Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou [174]

Seven Days Later.

At the border of the Land of Fire, a vast area filled with rocks stretches out, providing an open view.

At midday on this particular day, ninjas from both the Kumogakure and the Konohagakure emerged from the forests on either side.

The Konoha ninjas halted as they stepped out of the forest, leaving only one person to advance: Koharu Utatane, an advisor to the Hokage, who walked forward with calm confidence under the protection of her guards.

On the Kumo side, seeing this scene, many of their ninjas wore grim expressions.

"Third Raikage-sama, be cautious of a trap!"

One Kumo ninja stared intently at the figure approaching them and issued a warning. The strong and imposing Third Raikage stood with a serious expression, as several sensory-type ninjas began scanning the area with utmost focus.

"The forest in the distance contains only a hundred Konoha ninjas who have stopped and are awaiting orders."

"The surrounding area is open and clear; no traps detected."

"It's safe!"

After receiving reports from the sensory ninjas, the Third Raikage snorted coldly with arrogant disdain.

"It's just an old woman. We, the Kumogakure, cannot afford to lose face."

Despite his seemingly brash words, the Third Raikage was meticulous and leaned in to quietly instruct his son:

"A, since you've inherited this title, you must take responsibility for the future of the Kumogakure. If the Konohagakure has sent an envoy to negotiate, we can use this opportunity to stall them while letting the Sunagakure wear them down."

"Father, please be careful!"

A, the young candidate for the Fourth Raikage, was even burlier than his father. However, his expression was filled with gravity this time.

Seeing his son's concern, the Third Raikage laughed heartily. "A, don't forget. Our Kumogakure army is stationed nearby. If anything happens, we can wage war against the Konoha immediately!"

Under the blazing sun, the Third Raikage strode forward toward the Konoha envoy with an imposing aura, showing no sign of weakness.

A light breeze swept through, stirring up clouds of dust. As the two sides met at the border, both secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Konoha seemed earnest about negotiating.

And the Kumo hadn't detected anything suspicious!

For a moment, both sides shared these thoughts in their minds.

"Koharu Utatane. Do you realize the consequences of recklessly starting a war in the ninja world? While it's just a minor border skirmish now, it's not too late to pull back," Koharu declared the moment she arrived, adopting a condescending tone filled with veiled threats.

However, the Third Raikage immediately responded with an angry roar:

 "You Konoha ninjas are shameless! You instigated internal strife in our village, and now you're acting righteous? What about the chaos your ninjas caused, resulting in our tailed beast going berserk? How will you account for that!?"

"Third Raikage, you must take responsibility for your words. Do you have evidence? Without proof, your accusations are baseless slander. And as one of the Five Kage, you've personally led countless Kumo ninjas to the border, provoking conflict and escalating tensions…"

At the border, the Third Raikage of the Kumo and Koharu Utatane, representing the Konoha, exchanged accusations.

In the distant forest, the Kumo ninjas watching the exchange quietly relaxed.

"It seems we were overly cautious. The Konoha, despite its strength, is already dealing with the Suna as an enemy. They wouldn't want to start a war with us so easily."

"That's true."

The Kumo ninjas exhaled in relief, some even smiling lightly.

The Konoha, since the establishment of ninja villages, had always loomed over the ninja world like a towering mountain. Its reputation was immense, and even the most battle-hardened Kumo ninjas felt a sense of pressure when considering war with the Konoha.

After all, the Konoha had defeated four other great nations simultaneously during a war over 20 years ago, cementing its status as the strongest ninja village.

This legacy of victories caused the other major villages to overestimate the Konoha's capabilities, while the Konoha itself, basking in its past glories, had begun to underestimate its adversaries.

"Even so, we must not let our guard down. Inform the rear to maintain the barrier. We cannot afford any mistakes."

"Yes!"

While others relaxed, A, the candidate for the Fourth Raikage, furrowed his brows and gazed into the distance with worry. He hoped his concerns were unfounded, but as someone groomed to be Raikage, he knew he couldn't afford any errors.

Deeper in the forest behind the Konoha forces, a transparent barrier concealed hundreds of Konoha ninjas standing ready.

Both sides were playing a game of deception, or perhaps it was simply the nature of ninjas to rely on subterfuge.

The Konoha believed the Konoha wouldn't want to start a war lightly, so their preparations were merely precautionary. Meanwhile, the Konoha believed the Kumo wouldn't suspect their audacious plan to approach their target under the guise of diplomacy.

In the Konoha's forest, a similar barrier encased their forces.

The two great villages' barriers were astonishingly alike, with the Konoha inheriting the legacy of the Land of Whirlpools, and the Kumo having plundered its remnants.

"Third Hokage-sama's disguise as Koharu Utatane is incredibly convincing. He's already managed to get close to the Third Raikage," reported a Hyuga ninja with the Byakugan, his voice filled with seriousness as he described what he saw.

Within the barrier, the real Koharu Utatane frowned upon hearing the report but relaxed slightly.

As masters of information-gathering, ninjas excelled at reconnaissance. Koharu's meeting with the Kumo was genuine, but on her way there, she and Hiruzen Sarutobi had flawlessly executed a substitution trick.

Seeing that the plan was proceeding smoothly, Koharu glanced at Minato Namikaze, who stood nearby, preparing himself. Lowering her voice, she asked,

 "Minato, is there any issue with this plan?"

Inside the barrier, Minato was the center of attention. For once, his usual calm demeanor showed a hint of seriousness as he nodded.

"Koharu-sama, the kunai with the hidden Flying Thunder God seal in the corner hasn't been discovered. Although this technique requires significant energy to teleport people, there will be no problem."

Hearing this, Koharu smiled with relief. At least the operation was off to a good start.

Their brief exchange left the elite Konoha jonin present frowning. They still didn't fully understand the critical details of the plan to collapse the Kumogakure.

"Now that we've reached this pivotal moment, shouldn't the Anbu reveal the full battle plan to us?"

"Indeed. We've heard that the Third Raikage is a master of taijutsu. If he realizes he's been ambushed, we may not be able to stop him."

Even now, the Konoha jonin remained tense. Defeating or driving off a Kage-level opponent was one thing; killing one was an entirely different challenge.

Among the jonin, only Uchiha Shirou and Uchiha Mikoto exchanged knowing glances, suspecting that Flying Thunder God might play a role.

Sure enough, Koharu glanced at the group calmly and, under the protection of the Anbu, announced solemnly:

 "Prepare for battle. I will now explain the plan. The key to this operation lies with Jonin Minato Namikaze."

"Minato Namikaze?"

The group was puzzled until Minato, with his golden hair and humble smile, nodded at them.

"Yes. Since I've learned the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God technique, I will use it to teleport Anbu Jonin to the Third Raikage's location…

Then, with the help of eight Anbu jonin, we'll establish a barrier to trap the Third Raikage inside, leaving him with no chance of escape."

As Minato explained, the jonin around him stared in amazement at the young ninja.

"So young, yet he's mastered the Second Hokage's space-time ninjutsu!"

"No wonder. This solves the most difficult part of the plan."

"Exactly. With the Third Hokage present, this operation is as good as done!"

The Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique might be unfamiliar to the new generation of shinobi, but this group of mostly thirty-something Jōnin, grew up listening to the legendary stories of the Second Hokage.

The Flying Thunder God Technique was once the pinnacle of the shinobi world.

Everyone marveled at the return of the Flying Thunder God Technique to the battlefield, but no one expressed concern for the safety of their Hokage. It had to be said—the aura of prestige was simply overwhelming.

Amidst the crowd, only Shirou and Mikoto exchanged glances in secret.

"Sister Tsunade and Kushina are commanding the Konoha forces. Once we send the signal here, Konoha will launch an assault on the Kumo Ninja."

 "But can the Third truly handle the Raikage?"

Even Mikoto showed doubt. After all, this was a Raikage they were dealing with. However, Shirou narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice in a teasing tone.

"Mikoto, think carefully about the ninja behind the Third."

"The ninja behind the Third!?" Mikoto frowned. This was a ninja she had never seen before.

At this moment, Shirou revealed a meaningful smile. The Third's confidence was not misplaced—the plan this time was so flawless that even they had overlooked some details.

"Mikoto, remember to hide your eyes later. Don't reveal them so easily."

Shirou gave a solemn warning. Mikoto nodded lightly. When she lowered her gaze and raised it again, the three-tomoe Sharingan had already appeared in her sockets.

"I'm already wearing my contact lenses."

Beneath the disguise of the three-tomoe contact lenses lay a pair of powerful Mangekyō Sharingan.

The center of attention for both Konoha and the Kumo Ninjas was the battlefield ahead.

"Third Raikage, are you sure you want to start a war?"

At this moment, Koharu Utatane showed an angry expression and questioned again. The Third Raikage coldly responded in kind:

"Hokage advisor, when Konoha created conflict and disaster for us Kumo Ninjas, you should have already considered the consequences!"

Neither side gave an inch!

 Amid the heavy tension, a glint of malice flashed in Koharu's eyes.

"Then let's begin!"

This seemingly casual remark left the Third Raikage momentarily stunned. Before he could react, a Hyūga ninja from Konoha saw the signal gesture from the Third's hand and immediately shouted:

"Action!"

The shout still echoed in the air when Minato Namikaze, together with seven ANBU members, disappeared. When they reappeared, they were already on the battlefield.

"What?!"

Both sides were shocked and hadn't yet processed the situation when a golden flash streaked across the area. Around the Third Raikage, masked ANBU from Konoha had already surrounded him.

Ninja Art: Four Purple Flame Formation

 There was no time to react. The Konoha ANBU instantly appeared in the four cardinal directions—east, west, south, and north—raising their hands to conjure a rectangular barrier of translucent purple flames.

Eight Jōnin, two at each corner, activated a barrier that was even more powerful and durable than the one Orochimaru's subordinates had used in the original story.

As the barrier was completed, the Kumo Ninjas erupted with alarm and fury.

"Not good! Raikage-sama is in danger!"

 "Damn it! Send the signal—Konoha has declared war on us!"

 "Father! All Kumo Ninjas, protect Raikage-sama!"

Hidden in the forests, the Kumo Ninjas roared in anger and launched their attack.

As the barrier was activated and trapped the Third Raikage, the Konoha ninja who had set it up coldly warned the surroundings. Simultaneously, triangular barriers appeared around them, protecting themselves as well.

"Minato, are you okay?!"

Inside one corner of the barrier, masked ANBU Jōnin Sarutobi Shinnosuke spoke in a deep voice. Minato Namikaze, sweating slightly from his forehead, smiled faintly.

"I'm fine—just a bit of chakra exhaustion."

Bringing seven Jōnin along and simultaneously using the Flying Thunder God Technique consumed far more chakra than when he used it alone. However, it was manageable.

Looking at the Third Raikage trapped inside the barrier, Minato couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief. Swallowing a soldier pill, he found that nearly half of his chakra had been consumed.

"Kill! The Kumogakure Collapse Plan begins!"

"Attack!"

In an instant, the camps of both sides erupted with roars of fury. At the same time, explosions echoed in the sky. On the border, the shinobi of both Konoha and the Kumo Village saw the signal flares and their expressions shifted drastically.

"Not good! Raikage-sama is in danger!"

 "All Konoha ninjas, attack the invading Kumo Ninjas!"

In a flash, the once-peaceful border erupted into chaos. Tsunade, commanding Konoha's forces, furrowed her brows and decisively waved her hand, issuing the order to attack.

"Damn it! Konoha had this planned all along. Abandon the left and right flanks—focus all our forces on the center. All Kumo Ninjas, support the Third Raikage at full strength!"

"Send the orders immediately! Even if the entire front line collapses, we must rescue the Third Raikage!"

The Kumo Ninja commander angrily shouted, showing no hesitation in abandoning the flanks.

After all, this was happening on the Land of Hot Water's territory. As long as they rescued the Third Raikage, even if the front line was lost, it didn't matter if Konoha took the land—wars on smaller nations' soil were inconsequential.

The Kumo Ninja commander's calm and decisive response was impressive. By giving up unnecessary positions, he concentrated his forces.

Since Konoha had initiated the surprise attack, it was clear they had prepared thoroughly. The Kumo Ninjas had no choice but to focus their strength on holding the center, ensuring reinforcements could reach the Raikage.

As the war erupted, the canyon rumbled. The terrifying war machines roared, massive shuriken the size of houses were launched, and the ground quaked. Dense explosive tags detonated in deafening succession.

Inside the Four Purple Flame Formation, the Third Raikage's pupils narrowed, and he exclaimed in shock, "Space-time ninjutsu!"

"That's right! Otherwise, how could we trap the fastest Raikage?"

Koharu Utatane, holding a kunai, appeared behind the Third Raikage. Her cold voice echoed, infuriating the Raikage.

"Konoha! Are you declaring full-scale war on the Kumogakure?!"

The Third Raikage roared in anger. He could never have imagined Konoha would go this far.

Kumo's strategists had analyzed countless scenarios, but none had predicted that Konoha would act recklessly.

Even someone as bold as the Third Raikage, who had fought tailed beasts with his bare hands, was stunned. Did Konoha no longer care about survival?

"Third Raikage, it was your village that chose war!"

Koharu's voice turned hoarse as she sneered coldly, her eyes glinting with a chilling light.

"Now, let the Third Raikage and the Kumogakure serve as stepping stones for Konoha to dominate the shinobi world!"

The Kumogakure Collapse Plan was also meant to serve as a warning to others.

"I will kill you all!"

Hearing that the other side intended to use his village as a stepping stone, the Third Raikage was furious. Though wary of their hidden tricks, he refused to back down.

With a roar, he activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode. The sound of a kunai breaking echoed as he swung his fist, smashing Koharu into a pile of mud.

"The Kumogakure Collapse Plan begins!"

With a loud shout, Koharu Utatane's clothes were thrown into the air, revealing the fully armored combat form of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, underneath.

"It's you, the Third Hokage!"

Upon seeing his true form, the Third Raikage's pupils flashed with shock. It was none other than the legendary hero of Konoha, the Third Hokage. A person's name carries weight, just like a tree casts a shadow. He immediately prepared to fight with all his strength.

After all, the opponent was a figure known as the Shinobi Hero. He couldn't afford to be careless in the slightest!

The Third Hokage was clad in a tight black combat suit, with green layered armor on both sides of his hat. The back of the hat trailed a long protective band. His shoulders were equipped with silver guards connected to a protective backplate, which bore the character "Fire".

Now, in his prime, the Third Hokage smirked coldly and declared, "Third Raikage, today will be the day you meet your end here!"