Sunagakure and Iwagakure declared war on Konoha!
The news was like a boulder dropped into still water, spreading throughout the Ninja World overnight.
Kumogakure, Raikage Office
The Third Raikage opened his eyes, and a tremendous aura made the entire office tremble slightly.
"Pass down the order: strengthen border defenses. All troops are to enter Level Two combat readiness.
Tell those fools not to act rashly."
He turned around, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"When they've both been battered to ruin, that will be our time to strike!"
Land of Iron, an underground cavern
Deep within the dim cavern, a withered figure sat atop the enormous Gedo Statue.
Uchiha Madara slowly opened his eyes, his Sharingan reflecting eternal darkness and loneliness.
He tilted his head slightly and looked toward the white figure emerging from the ground.
"Uchiha Obito, how are things?"
White Zetsu poked half his body out of the rock, wearing that signature eerie smile.
"That kid is still as warmhearted as ever. Recently, though, he was assigned to the team led by the Leaf Village Ghost's disciple.
He carries out missions with his teammates every day."
He paused, his smile becoming even stranger.
"He seems to like one of the girls on his team. Every time they return from a mission, he finds an excuse to linger a little longer. That look in his eyes... tsk, tsk, tsk..."
Uchiha Madara snorted disdainfully.
"The Leaf Village Ghost? Nothing but a clown."
His voice was hoarse and low, carrying an ancient arrogance.
"With Hyuga Branch House blood running through his veins, he is destined to be nothing more than dust in the river of history.
A worm unable to break free from the Caged Bird has no worth in dancing."
He closed his eyes, as though he could not even be