In Konoha, within the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood gazing out at the village. Despite the bustling presence of civilians, the streets felt eerily quiet. Most ninjas had been deployed to two fronts: the battle against Sunagakure and the one against Iwagakure.
On the Sunagakure front, Konoha's defenses had stabilized, even gaining an edge thanks to the efforts of exceptional ninjas. The Iwagakure front was holding strong too, with no signs of collapse. Tengen's performance there was remarkable, single-handedly crushing Iwagakure's forces and even piercing the Four-Tails, Son Goku, with a single arrow.
Yet, intelligence reports confirmed the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, had joined the battlefield but had made no significant moves. From Hiruzen's understanding of Onoki, the Tsuchikage was surely scheming something. The notion that he feared Tengen was unlikely, Onoki's stubborn nature wouldn't quail before an untested foe.
"Perhaps I should pull some ninjas from the Sunagakure front." Hiruzen mused. That battlefield boasted stronger high-end forces, including two of Konoha's Sannin, Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
"I'm still worried." He said, his eyes betraying concern. The Third Raikage was no peacemaker. Could Kumogakure truly have no designs on the Land of Fire?
Hiruzen couldn't be sure, which fueled his unease. Konoha retained some forces, most of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, along with other ninjas, for emergencies, prioritizing maximum security.
"I hope I'm overthinking this." Hiruzen sighed. The war had put Konoha in a precarious position, already facing two major villages with an uncertain outcome.
It had raged for months. "Soon, it'll be the 47th year of Konoha." Hiruzen said, puffing on his pipe, staring into the distance.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. "Enter." He said, his expression steadying.
"Hokage-sama, urgent report." An Anbu ninja announced, masked as always.
"Give it to me." Hiruzen said, a bad feeling stirring within.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." The Anbu handed over the letter.
"Dismissed." Hiruzen said, waving him off.
The Anbu vanished. Hiruzen unsealed the letter with a practiced motion, his face darkening as he read. His gaze grew cold.
Bang!
He slammed the desk. "Kumogakure's finally moving. They've passed through the Land of the Moon, entered the Land of Hot Water, and will soon reach the Land of Fire."
"They really think they can play the fisherman, picking up the spoils?" Hiruzen took a deep breath. "Come out."
"Yes, Hokage-sama." An Anbu appeared.
"Summon Konoha's Jonin and clan leaders for a meeting. Now." Hiruzen ordered coldly. "No matter their tasks, they drop everything."
"Yes, sir." The Anbu replied, noting Hiruzen's grim expression. Sensing the gravity, he left immediately.
Soon, the Hokage's office filled with Konoha's key Jonin and clan leaders.
"I've received news." Hiruzen said, his voice heavy. "News dire for Konoha."
The ninjas stirred, their eyes narrowing. Konoha was already in a precarious position, and Hiruzen's tone suggested worse.
"Led by the Third Raikage, Kumogakure is advancing on the Land of Fire. They'll reach our border soon." Hiruzen said gravely.
Gasps filled the room. Kumogakure's attack meant three villages were now assaulting Konoha. The Land of Fire had become a coveted prize, each village eager to claim a piece.
"We must act swiftly to intercept Kumogakure." Hiruzen declared. "They cannot be allowed to ravage our land. Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi…"
He issued orders, assigning tasks. Konoha had to move quickly. From receiving this intelligence to mounting a defense, they had at least a day.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Fugaku and the others responded. In Konoha's darkest hour, they had to act, they were Konoha's ninjas.
Soon, another wave of ninjas departed the village, leaving civilians anxious. What was happening? The war seemed to grow fiercer, and all they could do was pray for Konoha's victory. Defeat would bring dire consequences.
"I hope it all goes well." Hiruzen said, watching the departing ninjas, his gaze complex.
No one had foreseen Konoha facing such peril, far graver than the Second Shinobi World War.
---
At the Land of Earth's border, the battlefield between Konoha and Iwagakure simmered. Iwagakure's probing attacks grew more frequent, their squads striking with increasing boldness. It was clear the Third Tsuchikage's arrival heralded action, though what remained uncertain.
Konoha's ninjas could only intensify their reconnaissance, hoping to uncover Onoki's plans.
At Konoha's camp, a ninja arrived, his face etched with urgency. Guided by others, he entered the command tent.
***
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.
---
[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.]
.
.
.
[Day 666: I fully absorbed a certain crawling chaos fragment within me. From now on, I am the Fifth Pillar.]