He had already chosen his side, which also meant tying his future to theirs.
But who knew what tomorrow would bring?
The Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.
"Lord Mizukage, the Land of Rain has launched a war against its neighbors."
"They have already overrun the Land of Grass, the Land of Birds, and the Land of Rivers."
Ao spoke gravely, his expression solemn.
"What an ambitious man. He's incredibly dangerous!"
"After absorbing the Kaguya, has the Uchiha Clan now turned its gaze toward the entire universe?"
Mei Terumi spoke in a low voice, slamming her right fist onto the desk.
"Should we send troops?"
"The Hidden Cloud Village has already deployed its forces and sent a letter asking us."
Ao frowned.
"Send troops?"
Mei Terumi fell silent.
The Land of Water was not in good shape. She had only recently been elected the Fourth Mizukage and was preparing to carry out sweeping reforms.
Starting a war now, especially against the Land of Rain, which she regarded with apprehension, was not what she wanted.
"Reply that the Land of Water is dealing with internal unrest and cannot send troops!"
After a moment's thought, Mei Terumi spoke.
"Yes!"
Ao nodded, letting out a sigh of relief.
The Land of Rain now felt like a starving wolf to him, ready to feed ravenously at any cost until it was full.
Not provoking it was the best choice.
The Land of Fire, Konoha.
"Send the troops!"
"With warfare on this scale, even if we don't intervene, we cannot leave ourselves completely unguarded!"
"We owe that to everyone!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with a sigh, his brows tightly furrowed.
Standing before him, his son, Asuma Sarutobi, nodded, then turned and left.
After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked out the window.
His thoughts began to wander.