Chapter 411: Jiraiya Returns!

Not long after the Five Kage Summit concluded, a shocking revelation reverberated across the ninja world, like a thunderclap heralding a storm. The news spread like wildfire: war had erupted once more, shattering the fragile peace treaty among the five great nations.

If it were merely the resumption of hostilities, it might not have come as a surprise. The scars of the previous Ninja World Wars still festered, and the animosity between nations ran deep. Beneath the surface of an ostensibly tranquil world, tensions had simmered for years, a pot long overdue to boil over. However, no one foresaw the unprecedented development that followed.

The war had unified the great nations—but not in peace. Instead, they divided into two formidable camps: Konoha stood alone, pitted against a coalition of the other four great ninja villages—Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure.

The implications were staggering. Konoha, long regarded as the strongest of the five, faced an existential threat. Names like the Three Legendary Sannin, the revered Konoha White Fang, and the rising prodigy Namikaze Minato had cemented the village's reputation as a powerhouse. Yet, even Konoha's formidable strength paled against the combined might of four nations.

The scale of this conflict would dwarf anything seen before, destined to be the largest and most devastating war in history. The stakes were monumental, and its outcome would resonate across generations.

Konoha had become a hive of activity, buzzing with urgency. The village operated at maximum alert, its streets a flurry of movement as preparations for war surged forward. The tension was palpable, thicker even than during the Second Ninja World War.

Despite the overwhelming odds, the resolve of Konoha's citizens and shinobi remained unbroken. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had made his stance clear at the Five Kage Summit: Konoha would not yield to intimidation or coercion. This decision, though perilous, preserved the pride and dignity of both the village and the Land of Fire. To capitulate would have been unthinkable.

In the Hokage Building's war room, Hiruzen convened with Konoha's elite. The atmosphere was grim but resolute. The room was filled with jonin commanders, key advisors, and the village elders. A detailed map of the known world dominated the wall behind the Hokage, marking the positions of Konoha's allies and enemies alike.

Hiruzen stood, exuding calm authority. An Anbu operative handed him a scroll containing the latest intelligence reports. Scanning the contents briefly, the Hokage addressed the gathered leaders.

"According to the latest intelligence," he began, "Sunagakure's vanguard has reached the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers. Their force numbers around 1,500, led by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa."

Whispers rippled through the room.

Hiruzen continued, his tone steady but grave. "Although Rasa leads the troops, it's clear Sunagakure is struggling. After the defection of Sasori, their losses have been severe. Over half their forces consist of hastily assembled recruits—little more than cannon fodder. However, we cannot underestimate the Kazekage himself."

He paused, shifting his gaze to the section of the map marked Iwagakure.

"Iwagakure's forces have advanced to the borders of the Land of Grass," Hiruzen said. "Unlike Sunagakure, they appear to be digging in, constructing a long-term supply line. Their force, numbering in the thousands, consists of elite combat units. They are led by Kurotsuchi, the son of the Third Tsuchikage Onoki. His skill in Earth Style ninjutsu is unparalleled, and his combat prowess rivals that of any of the Sannin."

The weight of his words was not lost on the room. Iwagakure's forces posed a significant threat, and their strategy suggested a protracted campaign.

"And then there's Kumogakure," Hiruzen said, his tone growing heavier. "The Cloud Village has gathered more than 2,000 ninja, led by the Third Raikage's brother. They also bring with them the Raikage's son and the Jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails. Unlike most Jinchūriki, he has mastered control over his tailed beast. His strength is terrifying."

A heavy silence fell over the room. The prospect of facing a fully realized Jinchūriki on the battlefield sent chills down their spines.

Hiruzen took a moment to steady himself before continuing. "To counter these threats, we must deploy our forces strategically. The Uchiha clan will guard the borders against Kirigakure. Their Sharingan, though not as precise as the Byakugan, can counter Kirigakure's Hidden Mist Jutsu effectively. Fugaku," he said, turning to the Uchiha leader, "this task falls to your clan."

Fugaku Uchiha rose to his feet, his Sharingan glinting with determination. "Rest assured, Hokage. The Uchiha clan will not allow a single Kirigakure ninja to breach the Land of Fire."

Hiruzen nodded in approval and continued assigning roles. "The Hyuga clan will be dispatched across various battlefields. Their Byakugan will provide critical reconnaissance and support."

For the Kumogakure front, Hiruzen turned to Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Hatake Sakumo. "Your team will handle the Cloud Ninja. Exercise extreme caution. Their strength, especially with a Jinchūriki in play, cannot be underestimated."

Sakumo smiled faintly, his hand brushing the hilt of his blade. "I've been waiting for a chance to face the Cloud Ninja," he said, his voice carrying a sharp edge.

Tsunade smirked. "I'll admit, I'm curious to see how tough the Eight-Tails really is."

Finally, Hiruzen turned to Minato. "Have you made contact with Jiraiya?"

Minato shook his head. "No, Hokage-sama. Even the toads of Mount Myoboku seem to have lost track of him."

Hiruzen sighed, his disappointment clear. Jiraiya's skills would have been invaluable, particularly against the Iwagakure forces.

But before the Hokage could continue, Minato's expression changed. In the blink of an eye, he vanished.

The jonin exchanged startled glances, unsure of what had just happened. A moment later, Minato reappeared, standing beside a tall figure burdened by a massive scroll.

"Your speed is as ridiculous as ever," the man said, shaking his head with a laugh. "I barely had time to realize I was in the village before you dragged me here."

The room erupted in recognition.

"Jiraiya-sama!"

Jiraiya's presence seemed to fill the room, his larger-than-life personality undeniable. He looked to Hiruzen, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

"Hokage-sama," he said, bowing slightly. "Konoha Jonin Jiraiya reporting for duty."

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