Naraku had just closed his eyes and slept for a bit, and it was still before dawn, when he was notified by the system that there were new anime updates, and again, several episodes.
The opening of the new episode confirmed his previous speculation: the Third Great Ninja War was about to begin.
Kumogakure, having gained no advantages from Sunagakure, naturally refused to give up. They made several moves, but ultimately did not attack Iwagakure. Instead, they accepted an invitation from the latter, and the Kages of the two Villages held a secret talk.
The content, in essence, was nothing more than when, where, and how to launch a war against Konoha.
As for the pretext for war, the answer was that Konoha Advisor Danzo Shimura had once coveted their Village's kekkei genkai.
Just two days prior, Iwagakure and Kumogakure simultaneously amassed troops in secret along the border, launching a surprise attack on the Land of Fire under the cover of night.
Konoha was caught off guard by the sneak attack and had to pay a considerable price to finally withstand the assault and stabilize the front lines, preventing the two from advancing unopposed.
An hour after the front lines erupted, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi received an urgent report. He immediately dispatched support forces and informed the Daimyo of the situation.
He then urgently summoned his two Advisors and dozens of high-ranking officials for a meeting to deploy war efforts, preparing to fight this difficult battle against Kumogakure and Iwagakure with all their might.
On the midday Naraku was delivering meals to everyone, the various clan heads were already preparing combat forces and resources, recalling the vast majority of Ninja who were out on missions.
Whatever past grievances existed, they were now irrelevant. If Konoha lost the war, it was easy to imagine how miserable the next few decades would be.
These developments were not made public yesterday, so most people in Konoha were unaware at the time and continued with their daily lives.
The war could not be kept secret for long, nor was there any need to. It was estimated that Hiruzen Sarutobi would officially declare Konoha to be in a state of war after daybreak today.
The viewers were excited to see a major battle, but also worried about every familiar character, wondering how many would survive this war... Naraku had just finished breakfast with Kakashi, and as the two sat at the table eating and chatting, they heard an urgent command for a Village-wide emergency assembly being shouted outside.
Hurrying to the vicinity of the Hokage Building, thousands of people had already gathered—Ninja, civilians, and merchants mixed together, creating a clamorous din.
Many more people were still arriving, and the crowd grew at a visible rate.
Seeing that the ground was too crowded to pass, Kakashi gave Naraku a look, and the latter understood. The two climbed the outer wall of a nearby four-story building to its rooftop, continuing to move closer.
Fortunately, they reacted quickly enough, allowing them to approach the Hokage Building successfully before this path also became packed, finding a position where they could clearly see everything.
A short while later, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared at the top of the building in his Hokage robes, accompanied by Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru also followed closely, their expressions solemn.
"Fellow Konoha citizens!"
As Hiruzen Sarutobi's loud cry echoed, the crowd on the ground quickly quieted down.
Everyone looked at the leader of Konoha Village with eyes that were either excited or worried, awaiting the news he was about to announce.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was resolute, and his voice, though steady, penetrated the entire area, reverberating in the ears of all listeners.
"Just yesterday morning, Iwagakure and Kumogakure launched a surprise attack on the Land of Fire's border, killing over a hundred Konoha Ninja who were guarding the frontier!"
Even with mental preparation, upon suddenly hearing such news, people's breathing involuntarily became heavy. Thinking that the comrades sacrificed on the front lines might include their own relatives and friends, their eyes reddened.
"These two wild wolves, Iwagakure and Kumogakure, attempt to invade our land, murder our compatriots, and trample our dignity!"
"Do they believe that a joint attack is enough to break Konoha's will? Dream on!"
"What is Konoha? Konoha is a Ninja Village personally founded by First Hokage Senju Hashirama, a inheritor of the 'Will of Fire' that has endured two Great Ninja Wars and still stands strong!"
"Every crisis will only make the leaves burn even more fiercely!"
As each sentence fell, the Ninja's gazes gradually shifted from grief to determination. The tension and unease that had permeated due to the news of war were replaced by anger and hatred, and a powerful sense of unity began to coalesce.
"What are we fighting for at this moment?"
"We fight for the children who have not yet experienced the beauty of the world, so they can grow up safely! We fight for the elders who have dedicated their lives to Konoha, so they can be cared for in their old age! We fight for every Ninja to proudly shout the name 'Konoha' in front of anyone!"
"On this land watered by the blood of our ancestors, Konoha Ninja will strike back hard at all enemies who dare to invade! The stubborn rocks of Iwagakure will ultimately be crushed by Konoha's roots, and Kumogakure's thunder will also be swallowed by our flames!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, looking at the endless compatriots below the building. Their eyes, filled with hatred and fighting spirit, told him that the entire Konoha was utterly enraged.
He continued to announce loudly.
"From this moment on, Konoha immediately enters a state of war!"
"All Jonin are to follow deployment orders; the first wave of combat personnel must assemble at the fastest speed! The Intelligence Squad, Medical Ninja Squad, and Logistics Squad are to be on standby 24/7, and the Barrier Squad is to immediately reinforce the Village's defenses!"
"Finally, in the name of the Third Hokage, I swear: as long as leaves dance on this land, the light of the flames will illuminate every darkness in the world! Young Ninja, grip your Kunai; elder warriors, ignite your passion—"
"Let the enemy tremble before us!"
"Konoha, all out for war!"
As Hiruzen Sarutobi roared, he formed hand signs to summon Enma, who transformed into the Adamantine Staff, slamming it heavily onto the ground. The roar echoed throughout the entire Village.
The heavy impact was like a drumbeat of war, and the entire Konoha Village was united as one, letting out a sky-shattering roar.
"Yes!!!"
Even the clouds drifting overhead were scattered by the immense sound wave, and countless leaves trembled, rustling.
Naraku silently looked around. It was not until this moment that he truly felt the reality of being in a war...
After the declaration, Konoha, like a fully fueled war machine, operated with extreme efficiency, arranging all matters within less than a day.
Tsunade and Jiraiya, as the top combat forces among the high-ranking officials, naturally had to go to the front lines to command, while Orochimaru remained in the rear for contingencies.
Originally, Jiraiya and Orochimaru should have gone to the front lines, with Tsunade, who suffered from hemophobia, staying behind. But now that her illness was cured, not sending the strongest Medical Ninja in the entire Ninja World to war would be an utter waste of talent.
Time was urgent, so Tsunade only had time to give Naraku a few brief instructions, shaking her fist and forcing him to promise not to act recklessly, then led her team to the Kumogakure front lines.
Shizune, on the other hand, was arranged to stay in Konoha, to be looked after by Kushina and Kana.
Jiraiya briefly chatted with Minato and then also left with his team. He believed that his disciple would soon appear on the battlefield, so there was no need to say too much...
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