Kumogakure, the Raikage's Office.
The Fourth Raikage held an intelligence report in one hand. A metal ring encircled the stump of his other arm. His expression was calm. "Our chance has come. Call a meeting of the senior officials at once."
"Yes." His assistant turned and left.
"Fugaku Uchiha, this time you'll pay."
The Fourth Raikage had never forgotten the loss of his arm. He had been waiting for someone to challenge Konoha so he could join forces with them.
The earlier ambush had cast a shadow over his mind. If Kumogakure acted alone, it would only add to Fugaku Uchiha's reputation.
The Fourth Raikage immediately sent a reply to Sunagakure.
The currents stirring beneath the Shinobi World's surface did nothing to disrupt life in Konoha. Its strength gave its people confidence.
Five days passed before the calm finally broke. Sunagakure suddenly sent a large force into the Land of Rivers, heading straight for Kikyō Mountain on the Land of Fire Border.
At the same time, Iwagakure used the Land of Grass as a staging ground and sent a large number of Ninja to raid the Land of Fire.
Kirigakure and Kumogakure each dispatched an elite squad, racing through the Land of the Moon toward the Land of Fire.
The Four Great Ninja Villages moved at once, swiftly and covertly. Within a day, message hawks were crisscrossing the skies above Konoha.
In the Hokage's Office, Orochimaru looked grim. He had barely taken office, yet all four great villages had sent troops against Konoha.
"Pass the word. We'll meet in the Small Conference Room in half an hour."
"Yes."
An ANBU member vanished. Orochimaru's expression darkened. This was a test of his leadership. If he handled it poorly, the respect he commanded in Konoha might turn to condemnation.
Half an hour