Two days later, Sunagakure.
A hot wind carrying sand grains swept past the massive rock fortifications at the village entrance.
Several travel-worn figures slowly approached the village gate under the scorching sun.
"You've worked hard, gentlemen," A young Ninja with a Sunagakure's forehead protector, wearing round glasses and a friendly face, said with a smile to the two Sunagakure's Ninjas standing guard. His voice was warm and polite, making him instantly likable.
"Oh, Kabuto, mission complete?" One of the guards, who clearly knew him, responded with a smile.
"Yes, just a simple bandit-clearing mission. It went smoothly," Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his face showing just the right amount of shyness and humility.
He was accompanied by his squad leader, a Chunin, Yarato, and two other slightly tired Genin teammates.
After a brief check and some small talk, the squad was allowed through, entering the long, narrow passage leading into the village.
Walking in the dimly lit passage, Kabuto, at the rear of the team, subtly scanned his surroundings.
The passage was flanked by artificially reinforced steep rock walls. Looking up, one could only see a sliver of sky, stained yellow by the sand and wind.
Sunagakure was nestled within this massive canyon, with difficult-to-climb steep cliffs on its east and west sides. These natural barriers meant the village's main defenses were concentrated on this north-south passage.
Without flight capabilities or special ninja tools, even a Jonin would find it extremely difficult to silently scale the cliffs and infiltrate the village.
'Precarious terrain, easy to defend, hard to attack...' Kabuto noted mentally.
Nearly four months had passed since the Uchiha Massacre Night. He had spent a brief but warm period of time with his foster mother, Yakushi Nono, in the Star City.
It was a rare, peaceful time in his life, free from the need for pretense and calculation.
But this peace didn't last long. Deeply aware of his responsibilities, he had proactively applied to the Star Ninja's Anbu to continue his undercover mission.
His application was quickly approved.
Leveraging his previous experience infiltrating Sunagakure and his exceptional skills, he was transferred to the Anbu's Intelligence Division, reporting directly to the Anbu's Intelligence Division Chief, Terumi Miru, and the Anbu Commander, Kisame Hoshigaki.
His latest mission was to re-establish a comprehensive intelligence network within Sunagakure, covering Ninja information, civilian movements, terrain defenses, troop deployments, and more.
This return from a 'simple desert bandit suppression' mission was one of his routine operations to integrate into Sunagakure's Genin community and gather peripheral intelligence.
As the light gradually brightened, the team exited the passage, and the full view of Sunagakure unfolded before them.
Most buildings in the village were made of sand and rock, forming a unique architectural complex resembling towering ant nests.
Whether oval or cubic in structure, many buildings were interconnected by sand passages resembling 'roots' or 'pipes', forming a complex yet organic whole that resisted wind and sand and facilitated movement in harsh weather.
Kabuto followed his teammates along the somewhat deserted streets, silently observing the village's layout, foot traffic, and the distribution of various facilities, committing this information firmly to memory.
Their destination was the Mission Hall located on the ground floor of the Kazekage Building.
However, the moment they stepped into the Mission Hall, an unusually heavy atmosphere hit them.
While it was never particularly noisy here, there were usually sounds of Ninja talking and handing over missions. Now, it was abnormally quiet. Most Ninja present looked grim, speaking in low tones. An oppressive, uneasy air filled the room.
The team leader, Yarato immediately sensed something was wrong.
He quickly walked to the mission submission window, handed the scroll to a familiar Chunin clerk inside, and asked in a low voice, "What happened in the village? Why is the atmosphere so strange?"
The clerk Chunin first efficiently checked the mission scroll and completed the registration, then leaned closer, speaking in a voice barely audible to the two of them. "You haven't heard? Something major happened!"
Yarato's heart tightened. "What major event?"
"Apparently, the day before yesterday, an elite force went out on a mission. Many Jonin-sama participated..." the Chunin's voice dropped even lower. "But when they returned yesterday... heavy casualties! I heard… I heard even Ebizo-sama... fell in battle!"
"What?!" Yarato's face changed drastically. He couldn't help but exclaim, then immediately lowered his voice, his face filled with disbelief. "Ebizo-sama?! That... that's impossible!"
Behind him, a cold glint flashed imperceptibly behind Kabuto's glasses.
Outwardly, he maintained the slightly bewildered and nervous expression befitting a Genin, but his mind was racing.
'Ebizo!'
'One of Sunagakure's elder advisors, an Elite Jonin, in charge of the village's crucial intelligence department, and one of the key figures who had pushed for Rasa's rise to power!'
'A Ninja of such high status and power... was dead?'
'What was the mission? What kind of enemy did they encounter?' Kabuto's brain analyzed rapidly.
'This was absolutely critical intelligence!'
He carefully controlled his breathing and expression, shrinking his neck slightly like a Genin genuinely startled by the news, while pricking up his ears to catch any possible information.
His two Genin teammates beside him looked utterly confused, clearly not yet grasping the significance of the news.
Then again, for ordinary Genin, high-level village's advisors like Ebizo were names they might not even have heard.
Soon, without them needing to inquire further, an even more explosive piece of news spread rapidly from the Kazekage Building throughout Sunagakure, causing massive shock!
The Land of Wind had formally declared war on the Land of Stars!
The shadow of war instantly fell over the entire Sunagakure.
Ninjas were urgently mobilized. The Mission Hall became even busier and more chaotic, with various orders and transfer commands constantly being issued.
On the streets, the previously somewhat leisurely atmosphere vanished, replaced by a tense, murderous feeling of an impending storm.
Sunagakure seemed to have returned overnight to the grim, nationwide preparation for war seen during the Third Great Ninja War.
Kabuto silently followed his squad, which had completed its mission submission, out of the Mission Hall. Walking on the suddenly bustling streets, he understood clearly.
'Ebizo's death, the declaration of war on the Land of Stars... It seems Shura-sama has made a major move.' He adjusted his glasses, firmly memorizing this important shift in the situation… it would be key for subsequent intelligence analysis.
Meanwhile, in a heavily guarded meeting room on the top floor of the Kazekage Building.
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, sat wearily in the main seat. A special communication screen in front of him displayed the figure of the Land of Wind's Daimyo, Masaki Sato.
This Daimyo was dressed in ornate robes, habitually holding an exquisite folding fan, a trace of doubt on his face.
"Rasa, is this war... absolutely necessary?" Sato's voice came through the speaker, carrying the distinctive tone of a high-ranking official.
Rasa frowned slightly, feeling a bit surprised.
He clearly remembered that a few years ago, when the Land of Stars first rose and slaughtered the nobles and Daimyo of the Land of Bears, Land of Shadow, and others with thunderous speed, this Land of Wind's Daimyo had been righteously indignant, speaking with intense hatred for the Land of Stars and Shura, seemingly wishing to immediately dispatch Ninjas to exterminate them.
He had even shown dissatisfaction with Rasa's refusal back then.
'How had his attitude become hesitant after just three or four years?'
Rasa's gaze swept over the obviously valuable artworks and luxuries in the background behind the Daimyo on the screen, and a flash of understanding dawned on him.
'Probably in these past few years, the Land of Stars' novel goods and huge trade profits have also given this Daimyo a taste of sweetness. The Daimyo's Mansion might even have covert dealings with the Land of Stars...'
Cursing internally, Rasa suppressed his suspicions and a flicker of displeasure. He put on a pained yet resolute expression and explained to the screen, "Daimyo-sama, it is not we who are provoking this war."
"The Star Ninja brazenly invaded our Land of Wind's territory, killed fifteen of our elite Ninja in the Sea of Death region, and moreover, they stole the village's crucial strategic weapon, the Jinchuriki!"
"Now, they are even constructing defensive lines within our borders! This is not only an insult to Sunagakure but also an insult to you, Daimyo-sama. If we do not retaliate forcefully, where is the dignity of our Land of Wind? What face does Sunagakure have to stand on in the Ninja World?"
He deliberately concealed the true details of the Sea of Death battle, such as the fact that the force he personally led, comprising numerous Jonin and elders, had been utterly defeated, with casualties far exceeding fifteen, including Ebizo's death, and Elite Jonin like Baki and Pakura all injured.
He knew well that if the Daimyo learned of Sunagakure's severe losses in high-end combat power, he might choose to settle matters peacefully out of concern and stinginess regarding war funds.
But with the One-Tail's Jinchuriki stolen and Ebizo and others killed, if he didn't fight this war, his position as Kazekage would be unstable.
As for whether they could win the war?
If wars were only started when victory was certain, the world would have far fewer wars and conflicts.
Sure enough, he successfully stirred the Daimyo's vigilance and anger.
On the other end of the screen, Sato's fan-waving hand stopped abruptly when he heard 'Jinchuriki stolen'. His lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by seriousness.
Sato had originally thought that the Sea of Death, that godforsaken place with nothing but sand and no taxable oasis villages, could be sold to the Land of Stars if they wanted it.
But the theft of the Jinchuriki was a completely different matter!
That was one of the most important strategic deterrents of a nation and its Ninja Village!
This concerned national dignity and the stability of his rule… a bottom line that absolutely could not be conceded easily!
If they couldn't even protect their own Jinchuriki, how could the Land of Wind call itself a Great Nation?
Other countries might gang up on them. Even their 'ally', Konoha from the Land of Fire, might stab them in the back.
Sato waved his fan and asked gravely, "Then, Kazekage, what are your chances of victory? To what extent do you plan to fight this war? And if other countries, say the Land of Fire or the Land of Earth, intervene, what then?"
Seeing the Daimyo's attitude softening, Rasa perked up immediately and laid out his plan. "Daimyo-sama, please rest assured!"
"I have already sent people to urgently contact our allies, Konoha of the Land of Fire. I have also dispatched diplomatic envoys to Iwagakure of the Land of Earth. If possible, I hope to facilitate a three-nation alliance of Wind, Fire, and Earth, to jointly crusade against the Land of Stars, this enemy of the Ninja World!"
"Konoha and Iwagakure?" Daimyo Sato nodded upon hearing this. "I've also heard that Konoha seems to have a grudge against that Shura. As allies, it's only right, emotionally and logically, for them to provide troops or financial aid."
"However... that Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Iwagakure is said to be a cunning old fox. Without sufficient benefits, will he easily commit troops?"
Rasa had already considered this. He explained, "Daimyo-sama, the Land of Stars shares a long border with the Land of Earth as well, leading to direct territorial disputes."
"That alone is indeed not enough to make that old fox Onoki dispatch Ninja. But if you personally contact the Land of Earth's Daimyo, offering to share the spoils, like the territory and wealth of the Land of Stars, that should be enough to entice them."
"After all, the Land of Stars has developed rapidly in recent years. The Yuga Plains they control are fertile, their commerce prosperous… a coveted piece of fat meat."
Hearing 'share the Land of Stars', Sato's eyes noticeably lit up, a greedy expression appearing on his face.
He had long heard of the Land of Stars' growing wealth in recent years.
The Land of Stars had not only become a major commercial hub in the western part of the Ninja Continent but also exported large quantities of grain to the Land of Wind and Land of Earth, which lacked land and food production, amassing great wealth.
If he could get a share of that... it would be a huge temptation for the Land of Earth's Daimyo as well.
Sato finally nodded, making his decision. "Very well! In that case, the matter of war against the Land of Stars is fully entrusted to you! The Daimyo's Mansion will specially allocate a sum for war funds, based on the standards of the Third Great Ninja War!"
"I will personally write to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth. As for the specific liaison with Konoha and Iwagakure and the coordination of the allied forces, that will be your responsibility as Kazekage!"
"Yes! Thank you for your support, Daimyo-sama! I will not fail your trust!" Rasa responded solemnly, feeling slightly relieved.
With the Daimyo's support and war funds, at least the war machine could start moving.
The communication screen went dark.
Rasa let out a sigh of relief and looked to the side. "Elder Chiyo, the Daimyo has agreed to war. You... please accept my condolences for your loss."
From the shadows in the corner of the meeting room, a figure slowly emerged.
It was Chiyo, her face haggard, but her eyes burning with deep-seated hatred.
The death of her brother Ebizo had completely ignited the grief and rage she had long suppressed. At this moment, her heart held only one thought… revenge against the Land of Stars!
To appease her brother's spirit with the blood of the enemy!
The news of the Land of Wind's declaration of war against the Land of Stars spread through the Ninja World as if on wings.
It also reached Konoha in the Land of Fire.
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind his large desk, holding the intelligence scroll the Anbu had just delivered summarizing Sunagakure's movements, along with the diplomatic document from Sunagakure requesting Konoha fulfill its ally duties and send troops.
He slowly blew out a smoke ring, a trace of surprise on his face.
'According to the intelligence previously received secretly from Kakashi, Kakashi's team's operation to disguise themselves as Star Ninjas and frame the Land of Stars within the Land of Earth shouldn't have reached the Land of Wind's border steps yet.'
'How had the Land of Wind and the Land of Stars come to blows so quickly?'
However, this surprise was soon replaced by a look of satisfaction.
Regardless of the specific reason, conflict between the Land of Wind and the Land of Stars was the result he desired.
He placed the scroll on the desk and looked at the two advisory elders sitting to the side.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
"Koharu, Homura, what are your thoughts on Sunagakure's request for aid?"
Homura adjusted his glasses and spoke first, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Hiruzen, this is good news! The war between the Land of Stars and Sunagakure will greatly deplete their strength regardless of the outcome, which is extremely beneficial for us in Konoha."
"I believe we can appropriately dispatch a portion of our Ninja Forces to participate, supporting Sunagakure. This would both fulfill our ally obligations and allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the Land of Stars' true combat power. We might even... have an opportunity to gain benefits at a critical moment."
Koharu was more cautious, shaking her head. "Homura, dispatching Ninja Forces requires careful consideration."
"The Land of Fire is far from the Land of Stars, separated by countries like the Land of Rivers and the Land of Rain. Sending Ninja Forces would put immense pressure on our logistics. Even if we help Sunagakure win, we cannot cross such a great distance to share the Land of Stars' territory. At best, we might receive some monetary or material compensation. The input and output may not be proportional."
"I believe providing Sunagakure with material and financial support is more prudent."
Hiruzen nodded, took a drag from his pipe, and said slowly, "Koharu's concerns are valid. Distance is indeed the biggest problem. We…"
"We must dispatch Ninja forces to participate!"
Just then, a voice interrupted Hiruzen. The office door was pushed open with a bang.
Danzo, his face half-covered by bandages, walked in expressionlessly, leaning on his cane, followed silently by Aburame Tatsuma.
Homura glanced sideways at his old friend but said nothing.
"What madness is this now?!" Koharu, however, voiced her displeasure.
Hiruzen's brow immediately furrowed. "Danzo! You are no longer the Root's leader, nor are you a Hokage's Advisor! Who gave you permission to barge into the Hokage's office?!"
However, Danzo ignored both Koharu's and Hiruzen's reprimands. His single eye swept over the three people in the office, and he dropped a piece of news in a low voice that made all three of them pale.
"According to the top-secret intelligence I just received, Sunagakure's One-Tail's Jinchuriki is suspected to have been kidnapped by that Shura!"
"What?!" This time, even Hiruzen couldn't maintain his composure. He shot up from his seat, his pipe falling from his lips unnoticed!
'The One-Tail's Jinchuriki stolen?!'
'No wonder Sunagakure was declaring war on the Land of Stars.'