Tsunade slapped the table and raised her voice, "The Land of Rain has a unique geographical position. It borders the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth. If we send forces there, we'll provoke not only the Sand Village but also the Rock Village. Will Ohnoki just sit back and watch?"
The Third Hokage shifted his attention to Nara Shikako, silently asking for his input.
Nara Shikako stood up, a calm smile on his face. "Tsunade-sama, you're right. Sending forces into the Land of Rain will indeed stir up the Sand Village, the Rain Village, and possibly even the Rock Village. But we should also consider the current state of the Rock Village."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Over the past two years, the Cloud Village has been a constant thorn in the Rock Village's side, harassing their borders and sparking small-scale skirmishes. I believe everyone here understands what that means."
A murmur of recognition spread through the room.
"Even if the Rock Village does take an interest in our actions, they are more likely to be preoccupied with the Cloud Village. Our primary concern should be the Sand Village, not the Rock Village."
Shikako's plan took the tensions between the Rock and Cloud Villages into account, giving Konoha a strategic opening. However, there were risks. If the Rock Village chose to respond in full force, Konoha could end up fighting a war on multiple fronts.
"I hope you're right," Tsunade muttered. She was not one to dwell on political strategy, but if Shikako had already considered the Rock Village's involvement, she chose not to push further.
This meeting was not a call to arms but a discussion on possible countermeasures. Konoha had no intention of starting a war with the Sand Village—at least, not yet.
---
The details of the meeting quickly made their way to Shimura Danzo, who had been contemplating how to convince Hanzo the Salamander. He now saw his opportunity.
---
Meanwhile, in the camp, life remained unchanged. The New Year came and went, but it brought no change to Shinki's current situation as he awaited the end of the Tenseigan's awakening.
Little did he know that the spark for the Second Shinobi World War was being lit.
In the Naruto anime and manga, the information about the Second Shinobi World War is sparse. It is explained only as a conflict fueled by the unequal economic growth among nations and villages, leading to an all-out struggle. The Land of Rain became a battleground where Konoha fought the Sand Village, Iwagakure clashed with Konoha, and the Rain Village, led by Hanzo the Salamander, declared war on all three, worsening the chaos.
The Land of Rain became the epicenter of conflict, engulfed by the battles of the major villages.
---
A few days later, the Rain Village welcomed visitors with special status. Hanzo the Salamander himself met with Shimura Danzo in a large office.
"I'm curious why the Hokage's assistant would visit my Rain Village," Hanzo said, his tone neutral but watchful.
Unbeknownst to Hanzo, Danzo had been demoted for crossing Uzumaki Mito. The news of his disgrace had been kept quiet, known only to a few within Konoha.
Danzo's expression remained impassive. "I'm here to propose a deal, one that will benefit both the Rain Village and Konoha."
Hanzo's brow furrowed. He wasn't one to let others manipulate him, even if they came from Konoha. Under his leadership, the Rain Village had grown bolder, taking small pieces of Konoha's influence without instigating full-blown conflict.
"What kind of deal?" Hanzo asked, eyes narrowed.
Danzo's voice was steady. "The Sand Village has been pushing into the River Country, provoking Konoha. In a recent meeting, the idea of moving forces into the Rain Country was brought up. The notion is that the Rain Village has grown too strong under your leadership, and sending forces there would serve to draw the attention of both the Sand and Rock Villages."
Hanzo's eyes widened, and he stood abruptly. "Who proposed this idea?"
"Names don't matter. What matters is that your Rain Village could become a battlefield between Konoha, the Sand Village, and the Rock Village. I came to warn you."
Hanzo's initial shock subsided as suspicion set in. **Why would Danzo bring me this information? What's in it for him?**
The fact that Danzo had come all this way and shared such crucial intelligence was suspicious. It couldn't be out of goodwill. He must have an agenda—one with high stakes.
"Danzo, what's your true aim here?" Hanzo sat back down, pouring himself a glass of water, his eyes still scrutinizing Danzo's every move.
"I want you to kill someone. If you do, I'll ensure the plan to send forces into the Rain Country is opposed," Danzo said bluntly.
"An assassination?" Hanzo's guard went up. "You come here, bearing gifts of information, and now ask me to carry out a killing? My Rain Village will not be a pawn in Konoha's internal disputes."
The intel Danzo provided was valuable, and Hanzo could see that. But agreeing to an assassination was a different matter. Whoever Danzo wanted dead must be significant, and Hanzo wasn't willing to risk Konoha's wrath for a political favor.
"The target is Hyuga Shinki, a medical ninja. He isn't powerful but is valued by Mito-sama, so I can't deal with him myself."
**A Hyuga? Just a medical ninja? Yet someone important enough for Danzo to seek outside help?**
Hanzo's mind raced. Something didn't add up. Why would Danzo need him for such a task if Shinki was so weak?
Danzo pushed a scroll across the table. "This has all the information you need. I'll leave one of my men here to wait for your decision. If you succeed, I'll make sure the plan to enter the Rain Country never gains traction. But remember, this deal is yours alone. I will deny any involvement."
Danzo stood and turned to leave.
"Danzo, I haven't agreed to anything yet!" Hanzo called after him.
But Danzo didn't respond. He walked out, leaving Hanzo alone with the scroll—and a decision that could change the course of the Rain Village forever.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 60 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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