At Iwagakure's camp, the atmosphere buzzed with routine tension. "Some of you may wonder why I've delayed action." Onoki addressed the gathered ninjas, his gaze sweeping over them. "I've been waiting for the perfect moment, the location of Konoha's main camp."
"We've scouted one of their bases. While its exact situation is unclear, it's enough to act." he continued. "I'll divide our forces into teams. I'll lead Rōshi and Han to strike the camp directly, while you encircle and annihilate Konoha's ninjas in your assigned zones."
"Our numbers give us the edge." Onoki said. "To draw Tengen's team to the camp, we'll exploit their usual response to reinforce it. I'll trap Tengen with Rōshi and Han. Once you crush Konoha's forces, Tengen's strength alone won't matter."
"I'll show that boy the ninja world isn't a one-man war." Onoki said with a cold smirk.
He'd waited long for this, not just for the chance to strike Konoha's camp, but for Rōshi's recovery. Now, with Rōshi restored, the opportunity was ripe.
"Tsuchikage-sama, it's too risky." a ninja protested. Facing Tengen was dangerous, after all, the Kazekage, Rasa, had nearly died by his hand.
If Onoki fell, it would devastate Iwagakure far more than Rasa's potential death had threatened Sunagakure. Rasa, a recent Kazekage, lacked deep loyalty from his village, which had already lost its Third Kazekage. But Onoki, a long-standing Tsuchikage, was a symbol of Iwagakure's spirit, akin to Konoha's Third Hokage.
"My mind is made up." Onoki declared, unwavering.
Perhaps he also sought to erase the humiliation once inflicted by Uchiha Madara, now channeled through Tengen. Seeing Onoki's resolve, the ninjas could only hope for his safe return.
"Assemble the forces. We move now." Onoki said, retreating to a room to prepare.
"Rōshi, Han, protect the Tsuchikage." the ninjas urged the two Jinchuriki.
"Don't worry, we've got this." Rōshi and Han nodded, committed to safeguarding Onoki.
As Iwagakure mobilized, far away in a land of towering peaks shrouded in mist, Kumogakure thrived. Atop one mountain stood a building marked with the symbol of lightning, the Raikage's office.
"Sunagakure and Iwagakure are attacking the Land of Fire together." the Third Raikage mused, a smile crossing his face as he studied a report. "I didn't expect that kid from the Chunin Exams, Tengen, to be this powerful, wielding the same Mangekyo Sharingan as Uchiha Madara."
"Now that Onoki's joined the battlefield, even he must find Tengen troublesome." he continued, thoughtful. "That boy defeated Shukaku. Even I'd be wary."
"But this is our chance. It's time Konoha faced Kumogakure's might in this war." The Raikage's smile widened.
"Summon Ai and Dodai." he ordered.
"Yes, Raikage-sama." a figure appeared briefly in the office before vanishing.
Moments later, Kumogakure's elite gathered in the Raikage's office, all at least Jonin.
"You've heard about Sunagakure and Iwagakure attacking Konoha." the Raikage said, scanning the room.
"Yes, Raikage-sama." Dodai, a lean ninja and trusted aide, replied. As the overseer of the Sacred Spear Thunderbolt technique, he held the Raikage's confidence. The others nodded in agreement.
"It's time we act." the Raikage said coolly.
The ninjas' eyes lit up. The idea of targeting Konoha had already taken root. The Land of Fire was a rich prize, and with Konoha facing two villages, resisting Kumogakure would be near impossible. Three villages against one? They doubted Konoha could withstand it.
As for Tengen's strength, capable of defeating a tailed beast, it was formidable, but no single ninja could counter an entire village, let alone three. At most, they respected his power.
"Exactly. It's time Konoha felt our strength." the Raikage said with a cold smile. "Assemble our forces. We're invading the Land of Fire."
"Yes, Raikage-sama!" The ninjas replied, their voices brimming with fervor.
Elsewhere in Kumogakure, Ai spoke to Killer B. "B, Father's decided to strike Konoha."
"We're hitting Konoha? Then that Tengen…" Killer B's eyes gleamed.
"Right. You might face him again." Ai said slowly. "But he's not just a taijutsu master anymore. He wields the Mangekyo Sharingan."
"I know, but I've gotten stronger too." Killer B said, clenching his fist, his gaze burning with resolve.
"Don't worry, B. I've got your back." Ai said with a grin.
"Thanks, bro." Killer B replied, flashing a wide smile.
With Kumogakure's entry into the fray, the ninja world descended into greater turmoil.
Undoubtedly, the Third Shinobi World War had reached its climax.
***
Hi guys, I hope you're all doing well! I want to share that I'm currently working on a new project related to Lord of Mysteries.
If you're interested, feel free to visit my profile and start reading. Below is a brief summary:
[Lord of Mysteries: Incarnation of Chaos]
Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone from a Lovecraftian world got isekai'd into another world built on Lovecraftian themes? Well, it's absolute chaos.
Meet Alaric, a human(questionably) survivor of the madness and chaos caused by a certain crawling chaos, who, thanks to the kindness of a certain bubble daddy, got isekai'd into the "fake it till you make it" world.
What will he do in this strange new world? Climb the ladder of power to become that impossible god unless you're just a pawn of a certain russian priest or a certain goth mommy?
Or become a cheshire cat, leaping onto the 4D chessboard to disrupt the schemes and mind games of these bizarre folks?
For Alaric, it's not a tough choice. But before he picks either path, he must, of course, uphold the time-honored tradition of isekai'd victims(questionably) that forms the foundation of this world.
What's that tradition?
Keeping a diary.
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[Alaric's Transmigration Diary]
[Day 1: I encountered Amon. Used a special technique to summon a projection of the Ancient Sun God, who personally delivered a heavy slap to Amon. Hope Amon appreciates this weighty paternal affection.]
[Day 2: I received an invitation from the Aurora Order. Told them I want it all... looks, brains, and combat prowess... and invited them to join my newly founded Joker Club.]
[Day 3: I met Leonard and acknowledged Gramps Pallez. Declined Leonard's enthusiastic suggestion for the old man to move in with me, as I'd rather not have a old man critiquing my every move, even in private moments.]
[Day 4: I told Klein I plan to pray to a deity named The Fool. Watched his eyes widen in shock and kindly offered him some eye drops.]
[Day 5: I listened to Medici perform a two-hour comedy routine. Suggested he go professional and invited him to share a meal.]
.
.
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[Day 666: I fully absorbed a certain crawling chaos fragment within me. From now on, I am the Fifth Pillar.]