Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, exclaiming loudly:
"The geography of the Land of Rain is unique. It borders the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth. If we send our forces into the Land of Rain, it could provoke the Sand Village, while simultaneously triggering the nerves of the Land of Earth. Will Onoki just sit by and do nothing?"
She turned her eyes to Shikashin Nara and asked, "What do you think, Shikashin?"
The Third Hokage glanced at Shikashin Nara, who smiled as he stood up calmly and said, "Lady Tsunade, it's true that sending our forces into the Land of Rain would simultaneously provoke the nerves of the Sand Village, the Rain Village, and even the Rock Village. However, we must also consider the enemies of the Rock Village."
"In recent years, the Cloud Village has frequently harassed and attacked the borders of the Land of Earth. The Rock Village and the Cloud Village have had quite a few small-scale skirmishes. I believe you all understand what I mean."
"Even if the Rock Village gets involved in the end, the main enemy we need to face will be the Sand Village, not the Rock Village."
Shikashin had considered the possible involvement of the Rock Village before proposing this plan. Fortunately, the tensions between the Rock Village and the Cloud Village in recent years provided an opportunity for the Leaf Village.
However, it was still a somewhat risky plan. If the Rock Village chose not to get heavily involved, it would be manageable. But if they sent a large number of shinobi to participate, the Leaf Village could end up surrounded.
"I hope you're right."
Since Shikashin had already taken these factors into account, Tsunade, who wasn't too fond of dealing with these matters, decided to stay quiet.
This was a strategic meeting, not a battle meeting, as the Leaf Village had no intention of going to war with the Sand Village. At least, not right now.
After the meeting ended, the contents of the discussion were delivered straight into Shimura Danzo's hands.
Danzo, who was considering how to persuade Hanzo the Salamander, realized his opportunity had arrived.
Time passed by, and the camp remained the same. The new year did not bring much change to the camp.
Unaware of the imminent sparks of the Second Shinobi World War, Takashi, who was still waiting for the awakening of the Tenseigan, had no idea what was brewing.
In the anime and manga of Naruto, there's little information about the Second Shinobi World War. It's mentioned briefly that it was due to economic disparities between various nations and villages.
Then, a chaotic free-for-all erupted.
The Land of Rain became the battlefield. The Leaf Village fought the Sand Village, the Rock Village fought the Leaf Village, and the Sand Village also fought the Rock Village. Eventually, Hanzo the Salamander, unable to tolerate it any longer, led the Rain Village to declare war on the Leaf Village, the Sand Village, and the Rock Village, escalating the chaos.
The three major villages fought each other, and also clashed with the Rain Village.
The entire Land of Rain turned into a chaotic mess.
---
Several distinguished guests arrived at the Rain Village and were received by Hanzo himself.
In a spacious office, only two individuals were present—Shimura Danzo and Hanzo the Salamander.
"I wonder what brings the Hokage's advisor to my Rain Village," Hanzo inquired.
Because of his falling out with Uzumaki Mito, Danzo had been stripped of his position—a matter known only to a few insiders within the Leaf Village and not publicly announced.
Thus, Hanzo was unaware that the man sitting before him was no longer a Hokage advisor.
"I've come for a transaction—one that will benefit both the Rain Village and the Leaf Village," Danzo said coldly.
"What sort of transaction?" Hanzo frowned. He wasn't someone who let others dictate terms, even if it was someone like Danzo, supposedly representing the Leaf Village.
Under his leadership, the Rain Village had grown more assertive, openly and covertly seizing some of the Leaf Village's interests.
But that wasn't enough to establish a grudge, as the gains weren't significant enough to warrant a full-scale conflict between the two villages.
Danzo spoke plainly, "The Sand Village has been frequently sending forces into the Land of Rivers, provoking the Leaf Village. As a result, the village held a meeting where someone mentioned the Rain Village, suggesting that it has become a threat. There was talk of persuading the Hokage to send troops into the Land of Rain, drawing the attention of both the Sand and Rock Villages."
"What?"
Hanzo's face changed drastically. He rose in anger, "Who made such a suggestion?"
Weren't they just putting the Rain Village right on the chopping block?
If the Leaf Village sent troops into the Land of Rain, the Sand Village would undoubtedly follow. Once that happened, the Rock Village wouldn't just sit idly by. Friction between the three villages could easily spark a full-scale war.
At that point, the Land of Rain would become a battleground for the Leaf, Sand, and Rock Villages.
"Who made the suggestion isn't important. What's important is that the Rain Village is already seen as a threat by the five great shinobi villages."
What is he trying to do?
After the initial panic, Hanzo quickly calmed down. He couldn't believe Danzo would come all the way here to share such crucial information without a reason. There had to be a significant ulterior motive.
So, what could possibly be of interest to this former Hokage advisor in the Rain Village or even the entire Land of Rain?
"Danzo, state your purpose."
Hanzo sat back down, poured himself a glass of water, and looked intently at Danzo.
"I want you to kill someone for me. In return, I'll oppose any proposal to send troops into the Land of Rain," Danzo said bluntly, not in the mood to play guessing games.
"Kill someone?"
Hanzo became instantly wary, staring at Danzo with suspicion. "Danzo, you've traveled far, bringing information valuable to my village. I appreciate that, but neither I nor the Rain Village will meddle in the Leaf Village's internal affairs."
Was the information Danzo brought important? Absolutely. Otherwise, Hanzo wouldn't have said he appreciated it.
But Hanzo wasn't about to accept the deal.
If Danzo was offering such a tempting bait, the person he wanted dead was likely no ordinary individual. It could very well be a high-ranking official of the Leaf Village.
If Hanzo took action, it would be tantamount to declaring war on the Leaf Village—something the Rain Village could not withstand.
"Hyuga Takashi. That's the target. He's merely a medical ninja, not particularly powerful, but he's highly valued by Lady Mito, which prevents me from acting against him myself."
"???"
Not a high-ranking Leaf official? Just a small-time medical ninja valued by the great Uzumaki Mito?
Hanzo was confused. Why would Danzo need his help for someone like that?
Takashi was a medical ninja, weak in combat. Danzo should be able to eliminate him with ease, so why was he seeking Hanzo's help?
Could this be a trap?
Wait—Hyuga—was the target someone from the Hyuga Clan?
"Here's the information. I'll leave one of my men behind to await news. Once it's done, I'll do my best to dissuade the others from sending troops into the Land of Rain."
"Additionally, this entire matter will be solely your decision, Hanzo. It has nothing to do with me, and I will not acknowledge today's transaction."
Leaving behind a file containing information about Takashi, Danzo got up to leave.
If the village hadn't held the recent meeting about the Sand Village, it would have been hard to persuade Hanzo.
But now, things were different. Danzo held the upper hand. For the sake of the Rain Village and the Land of Rain, Hanzo had no choice but to comply.
"Danzo, I haven't agreed to this yet!" Hanzo called out as Danzo left.
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