(Conversation between Ōnoki and Arano)
Arano:We've received a letter from the Hidden Mist Village. It states that all villages wishing to join the war against the Uzumaki must send their shinobi to the eastern side of the Hidden Hot Water Village. There, ninja from all the Hidden Villages will gather and begin preparations for the invasion of the Village of Whirlpools.
Ōnoki:If we want to gain any advantage from this war, we'll need to send a significant number of shinobi. We also can't afford to appear weak in front of the other villages.
Arano:How many shinobi do you think we'll need to send? Don't forget—we still need to guard our borders against potential threats.
Ōnoki:Right now, we have 1,500 shinobi assigned to border defense, 2,500 available for deployment, and another 750 genin who will soon graduate from the ninja academy.
Taking into account the need to protect Iwa and its territories, we can afford to send 50 jōnin, 200 tokubetsu jōnin, 500 chūnin, and 900 genin. That brings our total deployed force to 1,650, while 850 remain behind to defend Iwa.
Arano:That's an acceptable number. As for who will command this force—it will be you, Ōnoki.
Ōnoki:That would be an honor.
Arano:But wait, there's something else we need to discuss.
Our researcher—doctor—scientist, whatever title he prefers, has finally completed his project. I'll soon receive what he promised me.
Ōnoki:That's excellent news. You've waited a long time for this. It cost us a fortune, but now that it's done, we'll have more funds available for other needs. This is great for Iwa.
Arano:I haven't forgotten your support, Ōnoki. I also had our researcher create something for you. [Arano takes a syringe from a metallic case]. It's not as advanced as what I'm getting, but it should still benefit you. According to the researcher, it will extend your lifespan, slightly improve your body's regeneration, and may even enhance your reflexes.
Ōnoki:I wasn't expecting that, but I truly appreciate it. This will be very useful.
Arano:It's no problem—helping a friend is only natural.
Ōnoki:If you'll excuse me, I have a lot to prepare for the upcoming war against the Uzumaki. I'll remain in Iwa for a week before departing toward the Hot Water region.
Arano:One last thing, Ōnoki—the war against the Uzumaki is only the beginning. The destruction of their clan will severely weaken Konoha. Without their longtime allies, they'll only have Suna. And once that alliance is tested, whatever little peace remains will collapse.
(Arano's POV)
The situation is grim. War is on the horizon, and no Hidden Village is truly prepared for it. None of us have the strength to quickly overpower the others, which means this conflict will devolve into a war of attrition—and it will drag on.
That's exactly why I need this liquid. The so-called "Head Researcher" has promised me great things. Considering how much money he's received to develop it, I expect significant results.
He'll arrive soon, bringing his invention with him.
But for now, I must focus on more pressing matters. Iwa stands alone—without allies—which places us in a vulnerable position. Those Suna bastards will no doubt try to seize territory from us, and with their alliance with Konoha, we could be forced into a war against two Hidden Villages. Not to mention the smaller villages along our borders that might try something opportunistic.
And then there's the Raikage. That scum hates me and will surely look for a chance to weaken Iwa. Three Great Hidden Villages as potential enemies—and a handful of smaller ones as well. Just perfect.
If they strike first, we'll be in trouble—serious trouble. We need to seize the initiative with a preemptive attack. It's the only way to secure a stronger defensive position. I must drag the war out and make the decisive move only when our enemies are at their weakest.
Still, I'm not too worried. Iwa won't be alone in this war—every nation will end up fighting one another.
And this war, despite its risks, presents a great opportunity. Thanks to the ANBU, I've acquired valuable intel about a substance called Hero Water, located in Takigakure. Supposedly, it boosts the drinker's chakra tenfold—though at the cost of shortening their lifespan. Unfortunately, the chakra boost is only temporary, making it less than ideal… unless one already has a long lifespan. Even then, its usefulness is limited.
The ANBU did an excellent job gathering this information. The Head Researcher will be thrilled with my next request: to create a version of the Hero Water that provides a permanent tenfold increase in chakra. Combined with the liquid he's already preparing for me, I'm confident I'll become the strongest Kage in history.
There's still time. Takigakure only produces the Hero Water rarely, and they don't currently have any to spare. Not that they'd willingly hand it over anyway. I'll have to find a way to convince them.
Author note :
hello