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A few days after Aizen and the others met with the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, shocking news spread across the ninja world, causing an uproar.
Sunagakure announced a war against Konoha, using the Third Kazekage's disappearance as a pretext, demanding Konoha reveal his whereabouts.
Unsurprisingly, this absurd claim was not recognized by Konoha, and even the other major countries were unlikely to support such a rash move to restart a war. However, both the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water remained silent, seemingly planning to watch from the sidelines and tacitly approving Sunagakure's actions.
What truly increased the pressure on Konoha was Iwagakure's sudden declaration of full support for their ally, Sunagakure, demanding Konoha reveal the Third Kazekage's whereabouts. Although Sunagakure presented evidence pointing to Konoha's involvement in the Kazekage's disappearance, it was clear to discerning eyes that this was merely an excuse.
The authenticity of the evidence was irrelevant. Sunagakure's intent to target Konoha using the Kazekage's disappearance was evident, and any rebuttal would be futile.
For Konoha, the only option was to adopt a strong stance to deter the combined forces of Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
In the Land of Fire, within Konoha Village…
"Bang!"
A heavy thud echoed from within the Hokage's office at the center of Konoha.
"This is outrageous!"
"To threaten Konoha with baseless accusations!"
"Sunagakure and Iwagakure's ambitions are clear. Even through this letter, their greed is palpable!"
Inside the office, Mito Homura, wearing glasses, angrily clutched a letter and shouted.
Hearing his outburst, Utatane Koharu, standing nearby, looked worriedly at the Third Hokage, who was smoking by the window, and spoke softly.
"Sandaime, what do you think of the compensation list submitted by Sunagakure and Iwagakure?"
Exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, the Third Hokage's eyes gleamed sharply through the haze as he replied solemnly.
"Their demands are merely a ploy to force Konoha into war."
His gaze fell on the peaceful village streets outside the window, his expression darkening as he continued.
"For Konoha, peace has not come easily. But that is no reason for us to retreat!"
"If they want to start the Third Ninja War, Konoha will not let them have their way!"
"Respond to them: Konoha does not bow to threats. Even if it means war, Konoha will stand firm!"
Hearing the Third Hokage's words, both Utatane Koharu and Mito Homura nodded gravely and replied.
"We understand!"
However, Koharu hesitated before speaking again. The Third Hokage, noticing this, asked curiously.
"Is there something you want to say, Koharu?"
Gathering her thoughts, Koharu cautiously suggested.
"Sandaime, the disappearance of the Kazekage is very suspicious. Do you think Sōsuke might be involved?"
At her words, both the Third Hokage and Mito Homura's expressions tightened. The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, his voice complex as he replied.
"You know Sōsuke's ideology—he wants to oppose the entire ninja world and destroy the era of ninjas. His thoughts are dangerously radical."
"So, regardless of his involvement in this incident, we must be fully prepared."
"For when war comes, it might just be the fertile ground for Sōsuke's true rise."
Hearing the Third Hokage's words, both Koharu and Homura's expressions turned extremely grave, and they responded solemnly.
"We will be fully prepared."
The Third Hokage nodded lightly, his eyes drifting to a photograph on his desk.
In the photo, four young children were laughing under the bright sun: Sōsuke, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru.
Sōsuke, then wearing thick glasses, stood quietly to the side with a gentle and modest smile. Next to him, Jiraiya had a forced smile, as Tsunade was twisting his arm while smiling happily. On the far right, Orochimaru, usually cold, even showed a faint smile.
The Third Hokage's gaze lingered nostalgically on the photo, his expression complex. The once young children had grown into outstanding ninjas.
However, perhaps due to a wrong decision on his part, Sōsuke had taken a misguided path, leading to the disintegration of their friendship.
Reflecting on this, a trace of guilt flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes as he lamented inwardly.
If only I had guided that child down the right path… everything might have been different… Alas…
Meanwhile…
In the sand-covered Sunagakure, the higher-ups of Sunagakure were gathered, their faces anxious as they discussed something.
Suddenly, a ninja emerged from the conference hall. Seeing him, the gathered Sunagakure shinobi's eyes lit up.
"How is it, Captain Chitoro? Does Lady Chiyo still insist on her decision!?" one Sunagakure shinobi asked urgently.
Hearing this, the burly Chitoro nodded heavily, his expression grave.
Seeing this, the other shinobi's expressions darkened as they murmured.
"At such a critical time, how can Lady Chiyo make such a decision… Without Lady Chiyo, the cooperation with Iwagakure…"
A shinobi angrily pounded the wall and said.
"Stop disrespecting Lady Chiyo! She must have her reasons!" another ninja quickly advised.
Chitoro, looking serious, glanced over and spoke slowly.
"Chiyo's grandson, Sasori, has also gone missing."
"That's why she is heartbroken…"
Hearing Chitoro's words, the others were stunned and exclaimed.
"How can this be!?"
"Could it be the same person responsible for the Kazekage's disappearance!? Damn it!!"
As they fumed, the conference hall door opened again, and Ebizō appeared.
His long eyebrows slightly furrowed, concealing his eyes, as he spoke hoarsely.
"Come in, there are things to announce."
The shinobi exchanged uneasy glances before entering the hall.
Inside, they saw the elderly Chiyo, looking soul-weary and spiritless.
Ebizō gently patted her shoulder, and she noticed the assembled high-ranking shinobi.
Her expression filled with sorrow, she spoke in a raspy voice.
"My grandson, Sasori, is also missing…"
She paused, silent for a while, before continuing with a heavy heart.
"My family has almost all perished in the village's conflicts. I no longer have the strength to dedicate myself to the village."
"So, I choose to withdraw from the ninja world."
Her words caused the other high-ranking shinobi to plead with her to stay for the village's sake.
But Chiyo waved them off, her voice weary.
"That's enough… I've had enough… I no longer want to see any more wars… Please, don't try to persuade me…"
She fell silent, staring blankly at the table.
Seeing this, Ebizō took over, his voice hoarse.
"Chiyo has made her decision, so please respect it."
"We discussed, and I will serve as an advisor for the final term during this alliance war. After it ends, I will also retire with her."
His words shocked everyone. Could this be the beginning of Sunagakure's decline?
"Ebizō-sama, you are fully qualified to remain as Kazekage. We implore you to stay, for the sake of Sunagakure!"
One shinobi respectfully pleaded.
The others quickly voiced their agreement, urging Ebizō to stay.
Ebizō gently waved his hand and spoke softly.
"I no longer have the energy for the harsh wars ahead. This is your generation's time. I hope you will showcase Sunagakure's glory."
He then looked at Chitoro.
The other high-ranking shinobi followed his gaze to Chitoro.
Ebizō spoke softly.
"I recommend Chitoro as the Fourth Kazekage, and I hope under his leadership, Sunagakure will achieve great victories in the coming war."
His words left everyone stunned, staring blankly at Chitoro.
Chitoro showed a fearful expression but quickly said.
"Ebizō-sama, how can I… No, I'm not qualified…"
At this moment, some sharp-minded individuals, like Baki and Saji, quickly reacted, supporting Chitoro.
"Chitoro has the qualifications! Your achievements are well recognized!"
"Indeed, you led us to find the Kazekage and made great contributions in the negotiations with Iwagakure. Please don't refuse. With your leadership, we can unite in the upcoming war!"
Hearing their words, the other high-ranking shinobi quickly expressed their support for Chitoro as Kazekage.
Seeing everyone's agreement, Ebizō nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Chitoro.
Seeing this, Chitoro gave a helpless smile, then nodded, agreeing to become Kazekage.
His eyes shone with determination as he solemnly said.
"Rest assured, I will not disappoint you!"
Though he said this, he thought to himself.
'Aizen-sama's plan is proceeding smoothly…'
'I will not fail your expectations…'