Chapter 28: Ripples of War – Hanzo’s Ambition

A bit of a news from me, this might be the only chapter updated in 24 hours. I have a class for 6 hours today, and I can't bring my laptop since I still have diving practice after the class.

But if I have the time after coming back from diving practice I'll write and post a new chapter hopefully.

I'm writing this chapter while having breakfast, I'm sorry if there is any mistakes.

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The shinobi world was in turmoil. The news of the war between Kumogakure and Iwagakure reached every corner of the Hidden Villages, unsettling leaders already embroiled in their own conflicts. Yet, while these two powerhouses clashed, one man, Hanzo of the Salamander, saw an opportunity to fulfill a long-held desire. Amid the chaos, he began to hatch a plan to raid Uzushiogakure for its invaluable sealing techniques and bloodlines, believing now was the perfect time to strike.

---

In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the map of the shinobi world laid out before him. The Third Hokage's mind was troubled, his pipe resting unused at the edge of the desk. To his right stood his advisors, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, their expressions mirroring his own unease.

"The situation grows more precarious by the day," Hiruzen said softly, breaking the heavy silence. "The war between Kumogakure and Iwagakure is both a blessing and a curse."

Homura adjusted his glasses. "Their fighting weakens them, true. But it also leaves us vulnerable. If either village wins decisively, they may turn their attention to Konoha next."

Koharu nodded, her voice sharp. "And we cannot afford to be distracted. The battles at Amegakure's borders are already stretching our forces. Danzo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru are holding the line, but it's only a matter of time before something gives."

Hiruzen exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting to the open window. Outside, the village seemed peaceful, but he knew that peace was a fragile illusion. "We can only hope the conflict between the Raikage and the Tsuchikage keeps them occupied for now. But there's another threat we must consider."

Homura's brow furrowed. "You mean Uzushiogakure?"

Hiruzen nodded gravely. "The Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques are too valuable. If anyone were to move against them, we'd be forced to intervene, and that would stretch us even further. We cannot let Uzushiogakure fall."

Koharu crossed her arms. "Uzushiogakure has strong defenses and skilled shinobi. They won't fall easily, but if another village decides to strike, we'll be pulled into a war on yet another front."

Hiruzen turned back to the map, his eyes scanning the borders of the Land of Fire and the territories beyond. "We'll need to keep a close eye on Kumogakure and Iwagakure. If either of them shows any signs of targeting Uzushiogakure, we'll have to act. For now, though, we focus on the war at hand. Danzo and the others must hold the line at Amegakure."

---

At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, the rain poured relentlessly. Inside a war tent, Danzo Shimura, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru stood around a table strewn with maps and reports. The ongoing war with Amegakure and Sunagakure demanded their full attention, but the recent news of the Kumogakure-Iwagakure conflict had not gone unnoticed.

Danzo's face was as unreadable as ever, his cold eyes flicking over the intelligence reports. "The war between the Raikage and the Tsuchikage creates a potential opportunity, but it's also a risk. We can't be distracted from the battle here, not when Hanzo's forces and the Kazekage are pressing us so hard."

Jiraiya scratched his head, his usual carefree demeanor absent. "Yeah, and if either of those villages decides to go after Uzushiogakure's sealing techniques, we're in for a world of trouble. The Uzumaki Clan's seals are worth more than gold in a fight."

Tsunade leaned against the table, arms crossed. "We don't have the manpower to protect Uzushiogakure and hold off Amegakure and Sunagakure at the same time. If Hiruzen calls for reinforcements, we're going to have to make some tough decisions."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest as he studied the map. "Uzushiogakure's defenses are strong, but they're isolated. If anyone moves against them, it will be quick and decisive. If we're not careful, we could be caught off-guard."

Danzo remained silent for a moment before speaking. "We will not act unless absolutely necessary. Our focus remains here, on the border. Let the other villages fight among themselves. If we move prematurely, it could cost us everything."

The others nodded, though the tension in the air was palpable. Konoha's commanders knew that the situation was precarious, and any wrong move could spell disaster for the village.

---

In the vast deserts of Sunagakure, the Third Kazekage, sat in his office, his golden eyes fixed on the map of the shinobi world. The reports from the battlefield against Konoha at Amegakure's borders were promising, but the war between Kumogakure and Iwagakure had caught his attention.

Pakura, one of his trusted advisors, stood nearby, watching her leader carefully. "The conflict between the Raikage and the Tsuchikage could work to our advantage," she said, her tone calm and measured. "Their war distracts them from us."

The Third Kazekage nodded, his fingers tracing the borders of the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning. "Yes, but we must remain cautious. If either of those villages grows too powerful, they could pose a threat to Sunagakure once their conflict is over."

Pakura's eyes moved to a small island marked on the map: Uzushiogakure. "There is also the matter of Uzushiogakure. Hanzo of the Salamander has been eyeing their sealing techniques for years. He may use this opportunity to make his move."

Kazekage's gaze hardened. "Uzushiogakure's seals are valuable, but we cannot afford to divide our forces. We're already engaged with Konoha and Amegakure. Let Hanzo do as he pleases for now. We will deal with Uzushiogakure if the time comes."

Pakura nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face. Sunagakure was strong, but in a world of constant shifting alliances and power struggles, even the strongest could fall if they weren't careful.

---

In the misty village of Kirigakure, the Third Mizukage sat in his quiet office, seemingly unconcerned by the turmoil unfolding on the mainland. The conflict between Kumogakure and Iwagakure was far removed from Kirigakure's interests, and the ongoing war between Konoha, Sunagakure, and Amegakure didn't directly affect his village.

Ao, his loyal bodyguard and advisor, stood nearby, watching his leader's reaction—or lack thereof—to the latest reports. "The war on the mainland is escalating, Mizukage-sama," Ao said carefully. "Should we consider moving our forces?"

The Mizukage shook his head, his expression calm and detached. "Let them fight. The mainland's problems are not ours. Kirigakure will remain strong by staying out of their conflicts."

Ao hesitated. "And what of Uzushiogakure? Hanzo of Amegakure is planning something, and if he moves to take the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques, it could change the balance of power."

The Mizukage smiled faintly, his gaze drifting to the mist-shrouded window. "Uzushiogakure's seals are powerful, yes. But they are not worth the blood it would take to acquire them. Let Hanzo play his games. Kirigakure will remain untouched."

Ao bowed, though he couldn't shake the feeling that the Mizukage's indifference might cost them in the long run. The world was changing, and Kirigakure's isolation might not protect them forever.

---

In the rain-drenched village of Amegakure, Hanzo of the Salamander stood before his council of advisors, his eyes gleaming with ambition. The war between Kumogakure and Iwagakure had created the perfect opportunity for him to strike, and his target was none other than Uzushiogakure.

"The world is distracted," Hanzo began, his voice cold and confident. "Kumogakure and Iwagakure are locked in a bitter war, and Konohagakure is too busy fighting us and Sunagakure to protect their allies. Now is the time to move against Uzushiogakure."

One of his advisors, a stern-faced shinobi, spoke up. "Uzushiogakure's defenses are formidable, and the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques are known to be nearly impenetrable."

Hanzo smiled darkly. "That is why we will not act alone. I will send envoys to the leaders of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure, inviting them to join us in raiding Uzushiogakure. Together, we

 will overwhelm their defenses and claim the sealing techniques for ourselves."

Another advisor raised a concern. "And what of Konohagakure? They will surely intervene."

Hanzo's smile widened. "Not if we keep them busy. I will hire shinobi from the Land of Sky to launch attacks on Konohagakure itself. Hiruzen will be forced to defend his village, leaving Uzushiogakure vulnerable."

The advisors exchanged glances, impressed by Hanzo's cunning. The Salamander was a master of strategy, and his plan was as ruthless as it was brilliant.

"If we succeed," Hanzo continued, his voice filled with anticipation, "Amegakure will rise to unprecedented power. Prepare the envoys. Soon, Uzushiogakure's secrets will belong to us."

As his advisors hurried to carry out his orders, Hanzo turned to the window, watching the rain pour down over his village. The world was shifting, and soon, Amegakure would stand at the center of it all.

---

The shinobi world teetered on the edge of a new era of conflict. With wars raging, alliances shifting, and darker schemes taking root, the future was uncertain. Yet, amid the chaos, one thing was clear: the balance of power was about to change, and Uzushiogakure was the key to it all.

End of Chapter 28.