Kakashi adjusted his position on the hospital bed, sighing as the stiffness in his muscles refused to fade. Though his wounds were healing well, his body still bore the weight of the battle. He rolled his shoulder, testing his range of motion. Better, but not good enough. He needed to be at full strength soon. War was no longer a distant possibility—it was on the horizon.
A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. The handle turned, and the Hokage stepped inside, followed closely by Jiraiya. The room, already feeling too small, seemed to shrink further under the weight of their presence.
"You're looking better," Hiruzen said, his tone unreadable.
Kakashi gave a half-smile. "I'd be worried if I wasn't."
Jiraiya leaned against the window sill, arms crossed. "You gave us quite the scare out there."
Kakashi exhaled slowly. "I assume you're not here just to check on my health."
Hiruzen nodded. "You assume correctly. Iwa's movements in the past few days have confirmed our worst fears. Their forces are mobilizing. Their shinobi have been recalled from border patrols, and supply chains have been reinforced. They're preparing for war."
Kakashi's eye darkened. "How long do we have?"
Jiraiya sighed. "Weeks. Maybe less. They need time to recover, but not much. After what happened, their pride won't allow them to sit idle. And with Han's defeat, they have the perfect excuse to escalate."
Kakashi looked at the Hokage. "What's the plan?"
Hiruzen's expression hardened. "We need to prepare. The Council is meeting to discuss our options, but we can't afford to wait for them to bicker over strategy. I want you and Shisui to oversee reconnaissance. Gather intel, locate their forward units, and report back. We need to know exactly when and where they'll strike."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood."
Jiraiya's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he added, "I need to know you're in top shape, Kakashi. The missions ahead will be tougher than ever."
Kakashi met his gaze evenly. "I understand. And I'll be ready."
Hiruzen seemed satisfied with that answer. "Good. Rest for now, but not for long. We'll be moving soon."
With that, they left, leaving Kakashi alone with his thoughts.
Konoha Military Assembly – Later That Evening
The briefing hall was filled with tension. Jōnin and high-ranking Chūnin lined the room, murmuring amongst themselves. At the front, Hiruzen stood with Jiraiya, his presence demanding silence before he even spoke.
"Iwa has declared us their enemy," Hiruzen began, his voice steady. "We must respond accordingly. This war will not be like the last. Our enemies are watching, waiting for an opportunity to exploit. We cannot show weakness."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
Jiraiya stepped forward. "Our priority right now is intelligence. We need eyes on Iwa's movements. Our first teams will deploy within the next twenty-four hours. We expect counter-surveillance, so be prepared for resistance."
Shikaku Nara, standing near the center, raised a hand. "What of our allies? Will Kumo or Suna involve themselves?"
Hiruzen's expression was grim. "Unlikely. Kumo will not move unless provoked, and Suna is still too weak from their internal struggles. We stand alone."
A heavy silence followed.
Kakashi, standing near the back, glanced at Shisui, who met his gaze with the same steely determination. There was no running from this. War was coming, and Konoha had to be ready.
Hiruzen's final words sealed their fate. "Prepare yourselves. The storm is upon us."