On the way back, Jiraiya and Orochimaru kept trying to sense the aura of any incoming ninja. However, their efforts yielded disappointing results. They encountered no further attacks, as if the initial assault was the only one planned.
"It seems there won't be a second wave of attackers," Orochimaru remarked with a sigh.
Indeed, few would dare to target them, knowing their capabilities.
Suddenly, Kushina broke the silence. "Someone's here! Their strength isn't weak, and there are four of them. They're outside Konoha's outer cordon—looks like they're waiting for us!"
Jiraiya and Orochimaru immediately tensed. Could this be an opportunity to strike back?
As they prepared to act, four figures appeared in the distance, carrying a group of injured ninjas and dropping them at their feet with a thud.
"These are the hired ninjas sent to kill you—21 in total," the leader announced. It was Kakuzu, flanked by three towering figures.
Jiraiya's expression darkened as he looked at the injured attackers. "You intercepted them?"
"Correct," Kakuzu replied with indifference. "This was our deal." He turned to Reiki, who stepped forward and handed him a scroll.
Without another word, Kakuzu and his team vanished into the shadows, leaving behind the injured assailants.
"Let's return to the village. Orochimaru, these individuals will need to be interrogated later," Reiki said solemnly. "We should prepare for the possibility of further attacks. I doubt Black Zetsu will give up so easily."
A Month Later
The tensions from the recent attacks seemed to fade, and Konoha began to stabilize. Relations between clans improved, mission completion rates rose, and more students applied for the Genin exams. Everything seemed to be progressing in a positive direction.
Yet, within Konoha Hospital, the atmosphere was tense.
"Reiki, we have three new patients with critical injuries," a medical ninja called out urgently.
"Another group?" Reiki asked, frowning. "Do they include any medics?"
"Yes. One of them is a medical ninja who risked his life to bring the others back. He's in the worst condition."
"I understand. Begin emergency treatment; I'll assist shortly."
Reiki quickly finished the procedure he was working on and joined the others. Even academy students training to become medical ninjas were called in to help with the overwhelming influx of patients.
Something was definitely wrong. This was the first time in Reiki's career as a medical ninja that Konoha Hospital had been this overwhelmed with casualties.
At the Hokage's Office
"Hokage-sama, ninjas on missions have been attacked in increasing numbers," reported an official. "We've confirmed that among the attackers are ninjas from other villages."
Namikaze Minato frowned as he sifted through the reports piling on his desk. "Could they be trying to create friction and start another war?" he speculated, his tone grim.
Hatake Sakumo, standing nearby, suggested, "Yondaime, should we send teams to counterattack? This is a clear provocation."
Minato shook his head. "Not yet. They might be baiting us into striking first to justify launching a war. Konoha is strong, but facing multiple allied villages would be dangerous."
Nara Shikaku chimed in, "We need evidence before we act. Premature retaliation could backfire."
Minato nodded. "Agreed. For now, focus on fortifying our defenses. Stockpile medicines at the mission office and distribute emergency supplies to outgoing teams."
"Understood," Shikaku replied. "I'll also contact Lady Tsunade for additional medical supplies."
At that moment, Uchiha Shisui appeared in the office. As the captain of an ANBU team, he had critical intelligence to report. "Hokage-sama, our reconnaissance team has spotted unidentified ninjas wandering outside the village. Do we proceed with an investigation?"
Minato's gaze sharpened. "Not yet. Keep an eye on them, but don't engage until we confirm their intentions. The village's safety is the priority."
Shisui nodded and vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
As the Hokage weighed his options, the tension in Konoha only deepened. The looming threat of war had become a shadow over the village, and every decision carried the weight of countless lives.
>>>>>
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A/N: Hey Guys,
I was going over the discount code and saw that it wasn't toggled on for all the tiers. I fixed it now, sorry about that. ;)