This war was destined to be different from the Fourth Ninja War of the original story.
This time, Konoha had united with Sunagakure and Kirigakure against Kumogakure and Iwagakure. The headquarters for the coalition was established in Konoha.
No matter how one looked at it—geography, troop numbers, or ease of communication—Konoha was the natural choice.
The commander-in-chief of the coalition was decided to be Senju Tsunade.
After all, Gaara's reputation had yet to fully take root, and Terumi Mei was still too young. Compared to the two, Tsunade's seniority and qualifications gave her a far greater advantage.
As for the position of deputy commander, both Gaara and Terumi Mei had unanimously recommended Uchiha Kenya.
"This war is the first step toward a new era of unity between our three nations. To achieve this, the hearts of our shinobi must be tied together."
At the final meeting before Gaara and Terumi Mei returned to their villages, Kenya produced a brand-new forehead protector with the character "Shin" (unity) engraved upon it. He handed it to them with a faint smile.
"Use this to show our determination."
Gaara and Terumi Mei each accepted the forehead protector in turn.
Reading the character etched into the plate, Terumi Mei pressed her lips together, smiling softly.
"So, this is your way of declaring to the Stone and the Cloud that the future of the shinobi world belongs to our Three Nations alone?"
"You could say that."
Kenya shrugged with a small chuckle.
After a short farewell, both shadows returned to their respective villages to begin mobilizing their forces.
Kenya knew this move meant the Fourth Ninja War would arrive far earlier than in the original timeline.
The plot, from this point on, was destined to change completely.
Of course, that also meant the strength of the future Allied Shinobi Forces would shrink significantly when it came time to face Obito, Madara, or even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
But so what?
In truth, during the Fourth Ninja War, it had only ever been those few super-Kage-level monsters who truly determined the battle's outcome: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Obito, Madara, and the reincarnated Hokage.
When all was said and done, the number of individuals who actually decided the war's end could be counted on one's fingers.
The so-called eighty thousand shinobi coalition and the hundred thousand White Zetsu had merely been cannon fodder.
One super-level ninjutsu was enough to wipe out more than half a battlefield.
Therefore, Kenya wasn't worried about troop strength.
What mattered was his own power.
At the very least, the Hōgyoku had to be fully awakened.
In the Shinobi Ministry building.
With the Fourth Ninja World War on the horizon, Kenya's duties as Minister of Shinobi Affairs were no less burdensome than when he had "carried" the position of Kazekage.
Today, he had summoned Jiraiya—who, upon learning the truth of Naruto's hardships, had resolved to finally train the boy in earnest.
"I refuse to participate in this war."
The moment Jiraiya stepped into the office, he cut off the conversation with those words.
He had spent his life wandering in search of peace, precisely because he despised war.
Even if Kenya promised this battle would usher in a long-lasting peace, Jiraiya wanted no part in it.
He didn't care what methods Kenya had used to gain his current influence, nor what consequences Konoha might face.
As long as Tsunade remained Hokage, Jiraiya believed the village would endure.
The only wish he had left was to honor his late student Minato: to guide Naruto, and raise him into a shinobi no less brilliant than his father.
"Don't be so tense, Jiraiya-senpai. I didn't call you here to enlist you. I only want you to take Naruto out for training—and deliver this letter for me."
With a flick of his hand, Kenya tossed an envelope across the desk.
Jiraiya caught it, glancing at it with suspicion.
"A letter? To whom?"
"To the leader of Amegakure. I'm hoping he'll grant us safe passage. If the Sand and Konoha are to march on Iwagakure, our route must pass through the Rain."
Kenya explained lightly.
"…Then why me?" Jiraiya asked, frowning.
Because Pain and Konan were once your students—they will not ignore you.
Kenya thought, but did not voice it. Instead, he smiled faintly.
"As one of the Legendary Sannin, you carry far more weight than any ordinary shinobi. You'll be traveling anyway, so consider it a small favor along the way."
Jiraiya studied him for a long moment, then, with a quiet sigh, tucked the envelope away.
"Fine. I'll take it. But if that's all, I'm leaving."
"Much obliged, Jiraiya-senpai."
Kenya watched him depart, then turned to the clock hanging on the wall.
"…They should be here any minute."
Two minutes later, three elderly figures entered the building.
Koharu Utatane.
Homura Mitokado.
Shimura Danzō.
"The three of you have worked hard."
Kenya remained seated, neither rising to greet them nor showing an ounce of respect, despite his polite words.
"It must feel strange, being summoned here. This is the first time in forty years, isn't it? After all, back then, you only ever summoned others—you never deigned to appear in person."
Resting his elbow on the armrest and his chin in his palm, Kenya smirked lazily.
"Uchiha Kenya! What are you planning?"
Koharu immediately snapped, her tone sharp.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to remind the three of you—while I'm away at the frontlines, you will remain at home and rest. Tsunade may be Hokage, but her political experience is still shallow. I would hate to see anything happen behind her back."
Kenya's smile was calm, almost mocking.
It was absurd for a man in his early twenties to call those in their fifties "inexperienced." Yet after four years as Kazekage, he had every right to say so.
Koharu and Homura's faces darkened. They understood the hidden meaning in his words.
"You summoned us here just to say this?"
Danzo, silent until now, finally spoke.
Though he tried to imitate Sarutobi Hiruzen's calm composure, the malice burning in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Kenya chuckled softly.
"Considering your past deeds, I can't be certain you won't try something during a critical war. So, I'll have members of the Hyūga clan keep watch. Please do not leave your homes."
"Uchiha Kenya! Don't overstep! We are Konoha's advisory council! Long before you were even born, we were making sacrifices for this village!"
Koharu's anger finally erupted in a furious shout.
Kenya's smile turned sharp, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Don't raise your voice—it only makes you look weaker. I've said this before, haven't I? With my current position, killing you three outright would only shake the village. That is the only reason you still draw breath."