Konoha, the Senju Clan.
"Sister Tsunade!"
The normally bright research lab was unusually dim today, with only the blinking lights of the instrunts illuminating the space.
As soon as Shirou returned, the first thing he received was a notification for a Jōnin eting. The second was a summons from Tsunade.
"Shirou, you're back."
The calm voice of Tsunade, clad in her white lab coat, echoed in the room. Yet, as soone who knew her best, Shirou's expression turned grave.
Just from her silhouette and the tone of her voice, Shirou could already guess what was going on. He took a deep breath and said in a steady voice:
"Although I haven't returned to my clan yet, just by looking at you, Sister Tsunade, I can tell that the Third Hokage has already visited you and the other major clans, hasn't he?"
Shirou's calm voice lingered in the lab. Tsunade's hand, which was holding a glass test tube, trembled slightly. She quietly placed it into an instrunt before turning around with her usual carefree smile.
"Well, since you've already guessed, it makes things easier. After all, your position isn't simple now—deputy head of the Konoha Police Force and deputy head of the dical Division."
"Of course, that's in the past. After tonight's Jōnin eting, you'll officially be the head of the dical Division."
With her relaxed expression, Tsunade walked over and sat on the couch. Shirou sighed softly and, with practiced ease, stepped forward to massage her temples.
This familiar gesture of intimacy caused Tsunade's smile to stiffen, and she let out a long, weary sigh.
"Shirou, the elders in the village may be rotten, but with war breaking out, not just —everyone in Konoha, even your Uchiha clan's leader—has chosen silence…"
Shirou quietly listened to Tsunade's words.
Although the major clans were dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's regi, when war erupted, all the major clans of Konoha treated this place as their ho.
Even the often-radical Uchiha clan, despite facing significant injustice, thought of revolt rather than betrayal.
Because this was their ho.
"If we continue to fight against the Third Hokage's regi during warti, it would only bring turmoil to the village and allow the enemy to exploit us. The Third has already visited us and promised to fulfill the terms he agreed on during the First Great Ninja War.
Right now, our priority is to win this war. The alliance between the Kumo and the Suna has declared war. The Iwa's involvent is only a matter of ti, leaving the Kiri as the only unknown factor…"
As Tsunade spoke with exhaustion and weariness, Shirou smiled faintly behind her.
"Sister Tsunade, I understand what you an."
Though Shirou's face wore a relaxed smile, his heart was full of mockery. The Third Hokage, that old fox, truly excelled at using the concept of village unity to manipulate others.
But this ti, his greed during the Third Great Ninja War would bring him the harshest lesson.
Of course, Tsunade and the other major clans were unaware of this. Persuaded by the Third Hokage, they were even prepared to select the Fourth Hokage in the next two or three years—had war not broken out so suddenly.
Similarly, the sudden onset of war had turned all accusations toward the Third Hokage. If this war was not handled properly… the dissatisfaction the clans had long buried in their hearts, coupled with any decision-making failures, would finally erupt.
"Sister Tsunade, this village is ours, so we will protect it together."
Shirou spoke with a smile, but his expression also turned serious.
"But starting a war for personal gain—those so-called higher-ups have gone too far this ti!"
As he said this, Shirou looked as though he were barely restraining his anger.
"Don't they realize the consequences of their actions? Or perhaps they've considered them and still went ahead, believing everything is within their control!
Claiming they're retaliating against the Kumo for kidnapping Kushina, the Jinchūriki, or trying to weaken rival villages by orchestrating a tailed beast rampage—I can understand that!"
"But how could they target the Third Kazekage from the Sunagakure? That's one of the Five Kage!"
Shirou appeared shocked as if he couldn't fathom such actions.
The Kumo's tailed beast rampage plan? Fine. Such dirty sches are common behind the scenes. If Konoha claid this war was retaliation, the Kumo couldn't exactly deny it.
But targeting the Third Kazekage? That was a whole new level of boldness. It crossed a line no one wanted to cross.
Because if one village could assassinate another village's Kage so easily, what village wouldn't fear that their own Kage might be next?
"I can already imagine the excuses they'll co up with!"
Shirou's mocking smile grew wider as he gestured toward the Hokage Rock outside the window, his tone dripping with sarcasm:
"When the ti cos, those greedy higher-ups will claim to the world that the Kumo incident had nothing to do with Konoha. Instead, they'll say the Kumo abducted Konoha's Jinchūriki years ago.
And as for the Third Kazekage's disappearance? They'll pin it on the incompetence of the Suna, accusing them of losing their own Kage and using it as an excuse for war…"
Shirou's impassioned speech perfectly captured the hypocrisy of Konoha's higher-ups.
"But in reality? They're recklessly provoking war to delay the selection of a new Hokage. And of course, they'll justify it all with the noble excuse of doing it for the village during warti!"
Shirou's fury was palpable as he exposed the ugliness of the current regi as if slapping their ambitions right across the face.
The more he did so, the more it proved that the mask of the Third Hokage and his council was slipping.
Starting a war for personal gain.
Does the truth even matter anymore? The entire ninja world was already pointing fingers at Konoha.
Tsunade gently patted Shirou's hand, calming him down. Only after he finished venting did Shirou shrug helplessly.
"At least I got that off my chest. I feel better now. So, Sister Tsunade, what benefits did the Third offer this ti?"
The sudden shift in tone made Tsunade smile. Her light brown eyes gazed at the handso figure before her, filled with trust.
"I knew you'd eventually compromise, just like —for the village."
But Shirou pouted in dissatisfaction.
"This isn't compromise. It's for the village. But I'll never approve of the current Will of Fire!"
As he said this, Shirou's eyes burned with determination.
The hypocrisy of the Third Hokage and his council was becoming increasingly exposed. It was ti for him to begin revealing his ambitions and slowly rise to power.
"I assu the higher-ups have a plan for how to end this war, seeing as they dared to provoke it in the first place."
With a cold, mocking smile, Shirou knew that the Third Hokage and his council were now most eager to stabilize the current situation.
But whatever they tried would only be seen as part of their preditated plan.
For example, Tsunade, now looking grim, nodded in agreent.
"They have indeed devised a plan: the 'Kumogakure Collapse Plan.' If all goes well, the Kumo will be forced to withdraw from the war."
Hearing this, Shirou's expression betrayed no surprise. He had expected as much.
From Konoha's perspective, the best course of action was to quickly eliminate one of the opposing villages to avoid fighting four at once.
Under normal circumstances, this would be difficult. But with the Kumo's internal turmoil, they had beco the best target.
"The Kumogakure Collapse Plan?" Shirou asked, prompting Tsunade to nod gravely before explaining in detail.
"The Third Hokage's visits to the major clans were precisely for this… All the clans are pulling their elites to the frontlines for a swift and decisive strike… Especially with the Third Raikage already at the frontlines… and Root's spies…"
At this mont, Shirou was listening to the "Kumogakure Collapse Plan," but his expression was sowhat peculiar. Could he say, "As expected of master and apprentice"? Even the na and strategy of the plan were so strikingly similar.
That said, the plan was indeed feasible—almost perfect. The ambush could perfectly pinpoint the location of the Third Raikage. Simply put, it was a decapitation plan.
As long as the Third Raikage was assassinated and the Kumo forces were severely damaged on the battlefield, all Konoha needed to do was halt their offensive. At that point, the internal structure of the Kumogakure would inevitably fall into chaos.
With the added provocations of racial conflicts and the instability following the death of a village leader, the Kumogakure could essentially be kicked out of the war.
"This plan is indeed brilliant, but the hardest and most crucial part is the assassination attempt. This is the Kage of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Even if you can locate him, killing him won't be easy!"
Battling a Kage was one thing; defeating them was manageable, but killing one was a whole other matter.
Tsunade, however, shook her head and said, "That part is classified. Either way, it's their business now."
Even Tsunade displayed a blind confidence that made Shirou's eyes twitch. At the sa ti, he could understand.
After all, over the years, the so-called "Halo of the Third Hokage" had been far too prominent. Titles like "Shinobi Hero" and "Professor of Ninjutsu" had draped a shroud of mysterious confidence over Konoha. And to be fair, during his pri, the Third Hokage's strength wasn't weak at all.
But compared to the Third Raikage, a Kage who had refined taijutsu to its absolute peak, there was simply no comparison!
Thinking about this, Shirou couldn't help but reveal a peculiar expression. This was a case of overestimating their power while underestimating their opponent. If sothing went wrong, it would be an absolute joke.
The information they had on the Third Raikage was mostly from his younger years. While the Kumogakure referred to him as the "Strongest Raikage," wasn't every Kage of every village given such a title by their people?
There were no particularly eye-catching accomplishnts. As for his supposed hand-to-hand combat with a tailed beast? That claim was widely ridiculed in the shinobi world as the Kumo exaggerating their glory. After all, the terror of tailed beasts was sothing few could believe could be withstood by sheer physical strength.
It seems everyone has underestimated the strength of this Third Raikage. But that's understandable. In the original work, when this guy was resurrected by the Edo Tensei, the major shinobi villages were all caught off guard. They only learned the truth thanks to the Kumogakure's shinobi spilling the beans.
Shirou reflected quietly. The best protection for a shinobi was to ensure that their information remained hidden—or to spread false information to the outside world.
According to the plans of these old-tirs, if the Third Raikage could be killed, the Kumogakure would fall into chaos and withdraw from the war. Konoha would erge victorious and intimidate the shinobi world in one fell swoop.
Who wouldn't fear the might of Konoha? The title of "Shinobi Hero" for the Third Hokage would be cented, and Konoha's prestige would once again reach its peak.
At that point, the morale of the Sunagakure would undoubtedly plumt, the Iwagakure would hesitate, and the Kirigakure would continue to observe from the sidelines.
The shinobi world would belong to Konoha. The undisputed "Shinobi Hero Sarutobi"? Thinking of this, Shirou's expression grew even more peculiar.
These old-tirs are aiming to end the war with a thunderous strike. They've completely blinded themselves with the victory of the Second Shinobi World War. This plan is indeed brilliant, but it has one fatal flaw: the success of the first step is critical!
The Third Hokage isn't the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi. Nor is he invincible. To succeed, the first step must involve decisively killing the Third Raikage with overwhelming force…
Thinking of this, Shirou couldn't help but look forward to this battle.
Is this blind arrogance? Have they truly taken the title of 'Shinobi Hero' too seriously, or do these old-tirs have so hidden trump card for a decisive kill?
Shirou squinted and pondered deeply. However, there was one thing he was certain of: behind the scenes of the Third Shinobi World War, there was still Uchiha Madara, the mastermind pulling all the strings.
Would that old scher simply sit back and watch Konoha achieve a thunderous victory and continue to sit on the throne of the strongest shinobi village?
"How to lead Konoha to victory in this war is sothing these old-tirs need to figure out. Whether they retain their dignity and step down gracefully or face the consequences of their grave miscalculations after the war, that's not sothing for us to worry about."
Tsunade, lying on the sofa, closed her eyes, her face displaying an indifferent expression.
At this mont, not just Tsunade but everyone in Konoha had yet to grasp the brutal reality of the Third Shinobi World War.
The two of them sat quietly in the dimly lit research laboratory.
With the sudden onset of war, all the major clans had chosen to pause their internal conflicts and focus on external threats. This was an instinctive reaction shared by all.
This was also why, when internal conflicts beca nearly irreconcilable, war was often launched against external enemies. After a war, internal tensions would often either vanish or significantly diminish.
War created new interests and often reshuffled existing ones, both internally and externally.
"At a ti like this, if we forcibly push for a new Hokage, the power shifts and clashes of interests could destabilize the village and allow the enemy to exploit."
Tsunade's weary voice echoed in the dim research lab until the sound of a beeping instrunt broke the silence, prompting her to open her eyes.
"Shirou, it's almost ti. We should head to tonight's jōnin eting."
At Tsunade's reminder, Shirou calmly nodded.
"Alright, I'll stop by the clan first. See you at the eting."
Shirou didn't share the information about his trip to the Kumogakure with Tsunade. That matter alone wasn't enough to beco the straw that broke the cal's back.
But when everything accumulated, the final eruption would be the most devastating.
As Shirou's figure disappeared and the laboratory door closed, Tsunade stood silently in front of an instrunt, looking at the data report in her hand.
"This… this is an enormous joke. The Senju and Uchiha… they share the sa origin!"
At this mont, Tsunade's face was tinged with a smile, alongside a trace of excitent at unraveling one of the shinobi world's thousand-year-old secrets.
"The evil and extre Uchiha… and the Senju? What does that make us? This is a cruel joke."
In the dimly lit research lab, Tsunade slowly lifted her head, her smile reflected in the glass test tubes. In the reflection, a pair of blood-red Sharingan with spinning tomoe appeared.
"So this is what the Sharingan feels like."
Through the glass, Tsunade's conflicted expression softened as she touched the corners of her eyes. She saw her own Sharingan.
"Is it because the curse mark carries Shirou's genetic material that it completed the dormant or incomplete kekkei genkai in my Senju bloodline, awakening the Sharingan under intense emotional conditions…"
In the dim research lab, Tsunade murmured to herself, holding the research data that had just confird her findings.
Especially the Sharingan. After the Third Hokage's recent visit, his hypocritical and shaless attitude had angered her so much that she awakened the Sharingan.
Her research showed that the Sharingan could balance Wood Release abilities. Shirou, without using forbidden techniques, had shown signs of weakly integrating Wood Release cells. Combined with her awakening of the Sharingan, all the evidence pointed to one conclusion:
The Senju and Uchiha, thousands of years ago or even further back, were of the sa lineage—perhaps even sharing the sa ancestor.
In the original story, Orochimaru had speculated this through his research in later years, but Tsunade now had far more evidence than he ever did.
"But next ti! Next ti, I won't give you old bastards another chance! This is the last ti I'll act for the sake of the village!"
In the dim research lab, Tsunade's expression hardened, and the tomoe in her Sharingan spun coldly, exuding a sinister glow.
Finally, she tossed the research report into the air, letting it disintegrate into dust. She donned her Senju clan armor with determination and left the lab.
As the door closed behind her, the Sharingan in her eyes flashed and disappeared, as though it had been an illusion.
PS: Third Raikage vs. Third Hokage. Place your bets: Raikage or Hokage?
Personal opinion: The Third Hokage is a master of all trades—excellent in taijutsu, capable of tangling with the Nine-Tails, and proficient in all five chakra natures. However, he doesn't excel in any single discipline. The Third Raikage, on the other hand, has taken shinobi body techniques to the absolute pinnacle of a Kage—a one-trick specialist.
Reviews
All reviews (0)