At Mizukage's Office
The Third Mizukage and Elder Genshi sat across from each other, engaged in a serious discussion about the state of the ninja world. Beside them stood a young, baby-faced man with green hair and piercing purple eyes—Yagura, a trusted member of the Mizukage's Shadow Guard and his favored successor.
The Third Mizukage leaned back, his voice calm but commanding. "Yagura, give us a full report on the current situation."
Yagura straightened up, his youthful appearance belying his serious demeanor. "Elder Genshi, Mizukage-sama, our intelligence indicates that the forces of Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure are now fully engaged in the Land of Rain. What started as a three-way conflict has shifted with the intervention of the Rain Village. Ten days ago, Hanzo of the Salamander officially declared war on all three nations."
The declaration of war from such a small country raised eyebrows. Elder Genshi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hanzo… That man has always been audacious."
The Third Mizukage closed his eyes briefly, processing the information. "The so-called 'Demigod,'" he murmured. "What can you tell us about him, Elder?"
Elder Genshi, who had served Kirigakure since its founding, was well-versed in the affairs of the ninja world. "Hanzo of the Salamander… His most dangerous weapon is the poisonous gas he can release with a single breath. He is a cautious yet ruthless man, always opting for the most reliable way to eliminate his enemies. He even surrounds himself with rotating bodyguards at all times, ensuring no vulnerabilities."
Yagura scoffed. "Cautious? Declaring war on three of the five great nations simultaneously doesn't seem cautious to me."
Elder Genshi chuckled softly. "You're young, Yagura. That audacity is born from necessity. Hanzo likely realizes he has no choice. The Land of Rain has always been a battlefield for larger nations. His declaration is not arrogance—it's survival."
The Third Mizukage nodded, his voice steady. "Elder Genshi is right. The Rain Country has always been a buffer zone. Whether Hanzo declared war or not, it wouldn't have changed the strategies of the great nations. They would still set their battles in his territory."
Yagura frowned but remained silent, his earlier confidence tempered by the insight of his elders.
The Shadow of a Larger War
The Third Mizukage's tone grew heavier. "Elder, do you believe this conflict could escalate into another Great Ninja War?"
The room fell silent. Yagura, too young to remember the previous war, glanced between the two elders. Elder Genshi closed his eyes, his expression distant. "It's hard to say," he admitted. "But with three major powers already involved, the possibility cannot be ignored."
The Third Mizukage's thoughts drifted to the past. The Second Mizukage had lost his life during the last Great Ninja War, a battle that had claimed countless lives. The memory of that war loomed over Kirigakure, a reminder of its heavy costs.
Breaking the silence, the Third Mizukage finally spoke. "Kirigakure will not involve itself in this conflict. We will focus on strengthening our village—training our shinobi, refining the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and consolidating our position."
Elder Genshi nodded approvingly. "A wise decision. The Land of Water is geographically isolated. We have no need to entangle ourselves in wars that do not concern us. Our strength will be our patience."
Yagura, though still eager to prove himself, accepted the decision with a respectful bow. "Yes, Mizukage-sama."
"Good," the Mizukage said. "Yagura, issue the command to tighten border defenses. We will patrol regularly but maintain minimal forces along our borders."
Yagura nodded and left to carry out his orders. The Third Mizukage and Elder Genshi exchanged a brief glance, both silently relieved at their decision to prioritize stability over unnecessary conflict.
---
Konoha Border
Meanwhile, back at Konoha's border stronghold, Hirito sat cross-legged under a large tree, focusing on his training. His spiritual consciousness flowed through his body, this time concentrating on his arms. The techniques he had been refining—[Return of Life] and [Eight Trigrams Ting Jin]—continued to enhance his control and power.
"Unexpectedly, Minato has become Jiraiya's disciple," Hirito thought, his mind briefly wandering to recent events. "I wonder how those two get along. Their personalities couldn't be more different."
His thoughts returned to the conversation he'd had with Minato a few days earlier when their teams had coincidentally crossed paths during a rotation.
---
Flashback: A Chance Encounter
After completing a mission, Hirito and his reconnaissance team had returned to Konoha to resupply. By chance, he ran into Minato in the village. It was the first time they had seen each other since their class assignments, and both were excited to catch up.
Minato, as cheerful as ever, greeted him warmly. "Hirito! It's been too long!"
"Minato, good to see you!" Hirito replied with a smile. "How's life in your squad?"
"It's been great," Minato said, though his expression turned slightly wistful. "I haven't seen Nonoyu since we were assigned. She's been busy with her work in the Intelligence Analysis class."
"Figures," Hirito said, nodding. "She must have her hands full."
Minato then shared surprising news. "By the way, guess what? I've been taken on as a disciple by Jiraiya-sensei!"
Hirito's eyes widened. "That's incredible! Congratulations, Minato."
Minato scratched the back of his head, blushing slightly. "Thanks, but he's… a bit eccentric."
Hirito raised an eyebrow. "Eccentric? Minato, I've heard rumors that Jiraiya has some bad habits. Be careful not to pick those up."
Minato's face turned bright red as he stammered, "It's not like that! Jiraiya-sensei says it's all for… research purposes!"
Hirito couldn't help but laugh. "Research? Do you believe that?"
Minato's embarrassed silence spoke volumes.
End of the Chapter.
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