"That old tortoise, the Third Hokage, finally showed some backbone for once..."
The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, narrowed his eyes as he studied the intelligence report in his hands, weighing things over.
He was surprised that the Third Hokage had managed to show such determination, even resorting to such shameless tactics.
Launching a surprise attack without declaring war, making a rapid advance, and defeating a thousand-man force single-handedly.
It could be called a highly successful example of warfare in the Ninja World.
But Ōnoki wasn't particularly shocked. As one of the older generation of Kage, he knew perfectly well that it had taken more than good luck for Sarutobi Hiruzen to keep Konoha standing through the Three Great Ninja Wars.
Strength and cunning were both essential.
Ōnoki could understand Sarutobi Hiruzen's thinking, too. He simply wanted Konoha to establish its might in the Ninja World after the Nine-Tails incident and perhaps secure enough benefits for itself.
Indeed, Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions had been fairly successful. Now, people from the other ninja villages would feel a measure of wariness toward Konoha whenever they thought of his achievements.
More than anything, though, Ōnoki was considering whether the Rock Ninja could profit from this war.
"Konoha and the Cloud Ninja..."
A malicious gleam appeared in Ōnoki's eyes.
"Both have been old rivals of the Rock Ninja."
If the opportunity arose, Ōnoki wouldn't mind taking a big bite out of either of them.
"Lord Tsuchikage!"
"Konoha's envoy requests an audience!"
Speak of the devil. Ōnoki had only just mentioned Konoha, and they were already making their move.
His expression remained unchanged, but he had his suspicions.
"Show them to the reception room."
"Lord Tsuchikage..."
When Ōnoki entered, Nara Shikaku and the others rose to greet him in the reception room.
"Oh?"
Ōnoki's expression turned scornful.
"Since