Chapter 410: War Restarts

Snow blanketed the Land of Iron, its tranquil beauty a stark contrast to the volatile tension brewing within the samurai fortress. Inside the summit chamber, five Kages sat at a round table, their eyes locked in a battle of wills.

The air was thick with unspoken hostilities as the Third Raikage spoke, his voice rough and commanding. "Hokage, what do you mean by that?"

He was responding to Hiruzen Sarutobi's refusal to entertain the Fourth Kazekage's audacious proposal. The Third Mizukage, calm but calculating, added, "It's not that we are unwilling to assist an ally in need, but geographical and national constraints make it impossible for us to provide material support."

Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, observed Hiruzen closely, his sharp eyes calculating. The Hokage's calm yet defiant demeanor was a stark reminder that this man, known as the Professor, was not to be underestimated.

Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, finally spoke, his tone measured but firm. "Hokage-sama, since the five great nations are interdependent and allies, I hope that Konoha and the Land of Fire will lend us a helping hand. On behalf of the Land of Wind and Sunagakure, I propose…"

Before he could finish, Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing him. "And how exactly do you want us to help you?"

Rasa exchanged glances with the other Kages, receiving their tacit approval. A Sunagakure ninja stepped forward, unfurling a large map onto the table.

The map depicted the Lands of Fire, Wind, and the River Country that lay between them. A bold red fan-shaped line carved into the Fire Country's territory immediately drew attention.

Rasa's voice was steady, though the audacity of his proposal was clear. "The Land of Wind has a large population but is plagued by an unforgiving desert. We propose that the Land of Fire cede this portion of fertile land to us. This would allow us to achieve self-sufficiency and alleviate our crisis without depending on material aid."

He gestured toward the map. "In exchange, we are willing to offer an equivalent area of land from our own borders near the River Country. The exact location can be decided by Konoha."

The room fell silent. The supposed "exchange" was laughable to anyone who understood the realities of the land. The territory Sunagakure offered was barren desert—useless to the Land of Fire.

Hiruzen remained silent as Rasa concluded, his gaze fixed on the map. After a long pause, he slowly stood, his eyes filled with cold resolve.

Without a word, he reached out and grabbed the edge of the map.

"Shhh!"

The map tore into fragments, the pieces fluttering down like snowflakes in front of the astonished Kages.

The Third Raikage slammed his fist on the table, his booming voice reverberating through the chamber. "Hokage, what is the meaning of this?!"

Ōnoki and the Third Mizukage didn't speak, but their expressions darkened considerably.

Hiruzen ignored their outrage, his voice calm but heavy with authority. "What do you think of me, Sarutobi Hiruzen?" He turned to the Fourth Kazekage, his gaze piercing. "You want to trade barren desert for the fertile lands of the Fire Country and expect me to agree? If I were to accept such a proposal, how could I face the people of the Land of Fire? How could I answer to the shinobi of Konoha?"

His words cut through the room, each one carrying the weight of his indignation. "Prosperity comes from strength and perseverance, not from taking advantage of others. If this is the kind of leadership your villages offer, then I suggest you reconsider your positions as Kages."

The Third Raikage's temper flared at the insult, his chakra rising as he glared at Hiruzen. "And you think your Land of Fire is so superior that you can look down on the rest of us? Have you grown so fat with power that you refuse to make even a small concession?"

Hiruzen's gaze was steady, unyielding. "The development of a nation is earned, not handed out. Only the weak whine about fairness when they fail. If you think Konoha's prosperity is undeserved, then perhaps you should look to your own leadership."

Ōnoki interjected, his tone icy. "Hokage, your refusal leaves no room for compromise. Is this how you intend to maintain peace in the ninja world?"

Hiruzen's response was immediate, his voice ringing with conviction. "You speak of peace, yet this so-called alliance has sought only to pressure and undermine Konoha. If peace means sacrificing our dignity, then I refuse to accept it."

Behind Hiruzen, Uchiha Fugaku's Sharingan glowed faintly, his anger barely contained. Minato Namikaze stood silently, his blue eyes sharp as he observed the exchange.

The Third Mizukage finally spoke, his calm tone undercut by the weight of his words. "Then you leave us no choice. If Konoha refuses to compromise, we will be forced to act."

The Third Raikage slammed his fist again. "The Cloud Village will see if your arrogance holds when faced with war!"

Ōnoki added, "The debts from the last war have yet to be settled. Perhaps it's time we collect."

The Fourth Kazekage narrowed his eyes. "Konoha has dismissed the bonds of this alliance. The Sunagakure has no choice but to seek justice for our fallen Kazekage."

The atmosphere turned deadly. Hiruzen took a step forward, his aura radiating with power as he declared, "If it is war you want, then know this—Konoha and the Land of Fire have never sought conflict, but we will never hesitate to destroy those who threaten our home."

The room trembled as the chakra of five Kages surged simultaneously, filling the space with suffocating pressure. Cracks spread across the round table, and the guards behind each Kage tensed, ready to strike.

Minato stood poised, his body taut like a drawn bowstring. Fugaku's Sharingan spun ominously, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his blade.

But the tension broke as the Kages reined in their chakra, each one silently acknowledging that this was neither the time nor the place for battle.

The Third Mizukage was the first to speak, his tone cold. "Very well, Hokage. If this is your decision, we will see your resolve on the battlefield."

The Third Raikage growled, "Cloud Village stands ready to crush Konoha."

Ōnoki smirked grimly. "Perhaps this time, we'll finish what we started in the last war."

The Fourth Kazekage added, "Sunagakure will repay its debts in full."

Hiruzen stood tall, meeting each declaration with unflinching resolve. "No matter who stands against us, Konoha will prevail. We will not falter."

As the meeting ended, Minato's eyes narrowed, a cold determination settling over him. The flames of war had been reignited, and there was no turning back.

The Third Ninja World War had begun.

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