Chapter 4
The moon hung high, casting pale light over the ruined battlefield. Fires smoldered, bodies lay still, and the air was thick with the scent of blood and scorched earth. Yet, in the midst of destruction, whispers began to spread—of an unseen force that had orchestrated the entire massacre without ever showing its face.
Hikaru sat inside a dimly lit chamber, deep within one of his hidden facilities. Maps and reports covered the walls, each marking key locations where conflicts could be manipulated, where supply lines could be cut, and where fear could be sown. His subordinates had already begun gathering intelligence, recording the aftermath of his latest experiment.
A soft knock echoed through the room. One of his most trusted agents entered, a masked figure who bowed before speaking.
"The survivors have reached their villages. They're terrified, confused. Some believe a new hidden village is responsible. Others think it was an unknown jutsu."
Hikaru leaned back, fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair. Good. Misdirection is taking hold.
"And Iwa's response?" he asked.
The agent hesitated before replying, "Onoki has ordered an investigation. He's sending a unit to scour the battlefield for evidence."
Hikaru allowed a small smirk. The Tsuchikage was no fool, but even he couldn't track a ghost. By the time they arrived, every trace of Hikaru's involvement would be erased—bodies removed, weapons dismantled, toxins neutralized. All they would find was destruction without explanation.
Still, he needed to move carefully. His influence was growing, and the moment the villages realized this wasn't the work of another nation, they would search for the true mastermind.
His gaze shifted to another report—one detailing the growing unrest in the Land of Fire. Konoha's forces were stretched thin, fighting on multiple fronts. If played correctly, this could be his next stage.
His agent spoke again, "Shall we proceed with the next test?"
Hikaru considered the question. His previous trial had proven the effectiveness of chemical warfare, but now he needed to refine precision strikes—targeted eliminations that left no trace of his involvement.
"Prepare the next deployment," he ordered. "This time, I want the enemy dead before they even realize they're under attack."
The agent bowed and disappeared, leaving Hikaru alone with his thoughts.
As he stared at the burning candles before him, he knew one thing was certain—his war had only just begun.