Autumn, Year 47 of Konoha.
The chill seemed to have arrived earlier than usual. It invaded not only the body, but also people's hearts. Konoha appeared to be operating as normal, yet the invisible tension hanging in the air made every resident and shinobi feel suffocating oppression. There were noticeably more shinobi standing before the mission assignment office, but the atmosphere was frighteningly silent, devoid of its usual bustle. Children were called home early, while members of the Security Department patrolling the streets wore tense expressions, their sharp gazes sweeping every corner.
The Hokage's Office was shrouded in smoke.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had barely slept all night. Heavy bags hung beneath his eyes, and encrypted urgent reports from every border lay spread across the desk before him. Each one seemed to carry the stench of gunpowder and blood.
As if to confirm his fears, an ANBU suddenly appeared, dropping to one knee. His voice was urgent and clear. "Urgent report! From the Land of Wind! Sunagakure is mobilizing on a massive scale! Fourth Kazekage Rasa is personally leading the forces across the Land of Rivers border and advancing rapidly toward the Land of Fire border! Their vanguard has already clashed several times with our border patrols in small-scale engagements!"
"So... it has finally come." His voice was hoarse, laden with deep exhaustion and a trace of barely perceptible pain.
The temperature in the office suddenly plunged to freezing. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura shot to their feet.
"Rasa... He just took office, and he already dares to..." Mitokado Homura could scarcely believe it.
"He has no choice." Danzo's icy voice rang out. At some point, he had appeared in the doorway. "The Third Kazekage has vanished. Sunagakure faces both internal turmoil and external threats, and Kumogakure has just dealt them a