Hanzō of the Salamander, leader of Amegakure, was a name that carried both awe and fear across the ninja world. Renowned for devastating poison Technique, his powerful salamander summon, and his ruthless caution, Hanzō stood as a legend among shinobi. Those who had crossed blades with him often praised his strength, believing that even the Kage of the Five Great Nations might not surpass him.
That July marked the beginning of unrest. Rumors began spreading like wildfire—claims that Hanzō had clashed against both the Third Hokage and the Third Kazekage on the border, holding his own in a two-on-one battle without suffering defeat. Rumors, as always, thrived on uncertainty. And as days turned to weeks, the whispers grew louder, unchecked by any of the Five Great Nations. From those whispers, a new title was born—"Demigod."
Many shinobi began to see Hanzō as the next peak of the ninja world, the one to inherit the legacy of the First Hokage. With the Land of Rain embroiled in conflict against the Land of Grass, and Konoha choosing silence, many believed a new era was dawning— the era of Hanzō. For a time, the entire ninja world trembled in speculation and unease.
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Inside Konoha, Koharu Utatane sat silently in her office, her thoughts distant. Even she—known among her peers for her steady composure—found herself troubled by the state of things. Her eyes drifted toward the window, where the Hokage Rock loomed solemnly beneath the evening light. On the desk before her sat a bottle of violet liquid, shimmering faintly.
"What did the Third Kazekage say?" Homura Mitokado asked from beside her. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, coughed into his hand. His complexion was pale, the exhaustion of battle evident in his posture.
"What else could he say? He denied everything—the poison, the teams, all of it," Hiruzen replied hoarsely.
"And Hanzō?" Homura pressed.
"He claims the letter was forged. Says he never sent anyone to mine gold within our borders."
"Of course he'd deny it!" Danzō muttered darkly. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, locked onto Hiruzen. "And we're just supposed to let them do as they please in the Land of Fire? Must the strongest always need proof to act?"
Hiruzen frowned. "Hanzō has already agreed to send an apology and open negotiations. The Third Kazekage has promised to withdraw his troops from the border. Peace is hard-won, Danzō."
"You're too naïve, Hiruzen." Danzō's tone was cold. "Do you really believe the Kazekage can simply recall his troops? That Sunagakure's shinobi or the Daimyō of the Wind will allow it? Once the gears of war begin to turn, even the Kazekage cannot halt them." He slammed the table, the sound echoing through the room.
"And what of these rumors? The 'Demigod'? Where did they come from?"
Hiruzen's patience thinned. "That's what I'd like to ask you, Danzō." The Hokage's jaw tightened. He was hailed as a hero, yet Hanzō—some foreign warlord—was called a demigod. Where was the justice in that?
"Don't look at me," Danzō snapped. "I've done nothing of the sort."
Homura nodded thoughtfully. "Few knew of the battle between the three of you. If not us, then either the Kazekage or Hanzō must have leaked the story."
Homura turned toward Hiruzen. "You never told us what really happened out there. Weren't you three supposed to meet for negotiations? How did it turn into a fight?"
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, as though the memory itself was heavy to recall. "It began as a meeting, yes," he said. "But accusations rose quickly. Both denied sending forces into the Land of Fire. Sunagakure suffered two Jōnin losses and blamed Amegakure. The Kazekage and I suspected Hanzō had laid a trap, using that gold mine as bait."
His eyes darkened. "The tension broke before any of us realized it. Blades were drawn, jutsu unleashed... In the end, we all walked away injured." A harsh cough shook his frame.
Danzō leaned forward, tapping his fingers against the desk. "So, you intend to do nothing? This is our chance. Amegakure relies solely on Hanzō's strength. Now that he's wounded, the Kazekage won't hold back—and neither should we."
"I will not start another war," Hiruzen said firmly. "Not unless it's forced upon us."
Danzō scowled. "Then who do you think spread the rumor? Only a handful of ANBU even know what happened. It couldn't be the Kazekage—he's too prideful to share glory. The only one who gains from this is Hanzō." He slammed his fist down once more. "He wants to elevate himself—to stand among the Kage! This is a direct challenge to our authority!"
Koharu Utatane sat silently through their argument. Her thoughts, however, were far away—not on politics, not on war. Something in her heart felt wrong. Deeply wrong. She had known Hiruzen and Danzō for over three decades, yet as she watched them now, the warmth of friendship felt distant. Everything in the room felt cold.
And all she could think about... was that child. She'd heard he'd finally regained consciousness. This whole situation—this world—felt like a tangled mess.
"In that case, let's vote," Danzō said curtly. He and Homura immediately raised their hands in agreement.
"Koharu," Hiruzen called, his voice weary. "What's your decision?"
Koharu turned slowly toward him. For a moment, silence swallowed the room. She stood, walked to the door, and before stepping out, she spoke in a low, shaking voice: "Kagami's son almost died. I need an explanation." The door closed behind her.
Hiruzen stared at the empty doorway, the weight of her words pressing on him. He sighed deeply. The majority had decided. There was no turning back now. He rose from his seat and slammed his hand on the table.
"Summon the Jōnin leaders," he commanded. "We will convene immediately." The Hokage's eyes hardened as he gave the final order— "I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, declare war on Amegakure."