C 74

"Hiruzen, what did you call me for?"

Danzo entered the Hokage's office, noticing the unusually serious atmosphere. Apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, his long-time comrades Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were present. 

Others, including Nara Shiba, Hatake Sakumo, and the Sannin—Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru—had gathered as well. Danzo frowned slightly, sensing something critical was unfolding. Taking his seat, he waited for Sarutobi to begin.

"Danzo, you're late," Hiruzen remarked sternly, setting down his dry smoking pipe. He scanned the room with a solemn expression and addressed everyone, "Now that everyone is here, let me inform you about urgent developments from the front lines. Our border strongholds in four key regions—the Land of Fire, the Land of Rivers, the Land of Grass, and the southeastern coastline—have all been attacked and compromised."

The room fell silent as the implications of Sarutobi's words settled in. The others exchanged worried glances. These four strongholds defended against each of the major Hidden Villages. If these attacks were coordinated, they pointed to something far more dangerous than isolated skirmishes.

"Lord Hokage," Nara Shiba spoke up, breaking the silence, "is it confirmed that these attacks were carried out by the Four Great Ninja Villages?"

Sarutobi exhaled deeply, his face etched with concern. "They deny involvement, of course. But the precision and timing of the attacks make it nearly impossible to believe otherwise. Few others have the capabilities to destroy multiple strongholds simultaneously."

A shadow crossed Sarutobi's face. The memory of the last great war was still fresh, and the peace they'd fought to achieve had barely lasted three years. Were they now on the verge of another conflict? And if the Four Great Ninja Villages had indeed united against Konoha, it could mean a full-scale war.

"Danzo," Sarutobi turned to him, "we need intelligence. Root will handle investigations in the Land of Grass and the Land of Rivers. Anbu will take responsibility for the remaining regions."

Danzo nodded, his expression betraying a hint of frustration. He had recently started a new collaboration with Orochimaru, planning to provide resources in exchange for Orochimaru's help in researching the Extremis virus. 

But if war broke out, all his operatives would be deployed, delaying his plans indefinitely. Despite his inner misgivings, he said, "Understood."

Nara Shiba cleared his throat and proposed, "We should increase our defenses at the borders. Doubling the number of stationed ninjas might help deter further attacks. We could also deploy one or two ninja brigades and send elite squads into enemy territories for retaliation. However, these squads should remain unidentified."

He glanced towards Hatake Sakumo, known for his discretion and skill in covert operations. Missions of this nature were his specialty. Sannin would normally be formidable candidates, but their combat styles were too distinctive to go unnoticed.

He continued, "Additionally, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario—a full-blown war. Logistical supplies should be stocked, leave for the standing ninjas should be canceled, and envoys should be dispatched to other villages to question their involvement. It's essential to space out our inquiries from our retaliation missions to avoid suspicion."

Sarutobi nodded approvingly. The measures Shiba outlined were thorough and necessary pre-war precautions.

Jiraiya, who had been listening intently, suddenly interjected, "All Four Great Ninja Villages attacking Konoha at once? There must be a conspiracy here. Sensei, let me go out and investigate this further."

Hiruzen shot him a disapproving glare. "You're staying in Konoha, Jiraiya. I'll call on you if needed. There's no need for you to leave the village right now."

Jiraiya slumped in his seat, disappointed. He had been hoping for a chance to resume his travels and tend to the war orphans he'd taken under his wing in the Land of Rain. But Hiruzen wasn't about to let his wayward student wander off under the guise of a mission.

"Besides," Hiruzen continued, "you have disciples to train now, Jiraiya. If you've taken on that responsibility, see it through."

Realizing he wouldn't win this battle, Jiraiya grinned sheepishly and conceded, "Alright, alright. I'll stay put and focus on my students."

Turning to Tsunade, Hiruzen's expression softened, although tension lingered between them. They'd recently had a heated argument, and although things had improved slightly, there was still some lingering resentment.

"Tsunade," he began, "I need you to coordinate with the medical ninjas. Check the stock of medical supplies."

Tsunade's lips tightened as she replied, "For daily needs, we're adequately supplied. But if war breaks out, we'll be short on critical resources. I've already contacted Kain to discuss a large order, but he's the only one with the authority to approve it. Aya can't authorize large transactions."

Hiruzen's face fell slightly. "Can you reach him?"

Tsunade's temper flared. "How am I supposed to contact him? You know exactly why Kain isn't here, old man..."

"Enough, Tsunade!" Jiraiya hissed, tugging at her sleeve. The Hokage's office was not the place for personal grievances.

Swallowing her frustration, Tsunade bit back her retort and sighed, "Fine. I'll try to get in touch with him."

Sarutobi's face was grim, but he pressed on with other logistical concerns, discussing coordination with the Daimyo, requisitioning military supplies, and mobilizing forces. After more than two hours of intense planning, the meeting finally adjourned.

Outside the Hokage building, Tsunade muttered bitterly, "This is all just a chain reaction of problems, and now he expects me to clean up his mess."

"Tsunade," Jiraiya whispered, trying to ease her mood, "the old man isn't well these days."

"Shut it, Jiraiya, or do you want a beating too?" Tsunade clenched her fist, and Jiraiya wisely backed off. She let out a huff and made her way toward Konoha Hospital. 

Besides managing her own students, she was leading a massive reform of the medical system—a colossal responsibility made all the heavier by the current crisis.

Once Tsunade had left, Jiraiya turned to Orochimaru with a shrug. "What's up with Tsunade lately?"

Orochimaru's voice was a hoarse whisper. "You'll have to ask Sarutobi-sensei yourself. But I doubt he'll give you the answer you're hoping for."

"Whatever," Jiraiya sighed, "I've got a disciple to train too. How about we see who raises the best student, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru smirked darkly. "Perhaps you should watch Nawaki in action first, Jiraiya."

With that, he left, leaving Jiraiya wondering what new intensity his rival had instilled in Nawaki. Orochimaru had taken special care to drill ruthlessness into Nawaki, assigning him grueling training missions that tested his limits. 

Nawaki had emerged stronger, with newly honed Wood Style and snake techniques, positioning him as one of the most formidable young shinobi in Konoha.

"Bah, my student's just as strong!" Jiraiya muttered defensively before hurrying off to find Namikaze Minato. During his stay in the village, he planned to intensify Minato's training, hoping to prove Orochimaru wrong.

Meanwhile, Kain had just returned to Konoha, intending to visit the dessert shop as usual. However, he immediately noticed the change in the village's atmosphere. 

There were more ninja patrolling the streets, fully armed and alert. The usual lively chatter among the villagers had disappeared, replaced by hushed conversations and hurried steps. The entire village seemed to be bracing for conflict.

"So, the effect was that immediate," Kain mused to himself, shaking his head. He continued on his way, but the ominous tension in the air lingered, signaling the storm Konoha was about to face.

….

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