At the same time—
deep down, many people were already hoping that the Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ren, would unify the shinobi world.
After all, for countless civilians and shinobi, the era of five great villages dividing the world had been nothing but endless conflict.
One mistake, one clash of interests, one shift in power—
and another shinobi world war would erupt.
From the First Great Ninja War, to the Second, then the Third…
both civilians and shinobi had suffered enough.
Truly enough.
Why should the entire shinobi world bleed for the ambitions and grudges of a few villages?
Now Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure wanted to ignite the Fourth Great Ninja War and drag countless people into the flames again.
Naturally, that provoked public anger.
Because of that, most civilians and shinobi across the world hoped Uchiha Ren would teach the Fourth Raikage A, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, and Orochimaru a harsh lesson.
They hoped Konoha would unify the entire shinobi world with thunderous force.
As a result, the direction of public opinion shifted almost instantly toward Konoha.
The Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ren—
had become the will of the people.
Kirigakure.
Inside the Mizukage's office.
"The Fourth Great Ninja War is about to begin? Have Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure lost their minds?"
"A, Ōnoki, and Orochimaru are finished. Lord Fifth Hokage will never let them off."
"Those bastards are throwing themselves straight into death."
Ao, Chōjūrō, and the other Kirigakure higher-ups all wore disdainful smiles after receiving the news.
They were not nervous at all.
Why would they be?
They had absolute confidence in Lord Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ren.
More importantly, Kirigakure was already holding firmly onto his side.
Once the Fourth Great Ninja War began, they were already standing with the winning camp.
Just thinking about it lifted their spirits.
As for A, Ōnoki, and Orochimaru courting death—
Kirigakure only needed to watch the show.
"How boring…"
Mei Terumī stretched lazily and said with little interest,
"Lord Fifth Hokage already intended to unify the shinobi world. Now Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure are offering themselves up as an excuse for Konoha to act."
"Wait…"
At that moment, Chōjūrō seemed to think of something. He frowned and said,
"Could Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure have some hidden trump card? Why would they suddenly declare war on Konoha?"
"That's possible."
Ao nodded seriously.
"With Ōnoki's cunning, he shouldn't be reckless enough to act without a reason."
"There's no need to worry."
Mei shrugged indifferently.
"No matter what trump card they have, before Lord Fifth Hokage's power, it will be useless."
"They'll only be crushed."
"That… does make sense."
"We were overthinking it."
Ao and Chōjūrō smiled awkwardly.
After all, against the Fifth Hokage, who had already surpassed the God of Shinobi, what could A, Ōnoki, and Orochimaru possibly accomplish?
Even their greatest trump card would be a joke.
"Enough discussion."
Mei's lips curved slightly as she gave the order.
"Prepare the village."
"Kirigakure enters wartime readiness and will respond to Konoha's call at any moment."
"Understood."
At the same time—
Sunagakure.
"Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure are rushing to their deaths?"
Inside the office, Ebizō looked at the intelligence scroll in his hand and sneered.
"A, Ōnoki, and Orochimaru are finished. Not even the Sage of Six Paths could save them."
"They truly are courting death."
Chiyo's aged face showed a trace of helplessness.
"Facing a monster like the Fifth Hokage, why can't A, Ōnoki, and Orochimaru think clearly?"
"Forget it."
The next moment, Chiyo slowly stood.
"Pass down the order."
"Sunagakure enters combat readiness."
"Understood."
Ebizō nodded thoughtfully.
And so—
Sunagakure and Kirigakure, both among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, responded with astonishing speed.
They issued their own statements.
Their meaning was simple.
If Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure wanted death, then they would accompany them to the end.
Even if it meant fighting the Fourth Great Ninja War, they would not hesitate.
With Kirigakure and Sunagakure taking the lead, Amegakure, Takigakure, and many other forces large and small followed one after another.
They condemned Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure.
Then they declared that they would stand with Konoha and join the Fourth Great Ninja War.
In an instant—
the entire shinobi world surged with tension.
On one side stood Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Otogakure.
On the other stood Kirigakure, Sunagakure, Amegakure, Takigakure, and countless allied forces under Konoha.
The two sides faced each other like drawn blades.
The storm had finally arrived.
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