"What? Konoha has declared war on us?"
Upon hearing Ao's words, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically. Recently, due to the Fourth Mizukage being manipulated, Kirigakure's information had been completely cut off. It was only not long ago that Ao, Terumi Mei, and others began to suspect the Mizukage's rule and finally discovered some clues.
During the Third Great Ninja War, Ao had defeated a member of the Hyuga clan and taken one of their Byakugan, implanting it into his own right eye. With this Byakugan, he saw through the Mizukage's Chakra pathways, discovering foreign Chakra that did not belong to him—the Fourth Mizukage had actually been placed under an extremely powerful Genjutsu.
Because of this, everyone secretly monitored the Mizukage, gathering clues about the mysterious person who could control a Jinchuriki while also seeking information from other Hidden Villages. However, the intelligence Ao brought back left everyone speechless with shock.
In just a few short months, Konoha had directly conquered the Land of Lightning and forced the Land of Earth to unconditionally merge. Now, the entire Ninja World, except for their Land of Water, had fallen under Konoha's control. Moreover, not long ago, Aoki, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, had declared war on the Land of Water, ready to launch this final war of unification.
"Clan leaders, what are your thoughts on Konoha's invasion this time?" Ao looked at the group and asked solemnly.
Everyone exchanged glances, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen remained completely silent. They had always only known how to wield their swords in battle; when it came to strategic decisions, they were utterly clueless.
Seeing this situation, Terumi Mei, who was standing nearby, spoke up first, analyzing Kirigakure's current desperate predicament: "The Three-Tails has already separated from the Fourth Mizukage's body. I'm afraid he won't last much longer. Right now, we must decide how to deal with Konoha's army."
The others nodded one after another, signaling for Terumi Mei to continue. She then looked at Ao, her eyes filled with inquiry: "Lord Ao, now we must decide whether to fight or surrender. This matter requires your decision."
At this time, Terumi Mei was merely a Jonin and did not want to bear the responsibility for Kirigakure's survival alone. Ao, as a Kirigakure elder who had experienced the Third Great Ninja War, had far greater prestige and strength than anyone present. It was most appropriate for him to make the decision.
Ao pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the clan leaders of the Kaguya, Hozuki, and other major Shinobi Clans. However, these clan leaders now acted as if this matter had nothing to do with them, ignoring his gaze entirely.
Seeing this scene, Ao sighed helplessly. He understood clearly in his heart that he was merely Kirigakure's scapegoat now.
"Enough. We must admit that the current Kirigakure simply cannot withstand Konoha's offensive. Konoha's steps toward unifying the Ninja World are already unstoppable. Notify everyone!" Ao announced gravely.
"Assemble the entire army, hold our positions and observe, and decide whether to surrender or fight after assessing the situation!"
Everyone agreed in unison.
Soon, Kirigakure's ninjas began to assemble, standing ready to make the final decision based on how the situation developed.
Just as the Ninja World was on edge due to this final war of unification, two figures rushed into a deep mountain graveyard in a sorry state.
"Whew! We finally escaped! Damn it! You actually abandoned me and ran off on your own!" the fake "Madara Uchiha" cursed furiously.
"What's wrong with that?" Black Zetsu replied coldly.
He paid no mind to the other's accusations. Reviving his mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki, was his ultimate goal. The lives of pawns were insignificant; in his heart, there was only his mother.
"You made it back alive, didn't you? Stop complaining," Black Zetsu shot him a glance.
Hearing Black Zetsu's words, the impostor "Madara Uchiha" was about to lash out when Black Zetsu suddenly gave a mysterious smile and led the young man deeper into the cemetery. At the innermost layer, countless coffins were laid out, each containing the bodies of powerful individuals collected over the years. The one at the very front was none other than Madara Uchiha, who had passed away not long ago.
Madara had already explained many ninjutsu and subsequent plans before his death. Now was the perfect opportunity for revival. Black Zetsu summoned a White Zetsu to serve as the sacrificial offering.
"Edo Tensei!"
With the final hand seal, a transparent soul instantly returned from the Pure Land and entered the White Zetsu's body. Countless paper-like substances rapidly enveloped the White Zetsu, transforming it into Madara Uchiha at the peak of his power.
"A bit slow, indeed."
Madara examined his newly regained body and spoke calmly. Beside him, the impostor "Madara Uchiha" stood frozen in shock.
He had never imagined that Madara could truly be revived. Only now did he realize that the old man before him was the Uchiha clan leader from the early days of Konoha's founding—the true powerhouse known as the Asura of the Ninja World.
"Now, it's time to set our plan in motion! Let's see how Konoha intends to unify the Ninja World!" Madara's eyes gleamed with excitement as he murmured to himself.
The three immediately began preparing for the plan, while Madara focused on studying the Edo Tensei technique created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama, and familiarizing himself with his new body.
Sensing the power within, Madara couldn't help but frown slightly. Though it wasn't his original body, it was sufficient to carry out the plan.
Within the cemetery, the bodies controlled by the three were gradually being revived through the Edo Tensei technique, though the process was somewhat slow.
As time passed, Konoha's army had already arrived at the coast outside the Land of Water. This battle was the final step toward peace in the Ninja World. Everyone in the army wore smiles, firmly believing that peace was finally within reach.
"Who would have thought that after three Great Ninja Wars, the Ninja World would finally achieve peace?"
"Exactly! All thanks to the Fourth Hokage!"
"Konoha is really going to unify the Ninja World!"
"The Land of Water is the last one! Let's give it our all! Take down the Land of Water in one fell swoop and welcome true peace to the Ninja World!"
In Konoha's army, ninjas chattered excitedly. Former ninjas from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and the Sand Hidden Village now stood united under Konoha's banner, united in purpose.
At that moment, Aoki and the other high-ranking officials in the army also arrived at the front lines.
"Hokage-sama!"
"The Land of Water seems to be preparing to resist!"
"They've assembled a large army and stationed it along the border!"
"But the Mizukage is nowhere to be seen in their ranks!"
Hearing his subordinates' reports, Aoki couldn't help but frown. After the Third Mizukage's death, Yagura should have succeeded as Mizukage. Why was he absent from the front lines?
A suspicion instantly arose in his mind: the masterminds, Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu, might be hiding in the Land of Water, manipulating Yagura. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Advance the army!"
"Let's see if Kirigakure dares to stop us!"
At Aoki's command, the Konoha army continued its advance, sweeping through with unstoppable momentum. They encountered almost no resistance and smoothly entered the territory of the Land of Water. Before long, they saw the assembled Kirigakure forces ahead.
Faced with the formidable Konoha army, Kirigakure was already at a disadvantage in terms of numbers alone. Moreover, in terms of strength, the Konoha camp was filled with elite shinobi—Onoki, Rasa, and the Three Legendary Sannin were all renowned powerhouses in the Ninja World.
Kirigakure had initially intended to hold their ground and observe, but seeing the overwhelming disparity in strength, Ao made a decisive call without hesitation: "Lay down your weapons! No one is to take action! Accept Konoha's annexation peacefully! From this day forward, there will be peace across the land, and no more war!"
Following Ao's order, the Kirigakure forces instantly abandoned all resistance, dropping their weapons and standing in place, accepting the inevitable outcome.
The Konoha army, which had prepared for a bloody battle, was somewhat taken aback by Kirigakure's immediate surrender. Regardless, the Ninja World would ultimately be unified under Konoha, and the Land of Water was now completely under Konoha's control.
Ao, accompanied by Terumi Mei and others, quickly approached Aoki and bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage, we entrust ourselves to your care from now on! Who would have thought Konoha would truly unify the Ninja World! Your youth and achievements are deeply admirable!"
Ao continued to heap praise, leaving Aoki slightly embarrassed, though he did not refute the elder's compliments.
After all, Ao had dedicated his life to Kirigakure and deserved his respect.
However, there was one urgent matter Aoki needed to clarify. He inquired about the whereabouts of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, and why he had not appeared on the front lines.
Hearing this question, Ao was momentarily stunned before quickly explaining everything—how someone had manipulated Yagura and used him to release the Three-Tails within the village.
Confirming his suspicions, Aoki's expression grew increasingly grave. Black Zetsu and Madara Uchiha were indeed still hiding within the Ninja World. Though it was uncertain whether Madara was truly alive or had found a substitute, having these two lurking in the shadows was like a thorn in his side.
"We must find a way to track down these two!"