Rasa's predictions were entirely correct.
Not even half a day had passed before the intelligence spread by the Sand Village's Anbu set off a chain reaction across the ninja world.
Land of Lightning – Hidden Cloud Village
"What?!"
The Third Raikage roared in fury, his powerful fist slamming into the desk before him, splitting it cleanly in two. The room trembled at his sheer force.
"What is the meaning of this? What have our Anbu been doing? How could they fail to detect Konoha's change in command on the front lines?"
The surrounding Anbu flinched under his wrath. One of his most trusted subordinates, Dodai, stepped forward, attempting to calm the situation.
"Lord Third, it may not be our Anbu's fault. Konoha must have taken extreme precautions to keep their movements hidden. It is not surprising that even our best spies failed to notice the shift."
The future Fourth Raikage, A, clenched his fists, his muscles tensing with anticipation.
"Father, this is our chance! If even the Sand Village dares to attack Konoha, and with that old fox Onoki involved, there's no way Konoha can handle all three of us attacking at once!"
Despite his outward brashness, the Third Raikage was a shrewd leader. He narrowed his eyes, deep in thought, before directing a piercing gaze at Dodai.
"What is your assessment of the intelligence from the Sand Village?"
Dodai hesitated briefly but then nodded firmly.
"It appears legitimate, though the details are quite unbelievable. Could it really be that the Third Kazekage was assassinated by Konoha's Danzo?"
The Third Raikage exhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring.
"I have met this Danzo before. He's the kind of man who reeks of deceit and manipulation, like a rat lurking in the sewers. If it's him, then yes—it's entirely possible he orchestrated the Third Kazekage's assassination."
A smirk crossed A's lips.
"Hah! If this is true, then Konoha is doomed. Both Wood Release and the Sharingan… That fool Danzo has managed to provoke two of Konoha's greatest factions!"
The Third Raikage's expression grew grim, his mind racing.
A looked at him curiously. "What's on your mind, Father?"
The Raikage's gaze sharpened.
"Send Anbu to monitor this Danzo closely. If an opportunity presents itself—bring him to the Cloud Village."
A stunned silence fell over the room before realization dawned. Everyone immediately understood. The Raikage wasn't just interested in Danzo himself—he wanted the power he possessed.
Wood Release and the Sharingan…
If Cloud Village could obtain those abilities, they could surpass Konoha and truly dominate the ninja world.
Dodai swallowed hard, composing himself before speaking.
"Shall we strike Konoha now while they are vulnerable?"
The Raikage turned to the Anbu standing by.
"Who is leading Konoha's forces?"
The Anbu swiftly answered.
"We have confirmed it is Orochimaru."
A tense silence followed.
"Orochimaru…"
The entire room darkened with an ominous atmosphere.
"Good… Very good," the Third Raikage muttered, his voice filled with a deep-seated fury. "The time has come to avenge Blue B."
Blue B, the first Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of the Cloud Village, and the Raikage's nephew, had died six years ago at the hands of Orochimaru. It was in retaliation for the Cloud Village's failed attempt to kidnap Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The operation had led to Blue B losing control of the Eight-Tails, causing massive devastation and ultimately costing him his life.
Cloud had never forgotten this grudge.
"Issue the order: All Cloud Village forces are to march into the Land of Fire immediately! The war has begun!"
Land of Earth – Hidden Stone Village
Meanwhile, in Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki read over the intelligence report, his expression grave.
Unlike others, he wasn't as concerned with the deaths of the Third Kazekage or the rumors of Danzo's involvement. His focus was on something far more dangerous—
Wood Release and the Sharingan.
"So, Konoha never truly abandoned their research into Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha's powers…" Onoki murmured, gripping the report tightly. He had once stood face-to-face with Madara Uchiha and knew firsthand the terrifying might of the Sharingan.
"Father, what is our move?"
Onoki, ever the strategist, knew this was an opportunity too good to ignore.
"We must not allow Konoha to succeed in this research. You will personally lead our forces, accompanied by Han and Roshi. Tell them about the Wood Release and Sharingan—once they hear, they'll gladly cooperate."
"Understood. I'll set out immediately."
Onoki nodded, his eyes carrying a warning.
"Remember, our primary objective is to support Cloud and keep Konoha occupied. I will not allow our soldiers to be wasted in needless battles."
"I understand."
The Land of Water – Hidden Mist Village
Far across the ocean, in the treacherous waters surrounding the Land of Fire, the Land of Water's Hidden Mist Village began mobilizing their own forces. However, the true mastermind behind this war resided elsewhere.
An Isolated Island Near Konoha – Uchiha Madara's Hideout
Deep within a vast underground cavern, the legendary Uchiha Madara sat in contemplation, his frail body sustained by the demonic Gedo Statue.
A white-masked figure, Zetsu, slithered down from the rocky ceiling, bowing before him.
"Madara-sama, we have news."
The ancient Uchiha barely acknowledged the presence of his servant, his gaze fixed on the intelligence scroll in his hand.
"Danzo… That name stirs faint memories. One of Tobirama's little pets?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "So even that wretched fool could be capable of something this audacious…"
The truth was irrelevant. Whether Danzo had actually killed the Third Kazekage did not matter. What mattered was how this chaos could be exploited.
Madara's crimson Sharingan gleamed with dark amusement.
"Zetsu, I have a task for you."
"What would you have us do, Madara-sama?"
"Keep a close eye on Danzo. I want to confirm whether he truly possesses Hashirama's cells. If he does… he may be of some use yet."
"Understood, Madara-sama."
As Zetsu vanished, Madara leaned back into his throne of stone, closing his eyes.
"Tobirama's legacy… Hah… How pitiful…"
And with that, the world inched ever closer to total war.
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, the intelligence of the war's escalation had reached the village.
While the Konoha Council initially attempted to suppress the information, it wasn't long before spies hidden in the village leaked the truth.
One of the first to hear was the Uchiha Clan.
However, before the Uchiha could act, another figure had already stormed into the Hokage's office, her fury uncontrollable…