Land of Earth, Iwagakure:
"Is the news accurate?" asked the Second Tsuchikage.
"Are you certain that Senju Hashirama is dead?" he inquired, studying the information in his hand.
The memory of Senju Hashirama's formidable strength from the past lingered in his mind, leaving him momentarily lost in thought.
Senju Hashirama, known as the God of the Ninja World, possessed a tremendous power that towered over everyone else, making him the unshakable overlord of the Fire Nation.
The other four nations could only occupy their small territories, afraid to challenge his authority.
But not long ago, news spread of an unprecedented clash between Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, resulting in Hashirama's severe injuries.
Since then, his healing has been taken care of in Konoha secretly, with most matters being handled by the New Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
These events have sparked various reactions among the previously peaceful nations, including Iwagakure, where the Second Tsuchikage held his own thoughts.
Now, with news circulating that Senju Hashirama's death is imminent, the Second Tsuchikage believes it is crucial to start preparations.
If the news is false, they can wait for the right opportunity. But if it is true, it presents the perfect chance to invade the Fire Nation.
"Continue investigating!" he commanded. "Send more operatives there! We must ensure the news is confirmed as soon as possible!"
With his orders given, numerous Rock Shinobi spies were dispatched to infiltrate the Land of Fire and monitor Konoha's activities.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Wind, Sunagakure had long grown weary of their domestic environment.
Upon learning of the possible death of Senju Hashirama, Sunagakure could no longer afford to be patient. The Second Kazekage immediately ordered the village to prepare supplies.
"Hmph! Whether the news is true or false doesn't matter!" he declared. "Prepare in advance! The God of the Ninja World, Senju Hashirama has fought with Uchiha Madara. The news of Him being seriously injured is already confirmed. So his death is imminent! This time, we'll mobilize in advance to the borders of the land of fire and observe Konoha's reaction."
Confidently, the Second Kazekage gazed at the executives of Sunagakure in front of him, emphasizing that if Konoha fails to respond, it would mean Senju Hashirama's demise and the Land of Fire would become theirs.
The top executives of Sunagakure supported the Second Kazekage's decision wholeheartedly, as they yearned to escape their desert surroundings and embrace the beauty of the neighbouring Fire Country.
Witnessing the unanimous support, the Second Kazekage wasted no time and dispatched a ninja team to attack the Land of Fire's border while Sunagakure began preparing for war.
Similarly, inside Cloud Shinobi Village, located in the Kingdom of Thunder, the Second Raikage dismissed the news of Senju Hashirama's imminent demise as inconsequential.
For him, once the news had spread, he considered Senju Hashirama dead, and without hesitation, he initiated war mobilization.
"Hmph! The God of the Ninja World is about to meet his end! Without Senju Hashirama, how can Konoha retain its prosperous land? March!" the Second Raikage declared.
For the Second Raikage, whether Senju Hashirama was alive or dead no longer mattered. The moment news arrived, he treated it as fact.
In Kirigakure, the Land of Water, the Kaguya clan head and the Second Mizukage, remained indifferent to the news reported by his disciples.
As someone who was on the same level as the Second Tsuchikage Gengetsu Hōzuki, the Kaguya clan head truly hated Iwagakure. For him, Konoha was a secondary concern.
"Very well, I am aware of the news regarding Konoha. Now, tell me about Iwagakure's movements. That person should be making moves by now, right?" Kaguya clan head asked Mizukage.
The one Reporting was The future Third Mizukage, listening to the questioning of Kaguya and Gengetsu Hōzuki, nodded in response.
"That's correct, teacher. As soon as Iwagakure received the news, they sent a large number of spies to the Land of Fire to gather information. They aim to confirm the accuracy of the message. Once confirmed, Iwagakure will take action."
Upon hearing this, Kaguya and Hozuki, filled with eagerness, expressed their interest.
"Alright, I understand the situation in Konoha. You will handle it. Find out the details. If the news is true, Kirigakure will claim its share," the Kaguya patriarch declared before leaving the office.
Observing the departure of the Kaguya clan head and his student, the Second Mizukage couldn't help but feel helpless. It was the nature of the Kaguya clan to act this way, and he couldn't change it.
Recognizing the state of Konoha and the actions of other ninja villages, the future Third Mizukage hurriedly went and summoned Kirigakure's top management at the order of Mizukage. They all agreed that this was an opportunity they couldn't miss.
All four major powers had joined forces, and without Senju Hashirama, Konoha would struggle to withstand their onslaught.
Witnessing this, the future Third Mizukage decisively decided to gather troops and prepare for battle.
News of the actions of four Shinobi villages quickly reached Konoha.
"Brother, things have not gone as expected. The entire ninja world is on the move, and Sunagakure and Cloud Shinobi Village have already initiated border skirmishes," said Tobirama's informant, handing him the information.
Receiving the information, Tobirama employed the Flying Thunder God technique to discreetly reach Hashirama's room.
As Hashirama and Tobirama reviewed the reports, they exchanged a knowing look, their agreement unspoken.
"Let's release the news. Then, we can begin our moves," Tobirama suggested, a smirk playing on his face. He nodded and swiftly departed.
Soon, news of Senju Hashirama's confirmed death spread throughout the entire ninja world.
The Four Great Ninja Villages rejoiced, mobilizing their troops toward the Land of Fire.
Not only the Four Great Ninja Villages but also smaller ninja villages in the surrounding countries near the Land of Fire had their ambitions.
"Konoha will be busy dealing with the Four Great Ninja Villages. They won't have time for us! This is our chance!" exclaimed some ambitious small ninja villages, prompting them to launch attacks on Konoha.
Konoha found itself besieged from all sides, pushed against the wall by their adversaries.
An urgent battle report was swiftly delivered to Konoha Village.
Examining the reports on the table, Tobirama remained unfazed, devoid of any nervousness. The other ninja patriarchs present in the office, however, were growing increasingly anxious.
The enemy forces were closing in on Konoha, yet the Second Hokage seemed untroubled.
Observing the perplexed expressions on their faces, Tobirama paused for a moment before calmly stating, "What's the hurry? I certainly intend to fight, but I won't lead the charge."
Upon hearing Tobirama's words, the patriarchs exchanged puzzled glances.
The current strongest person in Konoha was Senju Tobirama, the newly appointed Second Hokage. So, if it wasn't him, did that mean the clan patriarchs would take charge?
Just then, a figure pushed open the office door and entered.
"Hahaha, all this commotion began because of me, so naturally, I will take the lead!"
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