A scarlet scroll lay unfurled across the broad desk.
The bloody writing on it had not yet dried.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had spelled everything out in the document.
The Land of Water claimed that Konoha's Anbu had secretly crossed the border and assassinated its diplomatic envoy.
Four thousand fully armed Kirigakure ninja had crossed the sea and landed on the shores of the Land of Waves. An army wielding Ninja Blades was massing in the east.
Hiruzen Sarutobi crumpled the declaration of war in his hand.
A fine sheen of sweat covered his forehead.
"Those bastards!"
Utatane Koharu slammed the desk and rose to her feet.
"Assassinate Kirigakure's envoy?"
"Konoha can barely take care of itself right now. We had absolutely no reason to send anyone to assassinate their envoy!"
"This is clearly a frame-up they've been planning for ages!"
Mitokado Homura raised a hand to adjust his glasses.
Even his hand was trembling slightly.
"There's no point investigating the cause now."
"Four thousand elite Kirigakure ninja have already advanced into the Land of Waves."
"That's the Land of Fire's gateway by sea. If it falls, the war will spread to our homeland immediately."
Hiruzen picked up the Golden Cudgel and slammed its end into the floor.
"Koharu, draft a mobilization order immediately."
"Notify the Hyuga, Inuzuka Clan, and Aburame. Have them send every Jonin of eligible age in their clans."
"Detach three Anbu battalions. They'll leave for the eastern coastline tonight!"
Hiruzen barked his orders.
They had to act swiftly and decisively now.
As long as they could hold Kirigakure at the coastline, there was still a chance to salvage the situation.
But the Logistics Department's Anbu supervisor standing by the door did not move.
The Anbu ninja lowered his head, his voice shaking.
"Lord Hokage..."
"The frontline