Chapter 124: Official Declaration of War

Half a month later, in Orochimaru's underground lab.

"To actually come up with a solution in just fifteen days—what an amazing talent!" Orochimaru sincerely exclaimed.

"No, this is all thanks to the experimental data provided by you, Lord Orochimaru," Seiki earnestly replied with gratitude.

"My data?" Orochimaru shook his head. He naturally didn't believe his own data had played any crucial role.

There were countless unknown paths forward; his data merely eliminated sixty incorrect answers.

Reflecting further, Orochimaru grew even more awed. "Perhaps it's exactly this constant humility that allows you to see further."

Seiki couldn't help but smile. "Lord Orochimaru, perhaps we should begin the surgery sooner rather than later?"

Before the operating table,

Mizuki now understood the "price" Seiki was possibly paying and felt deeply ashamed inside.

He'd sought strength just to help Seiki, but now he wasn't even helping—he was holding him back, making Seiki waste time and energy just to heal him… and even risking Lady Tsunade's disfavor.

At this thought, Mizuki slammed the bedframe hard. "Damn it, what exactly have I been doing!"

Smiling gently, Seiki comforted him. "Don't carry any psychological burden. Just focus on receiving treatment."

"But I…"

"Even Lord Orochimaru admires your perseverance. You definitely won't fall here!"

Determined not to let Seiki down, Mizuki lay down with a fearless, resolute expression—as if ready to face death itself.

Orochimaru couldn't help but marvel. Just one sentence from Seiki had filled Mizuki with such unshakable resolve.

It was unimaginable just how much leadership ability he must possess!

The operation went incredibly smoothly, and soon Konoha had its second "greenery ambassador"—a title fresh off the press!

That's right—the Wood Release Mizuki awakened was nearly identical to the tree-growing jutsu Seiki had once known.

Orochimaru furrowed his brow slightly. So this was the very power the First Hokage used to bring peace to the Warring States?

But soon enough, he stopped dwelling on it. After all, all he truly needed was the cellular activity data from Mizuki's body afterward.

As for Mizuki himself, he was overjoyed. In his eyes, this level of power already seemed incredibly formidable.

Even better, he'd finally met the chakra requirements to train in Sage Arts. Finally… he had taken another step toward walking in Seiki's footsteps!

"It's not that I want to rain on your parade," Orochimaru said coolly, "but it'd be wise not to reveal your Wood Release in public."

Mizuki calmed down quickly. Indeed, although Kekkei Genkai could theoretically be developed through training, given his talent, no one would probably believe him if he claimed to have developed one himself.

Thinking about this made Mizuki feel somewhat discouraged. Finally obtaining great power yet being unable to use it openly… "I understand. I will…"

Suddenly, Seiki interrupted. "Luckily, I already have affinity for both Water and Earth natures. How about I develop the Wood Release myself and then claim I passed it down to Mizuki?"

Orochimaru cast a surprised gaze toward him. "Seiki-kun, developing a Kekkei Genkai isn't something easy at all!"

"Seiki-kun, don't waste your energy over my issues!" Mizuki quickly said.

Seiki casually waved his hand, smiling lightly. "Actually, watching Mei Terumi develop her kekkei genkai during the Chunin Exams gave me this bold idea."

"If she could succeed without a model to follow, surely I'll have an easier time with Mizuki's help, right? Or... are you unwilling to assist me, Mizuki?"

Mizuki felt a warm lump in his chest — Seiki was saying that just to protect my feelings... He shook his head vigorously. "Of course not! Though I don't know exactly how to help, I'll follow your instructions completely, Seiki!"

Orochimaru sighed helplessly. "Only you could make me believe developing a kekkei genkai sounds this effortless, Seiki-kun."

Seiki grinned. "Just youthful arrogance then."

Orochimaru laughed while walking away. "Believing that would truly be arrogance!"

"Wood Release..." Seiki sighed and followed him outside.

It didn't really matter whether the Wood Release was strong — just having it would carry enough symbolic weight to make it worth developing. Just think of the day you might finally use it — late at night, when no one sees it coming...

Two days later, inside the Hokage building's meeting room.

The Hokage, Hokage advisors, and village Jonin had all gathered together, creating a very somber atmosphere.

"Just this morning," the Third announced disbelievingly, "the Cloud Village claimed we're coercing Hot Springs Country, and declared they'll intervene to safeguard peace across the shinobi world! Also, Iwagakure accuses us of secretly murdering the Third Kazekage and installing the Fourth as their puppet, now preparing to help Sand restore order!"

"Do they even have the shame to say these excuses out loud?" Danzo Shimura snorted.

Homura Mitokado sighed. "Though I desperately wish for peace, it seems utterly impossible now."

The Third nodded gravely. "Abandon all illusions. I hereby declare — war has officially begun!"

The assembled Jonin inhaled sharply. Even for them, the weight of those two words felt overwhelming.

Seeing no opposition, the Third continued. "To face this war, we must establish eastern and western frontlines.

"The western front under Danzo Shimura as commander, assisted by Torifu Akimichi, will confront the threat from Iwagakure. The eastern front under Orochimaru as commander, assisted by..." The Third hesitated briefly, "...Minato Namikaze, will handle the threat from the Cloud Village!"

Hardly had he finished speaking when murmurs rippled through the room. Compared to the other three commanders, Minato Namikaze clearly lacked stature.

Danzo Shimura frowned but remained silent — perhaps letting the east suffer defeat would give him the chance to shine.

Somewhat awkwardly, Minato Namikaze raised his hand. "Hokage-sama, perhaps someone more experienced should take the assistant role?"

The Third tapped his pipe. "No need to decline. I trust you can do this!"

Before Minato Namikaze could protest, the Third continued. "In addition to the two fronts," the Third continued, "we'll also establish several specialized units: reconnaissance under Hiashi Hyuga, a surprise attack platoon under Fugaku Uchiha, strategic operations led by Shikaku Nara, a sensor division under Inoichi Yamanaka, and a medical logistics team under Nonou. Any questions?"

The Jonin on the scene exchanged glances. Hiashi Hyuga raised his hand and asked, "Hokage-sama, how should our units get involved in the two major fronts?"

The Third explained, "That part is up to you. You can dispatch squads separately to assist operations on both fronts."

Hiashi nodded, "Then I have no issues."

The Third looked around at everyone else, "What about the rest of you? Any questions?"

Orochimaru asked, "What about Jiraiya and Tsunade? They're key fighters for the village!"

The Third replied, "Jiraiya and Tsunade are already heading back."

At this moment, Nonou asked somewhat hesitantly, "Hokage-sama, since Tsunade-sama is returning to Konoha, won't she resume her position as captain of the Medical Logistics Team?"

Before others could speak, Danzo narrowed his small eyes, "Let someone with a fear of blood lead the medical team? What were you thinking?"

"Tsunade might fear blood, but her Katsuyu certainly doesn't," The Third first rebuked discontentedly before turning to Nonou and saying, "However, what Danzo said isn't wrong either. Compared to Tsunade, you're actually the most suitable person to become the captain of the Medical Logistics Team!"

Seeing this, Nonou hesitated, then nodded, "Then... I'll do my best!"

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