Chapter 224 – The Storm Approaches: Besieging Konoha
The atmosphere inside the war room of Otogakure was oppressive.
Orochimaru's gaze flickered darkly. Deep down, he was panicking.
> "The current Fifth Hokage—Uchiha Yuta—has strength on par with the Sage of Six Paths…"
The thought alone made his skin crawl.
> "If I had known it would escalate to this level, I never would have joined this madness,"
Orochimaru thought bitterly.
"I should have remained an observer, watching the fire from across the river."
But now it was far too late.
With the full forces of Kumogakure and Iwagakure already stationed in Otogakure, there was no turning back.
For the first time in his life, one of the Sannin—Orochimaru—felt regret.
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> "How about launching a full assault on Konohagakure?"
The silence was finally broken by A, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure.
His voice rumbled like thunder.
> "Now that elite units from Kirigakure, Sunagakure, Amegakure, and even Takigakure are gathering in Konoha, we must strike first. Besieging the Leaf is our best strategy."
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> "This... might be too hasty."
The Third Tsuchikage—Ōnoki—frowned.
> "If we surround the Leaf Village, we'll cross a point of no return. There will be no room for diplomacy."
> "Hmph…"
Raikage A clenched his fists, his eyes burning with vengeance.
> "There is no longer any room for compromise between us and Konoha."
> "Either Konohagakure is destroyed… or we are."
> "And if Uchiha Yuta takes the field, then Uchiha Madara will respond in kind."
> "This war… will end with one final, decisive battle."
The Raikage's hatred was palpable. He had waited years for this moment—to avenge Killer Bee, Yugito Nii, and countless fallen comrades of Kumogakure.
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> "I agree."
The First Tsuchikage, resurrected through Edo Tensei, exhaled slowly.
> "We've already died once. There's nothing left to fear. If we're enemies now, then we should strike decisively."
> "Right. Besiege the Leaf!"
The Second Tsuchikage nodded firmly.
> "The Will of Stone does not bend to the Leaf. Konoha shall not unify the world."
---
Then both the First and Second Tsuchikage turned their eyes toward Ōnoki, their successor.
> "Ōnoki," the First Tsuchikage asked, "what do you think?"
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Ōnoki sighed.
> "The Will of Stone... means enduring, unwavering strength."
> "So yes. We will besiege Konoha."
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> "Good. A wise choice,"
the First Tsuchikage said approvingly.
The Second nodded as well, evidently proud that Ōnoki remembered the legacy of Iwagakure's founders.
But deep down, Ōnoki felt nothing but dread.
> "Fools… you have no idea what kind of monster the Fifth Hokage has become…"
He feared Uchiha Yuta more than Uchiha Madara. The Fifth Hokage's strength was no longer something the old world's logic could measure. But with the war already declared and no way to retreat, even Ōnoki had to go along with the plan.
> "That's it… whatever happens, happens."
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> "In my opinion, we should march on Konoha at dawn,"
said the Fourth Raikage A, eyes sharp as lightning.
> "No more hesitation. It's time."
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> "I support it."
> "Let the world witness the might of our three great villages."
> "We still have Uchiha Madara's support—he has backup plans."
> "Let's make Konoha bleed and capture the arrogant Fifth Hokage!"
> "Kill Uchiha Yuta! Destroy the Leaf Village!!"
---
As the room buzzed with militant fervor, the reanimated First, Second, and Third Raikage, along with the First and Second Tsuchikage, exchanged firm, knowing glances.
They knew.
This was it.
> Victory or annihilation—everything would be decided in the coming days.
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> "Let's move."
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with sinister intent.
> "Very well,"
Ōnoki said with a heavy sigh.
---
One hour later—
The Fourth Raikage, the Third Tsuchikage, and Orochimaru, leader of Otogakure, jointly issued a chilling declaration:
> "At dawn, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure will unite in a full-scale siege of Konohagakure."
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Buzz!!!
The announcement sent tremors through the ninja world.
Shinobi from all three villages stared in disbelief. The war had barely begun, and already their leaders had ordered an assault on the most powerful village in the world?
> "Are we really going to attack the Leaf already?"
"That's insane…"
"We'll all die!!"
Panic and dread gripped the hearts of many.
But the orders were given.
The stage was set.
The Fourth Great Ninja War had officially entered its most dangerous phase.
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To be continued…
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