In an underground chamber in the Land of Earth, Uchiha Madara rose slowly, watching the sleeping Uchiha Obito.
Over the past few days, convincing Obito to embrace his vision had proven difficult.
Each time Obito slept, he murmured about someone named Rin, a potential point of leverage.
"Perhaps it's time to mobilize Kirigakure's forces." Madara said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Long ago, Madara had secretly manipulated Kirigakure. Having survived Hashirama's era, he hadn't spent his years idly in the ninja world.
Though he'd long awaited the ultimate power to bring peace, the Rinnegan had come too late.
"Zetsu, investigate Obito and this Rin. Then we head to Kirigakure." Madara ordered.
"Kirigakure?" White Zetsu eyed Madara curiously.
"I'm not dead yet, and it won't be my true body going." Madara said, glancing at Zetsu.
"Oh, got it. I'll start the investigation." White Zetsu nodded and departed.
"May it go smoothly." Madara said, watching him leave.
Days later, Zetsu's findings reached Madara, who devised a plan.
A plan to plunge Obito into despair.
"White Zetsu, let's move." Madara said calmly. His form was youthful, crafted from Hashirama's cells and his own genetics.
This body, though not a mere clone, was flawed, prone to genetic collapse over time.
"But it's enough." The youthful Madara said, glancing at his aged self. "Farewell."
"I await good news." The elder Madara replied.
"Rest assured." The younger Madara said, departing with White Zetsu.
"Obito, savor what I've prepared for you." Madara said, smiling at the recovering boy. "You're my chosen one."
…
In the Land of Water, Kirigakure thrived.
An island nation surrounded by seas, its affairs were largely hidden from the outside world.
During the Second Ninja War, Kirigakure had remained uninvolved.
But today, the village's elite gathered at the Mizukage's behest for a critical announcement.
In the Mizukage's office, the Fourth Mizukage addressed the assembly. "You've all heard of the events unfolding on the mainland, I presume."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Said a blue-haired ninja with a talisman earring, Ao, a Kirigakure jōnin. "The mainland is in chaos. Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure are besieging Konoha."
"Precisely." The Fourth Mizukage said, surveying the room. "This is Kirigakure's opportunity. We may claim the Land of Fire's lands."
The Land of Fire's resources were coveted even by the sea-bound Land of Water.
Its oceanic borders made invading Konoha difficult, but with the other three villages drawing Konoha's focus, a rare chance emerged.
"A golden opportunity, you mean?" Said a rotund man wielding Samehada, Suikazan Fuguki, a survivor of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, many of whom had fallen to Might Dai.
"Yes. Kirigakure will join this war." The Fourth Mizukage declared.
"When?" A ninja asked eagerly.
"When?" The Mizukage's gaze was sharp. "Now. Assemble our forces. Tomorrow, we launch a full-scale assault on the Land of Fire."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!" The ninjas responded.
In Kirigakure, strength was everything. The strongest became Mizukage, and the Fourth was their mightiest.
Disobeying him was perilous, his orders were absolute. The ninjas sprang into action, wary of his wrath.
Soon, the Mizukage's office fell silent.
Two figures materialized.
"Madara-sama." The Fourth Mizukage said, addressing one.
"Well done." Said a familiar figure, stepping into the sunlight, Uchiha Madara.
"Konoha, enjoy what I've prepared." Madara said, his eyes cold.
Moments later, a young girl, Terumī Mei, stopped a hurrying ninja, puzzled by the village's bustle. "What's happening?"
"The three major villages are attacking the Land of Fire. Mizukage-sama has ordered us to join the war." The ninja said before rushing off.
He only answered because he knew Mei's strength.
"Konoha?" Mei murmured, thinking of Tengen, whom she'd once met.
"They say you're growing stronger, but I won't fall behind." She whispered.
Kirigakure mobilized fervently. Its seaside location delayed Konoha's awareness of their involvement.
Konoha never imagined the reclusive Kirigakure, absent from past wars, would join the fray.
Days later, an urgent report landed on the Third Hokage's desk.
***
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