"Meeting begins."
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was in his seat, spoke up.
"Not long ago, the Sunagakure of the Land of Wind declared war on us." Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the Jonin and explained the reason for convening this Jonin meeting.
"Furthermore, border outposts have also been attacked."
Hagoromo:???
Sunagakure?
Instead of Iwagakure launching an invasion, which they had been guarding against, Sunagakure came first?
The Jonin present exchanged Jonin glances, and a commotion arose.
"Wasn't the transaction supposed to take place just recently?"
"How dare you betray our trust as an ally!"
Hagoromo glanced sideways at the Jonin had said those words. How could someone be so naive?
When they saw that it was Anko, who had just been promoted to Special Jōnin Jonin, they were suddenly not surprised.
Thump--
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the table, signaling everyone to be quiet.
"The reason given by Sunagakure for this declaration of war is that our Konoha spies attacked their Fourth Kazekage."
"And one of the elders, according to the confession of those they captured."
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, then said, "They said that Konoha has been nurturing him all along, and that we must kill the Kazekage at the right time."
This is unfolding... almost exactly the same as during the last Third Shinobi World War.
However, more than ten years ago, the Third Kazekage disappeared, Sunagakure believed that Konoha had killed him, so they launched a war.
Now it is the Fourth Kazekage.
Declaring war based solely on this reason? Has Rasa gone mad?
If Konoha truly had a spy capable of attacking Rasa, they would have recalled him to the village long ago; how could they possibly continue to let him roam freely outside?
Or perhaps, Rasa is no longer able to command Sunagakure?
"Lord Hiruzen, the Fourth Kazekage was attacked. Is there any news?"
Standing to the side watching the intelligence report, Shikaku asked a question. After all, although Konoha didn't care about such things, it didn't mean they would be smeared with mud at will.
"We don't know yet," Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.
As soon as the news arrived, he dispatched his Anbu and activated his spies.
So far, there has been no news.
"The best course of action now is for us to declare war on Sunagakure as well," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, putting down his pipe and rising to his feet.
Almost all the Jonin did not object to this decision; after all, they couldn't back down from this matter.
Otherwise, Konoha, which is now the focus of the Shinobi World's attention, would be perceived as weak and vulnerable.
At that time, even the Kumogakure will likely be uneasy.
"Shikaku, tell me."
After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze to Shikaku, who was deep in thought.
"Hiruzen Hokage, what I'm now suspecting is whether Iwagakure (Iwagakure) is involved this time."
Shikaku looked up at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said.
After all, it was just right.
They had just been preparing for Iwagakure's attack when Sunagakure struck first.
"That's exactly what I was worried about." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Fighting on two fronts is extremely disadvantageous for us."
"Now, we need to make some preparations for this."
"I understand, Lord Hiruzen."
Upon hearing this, Shikaku knew what to do. He got up and drew several red circles on the Shinobi World map.
"Given the current situation, my advice is to immediately deploy troops in the Land of Rivers and take it as quickly as possible."
"To avoid war with Sunagakure, the conflict will be fought directly on the mainland of the Land of Fire."
"We can react immediately to defend against any sign that Sunagakure is sending troops across the border."
"At the same time, we need someone with sufficient authority to go and deter the Land of Waterfalls countries like the Land of Grass and the Land of Konoha."
"At the same time, keep a close eye on the Land of Rain and the Land of Waterfalls, two forces that should not be underestimated."
"To prevent Sunagakure and Iwagakure from wanting to pass through these small countries."
The Land of Rain was once home to the so-called ninja demigod Hanzō.
The Land of Waterfalls, on the other hand, possesses the Seven-Tails Tailed Beast, a force to be reckoned with.
"As long as we keep a close eye on the borders of these small countries, we can prevent a conflict from breaking out with the Land of Wind— "
"They were ambushed by Iwagakure."
"While Kirigakure may be experiencing internal strife right now, we still need to use spies or other available forces to further complicate matters."
"After all, the Second Mizukage of the Land of Water died because of the Land of Earth."
At this point, Shikaku paused, then turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Hiruzen Hokage, I'm actually more worried about Kumogakure— "
After all, the Kumogakure has always harbored ambitions to seize control of the Hidden Konoha.
Although Kumogakure is currently preparing to form an alliance with Konoha, even the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki is in Konoha.
However, this is not a reason to feel at ease.
Conversely, any unusual activity by the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki would be a fatal blow to Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand and said, "I contacted the Fourth Raikage before the meeting started."
"As long as Kumogakure helps to disrupt Iwagakure's activities on the border, preventing Iwagakure from focusing all its attention on Konoha, that will suffice."
"However, some of the troops previously stationed at Moon Wheel Gorge have not yet returned, and they will remain there to guard the area for the time being."
As for the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, he possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan, so he can be easily captured if he makes any unusual moves.
If all else fails, there's always Shisui's Kotoamatsukami.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but sigh, referring to the later alliance between Konoha and Kumogakure.
Konoha is no longer in a dominant position, after all, the Sealing Jutsu was Hiruzen Sarutobi's reward for getting Kumogakure to help him this time.
Although it's not Eight Trigrams Sealing Style, it's not far off.
Shikaku nodded. With this layer of protection, at least Konoha wouldn't be attacked from both sides.
Listening to Shikaku's account, and the occasional gaps filled by the various Jonin.
Hagoromo Yi stroked her chin, thinking that no matter how perfect the plan was, once the war started...
In order to buy time to deal with Sunagakure, they need to be able to intimidate Iwagakure Yamato and decisively as possible.
Furthermore, in Iwagakure, the person who will likely be the one to intimidate people on the border is Jiraiya.
Just as Hagoromo was thinking this, she heard Hiruzen Sarutobi begin issuing orders from his position.
"Jiraiya, we need you to lead a team to the border of Iwagakure and delay them as much as possible."
"Yes!"
Even the usually lazy Jiraiya responded with a serious expression.
"As for Sunagakure, since they want to fight, we'll make them pay a heavy price."
"Shikaku, you are the overall commander of the two-front war within the village."
"Yes, Hiruzen Hokage!" Shikaku Hiruzen Sarutobi in response.
"Kakashi, Hagoromo!"
"Here!"*2
Hagoromo and Kakashi, who were sitting together, immediately stood up in response.
"I need the two of you to lead a team to the Sunagakure front, relying on fortifications and traps to maximize the casualties on the Sunagakure's forces and deplete their supplies."
However, a large-scale decisive battle with the Sand Shinobi should be avoided.
"Kakashi is the first commander at the front, Hagoromo is the second commander."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, pipe in mouth, issued the order.