In normal times, if a ninja dared to contact other villages without authorization, it would be considered an act of treason.
Even if they were Konoha elders, the rule still applied.
That was why Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were so shocked to hear Shimura Danzo suggest reaching out to other villages.
"Impossible…! This is crossing the line," Koharu said, frowning deeply.
"This is all for Konoha," Danzo said coldly. "To protect the Will of Fire, sacrifices must be made."
But unlike the others, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't oppose the idea.
In fact, Hiruzen now believed that any means was justified if it meant reclaiming Konoha from the Uchiha.
"The Land of Fire is rich in resources," Danzo explained.
"Iwagakure and Kumogakure have always coveted it. If they see an opportunity to strike and take territory, they won't hesitate."
"We let Iwa and Kumo attack Konoha. Uchiha Byakuya will be forced to respond. In the chaos, both sides will be weakened…"
"And that will be our chance to take the village back," Danzo concluded.
"Have the Rock and Cloud ninja fight the Uchiha clan…?" Koharu said, troubled.
"Isn't that too dangerous…?" added Homura.
"What's dangerous about it?" Hiruzen said firmly.
"I think it's a sound plan. It will weaken two great villages and give us a perfect chance to reclaim Konoha."
In the past, Hiruzen would have rejected Danzo's ruthless plan.
But now, after being ousted and humiliated, Hiruzen no longer cared about the cost.
If it meant the destruction of the Uchiha and regaining control of Konoha, he was willing to gamble everything.
"Still, it's too risky for just the three of us to carry this out," Danzo said.
"I heard that Chiyo of Sunagakure is near the River Country."
"If we can convince her to join the alliance against the Uchiha, it could tip the balance in our favor."
"I'll reach out immediately," Danzo said.
...
In the River Country, Chiyo and the remaining Suna elders were stationed temporarily.
"Lady Chiyo, a hawk just arrived with a message," Rasa said, entering with a scroll in hand.
"It's from Sarutobi Hiruzen. He wants to form an alliance to destroy the Uchiha clan."
Chiyo opened the scroll, scanned it, then gave a cold laugh.
"Hmph… So the old monkey has finally fallen."
"To think that the once-proud Hokage would be begging for help… It's almost pathetic."
She remembered the countless skirmishes between Konoha and Suna, the deaths, the betrayals.
She and Hiruzen were veterans of too many wars.
That he was now exiled from his own village made her feel a grim satisfaction.
"Should we refuse?" Rasa asked.
But Chiyo's amusement faded as she considered the opportunity.
"No," she said. "We agree. The Uchiha clan is dangerous—more than ever now that they control Konoha."
"If we don't act now, they'll grow too powerful to contain. Even for us."
Rasa nodded. "I'll draft a reply and prepare the troops."
...
Meanwhile, in Kumogakure, the Third Raikage sat in his office, reviewing recent battle reports.
Despite numerous skirmishes, the stalemate with Iwagakure remained.
Suddenly, a trusted jonin, Dodai, entered the room.
"Lord Raikage," he said respectfully.
"Lord Raikage, urgent news regarding the Land of Fire..."
"A major upheaval has occurred in Konoha Village."
Dodai approached briskly, his expression grave as he addressed the Third Raikage.
"The Land of Fire? Konoha?"
"What happened?" the Raikage asked, frowning.
Kumogakure had been preoccupied with its ongoing conflict against Iwagakure, leaving little room to monitor events in the Fire Country.
"A civil war has broken out in Konoha," Dodai reported.
"The Uchiha clan has overthrown Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Shimura clan has been annihilated. The Sarutobi, Utatane, and Mitokado clans have been driven out of the village."
He unrolled a sealed scroll and handed it to the Raikage.
"All the confirmed intelligence is detailed within."
The Third Raikage tore open the scroll and scanned its contents quickly. His eyes widened with each line.
"Is this accurate, Dodai? Are these reports verified?" he asked sharply.
"Yes, Lord Raikage. The information has been confirmed multiple times by our agents and through intercepted communications."
Dodai's expression remained stern. "At first, I found it hard to believe myself, but there's no mistake. The Uchiha have seized control."
The Third Raikage suddenly laughed, his booming voice echoing across the room.
"Excellent... This is the opportunity we've waited for!"
"Konoha, weakened by internal strife... This is our chance to take the Fire Country's fertile lands once and for all!"
"Prepare the army, Dodai! We're marching on Konoha!"
Dodai hesitated, his brow furrowed.
"Lord Raikage, what if this is a trap?"
"A trap?" The Raikage paused briefly, then shook his head.
"No village would fake the fall of its Hokage and sacrifice four major clans just for deception. Even the Leaf wouldn't go that far."
"Even if it is a ploy, Konoha's forces have undeniably been crippled. Their strength is fractured. This is our best chance to strike."
Dodai nodded. "You're right. No one plays games with their own Kage's downfall. I'll begin mobilizing immediately."
If Konoha truly was in chaos, then the Land of Lightning had a rare and powerful opening.
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