Kenya didn't bother to dwell on recent troubles.
A few days after Temari, Terumi Mei also came to visit in person, and for several days, Kurenai didn't give him a good face.
Too lazy to even buy groceries, she would simply set a cup on the table at each meal to express her dissatisfaction.
The five days passed quickly.
Today's war council was finally here. The Sand and Mist should be ready to give their answers.
The Sand was a certainty—otherwise Kenya would never have been able to safely step away from the power he had consolidated there.
Even in his absence, the senior leadership of Sunagakure was in the hands of his own people.
Not to mention Rasa, Pakura, Jinnarō and the others, who all followed his orders faithfully.
Besides, the Land of Wind controlled the richest mineral resources on the continent. In terms of economic strength, it was second only to Konoha. How could the Sand not be tempted?
As for the Mist, Terumi Mei had only been in power for three years, and coupled with her youth, she likely lacked absolute authority in her village.
That would take more time.
Early morning.
As Kenya walked down from the 24th floor, he heard the sound of eggs sizzling in the kitchen.
Looking in, he saw Kurenai, wearing a light pink apron, sliding eggs and bacon from the pan onto a plate.
When she turned, her eyes met his.
"...!"
Kurenai snorted sharply, turned away, and left.
But before stepping out, she still grabbed the food basket from the counter.
"Should I take that as you're still angry?"
Kenya sat down, muttering to himself with amusement.
The coffee was sweetened exactly to his preference. From these details alone, he could tell her anger had softened.
True control over the human heart always lay in such subtleties.
"Lord Hokage, Teacher Blue Kenya, we of the Sand agree with your proposal."
As expected, when the Three Shadows' conference resumed, Gaara gave his approval immediately.
"If you're used to calling me Aizen, then continue to do so. That name carries meaning too."
Kenya smiled with satisfaction before turning to Terumi Mei.
"What about you, Lady Mizukage?"
Resting her cheek in one hand, Terumi Mei's every movement exuded a natural charm.
"Well, although many conservatives in the village believe the Mist shouldn't involve itself in a continental war, the majority support it. Their voices have prevailed. We, too, will take part."
Kenya's smile deepened. He spoke the same words Obito had used at the Five Kage Summit three years later:
"Then, I declare—the Fourth Great Ninja War begins!"
The war council began in earnest with both Sand and Mist affirming their stance.
A large map of the continent was spread across the table.
Tsunade said, "Based on geography, the broad strategy is clear: Sand against Stone, Mist against Cloud, and Konoha dividing its forces in the center to reinforce either side. But as for the finer details—what do the Kazekage and Mizukage think?"
Standing beside Terumi Mei, Ao said firmly,
"Please understand—Cloud's overall strength far surpasses Stone's. I hope more reinforcements can be sent against them."
Though clearly serving his own country's interests, his words weren't without merit.
For all his temper and ruthlessness, the Fourth Raikage was formidable. Not only did he command two perfect Jinchūriki—the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails Killer Bee—but a decade ago, he had even dared to abduct Hyūga Hinata, brazenly shaming Konoha before the world.
Were it not for Uchiha Kenya and Senju Tsunade's return, Konoha might have already lost its title as the foremost of the Five Great Villages.
Even considering only Kage-level strength, Cloud was a troublesome foe.
"Cloud may be a heavy block of iron, but their tailed beasts are both their strength and their weakness. If they lose control, chaos will follow."
Kenya chuckled, glancing at Terumi Mei.
"Let me send reinforcements to aid the Mist. I have some experience with tailed beasts—after all, I trained Gaara to master Shukaku."
"Ah, how reassuring. Working with Aizen brings back memories of three years ago."
Though her tone was serious, something in Terumi Mei's voice carried an unspoken allure.
Temari, watching closely, clenched her teeth softly and forced herself to remain calm.
"Teacher… what about us?"
"Ōnoki's Particle Style is extremely dangerous on the battlefield. Numbers won't matter if he can erase them in an instant. But if Gaara uses Shukaku, he should be able to restrain it."
Though the weakest of the nine tailed beasts, Shukaku was also among the hardest to kill. Its sandy body was akin to a Logia user in "One Piece," endlessly reforming as long as sand remained.
Unless Ōnoki unleashed a single Particle Style attack large enough to erase Shukaku entirely, the beast could always rebuild.
"This is all thanks to Master Aizen helping the Kazekage control Shukaku ahead of time."
Pakura bowed slightly toward Kenya.
For someone as cold and reserved as Pakura, this display alone showed just how deeply Aizen had influenced Sunagakure.
Kenya waved his hand dismissively.
"I only helped Gaara because he is my student. There's no need to thank me, Pakura."
Stretching his arms wide, he declared:
"Everyone, after this war, the age of the Five Great Nations will end. In its place will rise the era of the Three Great Nations. All three of our countries have resources and living conditions far superior to the past."
"Our enemies are not as strong as we imagine. There is no need for fear or panic. As long as we advance and retreat together—
We will be invincible."