Chapter 15: Whispers of War

The tension in Konoha had reached a breaking point. The discovery of the Sand's hidden agenda, along with the failed assassination attempt during the survival trial, had placed the entire village on high alert. While the higher-ups tried to keep the situation under wraps, murmurs of war spread like wildfire through the shinobi ranks.

Hiruzen remained cautious, unwilling to act without undeniable proof, but Danzo was undoubtedly making moves behind the scenes. Ryūsei could sense it—changes in patrol rotations, secret meetings, and an increase in ROOT operatives lurking in the shadows. Danzo was preparing for something, whether it be a covert strike or an underhanded political maneuver.

Despite the official silence, Ryūsei, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade knew the truth. The stolen scroll they had recovered contained sensitive information—details of the Sand's covert operations, hidden troop movements, and even hints at a greater strategy. It was all leading toward war.

The four of them gathered in a secluded training ground, the weight of their discovery heavy on their minds. The stolen scroll lay open on a rock between them.

"This changes everything," Jiraiya muttered, arms crossed. "The Sand isn't just probing for weaknesses. They're preparing for something big."

Tsunade frowned. "We need to tell Hiruzen."

Ryūsei shook his head. "He already suspects. But he won't act unless the Sand makes a move first."

Orochimaru smirked. "And Danzo will move before then, regardless of what Hiruzen decides."

A cold silence settled between them. They all knew what that meant.

Danzo wouldn't hesitate to take matters into his own hands. If left unchecked, he could very well provoke the Sand into war before either side was ready.

Tsunade's fingers tightened into fists. "So what do we do?"

Jiraiya sighed. "We could expose Danzo, but that's risky. He's too deeply embedded in Konoha's inner workings. Hiruzen knows about his methods, but he won't act unless he has no other choice."

Orochimaru tapped a finger against the scroll. "Then we give him no other choice."

Ryūsei's eyes narrowed. "You're suggesting we force his hand."

Orochimaru grinned. "Precisely. If we can confirm that the Sand is moving against us and make it undeniable, Hiruzen will have no choice but to act before Danzo does. The trick is gathering the right evidence."

Tsunade exhaled sharply. "You make it sound easy."

Ryūsei stood. "We don't have time to wait. If the Sand is truly preparing for war, they'll have supply lines, hidden bases, and contacts within the Land of Fire. We find those, we have our proof."

Jiraiya stretched. "Well, I was due for some fieldwork anyway. Guess it's time to visit some old friends."

Orochimaru's smirk widened. "Then let's begin."

Land of Rivers – Sand Encampment

The Land of Rivers lay between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, making it the perfect neutral ground for covert operations. If the Sand was moving against Konoha, this was where they would be staging their forces.

Ryūsei moved through the shadows, his Byakugan scanning ahead. Jiraiya had been the first to infiltrate, slipping in under the guise of a wandering traveler, while Orochimaru had taken a more direct approach—observing from a distance, waiting for weaknesses to expose themselves.

Tsunade had remained behind in Konoha, ensuring that if they returned with information, there would be someone to act on it.

Ryūsei crouched on a tree branch, observing the encampment below. The Sand had set up a temporary base—a series of tents and storage units nestled between rocky terrain, with guards stationed at regular intervals.

Jiraiya's voice whispered through their communication seal. "Looks like they're stockpiling weapons. Definitely not just a scouting mission."

Orochimaru responded from another position. "I see something more interesting. They have Konoha maps."

Ryūsei's expression darkened. Maps meant strategy. Strategy meant planning. The Sand wasn't just preparing for conflict—they were preparing for an invasion.

"Then we take the proof," Ryūsei murmured.

Orochimaru chuckled. "I was hoping you'd say that."

The three of them moved as one.

Jiraiya took the lead, slipping past the outer guards with practiced ease. Orochimaru moved like a phantom, weaving through the darkness undetected. Ryūsei, with his Byakugan, ensured that no unseen enemies were lying in wait.

They reached the central tent where the command officers gathered. Jiraiya placed a silencing seal on the fabric before slipping inside. Orochimaru followed, and Ryūsei brought up the rear.

Scrolls and documents lay scattered across a makeshift table. Jiraiya grabbed a few, skimming the contents before stuffing them into his pouch. Orochimaru retrieved a sealed scroll bearing the Kazekage's personal insignia.

Then Ryūsei spotted something else—an open message left on the table. His Byakugan scanned it instantly, committing every word to memory.

Preparations nearing completion. Awaiting final order. Konoha's weaknesses confirmed. We strike within the year.

Ryūsei's jaw tightened.

"Got what we need," Jiraiya whispered.

Orochimaru smirked. "Time to leave."

But just as they turned to exit, Ryūsei caught movement outside.

"Trouble," he hissed.

The flap of the tent suddenly lifted, and a Sand shinobi stepped inside. His eyes widened in alarm.

Jiraiya moved first, striking him across the temple before he could raise an alarm. The man collapsed soundlessly.

Orochimaru exhaled. "Sloppy."

"We need to move. Now," Ryūsei said.

They slipped out, keeping to the shadows. But the camp was already on alert. Someone had noticed something was off.

"Time for Plan B," Jiraiya muttered.

Orochimaru grinned. "Ah, chaos."

Without hesitation, Jiraiya raised a hand and released a barrage of explosive tags toward the supply crates.

The encampment erupted into flames.

Shouts rang out as Sand shinobi scrambled to contain the fire.

Ryūsei and Orochimaru used the distraction to break into a sprint, weaving through the trees as alarms blared behind them.

By the time the Sand organized themselves, they were already gone.

Konoha – The Hokage's Office

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in silence, his fingers steepled as he read through the stolen documents. His expression remained unreadable, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

Ryūsei, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru stood before him, waiting.

Tsunade stood at the side, arms crossed.

Finally, Hiruzen sighed, setting the scrolls down.

"This is… damning evidence," he admitted. "The Sand is planning an attack."

Jiraiya nodded. "They're waiting for the Kazekage's final order, but they've already mapped out their strategy."

Orochimaru smirked. "And now, so have we."

Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly. "This is exactly the confirmation I needed. I will call an immediate council meeting. Konoha must prepare."

Tsunade exhaled. "So it's war, then."

Hiruzen's gaze darkened. "If the Sand does not stand down… yes."

Ryūsei clenched his fists.

This was just the beginning.