Spring of Year 33
April 2nd
"Hokage-sama!"
Black haired, shinobi wearing a white monkey faced mask shunshined into the room, kneeling before Hokage's desk.
"Kumo just invaded the Land of Hot Springs."
"""WHAT!!!!"""
Tobirama's six disciples stood up from their seats raising their voice in shock.
Tobirama remained seated with his arms crossed and fingers tapping rhythmically against his arm.
"Sensei! We must show these Kumo-nin their place! They dare to violate the peace agreement signed with Hashirama-sama!"
"Danzo," Kagami said sharply, "don't speak rashly. We need to assess the situation first. Kumo isn't the only threat."
"Kagami's right," Hiruzen added. "Iwa is also mobilizing near the northwestern borders, not to mention there's Suna and Kiri to consider too. We can't focus solely on Kumo."
"You'll regret this hesitation!" Danzo snapped. "We must strike with overwhelming force – engrave fear into their bones so they never dare such treachery again!"
"Enough," Tobirama said calmly but also firmly. "Since Kumo has acted. Others will soon follow."
He turned to the masked ANBU still kneeling.
"How many troops did Kumo mobilize?"
"Eight thousand, Hokage-sama."
"Eight Thousand?" Koharu blinked. "Isn't their forces larger than that?"
"Kumo must be reserving some troops to defend against Iwa and Kiri," Kagami explained.
Koharu slightly flushed in embarrassment while nodding in quiet acknowledgement.
All the while, Tobirama studied his disciples, gauging their reactions.
"Danzo! Torifu!"
""Yes Sensei!""
"I will assign you with 7,000 troops. Deploy to the Land of Hot Spring, join the 1,000 men stationed at the border. Do not engage. Issue an ultimatum first to withdraw or face consequences."
"Sensei, they won't agree. We should strike first."
"Danzo! This is about justification. We need a clear mandate to protect the Land of Host Springs."
"...Yes sensei, we'll depart immediately."
"Kagami! Koharu!"
""Sensei!""
"Take 7,000 men and deploy towards western front. Monitor Suna's movement."
""Yes! Sensei!"
"Saru, Homura!"
""HAI""
"Take 7,000 men and deploy towards Kusa front, Iwa's most likely target is Kusa."
""Yes Sensei!""
Tobirama stood.
"Before deployment, convene a village meeting. Invite all clan heads."
"Yes Hokage-sama. Should we… invite the Uchiha clan?"
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. He stared at the ANBU.
"…Yes, invite Uchiha Sosuke as well."
"Understood!"
***
An hour later, the Hokage building was filled with tension. Clan heads from all major and minor ninja clans gathered around a large round table in the conference hall. The air buzzed with quiet conversation exchanging rumors and speculations – until the doors opened and Senju Tobirama entered, flanked by his six disciples.
He didn't waste time.
"Everyone, I'll be brief. Kumogakure just invaded Land of Hot Springs."
"""!!!"""
Some clan heads stood up in shock, others leaned forward with excitement and anticipation. A few remained calm, as if they'd already expected it.
"Effective immediately, Konoha will enter a state of martial law. All ninjas currently on missions will be recalled. All registered Konoha shinobi will be conscripted for war."
"HOKAGE-sama!"
The Kurama clan head stood, voice trembling. "No other villages have declared war on us. Isn't it premature to conscript everyone?"
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. He knew that Kurama clan was currently engaged in a large-scale private mission independent of Konoha's system – technically legal, but not sanctioned by the Hokage. Tobirama ruled unopposed, not just because of his strength and brilliant administrative abilities, but because he knew when to show leniency and when to exert his authority.
"Kumo, Iwa, Suna, and Kiri have been stockpiling military and grain supplies for years. The peace brought by the hidden village system triggered a baby boom – just like us, their numbers have swelled. They are overflowing with shinobi. They are confident and restless."
He paused.
"Most nations have already deployed their forces to reinforce their borders. Do you still believe we're not at war?"
The Kurama clan head sat down slowly, drenched in cold sweat. Around the table, others shook their head in quiet disbelief.
'How did this fool become the head of the Kurama clan?'
Tobirama turned to Uchiha Sosuke.
"Clan head Sosuke. Prepare the Uchiha clan to defend Konoha. I'm entrusting internal public order to the Konoha Military Police Force. the ANBU will be occupied with external threats. I expect no gaps in our defense under your watch."
'Damn it. We've become nothing more than guard dogs.'
Sosuke gritted his teeth and replied with indifferent expression.
"Of course. There will be nothing for you to worry about, Hokage-sama."
Tobirama caught the flicker of frustration in Sosuke's eyes -but said nothing. Uchiha matters were secondary compared to the War at hand and he was sure he could resolve their misunderstanding and frustration after the war.
"We will deploy 7,000 troops combined with 1,000 from the borders each to Yugakure, Kusagakure, and Tanigakure.
Shimura Danzo will command the Yugakure front, with Akmimich Torifu as vice commander.
Sarutobi Hiruzen will command the Kusagakure front, with Mitokado Homura as vice commander.
Uchiha Kagami will command the Tanigakure front, with Utatane Koharu as vice commander."
Tobirama scanned the room.
"Does anyone wish to add to this decision?
The clan heads exchanged glances – some thoughtful, some wary – but no one voiced their opposition.
Then, Hyuga Hayato broke the silence.
"Hokage-sama, how will you distribute the troops? Is there a specific front that our Hyuga clan shoud deploy our shinobi?"
Tobirama's gaze sharpened.
"...No clan will take responsibility for a single front. All shinobi will be distributed based on compatibility. Wind release users will be deployed to the Kumo front, Fire release to Suna, and Lighting to Iwa. Secret technique clans and specialized units will be evenly divided across all fronts. Is there a problem with that?"
His tone left no room for debate.
Tobirama's intentions were clear. He saw the war as an opportunity – not only to defend the village, but to reshape it. Just as Shinichi once suggested. To break the invisible walls between clans and force unity through shared bloodshed and survival.
Though Konoha's shinobi worked together on missions, clan divisions still lingered. Tobirama believed this war could shatter those barriers. It was a step toward Hashirama's dream – a village not of clans, but of comrades.
No one opposed him.
This was the norm in Konoha. No one dared to refute or defy Tobirama's decisions and commands except for the Senju Hashirama in the past. Well, not all the time as Hashirama has a certain weak side for Tobirama, but Hashirama could stop Tobirama if he really wanted to.
Since Hashirama's death, Tobirama's word had become law.
Uchiha clan may have been the only clan to oppose him. However, after Uchiha Madara's departure, the Uchiha clan had been sidelined from the village's central decision-making process.
"Alright," Tobirama said, rising from his seat. "This meeting is adjourned. Deployment and conscription orders will be issued this afternoon. Return to your clans and maintain combat readiness."
His voice rang clear.
"Konoha is going to war."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The clan heads stood, bowed, and filed out.
Soon, the village began to bustle with new kind of energy and noise. It was the sound of a village bracing for transformation.
***
Few days later...
"So, Konoha made its move…. You said that Tobirama didn't act personally?"
"No, Raikage-sama. He deployed his disciples – Shimura Shimura Danzo and Akimichi Torifu – as commanders to the front."
"Hmph! Sending bunch of Greenhorns to the battlefield? Senju Tobirama might be dumber than I thought."
"Ai! Don't underestimate him. Tobirama is far more cunning than you can possibly imagine."
"…. Okay sensei – I mean Raikage-sama."
"Haah… When will you grow up…."
The Raikage leaned back, eyes narrowing.
"Anyway – how are Kinkaku and Ginkaku."
"The Kinkaku butai invaded Yugakure yesterday. They've already engaged the Two Tails' Jinchuriki. It won't be long before we capture it."
"Good. Inform me the moment the Two Tails is secured – or if Senju Tobirama makes a move himself."
"Yes! Raikage-sama!"
***
UWAAKK!
"RUN!"
"We have no chance against them!"
"I surrender! I surrender!"
Chaos erupted across the Land of Hot springs. Blood soaked the soil as Kumo-nin surged forward, overwhelming the Yugakure defenders. Their lines shattered under the vanguard charge of the Kinkaku Butai.
"HAHAHAHAHA! MUDA! MUDA! MUDA! MUDA! MUDA! MUDA! You're all so weak!"
"HEHEHE. Brother! We don't even need the treasured tools for such weaklings!"
"You're right, Ginkaku! These small fries aren't worth our time."
Kinkaku's grin widened as he raised his bloodied blade.
"Alright, the rest of you – do not hesitate! Show no Mercy! Wipe them all out! Find the Two Tails' jinchuriki!"
"""HAI!!!!"""
"WAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
The Kinkaku Butai roared in unison, their morale surging to its peak. The battlefield trembled beneath their fury.
Yugakure's defenders broke ranks. Some fled. Some begged. Some stood frozen in terror. But none could stop what was coming.