On the side of the Hidden Mist, the reformist faction led by Karatachi Yagura was quietly building up strength, while the miserable Third Mizukage waited for orders from the boss (Uchiha Madara).
Originally, it was thought that the Third Great Ninja War would still require a period of preparation.
Unexpectedly, half a year later, Konoha suddenly announced war against the Hidden Rain Village.
As for the reason, they just casually picked one—Hidden Rain had provoked Konoha, and Konoha could no longer tolerate it.
When a great nation attacks a small one, that's how it goes.
They list a pile of reasons and just pick whichever they feel like using—pure arbitrariness and dominance.
Orochimaru led three thousand Konoha ninja into the Land of Rain, clashing with Hanzo's Hidden Rain forces at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain.
After receiving this news, the Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud quickly sped up their negotiations.
"Fifteen thousand is too much. Eleven thousand at most."
"At least thirteen thousand."
"Deal."
To an outsider, it would sound like they were bargaining over goods.
In the end, the agreement was that Hidden Cloud would declare war on Konoha first, and within seven days, Hidden Stone's thirteen thousand ninja must engage Konoha forces in battle.
Dodai also took precautions.
If Hidden Stone pulled the same stunt as last time—doing nothing and withdrawing—wouldn't Hidden Cloud be the one taking all the losses?
After signing the agreement, the tone immediately changed.
"Haha, senior, you're still as sharp as ever. I have much to learn from you in negotiations."
"Not at all. Dodai, you are the truly impressive one. In diplomacy, you've already far surpassed me. Truly worthy of being an outstanding Cloud ninja."
"You're too kind."
"Not at all—you're just being modest."
Before the contract, we were enemies.
After the contract, we are enemies who must maintain surface-level harmony.
After Orochimaru and Hanzo faced off for three days,
Hidden Cloud used Konoha's "unprovoked attack on the Land of Rain" as justification, claiming it was to protect Rain's legitimate interests and maintain peace in the ninja world, and officially declared war on the Land of Fire and Konoha.
...
Two days later,
Hidden Stone also declared war on the Land of Fire and Konoha, citing the protection of neighboring nations and opposition to Konoha's hegemonic behavior.
This sudden war instantly ignited the entire ninja world.
Just like that, war began?
Wasn't that way too hasty?
Not just the ninja world—even Konoha, now seemingly the instigator, was completely confused.
Wasn't this just supposed to be a staged act to earn Orochimaru some war merit?
How did it suddenly turn into us single-handedly starting the Third Great Ninja War?
Konoha was far from happy, but Hidden Rain and Hanzo were absolutely thrilled.
They were already unhappy about being forced to act, but look at this—now they were the victims, and they even had two big backers (Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone).
"My, my… things escalated quickly. Suddenly, I don't feel like acting anymore."
"The Land of Earth? Bah—just a bunch of hard rocks. What's so good about that? The Land of Fire is far better, with all those resources. Take it—we must take it."
Hanzo led the Hidden Rain forces and instantly abandoned their previous act-like fighting style.
"Orochimaru, now that you've come to the Land of Rain, don't think you'll leave so easily."
Orochimaru: ??? This wasn't the plan, was it?
"Hanzo, you old bastard, who's afraid of who? Let's see who loses worse."
If you want to fight, then let's fight.
A fake battle turned into a real one.
The "N-th" clash between Hanzo the Demigod of the Ninja World and Orochimaru the Sannin officially began.
While things were lively on that front,
Konoha was having a much harder time.
...
Hokage's Office,
"What is going on? Hiruzen, Danzo, explain yourselves! Was this part of your plan too?"
Mitokado Homura demanded angrily.
"Homura, calm down."
Utatane Koharu tried to persuade him.
"Calm down? How can I stay calm? According to the plan I made for dealing with Hidden Rain and Hidden Stone—Hidden Rain was supposed to be our ally! But now? Our open enemies are Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone, with Hidden Sand and Hidden Mist watching—and Hidden Rain might even betray us!"
Mitokado Homura was furious.
Starting a war against so many enemies without any preparation—even if we send people, our logistics won't keep up.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward to calm his old comrade.
"Homura, this wasn't our plan. Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone must have reached some sort of agreement. They've long intended to attack the Land of Fire and Konoha."
"Hiruzen, the most important thing now is how to hold back the offensives of Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone. Give me a unit—no enemy will be allowed to set foot in the Land of Fire."
The one who said this was Shimura Danzo—the kind of man you can trust during external wars, but never during peacetime.
"We'll start discussing countermeasures now."
...
The news that Konoha had started the Third Great Ninja War was not only received by the higher-ups.
The villagers and ninja of Konoha also learned of it.
Civilians hurried home to await instructions, while ninja prepared their gear, ready to head to the battlefield at any moment.
Although many resented why the Hokage had started a war—but this was Konoha.
A great ninja war meant countless people killing each other… and in the end, Konoha would emerge victorious.
Being a Konoha citizen was a matter of pride.
...
On the side of Squad Five, they were also urgently discussing the situation.
"Didn't expect it to come in just half a year."
"Yeah. We anticipated it, but this is too fast."
"My eldest nephew was just born not long ago. At this rate, this war will last at least three years."
"Shiken, what's your plan?"
At those words, all four turned to Aburame Shiken, who had yet to speak.
"I think we should stick to the same strategy as during the Second War—but drag things out more. Back then, we lacked strength, so we had to rush every fight, always trying to decide victory in one go. Now we're not short on money or logistics—we can completely outlast them."
Before, they used lives to save on logistics.
Now, they use massive logistics to preserve lives.
Also, just because Aburame Shiken isn't short on funds or supplies doesn't mean Konoha isn't. Remember that.
"How do we drag it out? Long-range bombardment again? But if the enemy charges head-on, we don't really have a better solution."
Uchiha Kamito asked.
He was anxious. As everyone knew, the Uchiha clan excelled in explosive bursts, but lacked endurance—like a certain Uchiha who burned out his Mangekyō in just a few days.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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