The Beginning of the Second Shinobi World War!

After Danzo left, the Hokage Office fell silent once more.

Sunlight slanted through the window, laying long and short shadows across the floor. Kagami Uchiha walked slowly toward the enormous Shinobi World Map hanging on the wall.

Different colors marked the nations of the Shinobi World, their borders crisscrossing the map. With his hands at his sides, he scanned the Land of Rain, the Land of Iron, the Land of Grass... His gaze finally settled on Sunagakure and Iwagakure.

Faint steam rose from the hot tea on the desk, then vanished in a breeze from the window.

Kagami held a fingertip just above the map. His eyes darkened as he sank into thought.

The Second Shinobi World War had its roots in the long years since the First Shinobi World War ended. It had been the longest period of peace the Shinobi World had known. Local clashes and minor disputes had continued, but at least the appearance of peace had held.

Over those years, though, tensions between the Five Great Nations over borders, resources, and territory had mounted. The Shinobi World was only so large. Great nations wanted to expand, while impoverished small nations struggled for room to survive. Militant factions had risen everywhere. Hanzo of the Salamander, who had recently stirred up trouble, was a prime example. A powerful man from a small nation, he hoped to challenge the great nations through his own strength and raise the Land of Rain's standing.

In the end, strength was what mattered in the Shinobi World. Ninjas wielded extraordinary power; theirs was never a profession built around a quiet life. When someone possessed great strength but lacked the status and rewards to match, what would he do?

Take them by force. *I'm stronger than you, so of course I deserve more. You're