War Follows Like a Shadow

"[Flying Thunder God]"

In a corner of the Uchiha Clan Grounds that had been empty moments before, Kaede's figure appeared instantly. Looking closely, a lightning-shaped mark was carved into the wood there—that was the form of Kaede's [Flying Thunder God Technique].

Several months had passed since he obtained Flying Thunder God from Minato. As Jiraiya had considered, the Third Hokage held great resentment toward Minato for privately passing [Flying Thunder God] to Kaede. Even though Minato had agreed to write the seal-less techniques [Thunder Flash] and [Rasengan] into the Sealing Scroll, it could not quell the Third's anger.

In his eyes, [Flying Thunder God] could only be learned by the Hokage lineage—how could it be passed to an outsider?

Fortunately, Jiraiya understood the Third and had prepared early. With him stepping forward to acknowledge Kaede as his disciple, the Third's attitude flipped instantly.

With this recognition, Kaede became a prominent figure in the Hokage faction. In truth, the negative influence of the Uchiha Clan on him was no longer significant. When villagers mentioned him now, they no longer thought of the Uchiha youth, but of one of the Sannin—Jiraiya's disciple.

"Kaede-senpai."

Shisui's figure appeared before Kaede. Kaede had already seen him coming; otherwise, he would have used [Flying Thunder God] to zip away. He was currently familiarizing himself with this technique, enjoying himself immensely.

"Is something wrong, Shisui?" Seeing Shisui in a hurry, Kaede couldn't help asking.

"The Hokage has summoned you. The entire Anbu has been mobilized. Something big must have happened." Shisui's speech was rapid, showing his urgency.

Kaede placed a hand on his head, using gentle Chakra to calm the restless Chakra within Shisui's body. "Calm your mind, Shisui. Don't be too anxious."

He already knew Shisui's purpose. Kaede said, "Don't resist. I'll take you there. [Flying Thunder God]."

In an instant, the two became ethereal, their figures vanishing. When they reappeared, they were on the Hokage Rock near the Hokage Building. Here, Kaede had set up a Flying Thunder God technique mark. Beside his lightning mark were Minato's 'Ninja Love Blade' and the Second Hokage's Senju clan emblem.

This place was a gathering point for [Flying Thunder God] users. Every ninja who learned [Flying Thunder God] left a mark here.

"So this is the Space-Time Ninjutsu [Flying Thunder God]? How convenient." Arriving at the Hokage Rock in the blink of an eye, Shisui marveled. No wonder it was a forbidden technique renowned across the Shinobi World. Being carried by Flying Thunder God for the first time was a peculiar sensation.

Kaede patted him, still lost in thought. "Let's go see the Hokage first."

When they reached the Hokage's office, they found it already cordoned off by the Anbu. Only Kaede was permitted entry. Shisui stayed with Kabuto to guard the Hokage Building.

Knocking on the wooden door and entering, Kaede found himself under the gaze of dozens of eyes. Even he felt a bit nervous. Though he had come quickly, he seemed to be the last to arrive. He lowered his head and slipped behind Minato.

Silently observing the people in the room, aside from advisors like Danzo, there were clan representatives like Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku, followed by representatives of the Jonin squad. Together, dozens of people filled the entire office.

These people represented the strongest combat power of the entire Konoha. However, he did not spot any of the Sannin among them.

The Third Hokage puffed clouds of smoke, then put away his pipe. "Since everyone is here, let the meeting begin. The latest intelligence: the Land of Lightning has invaded the Land of Wind. Because the Third Kazekage of the Land of Wind has gone missing, the Land of Lightning took advantage of the weakness and inflicted severe damage in a very short time."

"Afterward, the Land of Lightning declared war on the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire. War has descended upon the Shinobi World once again. The Sannin have already gone to the front lines to command the ninjas stationed there in battle, buying us time."

As the Third spoke, his tone grew harsher. The restless Chakra surging within him gave off the aura of the 'Hero of the Shinobi,' proving he was still in his prime, not yet old.

The Land of Lightning acted swiftly. By the time the Land of Fire reacted, Sunagakure of the Land of Wind had already finished fighting Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning and joined forces, launching war against Konoha of the Land of Fire.

The course of war was always unpredictable. In the eyes of the Suna ninja, Konoha had killed the Third Kazekage, because among the surrounding nations, only Konoha had the strength to silently and invisibly assassinate the Third Kazekage.

Thus, they readily agreed with Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning and declared war on Konoha of the Land of Fire.

The representatives of the two great clans remained composed. Only the Jonin of the Jonin squad and Danzo spoke indignantly about immediately mobilizing ninjas to the battlefield to retaliate.

"I didn't call you all here to hear your opinions. I'm telling you the news of war. From today, the village enters a state of war. The Military Police Force will strictly guard against enemy infiltration. All other clans and ninjas are subject to mobilization and may be sent to the battlefield at any time." At this moment, the Third Hokage's orders brooked no dissent. Even the Uchiha and Hyuga lowered their proud heads.

"The first batch of troops heading to the front lines will be led by Minato. Depart in one day, heading to the most dangerous border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire."

Because the Third Hokage had just received news that the Land of Lightning had already engaged the Land of Earth in battle. In the short term, they would have no spare strength to fight Konoha. They only needed to guard the lines at the Land of Iron and the Land of Rice Fields—the pressure was not particularly great.

The Land of Wind was the real trouble. The Land of Wind and the Land of Fire were very close, and they were making the most noise. The Suna ninja were the weakest. The Third decided to strike them first to display Konoha's strength.

Then he looked at Kaede, who was hiding behind Minato. "Kaede, I need you to promptly send battlefield intelligence back to the village. With your Flying Thunder God, you can accomplish this."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kaede knew this was why he was here.

However, Kaede recalled that in the Third Great Ninja War, the one that fought Konoha the hardest should have been Iwagakure. After that, there were battles with Kirigakure and Kumogakure, but the Suna ninja, who had started the most fiercely, were actually the most stable.

Should he remind the Third?

But without any intelligence, speaking rashly at such a solemn occasion might backfire. A small figure like him being able to appear in such a power meeting was already exceptionally fortunate. He had no right to speak here.

Since that was the case, he would have to let the lives of Konoha ninjas fill the gap. After all, the Uchiha Clan he cared about would not be sent to the battlefield now.

Only when Konoha was surrounded by enemies on all sides and stretched thin would they dispatch the Uchiha, whom they trusted least, out of the village.

Kaede's home...

Konoha had already begun battlefield mobilization, but Kaede was amusing his little sister Quan, who had just learned to crawl. Holding a plush bear toy, he dangled it before her eyes. Unconsciously, her gaze followed his hand.

"Let me see if you can stand up. If you stand up on your own, I'll give you the toy." Kaede teased her with a smile.

"Quan is so young, how could she possibly stand up on her own?" Tong said from the side.

"Then she won't get her toy." Kaede pretended to take away the plush bear she had touched.

"Ya ai ya!" Unintelligible sounds came from her mouth. Her eyes glistened with tears, but she refused to let go.

I heard that Itachi can already stand up! As expected, he is a ninja chosen by the era, possessing talent different from others since childhood.