Chapter 18: Entering the War

The howling wind carried yellow sand across the vast desert, making Sunagakure appear even more desolate.

Especially after the invasion by Kumogakure, merchants and nobles from the Land of Wind had started fleeing in large numbers.

Now, Rasa, who had just been elected as the Fourth Kazekage, was gathering Sunagakure's top officials.

"Iwagakure has sent an envoy. Over the past six months, they've managed to hold a significant number of Konoha's forces at bay in the Land of Grass. Now, they hope to form an alliance with us to carve up the riches of the Land of Fire. I've decided to accept their proposal."

Rasa's youthful face carried a sense of authority as he delivered his decision.

"Hmm, I agree," Chiyo was the first to voice her support. She had an irreconcilable grudge against Konoha.

"I support the Kazekage!"

"..."

One by one, the other high-ranking officials gave their approval. It wasn't that they wanted war, but Sunagakure was on the verge of collapse. Internal conflicts were escalating.

Ever since the surprise attack by Kumogakure six months ago, countless businesses had shuttered, and wealthy merchants had fled. The number of missions commissioned within the village had dropped dramatically.

Meanwhile, the feudal lord of the Land of Wind, displeased with Sunagakure's failure to stop Kumogakure's raids, had further reduced the village's funding.

For now, the Kazekage's unique bloodline ability allowed him to collect gold dust from the desert and exchange it for money on the black market. But that was nowhere near enough to solve their problems.

They needed to regain the daimyo's trust. They needed to attract merchants and missions again.

They needed to prove that Sunagakure was still the safest place in the Land of Wind.

And war was the perfect way to do it.

...

Danzo entered the Hokage's office, holding the latest intelligence report.

He had waited half a year for this moment.

"Is it confirmed?"

"Sunagakure's advance troops have already set out. The team stationed in the Land of Rivers should send back a report in two days."

Hearing Danzo's report, the Third Hokage looked even more troubled.

Konoha had been at war with Iwagakure for six months now, and neither side had gained the upper hand. The casualties were mounting.

The Land of Grass, which had become their battleground, was on the verge of ruin. The country's leaders had already fled to foreign lands.

Seeing the Third Hokage deep in thought, Danzo could guess what was on his mind.

Konoha was running out of capable hands.

"Send Tsunade," Danzo said calmly. "She's the best counter against Sunagakure's poison techniques."

"You know Tsunade's situation…" The Third Hokage hesitated. He wasn't confident in sending her to the front lines.

"Then I'll go as well," Danzo said. "We need to end this war with Sunagakure as soon as possible. Kumogakure has refused all peace talks so far—they could join the war at any time. Konoha can't afford to drag this out any longer."

The Third Hokage took a long drag from his pipe and fell silent for a moment.

After staring into Danzo's unwavering gaze for a while, he finally spoke.

"…I'll leave it to you."

"Hmm. I'll go make preparations. You handle Tsunade."

Danzo restrained his excitement as he slowly left the Hokage's office.

He knew that the Third Hokage would never let him command an entire force alone.

The elders of Konoha, the foundation of Konoha, absolute authority and military might—the price of all that power was a life spent in the shadows.

That had been the promise between him and the Third Hokage long ago.

And now…

As he stepped out of the Hokage's office, a beam of sunlight fell on his shoulder. A slight smile appeared on his lips.

"Hmph. Sneaky old bastard."

A voice interrupted his moment.

"Show some respect, Kushina. I am an elder of Konoha," Danzo said, his tone laced with reprimand.

This wasn't the first time Kushina had confronted him. Ever since Minato had taken his advice and gone to the front lines in the Land of Grass, she had been lurking around the Hokage's office, much to Danzo's irritation.

"Why did you send Minato to the battlefield? Is it because I offended you last time? Bring him back… I'll apologize if that's what it takes!"

Kushina fought to suppress her anger, her voice tinged with desperation.

Danzo studied her for a moment before speaking solemnly.

"Kushina, do you understand? You don't deserve Minato."

"…What?" Kushina was stunned.

"Minato is a genius. The battlefield is where he belongs. His growth won't be limited to this village alone. You, on the other hand, may have talent, but you don't have the heart of a true warrior. The gap between you will only widen. One day, you won't be able to keep up with him."

With that, Danzo walked past her without another glance, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.

Seeing that she wasn't following him, Danzo let out a small sigh of relief.

"Finally managed to shake her off. Love-struck fools are terrifying."

Danzo returned to the depths of Root's headquarters, where his ever-loyal attendant, Nonō Yakushi, silently followed behind him.

In front of him, hundreds of kneeling shinobi awaited his orders.

These were the seeds he had carefully nurtured since arriving in this world. Most of them were orphans.

Now, after years of financial and jutsu support, they had grown into a formidable force.

"The long night approaches. From this day forward, we stand watch. Until death claims us, we remain.

We are the sword in the darkness. We are the roots of Konoha.

We are the flames that repel our enemies, the dawn that breaks through the night, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards our village.

We pledge our lives and honor to you, my lord…"

The solemn oath resonated through the dimly lit chamber, making the underground space feel almost sacred.

Danzo watched in silence.

One day, I will shed this aging body and stand in the light.

"The Will of Fire is just words… unless you have the strength to fight for it. The war has begun. Follow me, all of you…"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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