Meanwhile, Hanzo of the Hidden Rain had launched an invasion of the Land of Iron.
In another corner of the world, tensions between the Hidden Cloud and the Hidden Stone were escalating, as the two long-time rivals clashed once again.
In fact, the threat of an attack from the Hidden Cloud had forced the Tsuchikage, Onoki, to withdraw his forces from the Hidden Rain and redirect them to defend against the Hidden Cloud.
In a roundabout way, the Hidden Cloud had actually helped Konoha.
If the Hidden Stone hadn't pulled back its forces, the war in the Hidden Rain would have dragged on. Konoha's all and, Chiyo, was able to negotiate a truce with Hanzo, but Onoki wouldn't have given him the same courtesy.
Xin and Orochimaru passed through the Land of Iron as they made their way to the Hidden Cloud.
The war had even brought chaos to the once-neutral Land of Iron. Villages burned, and the signs of battle were everywhere.
They stopped to rest in one such village, which had been ravaged by conflict. Xin handled the food while Orochimaru went hunting.
Soon, a half-grown deer was roasting over the fire, filling the air with the mouth-watering scent of venison.
"Xin, your cooking skills are truly impressive. No wonder Tsunade is always going on about your food," Orochimaru remarked, taking a bite of the perfectly roasted meat.
Although he wasn't picky about food, Orochimaru didn't mind indulging in good cuisine when the opportunity presented itself.
As they ate, Xin mused, "I wonder how long the war between the Hidden Rain and the Land of Iron will last."
"The Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone won't stand by and watch. The Land of Iron is neutral, after all, and they have good relations with the five great villages. Even if Konoha doesn't get involved, the Cloud and Stone certainly will," Orochimaru replied.
Among the five great villages, Konoha was stretched thin. The Sand was struggling to hold its own.
The Mist was too far away and too isolated to interfere. Orochimaru believed the fate of the Land of Iron would be decided by how the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone reacted.
Konoha might want to intervene, but they were in no position to do so, and it wasn't like Hanzo would listen to them anyway.
If the Raikage or Onoki got involved, Hanzo wouldn't have much choice but to retreat. He might be known as a "demi-god," but his power only extended so far.
Against the Raikage or Onoki, Hanzo didn't stand a chance.
.....
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