Iwagakure.
A village surrounded by endless stone—
Its natural terrain forming an impenetrable fortress.
Most famous of all—
Was its phenomenon known as the Stone Rain.
…
Inside the Tsuchikage Building—
The highest-level conference room.
"The operation orders have already been distributed to your respective unit captains."
The one speaking—
Was a middle-aged man with a rather comical appearance.
A short stature—
And a large, bulbous nose that stood out prominently.
Onoki—
The Third Tsuchikage.
"Although the Daimyo's order is to prepare the future battlefield—"
"If you encounter ninja from other villages…"
"Show no mercy."
"But Tsuchikage-sama! The Daimyo's order was—"
"Idiot!"
Despite his small frame—
His authority was overwhelming.
"This is war!"
"Not a child's game!"
"You must understand—"
"War is not the same as ordinary missions!"
"No matter what methods you use—"
"Kill the enemy!"
"Kill every enemy you see!"
"Go—fight!"
"For the future of Iwagakure!"
Onoki slammed the table, roaring.
"Yes! Tsuchikage-sama!"
…
After everyone left—
Onoki clenched his teeth tightly.
His expression turned grim—
His nose reddening even further with anger.
Damn it!
The moment he thought of the Daimyo's orders—
Rage surged within him.
Yes—
He had wanted war.
But not against the Land of Rain.
There were many smaller nations they could plunder for resources.
But the Daimyo—
Had set his sights on the fertile land of the Land of Rain.
And so—
He ordered Iwagakure to wage war there.
Onoki knew full well—
The Land of Rain would become a meat grinder.
Countless Iwa ninja would die.
But—
He had no choice.
This was a game between the Daimyo of great nations.
And ninja—
Were merely pieces.
If he refused—
The Land of Earth would cut off all supplies.
Unlike Konoha—
With its fertile land—
Iwagakure was nothing but rock.
Without external resources—
The village might not even survive.
If there is no choice—
Then we fight with everything we have!
A cold glint flashed in Onoki's eyes.
…
Sunagakure.
A village buried within endless desert.
Sandstorms raged endlessly—
Even water was scarce.
Inside the Kazekage Building—
"Prepare yourselves!"
The Third Kazekage declared loudly.
"The water resources of the Land of Rain are vital to our village!"
"Yes! Kazekage-sama!"
…
In this world—
It was those at the top who controlled everything.
Ninja—
Despite their immense power—
Were also the most tragic.
…
As agreements were reached between the Daimyo of the great nations—
The ninja of three great villages began advancing into the Land of Rain.
Rain fell endlessly there.
But now—
It felt like the sky itself was weeping.
Mourning the slaughter to come.
Lamenting the weakness of a small nation.
The three great villages would begin systematically eliminating the Rain's military forces—
And some—
Would not spare even civilians.
The Land of Rain—
Was about to cry beneath the weight of war.
…
"Yo… Yoru…"
After graduating—
Hoshino Yoru and the others had gone out to celebrate with barbecue.
Later—
Minato Namikaze and the others left.
As usual—
Yoru walked Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina home.
At Kushina's house—
She spoke hesitantly.
"Is… is war coming?"
The usually lively Kushina—
Now had fear in her eyes.
She had experienced war before.
The destruction of the Land of Uzumaki—
Villages burned—
People slaughtered—
Blood flowing like rivers.
A living hell.
She often woke from nightmares.
Without Yoru and Mikoto—
She didn't know what she would have become.
"Don't worry, Kushina."
Her eyes widened—
As she felt Yoru's warm embrace.
"Trust me."
"War will pass."
"And peace… will come."
His voice was gentle.
"…Mm."
Kushina closed her eyes—
Leaning into him—
Breathing in the warmth that brought her comfort.
…
"Mikoto, you should head home too."
After comforting Kushina—
Yoru escorted Mikoto back as well.
"…Okay."
She looked at him with concern.
"Be careful, Yoru."
"Don't worry."
Yoru smiled confidently.
"You know my strength."
He gave her a bright, reassuring smile.
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