Chapter 28: The Spark of War
The news of Uchiha Kagami's death spread through Konoha like a shockwave. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was deeply grieved. However marginalized the Uchiha clan had become, Uchiha Kagami was one of the few he recognized as truly embodying the Will of Fire.
"The Hidden Cloud Village..." Hiruzen murmured, the name leaving a bitter taste.
This village had left a deeply negative impression on him. His own teacher, the mighty Second Hokage, had met his end indirectly because of Kumo's actions. Now, the newly ascended Third Raikage, a man renowned for his iron will and formidable power who had ruthlessly consolidated his authority, had killed Kagami. This was an undeniable act of war.
"Koharu, Homura," Hiruzen stated, his voice calm but resolute. "This is the situation. I have decided to formally declare war on the Hidden Cloud Village." Whether for the Second Hokage or for Kagami, this war was now inevitable.
"But right now, Iwagakure and Kirigakure are locked in a fierce struggle within the Land of Rain. If we open a front against Kumo, what's to stop Sunagakure from taking the opportunity to strike us?" Mitokado Homura voiced his concern.
"Given the Sand Village's desperate circumstances, they would absolutely seize the chance to take a bite out of us," Utatane Koharu added with certainty.
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, the very problem weighing on his mind.
"Hiruzen, Koharu and I will go to the border of the Land of Rivers to deter any sneak attack from the Sand," Homura offered immediately. With the village's manpower stretched thin, he had to step up.
Hiruzen nodded. This was precisely why he had summoned them. Some decisions required their counsel.
With the southern border secured, Hiruzen began mobilizing the village's shinobi for the northern front. There was no other choice. The Cloud Village had killed a Konoha elder. There was no room for negotiation.
The Uchiha clan was incensed, demanding to be sent to the front lines against Kumo to avenge their clansman. Hiruzen granted their request. He had no grounds to refuse.
Thus, the great machinery of Konoha began to turn once more, countless shinobi streaming towards the burgeoning conflict.
On the border of the Land of Fire, near the Land of Hot Water, Danzō oversaw the new deployments. They had relocated their main camp; a head-on war with Kumo wouldn't be fought near the Land of Grass. The Land of Hot Water was now Konoha's primary defensive line.
A delegation of Uchiha clansmen who had arrived from Konoha stood in Danzō's tent, their dissatisfaction palpable. Danzō showed them no quarter.
"While the Sharingan is your clan's heritage, this was also Kagami's final wish," Danzō stated coldly. "As I, Danzō Shimura, have given my word, I will see it fulfilled. You have two choices. Accept this outcome, or consider the front lines your final posting."
The current head clansman, Uchiha Setsuna, silenced the murmurs of his clansmen. After a moment's thought, he spoke. "Very well, Lord Hokage's Advisor. We will consider the matter closed."
Danzō's gaze swept over them, a flicker of contempt in his eyes. Aside from Kagami, the rest of you are truly worthless.
But this was wartime, and Danzō was a pragmatist. To secure the transplanted Sharingan for Akatsurugi and maintain stability, he had to offer this concession. Fortunately, it was a small price within his authority.
Over the past few days, Akatsurugi had been drilling his new combat style, integrating the Sharingan. He paid the Uchiha delegation no mind; Danzō was handling that. It wasn't his concern.
He was summoned to the command tent. Danzō was alone.
"Akatsurugi, you are now a Jōnin of Konoha," Danzō began without preamble. "Here are two missions. Review them and choose one." He tossed two scrolls onto the table.
Akatsurugi unsealed them. The first was a long-term S-rank mission: to operate behind enemy lines, harassing and eliminating Kumo forces active in the border regions between the Land of Hot Water, the Land of the Moon, and the Land of Lightning. It offered maximum autonomy—strike when possible, vanish when not. The primary risk was being lured into a trap.
The second was also S-rank, but involved operating as part of a Jōnin team. The autonomy was far less, and other team members could easily become liabilities.
"Lord Danzō, I'll take this one," Akatsurugi said, holding up the first scroll and returning the other.
Danzō frowned. "This mission is exceptionally dangerous. You will receive no support. You may encounter Kumo's most powerful shinobi. Consider carefully."
Akatsurugi nodded firmly. "My decision is made, Lord Danzō."
Seeing his resolve, Danzō said no more. "Very well. Depart immediately. This is for you." He tossed two storage scrolls to Akatsurugi.
Akatsurugi's eyes lit up. Storage scrolls were expensive, far beyond the means of a shinobi of his modest means. With these, he could carry significant supplies.
After stocking up at the logistics division, Akatsurugi set out for the Land of Hot Water.
He hadn't traveled far into its territory when he was spotted. A Kumo team—one Jōnin and three Chūnin, a standard configuration—began tracking him.
No matter how he altered his course, they maintained their pursuit. Akatsurugi knew they likely had a sensor-type. His hope of infiltrating quietly was dashed. This team clearly saw a lone shinobi as easy prey and were determined to run him down.
Akatsurugi led them to a secluded valley and stopped, turning to face his pursuers. The Kumo team closed in without a word. The three Chūnin immediately fanned out and began forming hand seals, launching their assault. The time for stealth was over. The first spark of his personal war had been struck.