Within a few days, Konoha's forces found themselves engaged in fierce battles across multiple fronts. The Land of Grass, the Land of Rivers, the Moon Country, and the coastline all became theaters of war, with the Konoha army clashing against the combined might of the Four-Nation Alliance: Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure.
This was not the first large-scale attack launched by the alliance since the Third Ninja World War erupted. However, this time was different. High-ranking officials and renowned ninja from each village had joined the battlefield, transforming the conflict into a showcase of power and strategy that drew the attention of the entire ninja world.
Konoha Camp, Land of Grass
Following Uchiha Yoruki's victory over the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki, Rōshi, the tide of battle in the Land of Grass shifted decisively in Konoha's favor. With Rōshi grievously injured and forced to retreat, Konoha had gained the upper hand on this front, allowing them to make significant advances.
In the main command tent, the Third Hokage stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding attention. Before him, the assembled Konoha leaders awaited his briefing, their expressions a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism.
The Hokage's gaze swept across the room before he spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with relief. "According to intelligence from the other fronts, while we have not achieved complete victory, we have successfully resisted the attacks of the Four-Nation Alliance."
A wave of muted joy rippled through the room. Many Konoha ninjas exchanged glances, their spirits lifting. While they had confidence in their comrades fighting on other fronts, the stakes of this war were undeniably high. With powerful leaders from each village joining the fray, even seasoned veterans had harbored doubts about their chances of success.
Turning to the large map of the ninja world displayed behind him, the Third Hokage traced the major battle zones with his finger as he continued.
"On Mount Kikyo," he began, "the troops led by Tsunade and Orochimaru engaged in a fierce battle against Chiyo and the Fourth Kazekage. The fighting lasted a full day and night. In the end, Chiyo and her forces were forced to retreat, driven back by Tsunade's unyielding strength."
A faint smile of pride crossed his weathered face as he spoke of his disciple's accomplishments.
Chiyo, a veteran ninja who had dominated battlefields for decades, was considered one of the most formidable kunoichi in the ninja world. For Tsunade to not only hold her ground but force Chiyo to retreat was a monumental achievement.
"Tsunade is amazing!" Jiraiya exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. His wide grin and exuberant tone momentarily drew the attention of the room, causing several ninjas to chuckle.
Realizing the attention he had drawn, Jiraiya quickly composed himself, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
The Hokage chuckled at his former student's antics before continuing.
"At the border of the Moon Country, Minato Namikaze and Hatake Sakumo encountered the Third Raikage and his forces. The battle was fierce, but in the end, the Third Raikage temporarily withdrew. However, their forces remain on high alert, and further clashes are likely."
The mention of Minato's name brought a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. Confidence radiated from the gathered shinobi, a testament to the immense faith they placed in the man known as the Yellow Flash of Konoha.
Minato's reputation on the battlefield was legendary. Time and again, he had turned the tide of battles through his unparalleled speed and strategic brilliance. For many, his presence alone was a guarantee of victory.
Even the Third Hokage, who had long been revered as one of the strongest ninjas in Konoha's history, found himself silently impressed by Minato's exploits.
Inside the tent, Uchiha Yoruki stood with his arms crossed, his usually indifferent face softening into a faint smile at the mention of Minato. Having fought alongside him in the past, Yoruki harbored a deep respect for the man's abilities.
The Hokage's gaze lingered on Yoruki momentarily, noting the subtle changes in the young Uchiha's demeanor. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the growth and maturity Yoruki had shown in recent days.
Shifting his attention back to the map, the Hokage's expression grew serious as his finger moved to the coastline of the Fire Nation.
"The situation on the coastline has been less volatile," he explained. "While Kirigakure launched an initial assault, their forces have since pulled back. Of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, only three remain active, and the threat they pose has diminished significantly."
His brow furrowed slightly as he added, "However, the Third Mizukage has yet to appear on the battlefield."
Jiraiya and Yoruki exchanged puzzled glances.
"It's unusual, isn't it?" Jiraiya remarked. "If the Four-Nation Alliance is going all out, you'd think the Third Mizukage would be leading the charge."
The Hokage nodded thoughtfully. While the absence of the Mizukage worked to Konoha's advantage, it raised questions about the internal state of Kirigakure.
Years earlier, Minato had infiltrated Kirigakure to gather intelligence. The information he brought back revealed a grim picture of the village's leadership. The Third Mizukage had ascended to power through ruthless and bloody measures, establishing an iron-fisted regime.
Under his rule, Kirigakure adopted a brutal system designed to cultivate elite ninja. This system, however, came at a steep cost. The village became known as the "Land of Blood Mist," a moniker that reflected the bloodshed and cruelty that had become commonplace.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen were products of this system—exceptional ninja forged through relentless training and survival of the fittest. But such methods bred instability, and the Mizukage's grip on power was tenuous at best.
The Hokage suspected that the Mizukage's absence stemmed from fears of internal dissent. Should he fall or the war drag on too long, Kirigakure's fragile balance of power could collapse entirely.
While these were only speculations, the Hokage couldn't shake the feeling that something unusual was unfolding within Kirigakure.
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