CHAPTER 73
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The sun was setting over the rocky cliffs of Iwagakure, casting long shadows across the jagged terrain.
Inside the Tsuchikage's office, Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, hovered above his desk, his small frame defying gravity as he contemplated the latest intelligence report.
His usually sharp eyes were narrowed further, the weight of the information evident on his face.
Before him stood Kitsuchi, his trusted commander, and several high-ranking officials of the Hidden Stone.
"So," Onoki began, his voice gravelly with age but steady as a mountain,
"it's true. Konoha has developed a seal that can enhance a clan's bloodline. Something not even the Uzumaki, masters of sealing, ever accomplished." He slammed a fist onto his desk, causing the papers to scatter.
One of the advisors, a tall shinobi with a jagged scar across his face, spoke cautiously.
"Tsuchikage-sama, the cost of this intelligence was... excessive. We've lost more than 80% our operatives in Konoha, and those who remain are unreachable. Whatever measures Sarutobi Hiruzen has implemented, they are beyond anything we've seen before."
Onoki's scowl deepened.
"Hiruzen... That young fool thinks he can rival the great nations by playing God with bloodlines. This isn't just about Konoha gaining power; it's about the balance of the world being upended. If Konoha consolidates this power and applies it across all their clans, they will have a force capable of rivaling the Five Nations combined."
Kitsuchi stepped forward. "Father, what do you propose? We cannot sit idly by."
Onoki floated down, his feet touching the ground. He clasped his hands behind his back, staring out the window at the distant mountains.
"We prepare for war. Send word to Kumo, Kiri, and Suna. If we let this go unchecked, it will be our undoing. Contact their Kage and arrange for a summit. This bloodline seal cannot be allowed to spread unchecked."
The advisors nodded, their faces grim.
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In the Heavenly Mountains of Hidden Cloud Village, the Third Raikage sat in his office, his massive frame dwarfing the chair beneath him.
His muscular arms were crossed as he listened to the report from Darui, one of his most trusted subordinates.
"So, the rumors are true," the Raikage muttered, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "Hiruzen Sarutobi has done the impossible."
Darui nodded, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.
"Yes, Raikage-sama. Our operatives confirm that Konoha has implemented this bloodline seal with the help of Senju clan. The effects are significant, and their capabilities have already increased what we've known before. Additionally, our spies in Konoha have either gone silent or have been eliminated."
The Raikage slammed his fist on the table, cracking the surface. "Damn Sarutobi! I didn't knew he was this formidable, but this... this is different. If Konoha uses this seal on all their clans, the rest of us will stand no chance in the next war."
A council of advisors stood in silence, knowing better than to interrupt the Raikage's fury. Finally, he turned to Darui.
"Contact the other villages. Tell them it's time for a Kage Summit. This seal threatens the balance of power, and we cannot allow Konoha to gain such an advantage."
"And if they refuse to meet?" Darui asked.
The Raikage's eyes glinted dangerously. "Then we move alone. Kumo has never feared a fight, and we won't start now."
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In the Hidden Mist Village, the Third Mizukage paced his chambers, his thoughts clouded by the reports from his spies.
The Golden Mist, as his village was known, thrived on fear and brutality, but even he felt a pang of unease at the thought of Konoha's growing power.
"This bloodline seal... If Sarutobi has truly succeeded, then Konoha will become unstoppable," he murmured. His advisors exchanged wary glances but said nothing.
Meanwhile, in Sunagakure, the Third Kazekage read the report in silence, his golden eyes gleaming with calculation.
"So, Konoha seeks to tip the scales in their favor," he said, folding the parchment carefully.
"If this seal spreads to their clans, it will make our Shukaku weapon pale in comparison."
He summoned his council, issuing orders to bolster Suna's defenses and prepare for a meeting with the other Kage.
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Back in Konoha, the village was the picture of tranquility. The streets bustled with life; merchants peddled their goods, children played games, and shinobi patrolled the perimeters with calm professionalism.
To an outsider, it seemed like an ordinary village, untouched by the looming threats of war.
On the Hokage Monument, Hiruzen sat cross-legged, enjoying the breeze.
He wore a white robe with black trim, his black sandals resting against the stone. His face bore a relaxed expression as he gazed out over the village.
Two ANBU operatives emerged from the ground behind him, kneeling in deference.
Their masks, one patterned with lightning and the other with earth, caught the sunlight as one of them spoke.
"Hokage-sama, we have confirmed that Kumogakure and Iwagakure are moving. They have begun contacting the other villages. It seems they are organizing a summit."
Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively.
"It was bound to happen. The news of the seal couldn't stay contained forever. Begin preparing the village for war, and expand our ANBU network to cover the entire Fire Nation. I want outposts set up in key locations to intercept any movements. Also, inform Kagami Uchiha to meet me immediately."
The ANBU disappeared as silently as they had arrived. Moments later, Kagami Uchiha arrived, his dark eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Hiruzen," Kagami said with a slight bow, "you summoned me?"
"Yes," Hiruzen replied, standing up and dusting off his robe.
"It seems the other villages have started moving in response to the bloodline seal. As Jonin Commander, I need you to organize our Jonin forces and ensure every squad is battle-ready. Send Shuzaku Nara to the Daimyo's mansion to secure war funding. I won't waste time groveling for money from that lazy fool myself."
Kagami chuckled. "Understood. And what of Tsunade? Should I inform her to ready the medical division?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Yes. We need our medics prepared for the worst. This war will come sooner than I anticipated, but it doesn't matter. Konoha will emerge stronger. Let the other villages tremble at the might of the God of Shinobi's legacy."
Kagami smirked. "They'll regret ever challenging us. Konoha isn't just a village—it's a force of nature. They'll see soon enough."
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As Kagami departed, Hiruzen descended the mountain, his mind racing with plans.
Within hours, the village operated like a well-oiled machine. ANBU squads expanded their surveillance networks, shinobi prepared for deployment, and civilians were instructed to stockpile supplies.
Hiruzen personally oversaw the training grounds, ensuring every unit was operating at peak efficiency.
The medical division, led by Tsunade, began intensive drills to prepare for the influx of wounded.
At night, Hiruzen stood atop the Hokage Monument once more, his eyes scanning the horizon. The peaceful facade of Konoha was a mask; beneath it lay a village preparing for war.
"Let them come," he whispered to himself. "They'll learn the hard way what it means to challenge Konoha."
"hahaha....."
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