22 21 Hokage’s Declaration
The Hokage's sudden shout caught even Shikaku off guard. Was he planning to apprehend the Suna envoy right then and there?
However, Kakashi and the Anbu stationed outside the building were prepared and burst into the room the moment the Hokage gave the order. The reason for capturing the Suna envoy didn't matter; they simply followed the Hokage's command.
In a flash, Ebizō and the Sand Ninjas found themselves resisting dozens of Anbu. Tobirama had strategically deployed Kakashi and his Anbu in advance for this negotiation. Though Tobirama possessed formidable strength, he preferred not to handle everything personally. The Anbu, led by Kakashi, swiftly took control.
As the Suna group was forced back, Ebizō's expression darkened, and he angrily exclaimed, "Senju Tobirama!! You're plunging us into war without warning! Konoha will face consequences from the entire ninja world!"
Following his outburst, he signaled, and the Sand Ninjas retreated, preparing for battle.
-
"Boom, boom!"
Six loud crashes echoed through the Hokage Building. Startled villagers in Konoha looked up, witnessing six figures being thrown out, creating sizable craters upon landing. The situation wasn't over as dozens of Anbu followed, swiftly restraining the six individuals with sharp blades at their throats.
Ebizō, already an old man, coughed up blood violently. His bones felt broken after a powerful kick from Kakashi. Struggling to open his eyes, he glimpsed the Anbu, their eyes gleaming coldly from beneath their masks.
Blurring consciousness aside, Ebizō noticed that all five Suna Ninjas were also under control. A fierce determination crossed his face, suggesting he had made a crucial decision. Summoning his remaining chakra, he roared, "Senju Tobirama! You've initiated the Fourth Ninja War. You are the world's sinner!"
The words reverberated for kilometers, reaching everyone in Konoha and freezing their expressions. Did that Suna Ninja just claim that the Hokage was starting a war? While many doubted its truth, some speculated that Tobirama, angered by Konoha's collapse plan, was indeed initiating a war with Suna.
This thought circulated among Konoha ninjas, fueled by Tobirama's recent actions after his resurrection. Even civilians sensed an impending conflict, and a wave of shock swept through the village.
This was unprecedented. Since the Third Hokage's tenure, Konoha had prioritized negotiations for peace, avoiding war at all costs. Now, Tobirama's assertive actions revealed a strong and authoritative Konoha reminiscent of the First and Second Hokage era.
Ninjas and civilians, especially the older generation, were moved. Tobirama's conduct reminded them of the powerful Konoha of the past when the village stood unmatched among the four great ninja villages.
Now, Suna, a former defeated enemy, dared to conspire with Konoha rebels. Tobirama's decision to go to war resonated deeply.
With tearful eyes, the villagers witnessed Tobirama stepping out, approaching Ebizō and the Sand Ninjas. He nodded at Shikaku, signaling, "Take them to the interrogation room; the Intelligence Department will extract their secrets."
Shikaku acknowledged with a nod, harboring some hesitation, but realizing the decision was irreversible. War was inevitable, and he refrained from persuading the Hokage otherwise.
Swish—
Tobirama vanished and reappeared on the Hokage Building's roof, overlooking Konoha. He addressed everyone:
"Gather all ninjas; we'll start a war with Suna in three days!"
As Tobirama's words echoed, he vanished from sight.
Konoha erupted into chaos.
"Are we really heading into war with Suna? Can we come out victorious?"
"Nonsense! The Suna envoy was just captured by the Hokage! That old man lying there? That's Ebizō, Chiyo's brother! With Tobirama-sama leading us, can Sunagakure, a village where the Kazekage was defeated, hope to stand against us?"
"I can finally avenge my brother, your sacrifice won't be in vain!"
"Spread the word to our families! Victory is certain!"
Amidst fervent discussion, support for the Hokage surged.
"Victory to Konoha! Long live the Hokage!"
"Konoha will prevail!"
"No doubt about it!"
The ninjas of Konoha rallied, boosting the village's morale.
Spies from various villages hidden within Konoha were thrown into turmoil.
"Konoha is really going to war!" They were shocked and incredulous.
Tobirama has only been back for a short time. Is such a drastic move necessary?
This news must be relayed back to the village!
One after another, the spies embedded in Konoha spread the news to their respective village leaders as swiftly as they could.
______
"Is this true?!"
Hiashi Hyūga slammed his hand on the table, rising from his seat to confront the man before him.
"Is the Hokage really planning to go to war with Sunagakure?"
Kō Hyūga, kneeling before him, hastily replied:
"Yes, clan leader. Hokage-sama refused peace negotiations with Suna due to dissatisfaction with their reparations. They've detained Sunagakure's envoys and threatened to declare war in three days."
"Alright, alright..."
Hiashi clenched his fists, recalling the tragedy of his deceased brother Hizashi. If only the Third Hokage had been as resolute as the Second Hokage in facing Kumo's oppression, their clan might have been spared so much suffering.
"Tobirama-sama..." Hiashi's gaze drifted towards the Hokage building, acknowledging the return of the formidable leader.
______
The news of Konoha's impending war with Suna spread like wildfire across the ninja world in less than a day.
It sent shockwaves through every village.
The Kage of each shinobi village couldn't fathom why Tobirama would choose to go to war with Suna.
Was Sunagakure's offer for peace insufficient?
Even if the terms weren't ideal, negotiations could still be pursued. Was it really necessary to resort to war outright? Starting a conflict could easily escalate into the Fourth Ninja War!
However, 15 years had passed since the Third Ninja War, and most villages had recovered from their wounds. Except for Kirigakure, which continued its brutal policies, every village was quite formidable at this point.
But undoubtedly, the most anxious village was Suna.
The news of Konoha's impending war with Suna spread like wildfire across the ninja world in less than a day.
It sent shockwaves through every village.
The Kage of each shinobi village couldn't fathom why Tobirama would choose to go to war with Suna.
Was Sunagakure's offer for peace insufficient?
Even if the terms weren't ideal, negotiations could still be pursued. Was it really necessary to resort to war outright? Starting a conflict could easily escalate into the Fourth Ninja War!
______
In the Land of Wind, within Sunagakure's walls:
"Infuriating!"
Grandma Chiyo, a woman in her 60s, slammed her hand on the table, her expression grim.
"My brother and his escorts were apprehended by Konoha. According to our intel, they're being held in the Hokage's interrogation chamber."
"Elder Chiyo, I understand your concern, but that's not our main worry. Though Ebizo is your brother, he oversees finances and knows little of our village's core secrets. We must focus on the impending war with Konoha."
"Shut it, Gōza. I'm well aware of our priorities!" Chiyo shot back, her gaze sharp.
"Konoha's might already surpasses ours. And with the loss of the Fourth Kazekage and our Jinchuuriki, and the Fifth Kazekage yet to be chosen, war isn't in our favor," Jōseki added, his voice trembling slightly.
"Plus, Onoki reports that the Second Hokage has been resurrected using a forbidden technique. He's said to be immortal, save for sealing jutsu. And he's the mastermind behind the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Just think of the havoc he could wreak on the battlefield."
"We need a plan to neutralize Tobirama," the elder concluded, scanning the room.
The council of elders faced a daunting challenge. How could they combat an immortal, armed with the fearsome Flying Thunder God technique?
______
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