Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

"Is what is written here really true?"

Five minutes later, the Third Raikage peered sceptically at the figure before him, a short-statured individual who claimed to be over 20 years old but appeared no older than 14 - Yagura.

"This is a handwritten letter from Third Mizukage-sama. If Raikage-sama doubts its authenticity, we can wait for our Mist Shinobi to mobilize before making a decision. However, we do have a request," Yagura replied with a confident smile.

Yagura's appearance hadn't changed much from his future incarnation as the Three-Tails Jinchūriki. He continued, "While we're deploying our forces, please refrain from halting your attack on the Land of Fire. This diversion will draw Konoha's attention and aid our assembly of military forces."

Yagura had come to meet the Raikage on Third Mizukage's orders, expressing Mist Shinobi's willingness to establish a cooperative relationship with Cloud Shinobi. Their plan involved Mist Shinobi launching a raid from the southeast coast of the Land of Fire while Cloud Shinobi outflanked it.

The Third Raikage contemplated the proposal. His son, A, had recently perished, a devastating blow to him and the entire Cloud Shinobi army. A was not only one of the village's three current Kage-level ninjas but also the future Raikage successor.

This loss had severely dampened the morale of Cloud Shinobi, and the continuation of the battle had come into question.

For Mist Shinobi to attack the Land of Fire's coastal region at this time would be a boon for Cloud Shinobi. However, the experienced Third Raikage knew to be cautious when a seemingly fortunate opportunity presented itself.

Observing the Raikage's hesitation, Yagura added another enticing detail, "We are also preparing to collaborate with Rock Shinobi for a joint assault. All five major powers will join the conflict, attacking Konoha and the weakest Suna with the collective might of three villages. We believe victory is within our grasp."

Third Raikage and Dodai's expressions changed abruptly. Were they seriously considering involving the old Onoki in this venture?

At this juncture, the Third Raikage found himself thoroughly swayed. Nevertheless, he remained level-headed, forcibly suppressing his excitement as he said, "I need to confer with my subordinates."

"Of course, I'll wait outside," Yagura replied before exiting the Cloud Shinobi camp.

Third Raikage quickly summoned Dodai and Cloud Shinobi ranked above Jonin level. He addressed them with solemnity, "What are your thoughts on this?"

"There's no denying it's an opportunity, Lord Raikage," a Jonin elite hurriedly nodded, then added, "Of course, assuming the kid's claims are true."

"Dodai, what's your assessment?"

After a brief hesitation, Third Raikage directed his gaze at his most trusted assistant.

"Master Raikage, I believe our top priority should be returning B to the village to prevent a recurrence of A's tragedy."

 "Furthermore, as Yagura mentioned if both Mist Shinobi and Rock Shinobi join the battle, it would be a significant advantage. We can maintain our position here for some time to verify whether they mobilize their forces."

"If they truly attack Konoha, we continue the fight; if they don't, we can withdraw without delay."

After Dodai's explanation, Third Raikage nodded in satisfaction and called out to Yagura, "Summon that Mist Shinobi kid!"

Meanwhile, a similar situation unfolded in the Land of Earth. Third Tsuchikage Onoki attentively perused a missive from Kirigakure on his desk, earnestly considering the prospect of the Land of Earth, Land of Thunder, and Land of Water uniting to lay siege to the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.

A few days later,

In the Konoha camp, situated about ten miles from the Cloud Shinobi military camp, Minato had just aided the Sand Shinobi in repelling another wave of assaults by the Cloud Shinobi. Upon his return to camp, it was already dinnertime.

Gathered around a bonfire were Kakashi, Obito, Kurenai, Shizune, and other classmates from the same class, all consuming basic food to satisfy their hunger.

Cracked porcelain bowls held a meagre portion of wild vegetables in steaming broth. While the taste left much to be desired, it was certainly better than Military ration pills.

Kakashi, who had endured the flavourless pills for an extended period, couldn't stand even the thought of them anymore. He couldn't tolerate steaks or similar things either.

Amid their meal, they also discussed the recent news from the north.

Shizune expressed her surprise, "The Third Raikage's son was killed by Master Tatsuya!"

"It's not just his son; he was also the designated future Fourth Raikage candidate," Kakashi noted with a touch of concern in his tone. "It's likely that the Third Raikage will react strongly. This could escalate into an all-out war between Konoha and Kumo Shinobi."

Kurenai countered confidently, "What's there to fear? Master Tatsuya is here; there's no way we can lose." She then added somewhat resentfully, "But why did you bring Rin along? Couldn't it have been me?"

Mentioning Rin's name caused Obito to momentarily bow his head in frustration. He and Kurenai were on the verge of forming a losing team.

Correction: Kurenai could be described as the defeated party; Obito was at best a sore loser.

"Everyone, gather!"

Suddenly, a golden Pikachu appeared. Minato shouted urgently, his uncharacteristically frantic expression raised immediate concern.

"Sensei?"

"Minato-sensei, what's the matter?"

Kakashi and Obito swiftly rose from their spots on the ground.

"The latest military intel just arrived."

Minato was drenched in sweat and out of breath.

"Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure have assembled a massive force of 9000 ninjas. They are advancing toward the southeast coastal region of Land of Fire and the Land of Wind."

Upon hearing these words, the rice bowls held by Kurenai, Shizune, and Loli slipped from their hands, falling into the bonfire in their fright.

...

...

Meanwhile, in the rear of Konohagakure,

The elder Konoha council, known as the last disciples of Tobirama convened.

Koharu let out a sigh, "I'm grateful Orochimaru defected early on; otherwise, If he defected at this critical moment the situation might have escalated into all four villages turning against our Konoha."

Concerning Shisui, Danzo had initially devised two plans.

One was to pin the blame on Orochimaru. They eventually implemented this plan.

The other was to shift the blame onto the Land of Wind.

Faced with the current state of war, the elder council, including Sarutobi Hiruzen, couldn't help but feel relieved.

Their decision to implicate Orochimaru had been the right one.

Otherwise, the Land of Fire would not only have lost its ally, the Land of Wind but would now be facing opposition from all sides.

The current conflict wasn't simply the Konoha against the Kumo, Iwa, and Kiri. It might have become the Konoha versus a coalition of the Suna, Kumo, Iwa, and Kiri.

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