Chapitre 213: CH - 208 Nara Shikaku, Are you here to join us?

Today, the weather remained clear and sunny, yet the unmistakable chill of deep autumn permeated the air, a reminder of the changing season. The ongoing war, though, seemed to defy the natural progression of time, trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and unpredictability.

Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, sighed with a mixture of frustration and resignation as he reviewed the latest intelligence report. This war, from its onset, had been marked by peculiarities and unexpected turns. The sudden shift in allegiance from the Sand Village towards Konoha had caught many off guard, revealing the underestimated strength and cunning of the Grass Village and its leader.

The Stone Village, Onoki's home, was no stranger to turmoil. In the aftermath of the Third Great Ninja War, internal strife had plagued the village, exacerbated by the relentless string of subsequent conflicts. With the current war escalating, the Stone Village yearned for a period of stability and reconstruction.

Initially, hopes were pinned on the collective might of the Four Great Ninja Villages to quell the Grass Village's defiance. However, the swift and calculated maneuvers of the Grass Village shattered these expectations. By launching a surprise assault on the Sand Village with the Rain Village, they not only forced them to ceasefire but even somehow also managed to redirect the attention of Sand Village towards Konoha.

Now, amidst the chaos of battle, concerns loomed within the Stone Village's elder council. The fear of becoming the next target weighed heavily on their minds. While attention was fixated on the clash between Konoha and the Grass Village, the looming threat of a coordinated attack from the Grass and Rain Villages posed a grave risk to them as such an onslaught would undoubtedly inflict severe casualties upon the Stone Village.

However, the dilemma persists for Onoki and the elders of the Stone Village. If they opt to abstain from the conflict, they risk missing out on potential gains. What if the Grass Village emerges victorious in the end? Halting their involvement now could mean forfeiting any chance of compensation and further straining the village's already dwindling military resources.

The prospect of reducing expenditures is hardly feasible for any of the major ninja villages aiming for a swift recovery. Thus, Onoki finds himself caught between the uncertainty of continuing the war and the apprehension of the potential fallout if they withdraw and the Grass Village suffers defeat.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the Grass Village's recent efforts to court the Kamizuru Clan. Iwa-nin reported, "Furthermore, during this period, the Grass Village has been consistently procuring honey from the Kamizuru Clan. Their interactions are marked by intimacy, generosity, and warmth. The Grass Village has publicly declared its appreciation for the Kamizuru Clan, suggesting a close bond. Also Stating, Should the Kamizuru Clan align with the Grass Village, they would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms"

The audacity of the Grass Village to poach talent from the Stone Village right under their nose irked Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage. The recruitment efforts and the apparent warmth extended to the Kamizuru Clan fueled his frustration. Knowledge of Konoha facing similar troubles with the Grass Village in the past had reached his ears, but the current situation was unexpected and unsettling.

As the leader of the Stone Village, Onoki felt a sense of duty to safeguard the integrity and loyalty of his ninjas. The Grass Village's attempt to entice the Kamizuru Clan, a prominent clan in the Stone Village, was not only a breach of trust but also a direct challenge to the standing of one of the Five Great Ninja Villages.

Fueled by a determination to assert the Stone Village's strength and principles, Onoki contemplated severe consequences for the Grass Village. He believed that a resolute response was necessary to make it clear that the Stone Village would not tolerate such actions.

Therefore, Despite the Kamizuru Clan reaffirming their allegiance to the Stone Village, Onoki remained vigilant, dispatching ninjas to keep a close watch on their loyalty. The potential embarrassment of losing a clan to the Grass Village was a scenario Onoki was determined to avoid.

Setting aside the intelligence report, Onoki let out a sigh, reflecting on the ongoing war. Turning his attention to the Rock Ninja standing before him, he inquired, "What's the current status on the front lines? How is the conflict between Konoha and the Grass Village unfolding?"

The Rock Ninja appeared somewhat conflicted upon hearing the Third Tsuchikage's question, exhibiting a hesitant demeanor. After a moment of scratching the back of his head as if grappling with the words, he finally spoke, "We received a report this morning indicating that Konoha and the Grass Village have already put a halt to their hostilities."

Ceased fighting? Has the war stopped? So quickly? Doesn't Konoha want its Jinchuriki back anymore? Onoki's surprise was evident as he furrowed his brow. "Why did they cease fire? Could it be that Konoha found themselves unable to handle the situation?"

"Um..." The Rock Ninja hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to articulate the situation.

"Speak up!" The Third Tsuchikage's impatience was evident as he frowned and fixed a stern gaze on the hesitant Rock Ninja. "Why are you behaving so nervously? Speak plainly, you're a Rock Ninja!"

"Lord Tsuchikage, this..." The Rock Ninja quickly regained composure, offering the intelligence report with a serious expression. "Lord Tsuchikage, please examine it for yourself!"

Onoki sensed that something was amiss, and his frown deepened. He refrained from pressing further, accepting the intelligence report. As he perused its contents, his expression transformed from confusion to disbelief. He carefully examined the report, flipping through its pages, and fell into complete silence.

Eventually, he raised his head, locking eyes with the Rock Ninja. In a composed manner, Onoki took a deep breath and issued a surprising order, "Command all frontline ninjas to withdraw. Cease the fighting!"

He couldn't understand what's happening anymore. The First Ninja World Tournament? What in the world even is this?

…

In the current moment, Nara Shikaku gazed at the Grass Country border directly before him, his countenance marked by a mix of emotions. It seemed as though a myriad of thoughts were swirling within him, yet finding the right words proved challenging.

Ultimately, after a resigned sigh, he muttered to himself, "What in the world is all this?"

Having experienced decades of life, Shikaku found himself utterly bewildered by the unfolding events. The war, which had been peculiar from its inception, had surpassed all expectations in its absurdity.

On this particular morning, he had received a clandestine message from the Third Hokage, announcing a temporary ceasefire and instructing him to proceed to the border of the Land of Grass to inquire about the enigmatic 'First Ninja World Tournament.'

Upon perusing the letter, a hush descended upon Shikaku. He comprehended the necessity for Konoha to take a pause from the incessant warfare, understanding that a prolonged conflict would inevitably sow discontent among the populace. The recent turn of events, with the Sand Village abruptly shifting its focus to attack Konoha, had left the village in a precarious situation.

The news of the Sand Village's sudden aggression had only heightened the tension within Konoha. If this trend persisted, would the Stone Village and the Cloud Village also alter their stance and turn against Konoha? The prospect of another major ninja war loomed large.

Consequently, the decision to swiftly conclude the war became imperative to preempt any unforeseen calamities. Yet, Shikaku couldn't help but be taken aback by the unexpected turn of events that brought this perplexing war to an end.

However, it also aligns with Konoha's aspirations as well. Konoha is eager to halt the hostilities, considering the uncertainty surrounding the Grass Village's tactics if the conflict were to persist.

In the past, before the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha might have been more patient. However, in the wake of subsequent conflicts, including the Nine-Tails Incident and the skirmishes among the major ninja villages, followed by this enigmatic war, there's a palpable sense of urgency.

Continuing along this path could lead to an endless cycle of violence. Hence, the Grass Village's sudden proposition presents the most viable solution, providing a framework to contain the war within manageable bounds.

Honestly, as the interim frontline Jonin commander, Shikaku Nara harbors a fervent desire to swiftly conclude this rather perplexing war. Beyond the challenge of achieving victory, the mere thought of consuming the military biscuits provided by the Grass Village gives him pause.

He can't help but recall the absurd advertisement for the 'Grass Village Military Biscuits.' {These rations, purportedly crafted using cutting-edge Grass Village technology, boast of being refined for forty-nine days. They tout a tantalizing blend of premium Grass Village milk and meticulously cultivated grains, promising ninjas the sustenance needed for both travel and combat.}

Despite the seemingly exaggerated marketing spiel, Shikaku begrudgingly admits that the taste of these military biscuits surpasses the unpalatable military pills. Nonetheless, amidst the distractions, he remains focused on his paramount duties at hand.

At this moment, Shikaku Nara found himself treading on the Land of Grass's territory. The sudden call for a tournament had left the village somewhat apprehensive, prompting them to dispatch him to the designated consultation office for clarification.

Given that the event was organized by the Grass Village, known for their cunning ways, the village deemed it necessary to seek reassurance through direct inquiry.

Reflecting on the inexplicable turn of events leading to this war, Shikaku couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. If given a choice in the future, he resolved never to assume a leadership role under such circumstances again.

Word had it that earlier in the day, Rock and Cloud ninjas, while withdrawing, voiced their discontent loudly, even resorting to spitting on the ground in frustration. Their curses echoed in protest: "What in the world is going on?!"

However, as Shikaku Nara stood there, contemplating the distance between the two consultation booths, a sense of unease crept over him. Were they deliberately set apart by the Grass Village, perhaps as part of some covert scheme?

Despite his uncertainties, Shikaku decided to proceed, opting for the booth on the right: Grass Village Consultant - Mubuki. This choice was driven partly by familiarity, as many harbored a history of discontent with this individual back in Konoha.

Approaching the booth with determination, Shikaku wasted no time in initiating the conversation. "Hello, I'm Shikaku Nara, representing Konoha. I'm here to..." His sentence trailed off abruptly as he was interrupted.

"Ah, Shikaku Nara, Head of the Nara clan, Right?!" The Grass Village consultant leaped to his feet, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Are you here to join us at last? Welcome to the Grass Village! It's the wisest decision you'll ever make."

"...Who said anything about joining?" Shikaku retorted, his irritation evident as frustration marred his expression with twitching ticks.