Chapter 142

"We're going to war with the four great villages—that much is certain. What we need to discuss now is how we're going to fight this battle."

Tobirama's voice rang out decisively. 

There was no question about going to war; that was unavoidable. The real question was how to handle the conflict strategically.

This time was different from the previous Ninja World War, where each village fought independently, sometimes even clashing with one another. Now they were in an alliance, making their combined force far more formidable than before.

"Although they've formed an alliance, the four villages are still separated by vast distances," Mochizuki Hui began, stepping to the map of the ninja world and tracing his finger over it. 

"They can't possibly launch a unified attack from one direction, and we can assume their alliance is loose at best, with each village likely prioritizing its own interests. My guess is they'll attack from four directions, though it's unlikely that Kumogakure and Kirigakure will converge on a single front, and Iwagakure and Sunagakure will probably move along the same line."

He paused, his hand hovering over the Land of Rain. "In fact, I think it's very likely that Iwagakure and Sunagakure will establish their front here… in the Land of Rain."

The others glanced at the map and nodded. 

The Land of Rain was the only country bordering all three of the major nations. It had also been left untouched during the previous ANBU conflicts, saved as a future battleground for larger-scale war.

"This means that the Land of Rain will likely be the most grueling battlefield of the war," observed the Nara Clan head, as though he could already see the brutal clashes that would take place within its borders.

"I'll handle it," Mochizuki Hui volunteered, his gaze steady. "I'll take the Land of Rain front."

"No, let me handle it," Sarutobi Hiruzen countered, his voice calm but resolute. 

As the Jonin commander and one of Konoha's top fighters, he was well-suited to lead there.

"The Shimura Clan can contribute to that front as well," added Danzo, not wanting to be outdone. 

He had always seen Hiruzen as his greatest rival; it was a habit ingrained since childhood to challenge him at every turn.

"There's no need to argue—I'll take the Land of Rain," Tobirama declared firmly. 

It was clear to him that the Land of Rain would become a relentless meat grinder, a place where battles would be especially brutal. As Konoha's Hokage, it was his duty to face the most dangerous ground.

Besides, the constant rain and abundance of water in the Land of Rain made it an ideal environment for his skillset. 

Tobirama, in addition to being a master of the Flying Thunder God and Impure World Reincarnation techniques, was renowned as the "Water God" of the ninja world, a master of Water Release ninjutsu. 

Furthermore, he had experience dealing with the Tsuchikage Mu and the Kazekage Shamon, which gave him an edge.

Tobirama was confident he could swiftly neutralize the Land of Rain front and move to reinforce other battlefields.

"That leaves us with the Kumogakure and Kirigakure fronts. We can't underestimate these two villages, either," Tobirama continued. "The ninjas of Kumogakure are skilled in Lightning Release techniques, and rumor has it that their Jinchuriki are now combat-ready. 

"Alongside the Raikage, A, they'll have considerable high-level shinobi on the field. As for Kirigakure, they have many bloodline shinobi with a notoriously strange fighting style."

"The Hyuga Clan can take on Kirigakure. In that environment, the Byakugan will give us a distinct advantage," offered the Hyuga Clan head. 

Kirigakure ninjas relied heavily on their Hidden Mist Jutsu, a technique that gave most ninja considerable trouble. But against the Hyuga Clan and their Byakugan, it would pose little challenge.

"Then I'll handle the Kumogakure front. I'll make quick work of it and reinforce the Land of Rain afterward," Mochizuki Hui said. 

Since Tobirama had claimed the Land of Rain, he would take on Kumogakure's elite forces. He wasn't intimidated by their so-called high-level combatants.

"The Uchiha Clan can join you on the Kumogakure front. Our eyes will be of great use against them," added the Uchiha Clan head, volunteering without hesitation. 

While the Uchiha might have been better suited for the Sunagakure front—given their Fire Release techniques counteracted Sand's Wind Release—he was invested in supporting Mochizuki Hui's potential. And against Kumogakure, the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan and genjutsu would still be effective.

The other clan leaders began speaking up, each requesting assignments for their respective clans that would suit their skills.

After a lengthy discussion, the assignments and strategies for the war were mostly finalized.

Tobirama looked over the group and declared, "Everyone, prepare for war."

"Yes, sir!"

While Konoha was making preparations, across distant lands, the leaders of the four great ninja villages were also convening to discuss their strategies. 

They had received word about the failure of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

"Even Kinkaku and Ginkaku failed. It seems that in the past year and a half, Mochizuki Hui's growth has shown no signs of slowing down," said the Second Raikage A, his tone grave. 

For Mochizuki Hui to defeat Kinkaku and Ginkaku, even without knowing the full extent of the Six Paths tools, was proof enough of his power.

"So, it turns out he's become an indomitable threat," Mu sighed. With this plan a failure, organizing another similar attempt would be nearly impossible.

"We've reached a point where words are useless. Mochizuki Hui has grown to this level, and if we let him continue unchecked, he'll likely become the next God of Shinobi," Shamon declared, his gaze hard. "We proceed with the original plan. It's time to prepare for war."

"Yes. Only war can kill Mochizuki Hui now. This concludes our council," added the Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, rising to his feet and preparing to return to Kirigakure.

"Then, I'll see you all in Konoha," said the Second Raikage A, standing as well and signaling for the Third Raikage to leave.

"I'll be on my way too. Shamon, I'll see you in the Land of Rain," Mu said before departing.

As Konoha had predicted, Iwagakure and Sunagakure were indeed planning to merge their forces and launch their attack from the Land of Rain. 

After the Four Kage Conference ended, each Kage returned to their village to finalize preparations. War couldn't simply be launched at a moment's notice; they all needed to return to organize their forces.

Back in Konoha, Mochizuki Hui and the others were making their own preparations.

The first step was informing the villagers of the impending war. There was no point in keeping it secret; it was better to announce it sooner and deal with the unrest promptly. 

When the news spread, the entire village was thrown into an uproar.

Konoha had enjoyed nearly ten years of peace—a long time, long enough for many to forget the horrors of the last Great Ninja War.

"Four great villages attacking us? That's outrageous!"

"Damn it, war is coming again."

"We won last time, and we'll win again this time!"

"I wonder if the ninja world will ever see true peace…"

"The Great Ninja War is upon us again. I hope everyone comes back safe."

The villagers talked among themselves, some worried, some angry, but none fearful.

It was only the twenty-sixth year of Konoha, and the generation who had survived the Warring States period was still strong. To them, war was nothing new.

If the four great villages wanted a fight, then Konoha would give them one.

Konoha had never feared war.

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