Iwagakure, Sunagakure, Amegakure, and Uzushiogakure into a chaotic battle in the Land of Rain. That way, Konoha could muddy the waters and...
Perhaps the situation would improve slightly.
As for now...
They could only wait. Once Uzushiogakure and Sunagakure officially went to war, Konoha would have a chance to shift the battlefield northward.
...
"Lord Kazekage, why did you declare war on Uzushiogakure at this time?" Chiyo frowned at the young man before her. Despite the unresolved investigation into Sandaime's death, the council had ultimately allowed his disciple to become Kazekage. "The five-month period hasn't even passed yet."
"As for the attacks, both you and I know Uzushiogakure couldn't possibly be behind them."
"Indeed, I know Uzushiogakure wasn't responsible for the attacks on Sunagakure," the Kazekage nodded calmly. "But..." He stood up and looked at Chiyo expressionlessly. "Sunagakure can no longer afford to wait."
"Konoha has produced both the Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release."
"Who can guarantee they won't produce more?"
So now was the best time to join forces with the other villages and pressure Konoha into surrendering the secrets of the Mangekyō and Wood Release. Whether Konoha actually had them or not...
Who knew?
All they wanted was to ensure these powers never reappeared.
"..."
Chiyo sighed after hearing the Kazekage's words. "But compared to the other four great villages, Sunagakure is..."
They lacked both funds and manpower.
"It doesn't matter," the Kazekage said indifferently. "The weapons purchased from the Akatsuki have all arrived. Even ordinary people will be able to..."
Hearing this, Chiyo's pupils constricted. She stared at the Kazekage. "I absolutely forbid such a thing! Those are just civilians—they should not be dragged into a ninja war."
"If Sunagakure wants to rise, this is necessary," the Kazekage met Chiyo's gaze unflinchingly. "As for not being involved? Hah!"
"In times of war, who can remain untouched?"
"Moreover..."
The Kazekage spoke to Chiyo word by word. "I am the Kazekage."
"You... you!" Chiyo was left speechless. No matter what, she was a Sunagakure elder and his senior. How dare he treat her like this? "Hmph! You will regret this!"
With a dark expression, she stormed out of the Kazekage's office.
Meanwhile...
The Kazekage watched Chiyo leave with a cold smile. "Still dreaming of having your genius son become Kazekage?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
While he was under investigation, she had been scheming behind his back. How laughable.
Didn't she realize that aside from her and her brother, the other elders were all pro-Kazekage?
The Kazekage narrowed his eyes, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"I've heard that boy named Sasori is also a genius."
...
"Tobi, what are you doing here?" Zetsu frowned at the figure lying on the ground, legs swinging idly. "Aren't you supposed to be attending to Lord Madara?"
"Oh, you're back!" Tobi jumped up excitedly at the sight of Zetsu. "Lord Madara is resting."
"Only I..."
"Ta-da!" Tobi proudly held up a drawing. "I just discovered I have a real talent for art!"
"Look, doesn't it look just like it?"
"..."
Like hell it does!
Zetsu stared speechlessly at Tobi's drawing of what appeared to be feces and decided not to engage further. This White Zetsu was clearly an idiot.
"By the way," Tobi said regretfully, putting away his masterpiece. "Lord Madara said to wake him up when you returned."
"What for?"
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