Changes in the Battle Situation
At the same time.
In the Hokage's Office
"Third Hokage-sama, Elder Mitokado Homura has sent an urgent report from Amegakure. It appears that Hanzo of the Salamander is showing signs of allying with Iwagakure. The situation is critical. He requests immediate reinforcements."
An Anbu knelt on one knee, delivering the report to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Understood. You may leave. Summon Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade at once."
The Anbu nodded and disappeared in a blur of movement. Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath, picking up his pipe as he fell into deep thought.
Recently, Konoha had faced two significant events, one known to the entire village and the other confined to a select few.
The first was that Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, led an elite unit behind enemy lines and successfully assassinated two high-ranking officials of Sunagakure. His actions shifted the tide of the western front, earning him immense fame and striking fear into the shinobi world.
The second event was more complex.
Kumogakure had attempted an incursion into the Land of Fire from the northeast. The Third Raikage, A, a man of unmatched physical prowess, led the assault. To counter this, Sarutobi Hiruzen personally took to the battlefield. After an intense standoff, Kumogakure proposed peace talks, which Hiruzen accepted. However, the negotiations turned out to be a trap—their real goal was the abduction of Konoha's Jinchūriki, Kushina Uzumaki. Fortunately, Minato Namikaze intercepted and thwarted their plan.
Though the crisis seemed averted, Kumogakure used the supposed 'assassination' of their envoy as a pretext for war. With conflicts in Amegakure and on multiple fronts, Konoha found itself stretched thin.
Hiruzen exhaled a plume of smoke and signed an order for the Ninja Academy to conduct early graduation exams for fourth- and fifth-year students. As for sixth-year students—there were none. They had already been fast-tracked into active duty.
Suddenly, the door to his office burst open with a loud bang!
"Old man, we're here!"
Tsunade strode in boldly, followed closely by Orochimaru and Jiraiya. She plopped into the chair opposite Hiruzen, exuding confidence and familiarity. Having grown up in the village as the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, Tsunade had always considered the Hokage's office a second home.
Hiruzen, unshaken, removed his pipe and met the gaze of his three most promising students.
"I have an important mission for you," he said gravely.
"In the Land of Rain, Hanzo is showing signs of siding with Iwagakure, with Sunagakure also involved. Elder Mitokado Homura cannot handle this situation alone. I am assigning you three to lead a reinforcement unit of 2,000 shinobi."
Tsunade's expression darkened as she exchanged a look with Orochimaru. The memories of her younger brother, Nawaki, flashed in her mind—he had fallen in the Land of Rain, ambushed by Iwagakure and killed by explosive tags. Orochimaru, who had once trained Nawaki, remained silent, his golden eyes betraying no emotion.
"Sensei," Orochimaru finally spoke. "What is the objective?"
"The Land of Rain is a chaotic battlefield. Three of the Five Great Nations have stationed their forces there, and Hanzo's Amegakure remains an unpredictable factor. Our priority is stabilizing the situation and ensuring Konoha's main forces remain intact. I will be leading another contingent northward to counter Kumogakure. On the western front, Hatake Sakumo has secured an advantage, but maintaining it will be difficult. If these two fronts are stabilized, Konoha will regain its footing."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Then why not focus on shifting the situation directly in Amegakure?"
Hiruzen frowned. "It is too unpredictable."
"Precisely why it's the best opportunity for a breakthrough," Orochimaru countered, his voice eerily calm. His sharp mind had already dissected the situation.
Hiruzen studied his student. There was an eerie resemblance to the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, in Orochimaru's calculating demeanor—an analytical mind always seeking the most efficient solution.
"Four factions are vying for control," Orochimaru continued. "If we can influence even one, the balance of power will shift."
"And what is your plan?" Hiruzen asked, intrigued.
"We negotiate with Hanzo."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly, while Jiraiya let out a low whistle.
"Hanzo is looking for a strategic ally," Orochimaru explained. "Konoha, at full strength, is too threatening. Sunagakure, desperate due to their lack of resources, is too aggressive. Iwagakure, currently engaged with Kirigakure after the mutual deaths of the Second Mizukage and Second Tsuchikage, has divided its forces. The remnants in Amegakure are not as strong. Hanzo knows this."
"But he's leaning towards Iwagakure," Hiruzen reminded him.
"Because he thinks they are the lesser threat. If we make him believe Konoha will inevitably emerge victorious, he will ally with us instead."
Hiruzen exhaled deeply. "Hanzo is as strong as I am. Even if the three of you work together, you may not be able to defeat him. But if negotiation fails, combat should be your last resort. Understood?"
A wicked smile played on Orochimaru's lips as he licked them slightly. "Of course, Sensei. We will make sure Hanzo sees the inevitable outcome."
Jiraiya leaned back, rubbing the back of his head. "Man, this sounds like a pain… but I guess we have no choice."
Tsunade clenched her fists. "If we're going to Amegakure, we do it our way. Nawaki's death will not be in vain."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Then prepare at once. The fate of Konoha rests in your hands."
As the three departed, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, gazing at the Hokage portraits on the wall.
"Tobirama-sensei… I wonder, would you have made the same decision?"