The festive atmosphere in Konoha was abruptly shattered like a bucket of cold water poured over its residents.
A thousand-strong ninja force, escorting a large amount of supplies, set off for the front lines. Everyone knew what this meant.
The bustling streets, once filled with laughter and chatter, suddenly became much quieter.
Even though the Third Hokage delivered a passionate speech from the rooftop of the Hokage Building, most Konoha citizens believed that, even if war truly broke out, under the leadership of this "Strongest Hokage," they would ultimately emerge victorious. Yet, the shadow of war still loomed over everyone's hearts.
Time passed quickly under this atmosphere. In just half a month, Konoha had discreetly deployed a total of 3,000 ninjas in batches through various means.
Meanwhile, another 2,000 ninjas who had received the war preparation orders remained in the village, undergoing training and drills. The position of the highest commander of the front lines had long been undecided.
After a series of back-and-forth arguments between Danzō—who was being impersonated and controlled by Kei's White Zetsu—and the Third Hokage, the position ultimately fell to Danzō.
Hiruzen really has a soft spot for Danzō! Kei looked at the appointment scroll with a somewhat indescribable expression.
From the Third Hokage's perspective, it made sense.
Danzō, due to his age, had practically lost his chance to become Hokage. Moreover, the ruthless nature of Root's operations ensured that even if he achieved great military merit, he would struggle to gain widespread recognition from Konoha's ninja.
But giving him full command of the front lines?
It was clear that Hiruzen trusted Danzō more than Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and others!
"How is the target your squad is monitoring?"
Kei put away the scroll and turned to the leader of Combat Squad Three, Koda.
"Five days ago, he was taken in by the owner of Santou Bathhouse. A day ago, he started working as a bath attendant, scrubbing the backs of male customers."
Koda's voice remained emotionless, as cold and calm as ever.
"That bathhouse owner sure is a kind soul?"
"According to our investigation, the owner divorced his wife ten years ago and has since had multiple male—"
"Stop!" Kei decisively interrupted Koda's report. The upcoming details could very well corrupt his mind.
Knock, knock, knock—
A Root ninja from the Intelligence Unit entered quickly after receiving permission, presenting the latest intel.
Kei glanced at the scroll, his brow twitching slightly when he saw the words "Most Passionate Cupping Therapy" written prominently.
He unrolled the scroll.
---
January 7th: Over 5,000 elite Suna ninjas will depart Suna in two groups under the cover of a minor sandstorm.
The first group, led by Rasa and other high-ranking Suna officials, consists of over 3,000 ninjas. They will rendezvous with Iwa forces in the Land of Rain before jointly attacking Konoha's front-line encampment.
The second group, consisting of 2,000 ninjas, will depart three days later under Chiyo's command as reinforcements for Rasa's forces.
If this battle is successful, Rasa will become the Fourth Kazekage.
---
That woman... After reading the contents, Kei's expression became strange as he pondered Pakura's motives.
Recently, Root had received similar intel about Suna from other sources. Though not as detailed as her report, the information was enough to confirm its authenticity. But why did this woman emphasize Rasa in both of her reports...?
Due to Suna's harsh environment and lack of financial support from the daimyo, the younger generation lacked many outstanding talents.
If something happened to Rasa, the only real candidates for Kazekage were Pakura and Baki.
As a Scorch Release user, Pakura's chances were undoubtedly higher than Baki's. But if she was trying to use Konoha to eliminate Rasa and seize power, what would be the point?
Unless she intended to be Konoha's puppet for life, once the truth got out, she'd be the first to die!
Pakura wasn't stupid. Having seen her memories, Kei knew this woman wasn't brainless.
So was this about what was mentioned in the last report—that Chiyo had ordered her to protect Rasa and help him gain military achievements?
Was she feeling wronged?
Her thoughts were already in turmoil due to the memory manipulation, and now she was being forced to babysit Rasa? Was that why she finally turned against Suna?
Or was it her deeply ingrained belief in the Kazekage position?
My spy wants to become another village's leader? Kei tapped his finger lightly against the table, put away the scroll, and stood up.
If Pakura became Kazekage, it would only be beneficial to him—no downsides. Having an entire village leader as an inside agent? Whether he wanted to unify the land or maintain an ally for future battles, everything would become far more convenient.
The only real problem was that Suna was too poor.
If it weren't for Rasa's constant efforts in mining, Suna would likely be even worse off than in the original timeline.
Somehow, he had to figure out a way to make them richer.
A bit of a hassle.
Opening the door to the adjacent office, he temporarily entrusted Root's affairs to the babysitting Nonō and the newly recruited Mikoto.
Placing a hand on the shoulder of White Zetsu, who was disguised as Danzō, Kei activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and disappeared from the office.
Recently, Kiri and Kumo had entered a war of attrition.
On the surface, the battles seemed intense, but based on the intel, both sides were deliberately slowing their attacks in unspoken agreement. It was clear that they were waiting for Konoha, Suna, and Iwa to start fighting first.
Suna's main forces had already set out for Ame three days ago to rendezvous with Iwa.
With over three thousand ninjas moving stealthily, they wouldn't be able to travel too quickly. Based on the timeline, they should be arriving soon.
As for Iwa, although there was no definitive intel, since Ōnoki had conspired with Suna, they wouldn't be far behind.
Speed was critical in warfare.
Once the two forces merged, it would take no more than two days before they launched a direct attack on Konoha's front-line base!
Swoosh—
Thanks to the Flying Thunder God kunai that Root operatives had previously planted, Kei and the disguised Danzō teleported through multiple long-range jumps.
After over ten spatial transfers, they arrived at an outpost less than fifty kilometers from Konoha's front-line base.
Inside the outpost, a disguised Root combat squad—Second Combat Team, led by squad leader Otsu—immediately stood up and saluted upon seeing their unexpected superiors.
"Report the situation." Kei took the lead in questioning Otsu.
"Currently, all 310 troops have reached their designated hiding locations. No large-scale enemy movements have been detected at the front line."
"And what about the thousand-man camp?"
"Under Jiraiya-sama's orders, the camp has remained on Level-2 alert at all times, and patrols have been consistently maintained."
"Good." Kei nodded slightly.
The temporary squad leaders of the 310-man force had been carefully selected from Konoha's elite:
Shibi, Murakumo, Unkai, Hizashi, Ikaku, Minazuki, Tsume, Shitō...
In terms of both ability and strength, they were all reliable.
As long as they received the predetermined signal, they would be able to reach their designated positions within an hour to encircle the enemy. Since everything was in place, all that was left to do was wait.
Kei and Danzō retreated into the outpost's underground bunker to rest.
Outside, the sky darkened as time passed.
---
Knock, knock.
The knocking at the door startled Kei awake from his bed at around 1 AM.
"Enter."
"Our operatives just reported back—troops from Iwa and Suna are launching a pincer attack on the front-line base from both the east and west! Lord Jiraiya has summoned a giant toad to hold them off!"
"How many enemies?"
"Estimated to be over 3,000!"
"Send the signal immediately!"
Kei got up from the bed and patted down his slightly wrinkled clothes. With a single-hand seal, he created a shadow clone.
The clone would stay behind with Danzō to oversee the battlefield and coordinate the dispersed 3,000 Konoha ninjas for an ambush.
Meanwhile, Kei himself activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported directly to Konoha's front-line base—50 kilometers away.
Swoosh—
Following the Flying Thunder God mark, Kei materialized in a location just under three kilometers from the base.
But then, he realized something was wrong. He had... landed right in the middle of a crowd?!
What the hell?!
Weren't Suna and Iwa supposed to be attacking from the east and west?!
This was the south!
Were they trying to completely cut off Konoha's retreat route?!
As dozens of Suna ninjas halted their steps and fixed their piercing gazes on him, Kei smacked his lips.
"If I say I'm just passing by, will you believe me?"
"Kill him!" A low growl came from within the group.
Click, click, click—
The sound of mechanical joints shifting filled the air as countless puppets of various shapes lunged toward Kei!
"What a drag..."