Chapter 618: Thoughts of Each Village

Land of Earth, Iwagakure.

In the Tsuchikage Building, Tsuchikage’s Office, Ōnoki looked at the intelligence report in his hand, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

“Danzo Shimura is actually dead, and killed by Sōsuke at this time.”

This was somewhat beyond Ōnoki’s expectations.

Although his plan was to use the Shinobi Sect to deplete Konoha’s strength, the plan hadn’t even started yet, so how did Konoha and the Shinobi Sect clash, and even lose a Konoha high-ranking official?

Ōnoki at this moment felt a pleasant surprise, like waking up to find a fruit tree planted yesterday had rapidly matured and bore fruit.

“Then the next things will be easy to handle.”

Ōnoki’s face showed joy.

Originally, his plan had a major flaw: the Shinobi Sect must not discover Iwagakure’s plan. Once discovered, it would lead to a backlash.

Now, it wouldn’t be so troublesome. With the irreconcilable conflict between the Shinobi Sect and Konoha, Iwagakure’s involvement might even earn the Shinobi Sect’s gratitude.

If the Shinobi Sect could withstand Konoha’s pressure, they could completely support the Shinobi Sect long-term to annoy Konoha.

Ōnoki smiled and picked up the teacup on his desk, savoring the imported tea from the Land of Fire.

This was the only good news he had heard recently.

After setting down the teacup, Ōnoki felt his entire body relax considerably.

Because he couldn’t find Roshi, his pressure had been immense recently.

Roshi himself was dispensable to Iwagakure, but the Four-Tails within Roshi was extremely important.

A Tailed Beast represented a top-tier expert, and one who could be passed down continuously. This was something no genius could compare to.

Humans cannot live forever, but Tailed Beasts are truly immortal; not only do they not die of old age, but even if killed, they can revive.

The key was that it was still wartime, a time when people were needed, and Roshi’s departure truly added insult to injury for Iwagakure.

Now, Ōnoki was quite grateful to the Shinobi Sect and Konoha. Seeing his bad mood, they gave him such a big event to cheer him up.

Under normal circumstances, a Jinchuriki’s departure would have a greater negative impact on a Ninja Village than the death of a high-ranking official.

However, Roshi left quietly and acted discreetly after leaving the Village, not exposing himself. This greatly reduced the impact of Roshi’s departure.

But Danzo Shimura’s death was different; it spread rapidly throughout the Ninja World.

This led to the actual impact of Danzo Shimura’s death on Konoha being greater than Roshi’s departure.

“Is it Hidden Cloud Village or Hidden Sand Village?” Ōnoki wondered who was behind the scenes.

Such a rapid spread was clearly not natural; a major power was at work.

Although Hidden Sand Village hadn’t declared war on Konoha, the Land of Wind bordered the Land of Rain, so Sunagakure might have been one of the first Ninja Villages to receive the news. Ōnoki felt that Hidden Sand Village also had considerable suspicion.

Sunagakure was not far from Konoha. Even if Sunagakure had no intention of sending troops to attack, they would likely be happy to see their neighbor suffer losses.

Just like Ōnoki, even if he had no intention of waging war with Konoha recently, after receiving the news, he immediately ordered Iwagakure’s forces to help spread it.

He didn’t want to fight, but what if others were interested?

And indeed, just as Ōnoki thought, some Ninja Villages became interested because of this.

On the other side, after learning the news, the Third Mizukage immediately convened a high-level meeting.

Having suffered defeat, they had not conceded to Konoha and had always been waiting for an opportunity to redeem themselves and reclaim the Ninja Swords.

“Everyone, share your opinions.”

The Third Mizukage said with narrowed eyes and a smile.

Konoha was not the Hidden Mist Village’s only enemy, but it was their biggest enemy. Now that Konoha had experienced a change, it was beneficial to the Hidden Mist Village and posed no harm.

The high-ranking officials looked at each other, and finally, the Hidden Mist Anbu Leader spoke first.

“This is a good opportunity for the Village. Danzo Shimura’s death not only deprives Konoha of a strong individual but also has a certain impact on Konoha’s morale.

Moreover, Konoha now has a new opponent. Although the Shinobi Sect is a new organization, its leader and deputy are not weak. Konoha will have to expend some strength to retaliate.”

“This is too aggressive, something’s not right.”

The Mist Hidden Advisor, whose lower face was bandaged, subtly glanced at the Third Mizukage.

He was a hawk within the Hidden Mist high command, always supporting the Hidden Mist going to war with Konoha again.

The Jōnin Squad Leader was usually neutral, but today he suddenly seemed like an aggressive hawk. The Mist Hidden Advisor thought carefully and concluded that the Third Mizukage wanted to go to war with Konoha again.

Unfortunately, the Mist Hidden Advisor could not discern the Third Mizukage’s true intentions from his eternally smiling expression.

“I also think this is our Hidden Mist’s chance to redeem ourselves. A Village high-ranking official being killed by a small country’s Ninja force is proof of Konoha showing signs of weakness.”

The Mist Hidden Advisor thought for a moment and said.

Putting aside the influence of other factors, he felt that this was indeed a good opportunity, at least better than the last time.

“It’s an opportunity, but the risks are also considerable,” Genma said.

“Danzo Shimura’s death is a loss for Konoha, but not an excessively severe one.”

Genma did not quite agree with attacking Konoha now. Danzo Shimura’s death brought more of a loss of face to Konoha, rather than a loss of hard power.

Rushing in now could easily lead to being severely beaten by an enraged Konoha.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi had died, then Genma would have agreed.

The sudden death of the Hokage was not merely the loss of a top-tier combatant; it was highly likely to cause internal strife due to power struggles.

“Konoha has not yet experienced a major defeat and remains powerful. Any attack must be carefully considered for the long term.”

After Genma finished speaking, a high-ranking official immediately followed suit.

With two high-ranking officials offering dissenting opinions, the atmosphere in the conference room became somewhat subtle.

“Elder Genma makes a valid point, but there’s no such thing as a war without risk, and the other Four Great Shinobi Villages won’t willingly give us a share of the continent’s interests,” the Jōnin Squad Leader continued.

The Mist Hidden Advisor was slightly surprised and confirmed his suspicion.

Although everyone was a high-ranking official of the Hidden Mist Village, due to differences in strength, influence, seniority, and so on, the high-ranking officials’ positions were not entirely equal.

Genma was the highest-ranking and most powerful official in the Hidden Mist Village. Under normal circumstances, the Jōnin Squad Leader would never dare to directly confront Genma.

The direction of the wind in the conference room had subtly shifted. The high-ranking officials who had previously supported Genma fell silent, while the hawks continued to explain the necessity of war.

“There will definitely be a war between the Hidden Mist and Konoha, but there’s no need to be so hasty. We can first observe the Ninja World situation before making arrangements,” Genma said after thinking for a moment.

He was not opposed to war; he just felt the timing was not right.

“Indeed, we cannot act too hastily. Let’s first deploy a portion of our Ninja forces in the Land of Waves.”

The Third Mizukage spoke.

The Third Mizukage wanted to wage war with Konoha and defeat Konoha.

This would not only wash away the shame of their previous defeat but also allow him to gain honor that no other Mizukage in Hidden Mist Village had ever achieved.

If he could thoroughly defeat Konoha, perhaps in the Hidden Mist Village’s history books, he could become the strongest Mizukage.

The future of defeating Konoha was very bright, but the Third Mizukage’s mind was very clear. With the Hidden Mist’s strength, it would be difficult to defeat Konoha in a one-on-one fight; they would need to find a suitable opportunity.

Genma nodded, showing a look of approval.

The Land of Waves was the closest island nation to the Land of Fire. From the Land of Waves, one could quickly reach the Land of Fire by boat.

Moreover, the Land of Waves had no Ninja forces and was a weak country that the Hidden Mist Village could easily manipulate.

…

Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.

Sunagakure Building, Kazekage’s Office.

“This Shinobi Sect is indeed a hidden danger,” Rasa muttered to himself as he put down the intelligence report.

Previously, as the Shinobi Sect grew stronger and Sōsuke’s influence became increasingly exaggerated, he felt that the Shinobi Sect might become a threat.

However, he didn’t expect the Shinobi Sect to clash so quickly with a neighboring country, and one of the Five Great Ninja Villages at that: Konoha.

“But with Danzo Shimura killed at this time, the Ninja World is probably going to get lively again.”

Rasa’s face showed a smile of someone enjoying a spectacle.

There was no absolute hatred between Ninja Villages, only absolute interests.

Konoha had repeatedly won since the war began. If it continued until the end, Konoha’s prestige in the Ninja World would greatly increase, and a large number of clients and patrons would flock to Konoha.

Other Great Ninja Villages would certainly not stand by idly and watch this hypothesis become reality.

Under such circumstances, if Konoha encountered trouble, it would almost be an invitation for other Ninja Villages to act.

Rasa didn’t know if the Kage of other Great Ninja Villages were tempted, but he certainly was.

Since the war began, Sunagakure first experienced internal strife, then was taken advantage of by Kumogakure, constantly being attacked or on the verge of being attacked, with a worrying performance. The Land of Wind Daimyo’s dissatisfaction with Sunagakure was almost written on his face.

For the development of Hidden Sand Village, Rasa really wanted to bite off a piece of Konoha, which was overflowing with wealth.

Rasa thought for a moment, called the Sunagakure Anbu, and ordered, “Strengthen intelligence efforts in the Land of Fire, and dispatch more spies to the Land of Fire.”

The internal strife and the war with Kumogakure had caused Hidden Sand Village to lose many Ninja. Currently, Sunagakure did not have the ability to directly contend with Konoha.

Rasa’s idea was to pay more attention to Konoha, to see if they could pick up scraps and get some benefits.

…

Land of Lightning, Hidden Cloud Village.

Raikage Building, conference room.

Although it was a meeting, the content of Kumogakure’s meeting was somewhat different from Hidden Mist’s.

“Konoha has always been wary of us. Since the war began, they have often dispatched large numbers of Ninja to guard the borders between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Springs. This time, we can first reach the Land of Rice Fields by sea, and then enter the Land of Fire from the Land of Rice Fields.”

Dodai enthusiastically explained his surprise attack plan.

That’s right, Kumogakure had not only decided to act but was already discussing specific operational plans.

“Although this will take more time for the march, it will indeed be harder to detect.”

Dodai nodded, showing a look of approval.

The Land of Grass bordered the Land of Hot Springs. If they entered the Land of Grass from the Land of Hot Springs, they would likely be discovered by Konoha Ninja in the Land of Hot Springs.

“Before the troops in the Land of Rice Fields officially attack, we can send out some small teams to operate in the Land of Hot Springs, giving Konoha Ninja the false impression that we are still preparing to attack in the Land of Hot Springs,” Dodai continued.

The Kumogakure Ninja in the conference room eagerly shared their ideas, and the broad framework of the attack plan was quickly completed.

“This time, you will lead the team.”

The Third Raikage said, looking at Fourth Raikage Ay, who was seated to his left.

The battlefield was very dangerous, but it was also the best place to train people.

“Yes, Sandaime-sama,” Fourth Raikage Ay replied with a serious expression.

Although they were father and son, this was a meeting, so they had to address each other by their titles.

“As for Bee, should I let him continue training in the Village, or should he come with me on the mission?” Fourth Raikage Ay asked, thinking of something.

He himself didn’t have many feelings about going to the battlefield. Although he was the Third Raikage’s son, Fourth Raikage Ay had never known what it meant to be pampered since he was a child. Going to the battlefield for dangerous missions was a common occurrence for him.

However, Killer Bee’s situation was special now, and Fourth Raikage Ay didn’t know how to handle it.

“Go together. Remember to protect your brother.”

The Third Raikage said in a deep voice.

Killer Bee had not yet fully mastered the Eight-Tails’ power, so logically, it would be better for him to continue training in Hidden Cloud Village.

However, the Third Raikage felt that battlefield experience was more conducive to progress than solitary training.

Anyway, even if something went wrong, he could cover it. At worst, he would go personally.

“I will,” Fourth Raikage Ay nodded seriously.

Killer Bee was not his biological brother, but through their constant interaction, their relationship was even better than most blood-related siblings.

…

Land of Fire, Konoha Village.

“Teacher, Danzo…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly opened his eyes wide, looking at the familiar ceiling, and let out a sigh of relief.

“It was just a dream.”

Perhaps he had been too busy with Danzo Shimura yesterday, leading to his mind being full of Danzo Shimura. Hiruzen Sarutobi not only had a rare dream but it was also about Danzo Shimura.

In the dream, Danzo Shimura was the first to suggest being a decoy, and then Senju Tobirama immediately agreed.

How could Hiruzen Sarutobi watch his brother go to his death alone? He quickly offered to be a decoy too, but Senju Tobirama refused.

Finally, Senju Tobirama stated that Danzo Shimura was not strong enough, and then went with Danzo Shimura to be decoys together…

“Because both Teacher and Danzo sacrificed themselves?” Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, no longer thinking about this somewhat strange dream.

Hiruzen Sarutobi first completed his morning routine, then, as usual, ate breakfast and went to the Hokage Building to handle affairs.

He had already ordered Anbu to investigate Danzo Shimura’s matter, so there was no need for him to personally go to the Root office to investigate. That would be irresponsible to Konoha.

However, while Hiruzen Sarutobi was handling Konoha’s affairs, he occasionally couldn’t help but ponder Danzo Shimura’s death.

Danzo Shimura was, after all, his good friend of several decades.

“I hope Anbu finds clues soon,” Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed in his heart.

If “Uchiha Madara” hadn’t been involved, perhaps Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn’t have cared so much and would have directly dispatched Ninja to assassinate Sōsuke to avenge his old friend.

But now that even “Uchiha Madara” had appeared, Hiruzen Sarutobi always felt that if he didn’t investigate thoroughly, he might be used as a pawn.

The Village’s safety was above all else. In a situation where the circumstances were unclear, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not want to act rashly.

“Sandaime-sama, the intelligence has been compiled, and new discoveries have been made in several hidden secret rooms.”

In the afternoon, an Anbu entered the Hokage Office to report.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s spirits instantly lifted.