Chapter 6: "Reactions from All Sides - Part 1"

Smoke dashed through the turmoil, urgently approaching Mifune, who directed the evacuation efforts in the Land of Iron. The ground trembled beneath him as if mirroring the chaos within his mind.

Smoke: Mifune-sama!

Mifune, absorbed in guiding the samurais aiding the citizens, turned to witness the young traveler's hurried approach.

Mifune: Kid, what are you doing running around like this? Hurry up and run to the shelter with these people.

Smoke: No, wait, Mifune-sama! I overheard your subordinate mentioning that this is happening worldwide! Do you know what's happening?

Careful not to reveal his foreknowledge, Smoke skillfully feigned ignorance. Mifune, amidst managing the crisis, impatiently responded.

Mifune: I don't know much right now, but you better get moving to safety immediately.

Acknowledging Mifune's urgency, Smoke nodded and quietly proceeded towards the designated safe area. The samurais diligently continued their efforts, guiding frightened citizens to the shelter, their faces reflecting the uncertainty of the unfolding events.

Simultaneously, near the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water, the central tent at Konoha's base camp buzzed with activity. Core commanders of the village gathered as a scout reported on the crisis at hand.

Izuki: Reporting to Minato-sama, currently, we are witnessing the Land of Fire splitting apart, as if the very land itself is tearing asunder.

Minato's expression darkened as he contemplated the gravity of the situation. Seeking insight from his trusted advisors, he inquired if it resembled a ninjutsu attack.

Chōza Akimichi: I don't think so. Even tailed beasts couldn't split a continent. According to legends, even the First Hokage, with his immense power, couldn't manipulate the land at the continental level.

Shikaku Nara: The war has reached a stalemate, and there's no active attack. However, we can't afford to let our guard down. We need to understand the situation. How about forming a team to investigate the cracks? We might find some hints.

Minato nodded, acknowledging the necessity of reconnaissance.

Minato: I agree. But it's risky. I'll lead the team. Kakashi, Shikaku, you're coming with me.

Shikaku: Alright, let's move.

The members of Team Minato equipped themselves, preparing for potential threats. As they reached the source of the cracks in the Land of Fire, they found themselves not alone.

On the other side of the dimensional fracture, standing firm, were none other than A, Bee, and Darui from the Land of Lightning. Tensions rose as both sides braced for a potential confrontation.

Minato: (cautiously) What's the meaning of this? Why are you here?

Bee, with a characteristic grin, responded.

Bee: We sensed something wild happening, and we followed the beats. Ain't that right, Darui?

Darui: (nodding) Indeed, Bee. The lightning told us to check it out.

Minato, maintaining his guard, weighed the situation. The Land of Lightning's shinobi appearing on the other side of the cracks hinted at a shared concern for the unfolding global crisis.

Minato: We're here to understand what's happening. If we're facing a common threat, cooperation might be our best chance.

A, skeptical, retorted:

A: Hey, why should we trust you? This might be some conspiracy from you Konoha bastards.

Bee: You tell 'em, brother! Fool ya fool!

Shikaku (nervously mediating): Let's not start a fight, now.

Suddenly, a distinctive sound echoed—water pouring into the crack, causing everyone to look towards the bottom.

Darui: Huh!? Is it me, or are we moving away from Konoha, bastards?

Bee: No way! We drifting! That's so interesting!

A, turning towards Team Minato, demanded answers.

A: Hey, Yellow Flash, is this your doing?

Minato: No.

A (Slightly Irritated): Then who can tell me what's going on?

Shikaku: A-san, can you please confirm if this crack is happening all around the Land of Lightning or in certain areas?

A turned towards Darui, who nodded.

Darui: Not everywhere, but it's like an encasing surrounding the whole land. I also got a report that between the Land of Lightning and this place we're currently standing, there are approximately 2 to 3 rifts happening.

Shikaku nodded deeply, signaling a significant revelation.

Minato: Did you figure something out?

Shikaku: Not really. Sigh! But it seems like our lands are drifting apart, and for some reason, the whole continent is splitting. Maybe soon, we'll become islands.

Minato: Why do you say that?

Shikaku: Just like the Land of Lightning, many rifts have appeared in our Land of Fire. According to reports, it seems to encase our land. If, like someone sketched a boundary with this rift—in short, if water is filling in between the gaps everywhere—then we might become an island soon.

Listening to Shikaku's analysis, everyone agreed that it seemed to be the case. Suddenly, Darui, in astonishment, remarked that they needed to move.

A: What happened?

Darui: A-sama, I think we should return to our borders first. If what Leaf's Shikaku said is correct, then we need to move back as fast as possible. Although the drifting speed currently seems to be slow, with each passing minute, we are getting further and further away from our land!

A, just realizing the gravity of the situation, shouted:

A: Then what are you waiting for? Let's regroup with our troops and retreat to our land!

Before taking off, A cast one last glance at Minato.

A: Until we meet again, Yellow Flash.

With haste, they rushed towards their camp, leaving Minato and his team to ponder the implications of the rapidly changing world