The Ninja World is Stirring
It started with the disappearance of a merchant caravan on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass. The border patrols sent to investigate were ambushed by rogue ninja.
Konoha responded by reinforcing its defenses along the border. Not long after the news spread, the daimyo of the Land of Grass announced a military pact with the Land of Earth. As part of the agreement, Iwagakure would station 1,000 ninja in the Land of Grass to maintain internal stability.
What began as a minor dispute escalated into a growing standoff, with troop numbers increasing from 1,000 to 2,000, then 3,000. Though no blows had yet been exchanged, the entire ninja world turned its eyes toward the simmering conflict.
Iwagakure, with its rocky, earthen tones, was stark and unadorned. The scenery of the village was plain but conveyed an air of ancient solidity. At the center of the village stood the Tsuchikage's towering office.
"Old man, are we really on the brink of another war already? The last one just ended," grumbled Akatsuchi. His blunt tone only added to the Tsuchikage Ōnoki's growing irritation.
"Hmph. Should've known better than to listen to the daimyo. That young Hokage and that old schemer Danzō—they're more stubborn than I am…"
The daimyo's letter had made it sound like they'd gain the upper hand, but now it seemed the move had backfired spectacularly. Not even Ōnoki had foreseen the current standoff.
"Konoha's recovered faster than we expected. If we fight them now, we won't gain any advantage," Akatsuchi added, his usually carefree expression unusually serious. Iwagakure still hadn't fully recovered from its losses in the Third Shinobi War.
"Enough. I don't need you to tell me that," Ōnoki snapped. "Tomorrow, take a squad to the Land of Grass and make sure things don't escalate into a full-blown war."
Despite his frustration, Ōnoki couldn't stomach the idea of retreating from the Land of Grass. Giving up the position now would be like surrendering a prime cut of meat right before taking a bite. And if he backed down, he'd have to explain it to the daimyo—who had already sunk a fortune into this deployment. They were too far in to turn back now.
...
Meanwhile, in Konoha's conference room at the Hokage Tower:
"We must send more reinforcements to the Grass border. Even if it leads to war, we can't back down," Minato Namikaze declared, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the room. His words left no room for negotiation—they were firm, resolute, and carried the weight of his position.
It was a mess left behind by the Third Hokage. If Iwagakure established a permanent base in the Land of Grass, the entire northwestern defense line of the Land of Fire would need to expand threefold.
"I want each clan to mobilize its best. We'll form a 4,000-strong force to join the 3,000 already stationed at the front and reclaim the Land of Grass once and for all."
Minato's gaze swept the room.
"The Uchiha clan will send 15 jōnin and 300 chūnin," said Uchiha Fugaku firmly.
"The Hyūga clan will send 15 jōnin and one elder," Hyūga Hiashi added.
"The Sarutobi clan will contribute five jōnin and 200 chūnin," another voice followed.
With the Uchiha and Hyūga clans leading the charge and the Sarutobi clan giving it their all, the rest of the clans began to pledge their support as well. Each wanted their family to secure a stronger position within Konoha's ranks.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Minato's eyes. As long as they maintained unity, Konoha would face any challenge head-on.
"I'm also looking for a commander for this campaign. I'd like anyone interested to step forward," Minato said, throwing another bombshell into the room.
The crowd's eyes lit up. Commanding a campaign like this was dangerous, but the potential rewards were huge. Victory would mean more influence at the top. And everyone had confidence in Konoha's strength. The village's rapid development over the past two years was no secret. Even with an additional 7,000 troops being deployed, Konoha had the capacity.
But despite the enthusiasm, everyone knew the true competition was between two clans and one elder seated near Minato with his eyes closed.
"The Hyūga clan is ready to serve the Hokage," declared Hiashi.
"I'll personally lead the campaign to reclaim the Land of Grass," Uchiha Fugaku said, his gaze burning with determination.
"I believe Clan Leader Hiashi is best suited for the role of commander…" one elder began.
"Clan Leader Fugaku has experience defending against the Land of Water," another argued.
In the end, Uchiha Fugaku emerged as the commander, though the Hyūga clan secured the role of deputy commander, with Hyūga Hizashi taking the post. Other prominent clans also received various roles.
News of Iwagakure's incursion spread quickly through Konoha.
In peacetime, strength, stability, and prosperity could be overlooked. But when the Hokage issued the call to arms, Konoha's great machine roared to life.
Within five days, waves of ninja and supplies were racing toward the northwestern border of the Land of Fire.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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