Chapter 82: The Gathering Storm
The political machinations set in motion by the Fourth Raikage began to bear fruit with startling speed. Envoys from Kumogakure, skilled in the art of persuasion and backed by the implicit threat of a unified military front, found receptive ears in Iwagakure and Kirigakure.
For the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, the decision was a simple matter of realpolitik. He had witnessed Akatsurugi's power firsthand and had no desire to face it alone on a future battlefield. Weakening Konoha by forcing them to sacrifice their strongest weapon was an opportunity too good to pass. He agreed to the coalition without hesitation.
In Kirigakure, the mood was one of bitter vengeance. The death of their Mizukage demanded a response, but the memory of Akatsurugi's flames and the cursed state of their Jinchuriki bred caution. Joining the diplomatic blockade was a way to seek retribution without immediately risking another catastrophic confrontation. They, too, pledged their support.
Even Sunagakure, perpetually struggling and often overlooked, was coaxed into the alliance. The promise of concessions and a chance to humble their historically dominant rival, Konoha, proved irresistible.
The unified message delivered to the Land of Fire's Daimyo and, by extension, Konoha, was stark and uncompromising: Hand over Akatsurugi to face international judgment for the "unprovoked" slaying of two Kage. The alternative was a combined declaration of war from four of the Five Great Shinobi Countries.
Simultaneously, a insidious propaganda campaign seeped into the streets of Konoha. Whispers, started by well-placed agents, began to circulate among merchants and civilians.
"Did you hear? The Blaze God went rogue."
"He killed the Raikage and Mizukage in cold blood! Now four villages are demanding his head."
"If we don't give him up, they'll attack us. My business... my family... it'll all be ruined because of him."
Fear, once seeded, began to grow. The name "Akatsurugi," once synonymous with security and pride, started to be uttered with anxiety and resentment.
When the formal ultimatum reached the Hokage's desk, the atmosphere in the office turned to ice. Sarutobi Hiruzen read the scroll, his face a stony mask, before silently passing it to his advisors.
Homura and Koharu paled. "This is... an impossible demand," Koharu whispered, her voice tight.
"It's a pretext for war," Homura added grimly. "They know we cannot comply. They are testing our resolve."
Danzō, for his part, remained silent, observing the reaction. The situation was unfolding perfectly.
Hiruzen took a long, slow draw from his pipe. "Summon Akatsurugi," he ordered, his voice heavy. "And call a full session of the Jonin Council. The village must decide its path together."
The summons found Akatsurugi still in meditation. As he walked through the village to the Hokage Tower, he felt it—the shift in the air. The respectful nods from fellow shinobi were now tinged with unease. The cheerful calls from shopkeepers were absent, replaced by averted gazes and hushed conversations that died as he passed.
He had become a walking crisis.
Entering the Hokage's office, he found the full weight of Konoha's leadership waiting for him. Hiruzen's expression was grave, the lines on his face deeper than ever.
"Akatsurugi," Hiruzen began, his tone formal. "You have seen the... sentiment in the village. The other Great Villages have issued an ultimatum. They demand we surrender you to prevent a war."
He slid the scroll across the desk. Akatsurugi scanned it, his expression not changing. He had expected something like this. It was the oldest trick in the book.
"The Jonin Council convenes in one hour to debate our response," Hiruzen continued. "Your presence is required. The future of Konoha hangs in the balance."
Akatsurugi met the Hokage's gaze, then let his eyes sweep over the other elders. Danzō's single visible eye held an unreadable glint.
"I understand," Akatsurugi said, his voice calm and steady, belying the storm he felt brewing. "I will be there."
He turned and left the office, the eyes of the village's leaders boring into his back. The battle lines were being drawn, not on a remote battlefield, but in the heart of the village he called home. The fight against the three Kage had been a test of strength. This was a test of will, loyalty, and the very soul of Konoha. And he knew that some of his most dangerous enemies were now the ones standing behind him.