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The announcement that the Grass Village (Kusagakure) was declaring war on the Leaf Village (Konohagakure) sent shockwaves through the shinobi world. The Grass Village's own ninja were incredulous—how could their village dare challenge the mighty Leaf? While the news spread like wildfire, it quickly reached the ears of the Flower Faction elders, who opposed both the Strength Faction's obsession with the Box of Bliss and any notion of war.
However, after a tense confrontation between the two factions in the Elder Hall, something strange occurred. The previously pacifist Flower Faction elders emerged from the meeting not only supportive of the declaration but fully endorsing it. This sudden shift baffled the Grass Village shinobi. An older jonin attempted to investigate but mysteriously disappeared shortly thereafter.
For the first time in centuries, the Strength and Flower Factions united under one goal: preparing for war against Konoha. With no room for dissent among the rank-and-file shinobi, who revered strength above all else, troops began amassing at the border, readying for battle.
Meanwhile, inside the Elder Hall, Mugen and Karui sorted through the spoils of their operation. Unlike their previous heist involving the Fourth Kazekage, this mission had yielded far greater rewards. They now possessed every secret scroll of the Grass Village, including its renowned binding jutsu techniques, as well as over 70 million ryō in funds. Additionally, they acquired research data on the Box of Bliss and, most importantly, the Grass Village's roster of ninja—a tool that would allow them to assume complete control of the village.
Mugen chuckled as he contemplated their newfound power. He recalled how Uchihi Madara manipulated Mist Village's Mizukage during the Fourth Shinobi World War, yet even then, the Mist endured largely intact. Mugen wasn't satisfied with mere bloodshed; his ambitions were far grander.
Karui, meanwhile, fixated on the money. "Mugen-nii, can we buy back the Land of Whirlpools now?" she asked earnestly.
"Yes, we can," Mugen replied, patting her head gently. "Let's go see the Daimyo of Fire Country. We'll reclaim the Land of Whirlpools—and while we're at it, secure some allies too."
Leaving behind 20 million ryō for military expenses, Mugen assigned several ANBU operatives to gather intelligence before departing Grass Village and returning to Fire Country.
As the Grass Village's declaration of war spread across the shinobi world, reactions varied. Most dismissed it as laughable hubris—the mighty Leaf, despite its decline, was still leagues beyond what a minor village like Grass could handle. But a few perceptive individuals sensed an ominous undertone. It seemed the flames of war were indeed beginning to ignite.
Grass forces remained stationed near the border without advancing further into Leaf territory. Meanwhile, internal divisions within Konoha led to a defensive strategy being adopted temporarily. Some argued for a decisive counterattack to crush Grass outright, sending a message to other potential adversaries. Others warned that Mugen's true aim was to spark a global conflict. If war broke out, smaller nations might grow fearful and intervene, potentially escalating into another Great Ninja War—with Konoha cast as the villainous instigator.
Dozens of ninja debated endlessly, unable to reach consensus. Among them stood Yuhi Kurenai, recently promoted to jonin and leveraging her late father's legacy to gain a foothold in Konoha's decision-making circles. However, lacking sufficient personal strength or influence, she could only listen silently, frustrated by her inability to contribute more meaningfully.
Meanwhile, Mugen and Karui arrived at the residence of the Fire Daimyo, where they were met with hostility. The Daimyo, furious about the prospect of another Shinobi War, ordered his guards to apprehend them. Yet Mugen remained calm, knowing full well that if the Daimyo truly intended harm, they wouldn't have been granted an audience in the first place.
"Your Excellency," Mugen began smoothly, "a Shinobi War is the only way to achieve our ultimate goal: eradicating the shinobi entirely. Only then can your rule endure indefinitely."
"Eradicate… all shinobi?" the Daimyo exclaimed, stunned. Then, frowning, he muttered, "Wait, haven't I heard this pitch before? Oh yes—it was about destroying Konoha."
Bored with Mugen's theatrics, the Daimyo waved off his guards. "Enough games. Get to the point. If you can convince me, I'll assist you again."
Unfazed, Mugen pressed on. "Excellency, do you remember sixty years ago? Before the establishment of hidden villages, clans ruled the land, and wars were confined to skirmishes between families. You daimyos held absolute power, commanding armies capable of crushing nearly any clan. Some clans even served loyally under your banner. The world belonged to you."
"But when Hashirama Senju united the clans and established the village system, everything changed. You may think I'm referring to the increased intensity of warfare—but that's only part of it. In just sixty short years, shinobi have transformed drastically. They no longer serve individual clans—they serve entire villages. Villages manage populations, construct cities, develop economies, and create highly efficient administrative systems. Some focus on agriculture, others on trade or manufacturing. And combined with their unparalleled military might, these villages are evolving into nations!"
"Tell me, Your Excellency, does this sound familiar? Agriculture, commerce, industry, governance—all hallmarks of a nation-state. Hidden villages are replacing countries right before our eyes. What tools do you possess to restrain them beyond cutting funding? And should you try, what will stop them from becoming self-sufficient?"
"If they no longer need you… then why should you exist at all?"
Mugen's piercing gaze bore into the sweating Daimyo. "How long do you think your lineage will survive another sixty years?"
Shaken, the Daimyo fanned himself furiously, though sweat soaked through his robes. Mugen's vision of the future felt chillingly plausible—as if it could happen tomorrow.
"What do you want from me?" the Daimyo demanded hoarsely.
Mugen leaned forward, his tone grave. "Your Excellency, the hidden village system must end. Only a Shinobi War can erase the villages—and the shinobi themselves. Only then can your descendants hope to retain their position as Daimyo."
After a long silence, the Daimyo finally spoke. "To destroy the villages and drag everyone into war—isn't this exactly what you seek? Vengeance for Uzushio?"
"It aligns perfectly with my goals," Mugen replied calmly. "Though our objectives differ slightly, our paths converge."
Silence reigned once more. Finally, the Daimyo asked, "What do you need me to do?"
A shadow fell over half of Mugen's face as he smiled. "Wars have always been started and ended by shinobi. Why shouldn't the daimyos take the reins this time?"
Shortly afterward, Mugen and Karui departed the castle. From the watchtower, the Fire Daimyo watched their retreating figures, recalling Mugen's ominous words: "Once the vortex of war begins spinning, nothing can stop it."
"A terrifying vortex indeed," the Daimyo murmured. Rejecting Mugen's proposal meant accepting the inevitability of overthrow by the shinobi—or trusting those who could effortlessly topple nations. Neither option appealed.
Turning to his advisor, Wakaba, the Daimyo queried, "How goes our progress in Konoha?"
Wakaba stepped out of the shadows. "Those skilled enough to resist us hold firm to their ideals. I've begun cultivating ties with more pragmatic individuals, but it will take time for them to bear fruit."
"Time…" the Daimyo echoed softly. His expression hardened. "I am old. If no opportunity arises, so be it. But now… prepare a remote conference. I shall speak with all the daimyos—and Iron Country owes us a favor. Let them earn it."
Thus, the stage was set for chaos to unfold.