War.
This word feels somewhat distant.
Konoha hasn't experienced war for a long time.
After Tsunade issued the declaration of war, the villagers of Konoha quickly fell silent, as memories from years ago began to resurface, reminding them of the horrors of war.
Many villagers looked helplessly at Tsunade on the Hokage Tower platform, not quite understanding why the Fifth Hokage suddenly announced a declaration of war against two ninja villages during her inaugural ceremony.
"We indeed need to avenge the Third Hokage..."
A Konoha ninja's face looked conflicted, cautiously mentioning, "But haven't those two villages already sent emissaries to seek peace?"
The Hidden Sand Village and The Hidden Mist Village sent emissaries continuously, always hoping to negotiate with Konoha and maintain their alliances.
The One-Tailed Jinchuriki Gaara and many Hidden Sand Ninja are still detained in Konoha, and many ninjas from The Hidden Mist Village are also imprisoned in Konoha's jails!
"Is war about to start?"
There was a hint of panic in a Konoha ninja's eyes.
Although they believed Konoha's strength to be formidable enough, who knew what kind of chain reactions would follow once the war truly broke out, and how many comrades in the village would sacrifice again?
"We must avenge the Third Hokage..."
"But to start a war just like this..."
"Shouldn't we seek revenge?"
"Indeed, we should seek revenge... but..."
The Konoha ninjas instantly became a noisy group. They strongly endorsed the idea of revenge, yet were afraid to face the harsh realities of war. Even some Jonin hardened from past wars sighed softly.
The younger Genin had little concept of war. Most of these Genin were born at the end of the Third Ninja World War. They did not witness the brutalities of war, nor even heard their instructor Jonin or family elders speak of it.
Nara Shikamaru, the most mentally agile, immediately noticed his father's somber expression and took initiative to ask, "Is war...really frightening?"
"More frightening than anything in this world."
Nara Shikaku slowly nodded, his voice somewhat heavy, "On the battlefield, ninjas from two countries slaughter each other. Anyone could fall in battle; friends and comrades around you will continuously perish..."
"..."
Nara Shikamaru looked towards his friend.
"Crunch...crunch..."
Akimichi Choji began feeling scared, sweat continuously dripping from his face as he nervously munched on chips. His physique might be the most burly among the Genin, but his courage proved the smallest...
"The battlefield..."
Kakashi Hatake's eyes showed a trace of concern, his gaze falling on his few students, believing Naruto Uzumaki wouldn't be sent to the battlefield...
As for Uchiha Sasuke...
He seemed somewhat disdainful of the impending war.
This little guy had never heard of war's brutalities; the word war meant far less to him than the name Uchiha Itachi stirred within him.
On the platform of the Hokage Tower.
After Tsunade announced the declaration of war, her expression turned even more dejected: "All ninjas go prepare, have the Jonin squad assemble for a meeting..."
"Tsunade!"
Jiraiya furrowed his brows, wanting to step forward and discuss with Tsunade: "Why suddenly start at this time..."
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
Akihara Kagura stopped Jiraiya, gently shaking his head: "Neither Tsunade-sama nor I wanted it to be like this, but starting a war against the two villages was a decision made by the two Hokage Advisors and the four preceding Hokages..."
"!!!"
Jiraiya knit his brows tightly.
The tall, white-haired man couldn't help but glance back at the Hokages present, somewhat puzzled: "But starting a vengeful war at this time will only bring about..."
"Jiraiya, there's no choice."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, voluntarily explaining to his disciple: "There has been a conflict between the village and the nobles of the Land of Fire...Tsunade and Kagura believe that the Daimyo and the aristocrats should be eliminated, while we think that starting a war against The Hidden Mist Village and The Hidden Sand Village could ease the tensions between Konoha and the Land of Fire's nobles."
"Besides..."
"The strength of The Hidden Sand Village and The Hidden Mist Village isn't formidable."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Akihara Kagura beside Jiraiya, recalling the combat he witnessed that night, adding: "Even if Konoha starts the war, it could end quickly, without worrying about sacrifices within the village..."
"This..."
Jiraiya's expression turned strange, unable to find the words.
According to Sarutobi Hiruzen, starting an external war was instead the best choice?
Following Tsunade and Kagura's extreme ideas, the rules of the Ninja World would be directly upended, possibly ushering Konoha into encirclement by other enemy countries.
"Prepare for the meeting!"
Tsunade stepped down from the platform.
"Is there still something to discuss?"
Senju Tobirama looked at Akihara Kagura, arms folded, softly saying: "Kid, with Wood Release and Flying Thunder God, couldn't you resolve this war alone? Is there still a need for us to expose ourselves?"
"..."
Everyone's gaze fell on Akihara Kagura.
"Isn't it..."
Akihara Kagura hesitated for a moment, proactively asking, "Shouldn't we give the Ninja World some time to react? At least let others know about Konoha's declaration of war?"