Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Iwagakure and Kumogakure Declare War on Konoha!

In the 48th year since the founding of Konoha, the Third Shinobi World War breaks out shortly after the Chunin Exams. Both Iwagakure and Kumogakure declare war on Konoha, citing very strange reasons.

The Tsuchikage claims an Iwagakure ninja went missing near the border of the Land of Fire, suspecting Konoha's involvement, and passionately declares war. Meanwhile, Kumogakure accuses Konoha of developing a weapon of mass destruction, asserting that, to protect peace in the shinobi world, they must act against Konoha.

Haneda scoffs at the news, seeing it as an obvious attempt by Iwagakure and Kumogakure to counterbalance Konoha's growing power. Economic strain due to rapid military expansion is worsening in both nations, and declaring war on Konoha could help redirect internal frustrations.

The reasons for war seem absurd to Haneda. Shinobi often go missing, as it's part of the risks in their line of work. And the accusation of developing mass destruction weapons is hypocritical—Kumogakure itself uses powerful cannons, nearly as strong as a Tailed Beast Bomb, like the one it used against meteors when Naruto fought Tonari.

Though the reasons for war are flimsy, the Third Shinobi World War has begun. Many lives will be lost on both sides.

Haneda puts away the scroll, looks up at the blue sky, and sighs deeply.

"The Third War… The Battle of Kannabi Bridge… The Battle of Kikyo Pass…" He recalls the dreams he and his friends shared when they first became shinobi.

A blue butterfly flits by, briefly landing on Haneda's sword, Dawn, before fluttering away to rest on a nearby wildflower.

"Will destiny change with a butterfly's wings?" he murmurs, unsheathing his sword to slice through the brambles blocking his path.

"It's time to return."

He sheathes his sword and heads back to Konoha.

---

**At the Hokage's Office**

The Third Hokage's office is filled with ninja teams, including Team 3, Team 7, and Team 9—Haneda's team. With Haneda's arrival, everyone except Obito has gathered.

The Hokage glances around and asks Minato, "Is there a reason Obito is delayed?"

Minato, smiling a bit awkwardly, replies, "Obito… likely encountered an elderly person who needed help along the way."

Haneda intervenes, "He must be held up. There's no need to wait for him, Lord Hokage. Let's begin."

The Hokage nods warmly at Haneda. "Alright. The reason I gathered you is to discuss Iwagakure and Kumogakure's declaration of war. I've already sent Jiraiya to the Land of Grass to guard against Iwagakure's forces. But we'll also need defenses in the Land of Taki."

"Minato, I'd like you to lead a support force to the Land of Taki to coordinate with Jiraiya and counter Iwagakure's attacks."

Haneda suddenly speaks up, "Lord Hokage, why not send Sakumo-sensei there instead?"

The Hokage stiffens briefly before looking to Sakumo. Had Sakumo not told Haneda the plan?

Sakumo explains, "Haneda, Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique is effective against the Third Tsuchikage's Dust Release. Orochimaru and I will handle the Land of Frost and Kumogakure's forces. Orochimaru's summon can counter the Eight-Tails, and my swordsmanship can combat the Third Raikage's Lightning Chakra Mode."

After a pause, Haneda asks, "Will Obito and Kakashi be deployed too?"

Kakashi notices a shift in Haneda's expression and pats his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Haneda. Minato-sensei and I will make sure Obito is safe."

Suddenly, a loud, familiar voice comes from outside, sounding irritated. "Who needs your protection, idiot Kakashi!"

Obito enters, noticing the serious look on Haneda's face. Putting an arm around him, Obito laughs, "What's wrong, Haneda? Are you worried about me? Don't be—I, Uchiha Obito, have become much stronger! I'm already a Chunin! You've seen my Fire Style techniques, haven't you?"

Haneda manages a smile. "I trust you, Obito."

Orochimaru, thinking about his experiments on the battlefield, glances at the clock and licks his lips, "Time to depart, Sakumo."

Sakumo looks back at Haneda and Kakashi, smiling, "Let's go, Haneda. With Kakashi's abilities, it's the enemies who should be worried."

Hearing Sakumo's praise of Kakashi, Obito chimes in, "And don't forget my Sharingan and Fire Style, the pride of Uchiha Obito!"

Asuma steps forward, saying, "Let's show those Kumogakure ninja the strength of our bonds, Haneda!"

Thinking of the skills he'd taught Obito—Fire Style and the three-tomoe Sharingan—Haneda feels reassured. Obito now has the skills of a Jonin and can handle himself on the battlefield, especially with Kakashi, a high-level Jonin, by his side. Even without Minato, they could hold their own against elite enemies.

With this in mind, Haneda follows Sakumo. Before leaving, he looks back at Obito and says, "On the battlefield, don't act recklessly, Obito!"

"Why would I? You're the one always diving into danger first!" Obito jokes but, seeing Haneda's serious gaze, promises, "Alright, I got it. And you be careful too, Haneda!"

---

**Later that Afternoon, at Konoha's Gates**

The three divisions gather at the gates, with an estimated four thousand shinobi filling the road in orderly ranks. Konoha's large-scale assembly sends a clear message to neighboring villages.

After each commander arrives, the three divisions head out in separate directions. Minato's team goes northwest toward the Land of Earth. Sakumo and Orochimaru move northeast, toward the Land of Lightning.

Looking at the map, the borders between Iwagakure and Konoha include three countries, while Kumogakure has two possible routes. Unlike Iwagakure, Kumogakure's path is more defensible; fortifying the Land of Frost allows them to block Kumogakure with the ocean.

Sakumo keeps his thoughts to himself, aware that the Konoha-Kumogakure battle will likely highlight Orochimaru's leadership, as the Third Hokage favors him as the next Hokage. This is why Orochimaru needs significant achievements, while Sakumo, uninterested in the position, refrains from competition.

Minato, meanwhile, the younger generation's best Hokage prospect, is being nurtured for leadership through his placement in the Land of Taki alongside Jiraiya, his mentor.

This is also why Sakumo declined Haneda's earlier suggestion—he doesn't want his students embroiled in Konoha's political struggles as they once were.