Konoha: Muzan of the Hatake Household — The Selection of the Twelve Kizuki
"There will be. As long as there are still shinobi, war will never cease."
Gazing at the distant scenery, Muzan's resolve only grew firmer.
This world itself was flawed. Shinobi were merely tools, and war would only consume the population. Without a population as its foundation, wisdom would remain stuck at its most primitive stage.
Today's battle had loosened his muscles. Even after the war ended, the soil across this land had already been scorched black. Who knew how long it would take to recover.
Seeing Pakura still wearing an excited expression, Muzan smiled helplessly.
"There isn't much time left for Konoha."
The war between the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves concerned the fate of both nations. In some ways, it was even more significant than the Shinobi World War. Konoha had gone all out to help the Land of Fire stabilize the situation and stop the Land of Waves' invasion.
On the front lines, Shikaku Nara commanded two-thirds of Konoha's shinobi. This time, in order to wipe out Muzan's forces, half of them had been sent to the ambush.
Now, only a handful of lucky survivors had escaped.
Having just finished a battle, Shikaku Nara watched the wounded being carried over with a weary expression. At that moment, Inoichi Yamanaka came running over, his face pale.
"Cough, cough!"
The nonstop running made Inoichi Yamanaka feel as though his lungs were on fire. When he tried to speak, a tearing pain struck him, making him cough violently twice.
"What happened?!"
Seeing his friend so shaken, Shikaku Nara could not help but feel panic rise in his heart.
Sure enough, Inoichi Yamanaka's next words left Shikaku Nara rooted to the spot.
"The plan to besiege