Since Danzo made no effort to conceal his actions, spies within Konoha quickly relayed the news to Sunagakure.
At this moment, in the desert on the Wind Country's border, a large number of ninjas wearing brown vests were gathering.
They wore brown headscarves to shield themselves from the wind and sand and to prevent sunburn. On the headscarves were forehead protectors engraved with the Sunagakure symbol.
Leading them was none other than the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage—Rasa.
With his reddish-brown hair and a blue Kazekage cloak draped over his shoulders, he stood with his arms crossed. The blowing sand made the hem of his cloak flap wildly.
After listening to his subordinate's report, Rasa frowned slightly.
"Shimura Danzo? What is that old man doing at Kikyo Mountain? Didn't we sign a peace treaty with Konoha?"
Rasa, still young, harbored a degree of caution toward Konoha's shadowy figure, Danzo.
His words were immediately met with ridicule.
"Your Sunagakure can break its promises, so why should Konoha keep theirs?"
The mocking voice came from a man standing dozens of meters away. Shirtless and sporting golden hair, his muscular frame was as solid as steel under the blowing sands.
This was none other than A, the Fourth Raikage-in-waiting of Kumogakure.
Standing beside him was another young man—B, the perfect Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails and the other half of the new AB Duo.
Hearing A's relentless ridicule, the surrounding Sunagakure ninjas immediately wanted to retort. However, Rasa calmly said, "Now isn't the time for arguments. Our priority is figuring out how to deal with Shimura Danzo."
A smirked coldly, his tone full of disdain. "Our forces are already assembled. What else is there to think about? Are you suggesting we retreat because of an old man in his fifties and a few hundred ninjas?"
He looked toward Konoha's borders, his eyes brimming with ambition. "Not only are we going to fight, but we'll hit them hard and fast—so fast that Konoha won't even have time to react!"
A's boldness, typical of Kumogakure's straightforward nature, reflected his village's philosophy: when opposed, fight; when something catches your eye, take it. No need to overthink.
Meanwhile, Rasa, newly thrust into leadership, also needed a war to solidify his position.
The two leaders quickly aligned in purpose, leading to the current scenario.
To distract Konoha, Sunagakure had sent another general, Pakura, known as the master of Scorch Release, to pressure the Land of Water.
The AB Duo, leveraging their terrifying mobility, led a small, fast-strike force to join up with Sunagakure's troops. Their goal was to end this battle as quickly as possible.
Their aim was clear: to tear a significant chunk out of Konoha and pull it down from its pedestal as the number one power in the ninja world.
For Sunagakure, this was a chance to claim the fertile lands they had long coveted.
Now, with the arrow notched, there was no turning back.
Rasa's resolve solidified as he gave the order: "All troops, advance!"
"Yes!"
---
Meanwhile, Danzo, who was overseeing workers building underground shelters, suddenly received an urgent report from Root.
"Sunagakure and Kumogakure have formally declared war on Konoha. Under the leadership of Kazekage Rasa, their allied forces have broken through our border defenses. A large number of ninjas are retreating toward Kikyo Mountain!"
This piece of intelligence landed like thunder in everyone's ears.
Lord Danzo's prediction had come true!
Everyone, including Kakashi and Shisui, turned to look at Danzo in amazement.
Before this, whether it was the village leadership or Konoha's think tank, no one believed Sunagakure would so quickly tear up the treaty and join forces with Kumogakure to launch an attack.
Let alone the fact that the renowned AB Duo from Kumogakure had also joined in.
The AB Duo held immense significance for Kumogakure: one was the son of the Raikage and the next Raikage candidate, and the other was the village's critical strategic asset—the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
If something were to happen to them, the consequences for Kumogakure would be catastrophic.
Yet Kumogakure had taken the risk, catching everyone off guard and showcasing their boldness.
And despite having no supporting intelligence, Danzo had not only correctly predicted the enemy's movements but also accurately foresaw the alliance between Sunagakure and Kumogakure. How could this not shock everyone?
Even more impressive was Danzo's decisiveness in pouring both clan and Root funds into fortifying defenses.
Even Nara Shikai looked at him with admiration.
Putting himself in Danzo's shoes, Shikai realized that even if he had deduced the enemy's plans, he wouldn't have dared to invest all resources into defenses so boldly.
If the prediction had been wrong, the wasted manpower and resources would have left him utterly ruined.
But Danzo did it.
This was not just because of his backing but also due to his unwavering confidence and determination!
Feeling the admiring gazes of everyone around him, Danzo didn't feel joy. He knew the most dangerous time was imminent.
"Ryoma, immediately send word to the village. Request reinforcements if possible! Make sure Minato comes to support us!"
Danzo issued his first order, specifically naming Minato. Aside from him, no one could effectively counter A.
"Yes!"
Aburame Ryoma quickly acknowledged the command.
Danzo then turned his gaze to Kakashi and Shisui.
"You two lead a team to gather the retreating soldiers and replenish our forces as much as possible."
He quickly added, "But remember, do not advance too far. Avoid engaging the enemy, especially the AB Duo!"
"I'll assign Hyuga and Aburame sensory ninjas to accompany you. If you encounter the enemy's main force, retreat immediately!"
"Yes!"
The two took the order, donned their masks, and vanished with their team.
Danzo then turned to the mayor of Kikyo Town.
"Do your best to calm the residents. Before the enemy arrives, transfer all military supplies to the front lines and evacuate the people to safety. Preserve as much manpower as possible."
"Yes!"
As order after order was issued, Kikyo Mountain began operating like a well-oiled war machine.
The crouching tiger was finally baring its fangs.
After finishing these tasks, Danzo turned to Nara Shikai beside him.
"Do you see any oversights or have any suggestions, Shikai?"
Shikai closed his folding fan and, with a serious expression, shook his head. "I have nothing to add, Lord Danzo."
"Good!"
Danzo nodded firmly, then stood and spoke with a spirited voice.
"Everyone, get to work. Use this time to fortify our defenses as much as possible!"
"Victory will be ours!"
"For the village!"
"For the Will of Fire!"
"For our comrades!"
"We will win!"
"We will win!!"