Early the next morning.
A squad of ninja from Kusagakure arrived in Konoha after traveling through the night to seek aid.
The Third Hokage put on his Hokage robes and summoned them.
From them, the Third Hokage learned that Kusagakure, in the Land of Grass, which had always maintained friendly relations with the Land of Fire, had been attacked by a powerful enemy.
After asking about the details, the Third Hokage said solemnly, "Thank you all for your efforts. Rest assured, Konoha will not turn a blind eye to this!"
"Yes! Thank you so much, Lord Hokage! Konoha is Kusagakure's greatest ally. We're counting on you this time!" the Grass Ninja said, deeply moved.
With that, they were taken away to settle in and rest.
Once the Grass Ninja had left, the Third Hokage summoned his two advisers, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
After he explained the situation to them, both advisers' expressions darkened.
Utatane Koharu said, "Sarutobi, there's no doubt about it. That person was Uchiha Sora! To think someone so young would dare attack Kusagakure, and he's even learned the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu! We must find a way to eliminate this menace as soon as possible!"
Mitokado Homura sighed. "I don't think this is so simple! Why did Uchiha Sora attack Kusagakure? We need to understand his objective before we decide on a plan!"
"That brat is using Konoha's forbidden jutsu to wreak havoc across the shinobi world. How despicable!" Utatane Koharu cursed.
The Third Hokage said thoughtfully, "Uchiha Sora is very powerful. Even if I went myself, I couldn't be certain of killing him. Even bringing Jiraiya back probably wouldn't let us strike an effective blow against him. The Flying Thunder God Technique is simply too troublesome."
"Exactly! Then what should we do? We can't just ignore Kusagakure's request for aid, can we?" Utatane Koharu said worriedly. "If we mishandle this, it could affect Konoha's reputation and standing in the shinobi world."
Mitokado Homura pondered for a moment. "For now, we can send someone to Kusagakure, not to provide support, but to investigate Uchiha Sora's true objective. Once we know his real intentions, we can make our final decision. What do you think, Third Hokage?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "Yes, you're right. Uchiha Sora is no longer just some ordinary brat. A cautious approach is indeed sensible."
"What about those people from Kusagakure?" Utatane Koharu asked.
"It's fine. I'll explain it to them personally," the Third Hokage said.
Utatane Koharu nodded. "All right. In that case, I think we should send Kakashi this time. After all, he was once Uchiha Sora's captain."
The Third Hokage considered it briefly, then nodded. "Agreed. This mission is difficult to begin with. Kakashi may be the only one capable of handling it."
After some discussion, the three provisionally settled on a simple plan.
At sunrise, they summoned Kakashi and explained the mission to him.
Kakashi, who had been promoted to Anbu Captain after Shisui's death, grew serious when he heard that the mission concerned Uchiha Sora.
As Uchiha Sora's former captain, Kakashi couldn't claim to know him particularly well, but he did understand his personality and character.
Hearing that Uchiha Sora had committed something as brutal as attacking Kusagakure pained Kakashi deeply, and he accepted the difficult mission without hesitation.
"Rest assured, Lord Hokage! I will complete the mission!" Kakashi promised.
At the same time, he silently told himself, Sora, whatever you're trying to do, I can't let you keep going down the wrong path!
Meanwhile, Uchiha Sora was handling various matters in Kusagakure.
Having just taken over Kusagakure, he naturally had many arrangements to make.
A large portion of the prisoners from the previous night had chosen to stay, accept reality, and continue serving as Kusagakure ninja, though their leader was now Uchiha Sora.
A small number had left Kusagakure with hatred in their hearts.
Uchiha Sora didn't care where those people went, nor did he need to.
With his current strength, anyone hoping to assassinate him would also need Kage-level strength. These people alone couldn't possibly cause him any trouble.
The villagers of Kusagakure had also learned that their village had a new leader.
Most were anxious and frightened, afraid that this new leader might do something cruel to them.
At that moment, however, Uzumaki Kanako and Karin stepped forward and personally told the civilians their stories.
In their accounts, the former leader had been an outright villain, while the new leader was a kind and forgiving person.
After hearing the two women's experiences, the civilians still had their doubts, but some of their fear subsided for the time being.
Some who had originally planned to leave Kusagakure and seek refuge elsewhere also decided to stay and see how things developed.
Just like that, the turmoil in Kusagakure quickly settled down.
But Uchiha Sora knew that all of this was merely the calm before the storm.
Meanwhile, news that Kusagakure had been attacked and changed hands overnight quickly reached the other powers.
Apart from Konoha, which already knew, and Kirigakure, which was undergoing internal reorganization, the senior leadership of Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure were all alarmed.
The Third Tsuchikage, Fourth Raikage, and Fourth Kazekage all issued orders for their subordinates to keep a constant watch on intelligence concerning Kusagakure.
Meanwhile, atop a tall building in Amegakure, within the Land of Rain bordering Kusagakure.
White Zetsu appeared before Obito Uchiha with the intelligence and said, "Kusagakure has changed hands. The one who took over is Uchiha Sora. Madara, what do you think?"
Obito Uchiha narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "He's begun making his moves. It seems we can't just sit back and wait, either!"
"What are you planning to do?" White Zetsu asked.
Obito Uchiha sneered. "If he wants to stop my plan, I'm not the only enemy he'll have to face. Don't forget that he's now a rogue ninja from Konoha. And the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth, near Kusagakure, certainly won't stand idly by."
"What do you mean?" White Zetsu asked, somewhat puzzled.
Obito ordered, "Konoha has already sent someone to Kusagakure. Sunagakure and Iwagakure haven't made a move yet, but it's only a matter of time. Keep a close watch on intelligence from Sunagakure and Iwagakure. If anyone sets out for Kusagakure, notify me immediately!"
White Zetsu paused, then nodded with a grin. "Looks like you're stirring up trouble again!"
Obito Uchiha said in a low voice, "Uchiha Sora is my greatest enemy. Why would I let everything go smoothly for him? He may have conquered a little village like Kusagakure, but can he withstand Sunagakure and Iwagakure?"
"Hehehe! Obito-no, Madara-you're becoming more calculating by the day."
PS: Although the blind date didn't work out, there will still be another update later! Dear readers who keep me fed and clothed, could you tap the ad to request more updates...?
Before you continue