章 163: Chapter 164 : Kumogakure
After consuming the poison, Homura, a member of the Mitokado Clan, wiped his mouth and heaved a sigh of relief. He then retrieved an envelope and opened it while the other ordinary ninjas exited the room on their own accord.
Remaining behind was Anbu operative, Takeshi, who served directly under the Hokage, as well as Tsunade who stood there, her curiosity piqued, wondering about the significant orders Tobirama had issued.
"Oh?!"
Homura's gaze was locked on the contents of the letter, his expression evolving from surprise to shock, and then disbelief as he glanced at Takeshi multiple times.
"It appears that true changes have transpired." Takeshi silently mused.
"Phew—very well, everyone, I have an announcement to make, one that happens to concern all of you."
Homura's demeanor was grave. He took his seat at the head and directed his attention toward Takeshi.
"Firstly, owing to the exemplary performance of Anbu member Black Snake and his team, they have been honoured by Hokage-sama. Your achievements have earned recognition."
A kindly smile surfaced on Homura's face as he focused his gaze on Takeshi. "Particularly you, Black Snake. Tobirama-sama has promoted you to the rank of special jonin, convinced that this distinguished title aligns with your capabilities."
"An unexpectedly high regard!" The likes of Senju Fumio and other ninjas exchanged surprised glances. After all, Takeshi's youthful appearance did not align with any precedent.
Hmm, a special jonin, perhaps with a special talent for medical ninjutsu?
Tsushima and the other Anbu operatives remained unfazed. They were well-acquainted with Takeshi's skills, finding it a rather fitting advancement.
"Thank you for your appreciation, Tobirama-sama."
Takeshi inclined his head slightly, appreciating the acknowledgment. It wasn't too shabby, considering his physical age was merely ten years old.
Homura's expression grew somber as he continued, "According to the latest reports, the First Raikage, Ai, has passed away."
"What?! Such sudden news, could it be..."
An atmosphere of astonishment engulfed the room. A brawny ninja like Senju Fumio might have been startled solely by the untimely death of a powerful figure, yet a disciple of Tobirama like Koharu would have grasped the gravity of the situation.
"Indeed, Ai has perished. The cause of death remains unknown. His disciple has taken up his mantle."
Though Homura appeared somewhat embarrassed by his next revelation, what followed left everyone in the room astounded.
"The Land of Thunder has declared war on Konoha!"
"Hush-!!"
For a brief moment, disbelief rendered everyone speechless. While some more militant ninjas scoffed at the seemingly unprovoked aggression from the Land of Thunder, others exhibited a more apprehensive demeanor.
The Land of Thunder was formidable, and now, with the First Generation gone, Konoha found itself confronted by adversaries on two fronts, testing its military prowess to the utmost.
In truth, both Koharu and Homura had anticipated the possibility when the Land of Wind had initiated its war effort. They had already been contemplating the connections underlying these unfolding events.
The timing of Ai's death struck as peculiar, implying external instigation.
Takeshi frowned. It was within reason for the Land of Thunder to instigate war, perhaps even historically inevitable.
The Second Raikage, Ai's strength was not to be underestimated. However, the most powerful force within Kumogakure was its elite army, the Golden and Silver Horn Brothers.
Ginkaku and Kinkaku, the two siblings who hailed from the lineage of the Sage of Six Paths, boasted formidable physiques. In a desperate bid for survival, they had even consumed the flesh of the Nine-Tails, leading to an unexpected acquisition of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Additionally, their arsenal contained several treasured tools of the Sage of Six Paths, rendering their abilities truly extraordinary.
The First Raikage had reigned magnificently over the Land of Thunder in his prime, deterring the ambitions of the Ginkaku and Kinkaku siblings. However, the present circumstances witnessed these siblings poised for action.
Two plausible explanations for this war emerged:
Firstly, Second Raikage Ai might have discerned the intentions of the Ginkaku and Kinkaku siblings, but lacked the means to address the matter directly. Hence, he resorted to war as a means to resolve internal conflicts externally, weakening the duo's influence through the ensuing conflict.
And what better target than the Fire Country, the mightiest among the Five Great Nations? With Hashirama and Madara Uchiha deceased, the Fire Country's strength was arguably diminished. Thus, a confrontation with the Fire Country, regardless of victory or defeat, would fulfill Ai's objectives.
Secondly, Ginkaku and Kinkaku might have harboured rebellious intentions, yet the overbearing presence of the First Raikage impeded their ambitions. With Ai's demise, they seized the opportunity to solidify their authority and garner support through warfare. Simultaneously, they gauged the strength of the new Raikage in a decisive manner.
In either scenario, targeting the ostensibly strongest village—Konoha—was a strategic imperative.
This dynamic mirrored the power plays between the Hokage, Konoha's elders, and the influential clans within the village.
War between Konoha and the Land of Thunder was inevitable, with the outcome of the last meeting between the Second Raikage and Tobirama subtly indicating the weaker position of the Land of Thunder's leadership.
As for the circumstances surrounding the First Raikage's demise, Takeshi harboured serious suspicions regarding the involvement of the enigmatic figure, Black Zetsu.
Otherwise, how could the Land of Wind, usually prone to inaction, initiate hostilities at this juncture? It was plausible that some external party had guaranteed their involvement.
This deviation from historical events likely stemmed from Takeshi's prior interventions—a mere flutter of a butterfly's wings in the grand tapestry of time.
As for Black Zetsu's motives, they were straightforward. The overwhelming power of Hashirama, the reincarnation of Ashura, had ushered an era of peace in the ninja world.
Consequently, Black Zetsu lacked the means to challenge him directly and dared not collaborate with forces as formidable as Madara Uchiha.
Hashirama's passing had emboldened Black Zetsu, spurring him to sow chaos across the ninja world. This turbulence would incite hostility among the ninja and allow him to manipulate circumstances, positioning his pawns to further his "Eye of the Moon" plan.
In truth, even in the absence of Black Zetsu's intervention, conflict would eventually erupt across the ninja world. Black Zetsu merely hastened the inevitable.
"Tsushima and fellow Anbu operatives, rest assured, Tobirama-sama is already informed of the situation unfolding here."
Homura sighed. "The Land of Wind is exploiting an opportunity, recognizing our predicament with the Land of Thunder. Our true adversary is, in fact, the Land of Thunder."
Tsushima's brow furrowed slightly. Takeshi's participation in the Anbu operations had successfully fanned chaos within the Land of Thunder, the Land of Water, and the Land of Earth. However, these efforts had yet to yield the desired outcomes.
Homura's sigh reflected a sense of resignation. He glanced at Tsushima and said, "The dispatch letter states that Sarutobi and Danzo will handle the situation with the Land of Thunder. This implies that they are the disciples whom Tobirama genuinely trusts and values, the ones destined for the role of future Hokage."
Initially buoyed by a sense of favour from Tobirama, Homura's spirits dampened. It seemed that, in Tobirama's eyes, he and Koharu were only marginally superior to Uchiha Kagami.
Yet this setback also presented Homura an opportunity. He might not be the Hokage, but influencing the Hokage's opinions was equally significant.
"Tsushima, you and all Anbu operatives are to depart today, awaiting Hokage's instructions. Hokage-sama has dispatched an additional thousand ninjas to counter the Sand Shinobi threat, a force that should prove sufficient."
"Anbu Black Snake and Tsunade, you will temporarily suspend your current duties. Follow Sarutobi's directives and join him in defending against the Land of Thunder's forces!"
"What? Well... seems like I'm about to encounter Sarutobi-sensei again!"
Tsunade's surprise was followed by contemplation, the prospect of reuniting and fighting alongside the eccentric Takeshi and the perpetually exuberant Jiraiya exciting her.
Homura and Koharu exchanged a knowing glance, a hint of melancholy in their eyes.
Though they now stood as Konoha's guardians at its borders, the grand stage had been reserved for Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo—the battlefield where Konoha's fate would be decided.
"Is it Kumogakure in the Land of Thunder?"
Takeshi's chuckle exuded anticipation. "Hehe, I wonder what opportunities lie in wait for me?"
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