Land of Fire, Konoha.
A grim, tense atmosphere swept through the streets, and the villagers keenly sensed how different things had become over the past few days.
The usually bustling food street was much quieter today.
"The allied armies of the four nations have surrounded us on four fronts, from the east, south, west, and north."
"The Land of Earth is handling the north, the Land of Lightning the east, the Land of Wind the west, and the Land of Water the south."
"Right now, those bastards really do have us surrounded."
Inside the temporary war room, Uchiha Fugaku looked at the map before him and sighed.
"Which means we need to split our forces four ways to deal with them."
River smiled.
"Exactly. They're being quite cautious, too. Even after reaching our doorstep, they haven't acted rashly. They're waiting for something."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke gravely.
"They're gathering intelligence."
An amused voice rang out, accompanied by a dangerous presence. Uchiha Fugaku spun around and froze when he saw the newcomer.
"Orochimaru?!"
He had never expected the man appearing here to be Orochimaru, one of the Sannin renowned throughout the Shinobi World.
"How could I miss an occasion like this?"
"Taking on four nations alone. You certainly have courage, Lord Sui."
A strange smile gleamed in Orochimaru's eyes as he looked at River.
"Circumstances forced my hand, but it suits me perfectly."
River smiled faintly.
"I hear you've gathered quite a few armies from other worlds?"
Orochimaru asked as though in passing.
"You'll see them soon enough. We may all have to live alongside one another for a long time to come."
River smiled.
"Now that does give me something to look forward to."
Orochimaru's eyes flickered.
After a brief meeting to assess the war, those gathered at its center soon