It Begins
The following day marked a dramatic turning point in the course of the war. Kirigakure, which until then had maintained a neutral stance, shook up the board with an unexpected announcement.
The Hidden Village of the Mist officially declared its immediate entry into the war, directly targeting Konoha as its main objective.
This decision, made with a speed that surprised even observers.
The news spread quickly. Although many had anticipated some kind of response from Kirigakure after the annihilation of their famous Seven Swordsmen, the audacity of this declaration took everyone by surprise.
The Third Mizukage, by opting for a direct confrontation with Konoha, had significantly raised the stakes.
This move was not only a response to the loss of the Seven Swordsmen but also a clear statement of Kirigakure's ambitions in the new world order that would emerge from this conflict.
As if on cue, Iwagakure and Kumogakure responded by intensifying their own war efforts. The Hidden Village of the Rock redoubled its attacks on the Grass Country front, while the Hidden Village of the Clouds increased pressure in the Soup Country.
What was previously a conflict with multiple fronts had now transformed into what appeared to be a coordinated assault by the three main villages against Konoha.
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Grass Country.
Konoha's front-line camp.
In the largest tent, at the center of the camp
Minato, with a furrowed brow and an expression of bewilderment, held a document. "Jiraiya-sensei, this... this isn't right,"
"The enemy casualty numbers... they're inflated. I didn't eliminate that many ninjas."
Jiraiya, who until that moment had been focused on his own paperwork, looked up with a heavy sigh. "Minato,"
"This comes directly from Konoha's high command. There's nothing we can do about it." He said seriously
Internally, he felt divided. On one hand, Konoha's exaggerated promotion of Minato filled him with undeniable pride. Seeing his student elevated to such status was gratifying.
However, the shadow of Luo Lei's actions - his brutal annihilation of the Seven Swordsmen - weighed on his mind. Luo Lei represented an unstoppable and unscrupulous force, someone who acted according to his own rules but who, undeniably, possessed terrifying power.
"I really don't understand why the old man keeps tolerating this," he muttered, his frustration evident in every word. "Letting Luo Lei continue to act without restrictions... it will definitely cause more harm than good to Konoha."
Sensing the unease, Minato tried to speak, but Jiraiya quickly interrupted him.
"Minato," he said firmly and affectionately, "You must trust in your own strength. You've earned the title of 'Konoha's Yellow Flash'. Don't worry so much about the details."
Minato nodded, although doubt still reflected in his eyes. "I understand, Jiraiya-sensei....."
"Actually.....this promotion is for the good of Konoha. Luo Lei's actions have been constantly pushing the limits of the high command's patience. They need you as a counterweight." Seeing the need to explain further, he elaborated.
"We're all working for the good of Konoha. Remember, Luo Lei even killed his own comrades when his Kekkei Genkai got out of control."
Jiraiya's words seemed to ignite something in him. "For Konoha..." he murmured, clenching his fist. "Don't worry, Jiraiya-sensei. I won't lose to him."
Jiraiya smiled. "Good. Now, before Luo Lei gets here, you must continue eliminating more Iwagakure ninjas."
"Understood," Minato responded with determination. "I'll use all my power."
With a glint of ambition, he suggested: "What if we initiate an offensive against Iwagakure before he arrives? After all, if we wait until he's here...we'll have to share the credit."
Minato was surprised by the suggestion, "Jiraiya-sensei....is it prudent? We're not fully prepared. A hasty attack could be disastrous."
"Minato!" he exclaimed with urgency and ambition. "I'm doing this for your sake. Luo Lei already has the title of 'God of Slaughter'. If you don't prove your worth now, you'll be eclipsed."
"Besides, I don't want to lose to Orochimaru..."
The Three Sannin were deployed on the three fronts. Orochimaru had already secured a victory in his sector, while neither Jiraiya nor Tsunade had resolved their respective fronts.
His pride was at stake. If Orochimaru could lead his team to victory against Sunagakure, then he was determined to do the same against Iwagakure.
Finally, with doubt in his voice, Minato nodded.
"Alright,". The idea of competing with Luo Lei, of proving his worth, had struck a chord in his pride.
Jiraiya, perceiving the persistent hesitation in his student, hurried to offer assurances. "Minato, don't worry," he said confidently. "Iwagakure's forces are practically matched to ours. We have good chances of victory." He paused, his eyes shining with a promise.
"And if things get complicated, we can always count on the help of Mount Myōboku."
The mention of Mount Myōboku seemed to dispel Minato's last doubts. "Understood!" The idea of backup from one of the three sacred places was reassuring; with such support, victory seemed almost guaranteed.
"Good, then go prepare," Jiraiya ordered. "Kirigakure has declared war on Konoha, and Iwagakure's army has intensified its offensive. We must act quickly."
Minato nodded solemnly. "Yes, Jiraiya-sensei. I'm leaving right now."
With a flash and a ripple in space, Minato disappeared from the tent, leaving Jiraiya alone with his thoughts.
The Sannin let out a heavy sigh.
Deep down, this aggressive strategy wasn't his preferred style. But the circumstances, the pressure to compete with Luo Lei, and his own sense of duty towards Konoha had led him to this decision.
"When all this is over," he muttered, "I'll take a good, long break. Maybe visit some hot springs, away from all this chaos in Konoha."
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