The fragile peace that had settled over the shinobi world after the Second Great War was always a charade, a thin veneer of civility stretched taut over simmering resentments and unresolved ambitions. The "disappearance" of the Third Kazekage at the tail end of that conflict had sent Sunagakure into a controlled panic. Officially, he was on an extended, highly classified mission. Unofficially, the village elders knew he was gone, and the power vacuum he left was a dangerous void.
For years, Suna's council of elders, led by the formidable Chiyo, had deftly managed the crisis, keeping the truth hidden from the prying eyes of the other great nations. They had offered the Kazekage title to Chiyo herself, but she, weary of leadership and consumed by her own griefs and research, refused. Sasori, her prodigiously talented grandson, also declined, his interests already leaning towards the esoteric and the permanent, not the fleeting responsibilities of a Kage. Rasa, a young man whose Gold Dust Kekkei Genkai held immense economic potential, and Pakura, a wielder of the terrifying Scorch Release, were promising candidates but deemed too young, their strength not yet fully matured to command the respect of a village or the fear of its enemies. They were instead pushed into ANBU, their skills honed in the shadows while Rasa's abilities were exploited to mine gold, a desperate attempt to bolster Suna's dwindling coffers.
Suna walked a knife's edge, their internal weakness a closely guarded secret.
Then, Iwagakure struck.
It was a swift, brutal, and unexpected assault. Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, ever the opportunist, had sensed Suna's vulnerability. Iwa forces, hardened by their campaigns and perhaps seeking to solidify their own dominance after the Uzushio campaign, launched a devastating sneak attack on Sunagakure's outer defenses. Suna, caught off guard and lacking a singular, decisive leader, fought valiantly but was quickly overwhelmed. The casualties were immense. To avoid utter annihilation, Suna's council was forced to the negotiating table, where Iwa twisted their arm.
The terms were harsh: an alliance, but one where Suna was clearly the junior, almost vassal, partner. And Iwa demanded more. They coerced Suna into propagating a carefully crafted narrative: Konoha was responsible for the Third Kazekage's disappearance. It was a masterstroke of political manipulation by Onoki – deflect blame for their own aggression, destabilize their primary rival, Konoha, and drag a weakened Suna into a conflict on Iwa's terms.
The rumors, seeded by Iwa and amplified by a reluctant Suna, spread like wildfire. Soon, Kumo, always eager to challenge Konoha and perhaps sensing an opportunity to gain an edge over Iwa by joining the "justified" cause, added their voice to the accusations. Smaller nations, swayed by the rhetoric or intimidated by the growing coalition, began to align themselves. The world's gaze turned, accusatory and hostile, towards the Land of Fire.
Rasa, hardened by years in ANBU and propelled by the crisis, was hastily named the Fourth Kazekage. His first official act, under immense pressure from Iwa and a village baying for perceived vengeance, was to declare war on Konoha.
The inferno had been lit.
Konoha Council Chamber – Emergency Session
The mood in the Hokage's council chamber was grim, the air charged with disbelief and a dawning, terrible resolve. The declarations of war had arrived, one after another, like hammer blows.
"Suna has declared war, citing our alleged involvement in the Third Kazekage's disappearance years ago," Hiruzen announced, his voice heavy. "Iwagakure has pledged full support to their 'ally' Suna and has also declared war. And now, Kumogakure has joined them, using the same pretext."
Fugaku Uchiha slammed a fist on the table. "This is an outrage! A blatant fabrication by Onoki to drag us into a conflict of his choosing! Suna is merely his puppet in this!"
"Puppet or not, Kazekage Rasa's declaration is official," Koharu countered, her face pale. "And Kumo's involvement turns this into a three-front war against major powers. We are outflanked and outnumbered."
Shikaku Nara, now the head of the Nara clan, leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "It's a coordinated effort. Iwa likely forced Suna's hand after weakening them. Kumo joins to capitalize on the chaos and perhaps settle old scores. Kirigakure…" He paused. "They haven't declared war yet, but their recent aggressions cannot be ignored. We must assume they will take advantage of our preoccupation."
Danzo Shimura, for once, looked almost… satisfied. "A multi-front war. Konoha has faced such odds before. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our true strength, to cull the weaker elements and forge a stronger village." His gaze flickered towards Hiruzen. "But it will require decisive leadership and a willingness to make… necessary sacrifices."
Hiruzen ignored Danzo's veiled critique. "Our deployment strategy must be immediate and comprehensive. We cannot afford to cede any ground." He looked at the assembled clan heads and advisors.
"The Eastern Front – Kirigakure: The Mist is unpredictable. Their forces are savage. Fugaku, the Uchiha clan, supported by elements of the Sarutobi clan and specialist ANBU squads, will take this front. Your Sharingan will be crucial in countering their assassination techniques and genjutsu."
Fugaku nodded, his expression resolute.
"The Northern Front – Kumogakure: Kumo's taijutsu specialists and their Raikage's speed are legendary. Hiashi Hyuga, your clan will form the core of this defense, alongside the Aburame. Your Byakugan and their insects will provide unparalleled reconnaissance and disruption. Orochimaru," Hiruzen turned to his student, who had been observing silently, "you will act as field commander here. Your strategic mind and combat prowess will be vital."
Hiashi Hyuga inclined his head, his face an impassive mask. Orochimaru offered a thin, serpentine smile.
"The Western Front – Iwagakure: Onoki's forces are disciplined and their earth-style jutsu formidable. This will be a war of attrition. Inoichi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi – your three clans, the Ino-Shika-Cho, will be the bulwark here. Jiraiya," he addressed his other student, "you will command this front. Your power and unconventional tactics will be needed to break Iwa's formations. Team Minato, including young Kakashi Hatake, will be assigned under your command; their teamwork is promising."
The three clan heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho nodded in unison. Jiraiya on the other hand was saddened, another bloody war.
"The Southern Front – Sunagakure: Suna, though perhaps the weakest of the three, is desperate and fighting on their home terrain. Their new Kazekage, Rasa, will be eager to prove himself. Tsunade," Hiruzen looked to his final student, the legendary medic-nin, "you will command this front. Your medical expertise will be paramount in mitigating casualties, and your strength is more than a match for any Suna can field. The Inuzuka clan, with their tracking skills, will be your vanguard. They will be supported by various smaller clans and general Konoha forces."
Raiga Inuzuka, bared his teeth in a fierce grin. Tsunade cracked her knuckles, a determined glint in her eyes.
Hiruzen surveyed the room. "These are our primary fronts. Root," he finally addressed Danzo, "your operatives will be deployed as needed, for infiltration, assassination of enemy commanders, and counter-intelligence. They will operate under ANBU designation to maintain plausible deniability for their more… unsavory tasks."
Danzo inclined his head slightly. "Root is always ready to serve Konoha's interests, Hokage-sama."
Root Headquarters – Deployment
The order came down swiftly. Root was to be mobilized. Toru (Thorfin) stood with his squad, now clad in standard Konoha ANBU attire – grey flak jacket, arm guards, and a blank, animal-style porcelain mask. His twin daggers, newly reforged with the chakra-conductive metal and the essence of his past life's blades, were strapped to his back. They felt like an extension of himself, a familiar comfort in the cold, sterile environment of Root.
Their new commander, a stoic operative codenamed "Karasu" (Crow), addressed them. "Our squads will be dispersed across all fronts. Primary targets: enemy field commanders, supply chain disruptors, high-value intelligence assets. Standard ANBU rules of engagement apply when in ANBU attire. When operating covertly… Root protocols are in effect."