Iwagakure.
Ōnoki stood on the cliffs, overlooking the shattered remnants of Iwagakure. The ruins stretched out below, buildings crumbled and streets scorched. His heart boiled with fury.
"Uchiha Obito… you cannot be forgiven. Never!"
His voice echoed across the rocks as his fists trembled with rage. Especially now—after learning the masked man wasn't Uchiha Madara, but merely a rogue Uchiha from Konoha's past—his anger grew.
Back then, when he met the real Uchiha Madara as a boy, just one look from the legendary shinobi had left a deep, indelible fear in him. But now that the truth had come to light, Ōnoki's fear was replaced by cold resolve.
He might not have been able to defeat Madara, but an imposter Uchiha? That was a different story.
Kurotsuchi flew back toward him, landing nearby. Her expression was composed despite the chaos behind her.
"Old man," she called out. "All the wounded have been relocated. My father is leading the reconstruction efforts. What now?"
Ōnoki narrowed his eyes, his voice sharp. "Uchiha… and Deidara... even in death, they won't find peace."
Deidara.
The name made his chest ache slightly.
Back then, Deidara was obsessed with his so-called "art." Always blowing things up, disturbing the peace, and even dabbling in terrorist acts—just to make a name for himself.
Yet, Ōnoki had once hoped Deidara could succeed him as Tsuchikage.
But Deidara strayed too far. His behavior became uncontrollable. Eventually, Ōnoki made the painful decision to expel him—not by force, but by outsourcing dangerous missions to him. Missions others would refuse. If he wanted to chase explosions and "art," then let him do so outside the village.
But no one expected that Deidara would later ally with the Akatsuki. It was ironic, cruel even.
Ōnoki sighed heavily.
Kurotsuchi smiled faintly. "Big brother was always childish… obsessed with his 'art.'"
They had grown up together. She remembered the good moments, even if they came with chaos. Deidara had always been impulsive—but never truly dangerous to her.
She looked down at the black stockings she wore and murmured, "That idiot… still didn't understand what real art is, even at the end. Blowing stuff up… so fun…"
Just then, Akatsuchi landed nearby.
"Tsuchikage-sama! A message has arrived from Kumogakure!"
Ōnoki raised an eyebrow. "That lightning brat actually sent a letter? That's rare…"
He followed Akatsuchi back to the office, curious.
After reading Raikage's message, Akatsuchi handed over two more—one from Konohagakure and another from Sunagakure.
Ōnoki frowned. All three were shockingly aligned in their tone and purpose.
It wasn't surprising that the Hokage and Kazekage were working together. But Raikage… being cooperative? Voluntarily stepping back and even letting Gaara lead the Allied Shinobi Forces?
"That's odd…" Ōnoki muttered. "That stubborn brute must've been hit hard. Y'know what that means…"
Akatsuchi leaned in. "You think Kumogakure was attacked too?"
Ōnoki nodded. "Only then would that hothead become reasonable."
Akatsuchi asked softly, "So, what's our next move?"
Ōnoki's expression hardened. "Bring Kitsuchi here!"
A few minutes later, Kitsuchi entered the office. Though he was the Tsuchikage's son, in public, he maintained proper decorum.
"Tsuchikage-sama, you called?"
Ōnoki nodded firmly. "Mobilize all units. Leave only the village guard behind. Everyone else—assemble. We march!"
Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi were stunned.
"Father… are you saying…?"
The old Tsuchikage didn't hesitate.
"The Five Great Nations are forming a Shinobi Alliance."
Sunagakure.
"Lord Kazekage, all units are ready!" Maki reported.
Gaara stood tall, flanked by Temari and Kankurō. He stepped forward to address the army gathered below.
"Ninjas of Sunagakure," Gaara's voice rang out, calm but commanding. "Today, we go to war—not for conquest, but for justice. Akatsuki has attacked us. They've attacked others. They seek to disrupt the world's balance."
He paused, eyes sweeping across the crowd.
"We will not allow it. We cannot have peace in the ninja world if Akatsuki continues to exist. I speak not only as your Kazekage, but as one who knows the danger personally."
The memory of his capture lingered.
"If not for Naruto… I would not be standing here. Many more of our people would've died. That is why I, along with the other Kage, have agreed to form a Shinobi Alliance. All five great nations will fight together."
Whispers rippled through the ranks.
"The five nations? Together?"
"We've fought each other for years… and now we're allies?"
"This is… the Fourth Great Ninja War!"
"At least this time, we're not fighting each other—but standing together!"
"Akatsuki messed with the wrong people!"
"That's right! Let's make them pay!"
Chants broke out across the ranks.
"Punish them! Punish them! Punish them!"
Temari glanced at her younger brother, a smile tugging at her lips. With only a few words, he had ignited a fire in the troops. He was truly Kazekage now.
Though… he still never listened to her advice.
Kankurō raised a brow. "What's up with you?"
"Nothing," Temari replied coldly.
Kankurō: "???"
Maki approached Gaara. "Be careful out there. I'll hold the village in your absence."
Gaara smiled gently. "Thank you, Master. I leave the village in your care."
Maki blinked—this was the first time Gaara had ever called him "Master." The veteran shinobi, who had served multiple Kazekage before, felt a rush of emotion. He patted Gaara's shoulder.
"Return victorious."
He turned to Temari and Kankurō. "You two, protect the Kazekage."
They nodded in unison.
The army of Sunagakure began its march.
Kirigakure.
Mist curled around the village as Chōjūrō bowed.
"Fifth Mizukage-sama, all units are assembled."
Mei Terumī nodded, her voice cool and sharp. "All units—advance!"
Kumogakure.
The Land of Lightning.
Raikage stood before his troops, eyeing Darui, who was stretching.
"You sure you're ready?"
Darui nodded confidently. "Don't worry, Boss. I'm good to go."
C replied with a smirk. "You sure? I had to fry your brain to snap you out of that genjutsu."
Darui clapped him on the back. "You're a lifesaver, man!"
Raikage looked at the two of them, a rare grin tugging at his lips. His right-hand men—tough as ever.
Tōdai stepped forward. "Raikage-sama, the gathering area has been secured."
Raikage nodded. "Good. Mabui, what's the logistics situation?"
"We've coordinated with the other nations. Supplies are being routed as we speak."
"Excellent. We wait for the others. Once they arrive—we strike."
Konohagakure.
Tsunade stood atop the Hokage Tower, sunlight warming her face. She took a deep breath.
"Didn't think I'd see another war in my lifetime."
Jiraiya appeared beside her, his expression softer than usual. "This time, I'll make sure you're protected."
Tsunade glanced at him and blushed.
Kakashi, watching from a distance, silently stepped away to give them privacy.
Nearby, the younger generation gathered.
Shikamaru sighed. "Man… what a drag. A full-blown war."
Ino groaned dramatically. "I haven't even met my dream guy yet—I don't wanna die!"
Chōji shoved more chips into his mouth. "Better eat fast. Who knows when I'll get another bite…"
Shino pushed up his glasses. "My research isn't complete… this is bad timing."
Sai stood quietly, his face unreadable.
Kiba barked a laugh. "Yo, Akamaru, you scared?"
"Woof! Woof!" barked Akamaru confidently.
Lee clenched his fists, eyes burning with excitement. "A battlefield! At last, a place to burn with youth!"
Neji crossed his arms, scowling. "Idiot. This isn't a game."
Just then, Guy leapt into view. "Lee! Our training—our youth—it all leads to this moment! Let's show them our burning spirit!"
Lee burst into tears. "Gai-sensei!!"
Neji rubbed his forehead.
Tenten rolled her eyes.
Hinata stood silently, touching the Flying Thunder God seal Naruto had left on her. Naruto… where are you?
Sakura stared into the horizon. "Sasuke… Naruto… what are you two doing right now?"
With the final formations complete, Tsunade raised her hand.
"Move out!"
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