Deep within an underground chamber in the Land of Earth, Madara Uchiha rose slowly to his feet, his gaze lingering on the sleeping Obito.
After spending these past few days together, it was clear that making Obito understand his grand design would not be an easy task.
However, every time the boy slept, he spoke of someone named Rin. Madara realized she might be the key he could exploit.
"Perhaps it is time to mobilize the forces of Kirigakure," Madara mused, stroking his chin as he fell into deep thought.
Madara had secretly seized control of Kirigakure long ago. After surviving his battle with Hashirama and living in the shadows of the Ninja World for so many years, it was impossible for him to have remained idle.
He had spent decades waiting for the ultimate power that could bring peace to the Ninja World. Unfortunately, his Rinnegan had manifested far too late.
"Zetsu, go and investigate everything regarding Obito and that girl, Rin. After that, we head to Kirigakure," Madara commanded.
"To Kirigakure?" Zetsu asked, looking Madara up and down.
"I am not dead yet, and it will not be my original body going there," Madara replied, shooting a glance at White Zetsu.
"Oh, I see. Very well. I'll head out and begin the investigation first," White Zetsu nodded before disappearing from the chamber.
"I hope everything goes smoothly," Madara murmured as he watched him leave.
A few days later, White Zetsu returned with the information. Madara processed the report and immediately formulated a plana plan that would cast Obito into the depths of a true living hell.
"White Zetsu, let us go. Our move begins now," Madara said softly.
At this moment, the Uchiha patriarch looked remarkably young. This body was more than just a clone; it was a vessel cultivated from Hashirama's cells and Madara's own genetic material. However, the form was flawed. It could not sustain itself for long before the genetic structure would inevitably collapse.
"Still, this will be more than enough," the prime version of Madara said, looking back at his aged, original self. "I shall take my leave then."
"I look forward to good news from you," the elder Madara replied.
"Understood. Rest assured," the younger Madara stated before departing with White Zetsu.
"Obito, enjoy everything I have prepared for you," Madara looked toward the boy who was working hard to recover nearby, a cold smile touching his lips. "After all, you are my chosen one."
In the Land of Water, within Kirigakure.
The Land of Water was an island nation surrounded entirely by the sea. Because of its isolation, very little was known about the internal state of Kirigakure by the outside world. Even during the Second Shinobi World War, Kirigakure had remained largely uninvolved.
Today, however, a rare assembly of the village's high-ranking officials was called. The Fourth Mizukage had an announcement of great importance.
Inside the Mizukage Building, within the main office.
"Everyone, I assume you have all heard reports regarding the events unfolding across the Ninja Continent," the Fourth Mizukage said, his voice level as he surveyed the assembled Mist ninja.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama," replied a man with blue hair and talismans hanging from his ears. This was Ao, a Jonin of the village. "Currently on the continent, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure have formed a loose front to besiege Konoha."
"That is the situation," the Fourth Mizukage stated. "This presents Kirigakure with a golden opportunity. We may finally have the chance to seize territory within the Land of Fire."
The resources of the Land of Fire were something even the Land of Water coveted greatly. However, because their nation was surrounded by sea, launching an invasion against Konoha had always been difficult. But now that the other three great villages had redirected all of Konoha's defensive pressure, the timing was perfect.
"A golden opportunity indeed. Does this mean..." The speaker was a large, heavy-set man named Fuguki Suikazan, the wielder of Samehada.
Of the original Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, only a few remained. Most had been wiped out during that fateful encounter with Might Duy, but Fuguki had been one of the lucky survivors.
"Yes. Kirigakure shall officially enter this war," the Fourth Mizukage declared.
"When do we strike?" one of the Mist ninja asked urgently.
"When?" The Fourth Mizukage looked at the ninja coldly. "Now. Summon the Mist forces immediately. We join the fray. Tomorrow, we launch a full-scale invasion of the Land of Fire."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!" the ninja shouted in unison.
In Kirigakure, strength was everything. Only the strongest could claim the title of Mizukage, and the Fourth was undoubtedly the most powerful among them. Furthermore, the Fourth Mizukage was not a man one could easily negotiate with; to offend him meant a meaningless death. Consequently, as soon as the order was given, the Mist ninja moved with frantic speed. None dared to risk his displeasure.
Soon, the office fell silent.
At that moment, two figures slowly materialized in the room.
"Madara-sama," the Fourth Mizukage said, addressing one of the newcomers.
"Good. Excellent. You have done well." A familiar figure stepped into the light, his features fully revealed. It was Madara Uchiha.
"Konoha, enjoy the gifts I have brought for you," Madara muttered, a chilling frost glinting in his eyes.
A short while later.
Watching the village bustle with sudden activity, a young girl looked on in confusion. She quickly pulled aside a passing ninja who was walking in a hurry. "What's happening in the village?"
"The three great villages are attacking the Land of Fire. The Mizukage has ordered Kirigakure to join the war!" The ninja answered before rushing off. He only bothered to explain because he recognized the girl's prowessMei Terumi.
"Konoha, is it?" Mei's mind drifted to someone she had met beforeTianyuan. "The legends say you are becoming stronger and stronger, but I won't lose to you."
And so, Kirigakure began its mobilization in full swing. Because they were a maritime nation, their deployment was so swift that Konoha was unable to react in time. No one could have imagined that Kirigakure, which had stayed out of the Ninja World War for so long, would suddenly throw itself into the conflict.
A few days later, an urgent report landed on the desk of the Third Hokage.
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).