Facing Ryan's invitation, Yahiko and the others couldn't help but exchange glances. Then, Yahiko nodded heavily and said, "We Akatsuki would like to follow Hokage-sama. For peace of Shinobi world!"
Under Ryan's arrangement, the Akatsuki organization led by the Yahiko was fully integrated into Konoha. In addition to Yahiko's group of three, the other members of the Akatsuki organization that were trained by Yahiko and his comrades also joined Konoha.
Ryan made sure they received a proper education at the ninja school. At the same time, Nagato, who was also part of the Uzumaki clan, was taken by Ryan to meet Uzumaki Mito and Kushina.
Both of them were thrilled to see Nagato, as they were surprised to discover another living member of the Uzumaki clan. Nagato, recognizing the shared heritage, was also friendly towards them. Witnessing this interaction, Ryan felt a surge of emotions.
Ryan realized that after defeating the Grass village, they might be able to find more Uzumaki clan members.
He recalled that Karin, who appeared later in the original manga, was in the Grass village. Therefore, it was likely that Karin's parents were also there, indicating the presence of other Uzumaki clans in Kusanagi Village.
After attending to Nagato and the others, and with Jiraiya's return to Konoha, it was time to start planning. The next morning, the heads of the major clans gathered in the Hokage office once again. This time, it wasn't just the clan leaders, but also the Sannin, Hatake Sakumo, and Minato.
Once everyone was present, Ryan asked, "Is everything ready?" The reply came in unison, "Everything is ready Hokage-Sama!" Satisfied with the response, Ryan wasted no time and began giving orders.
"Hatake Sakumo, you will lead the troops to take over the Land of Uzugakure. And Keep an eye on Kirigakure's movements." Sakumo acknowledged the order with a clear "Clear." Ryan then turned his attention to Minato.
"Namikaze Minato, you will command the troops fighting against the Land of Grass. Nara Shikaku, Akamichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi will accompany you as assistants."
Once again, the response was a resounding "Clear." With the assistance of these three individuals, dealing with ordinary Kage-level opponents wouldn't be an issue.
With Minato at the Kage level, the mission to deal with the Country of Grass should proceed smoothly. Ryan reminded Minato, "By the way, Minato, remember to bring back the Uzumaki clan members from the Land of Grass."
Minato nodded solemnly in response to the request. With the rest of the Rain Country under Ryan's leadership, the preparations were complete. The three divisions quickly assembled at the village entrance. The sight of the gathered shinobi raised questions among the civilians.
"What's happening? Why are all the ninjas gathered?"
"I'm not sure, but it seems like the ninja world is in turmoil again."
"Not again! We've worked so hard for peace!"
"Tch, don't worry. With the Fourth Hokage leading us, Konoha is sure to win!"
As the civilians discussed the situation, more and more of them expressed unwavering support for Ryan as the Fourth Hokage. Their steadfast faith in him continued to grow, and it echoed in slogans that filled the air.
Without further delay, Ryan ordered the army to move out, and the three divisions marched towards the Land of Whirlpools, the Land of Grass, and the Land of Rain respectively. Shortly after Konoha's forces set off, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure received information from Konoha.
Upon seeing the information, the three villages were thrown into panic. "What does Konoha want to achieve?" "Are they trying to drag us into Another Ninja World War?" The movements of Konoha's forces mentioned in the information caused anxiety for the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.
Onoki became increasingly worried because two of the armies were heading towards the Earth Country. "Quick! Assemble the troops! I want to see what this Fourth Hokage is planning!" Onoki's urgency was evident as he recognized the escalating tensions in the ninja world.
In Sunagakure, the situation became complicated as the Third Kazekage went missing. The villagers panicked, questioning what to do in response to Konoha's troop movement.
Ebizo, unsure of how to proceed, looked to Chiyo for guidance. However, Chiyo advised against panicking.
"Don't panic! Do you think Konoha is foolish? Or do you think the new Fourth Hokage is a fool? What can Konoha gain from attacking Sunagakure? Sand and wind are swirling around and no water?" Ebizo realized the lack of value Konoha would find in attacking them. Relieved, he agreed with Chiyo's assessment.
"Regardless, let's be cautious and avoid any misunderstandings with Konoha. With the Third Kazekage missing, we must maintain the morale of our troops. Rally the troops!" Ebizo acknowledged the need for vigilance, even though he believed Konoha wouldn't target them. Sunagakure's forces swiftly assembled.
Meanwhile, inside Kirigakure, the Third Mizukage, carrying on the will of the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, had been diligently strengthening the village. However, due to its geographical limitations, Kirigakure couldn't match Konoha's resources or favourable environment.
As the Third Mizukage reviewed the information, a hint of intrigue sparkled in his eyes. He found it interesting that Konoha seemed to be positioning itself as an enemy to all three major ninja villages simultaneously.
He sought the counsel of the Elders, who reassured him that the Fourth Hokage likely had a plan in motion.
The third Mizukage smiled with satisfaction upon receiving the answer. He ordered his subordinates to monitor Konoha's troops and ascertain their intentions. Simultaneously, the Mizukage instructed the army to prepare for any eventuality. It seemed that the ninja world was about to become tumultuous once again.
SUPPORT MY PATREON.COM/MARIONI TO READ 37 CHAPTERS IN ADVANCE.