Chapter 355: Shisui's Suffering
After hearing Shikaku's analysis, which matched Tobirama's closely, Tsunade furrowed her brow before finally sighing. "Then we proceed as planned."
"I understand, Lady Tsunade."
Shikaku looked at her with a complex expression.
Forcing everyone into one final stand—this was indeed the mindset of a gambler.
In the current situation, those in power who still wanted to resist would be compelled to act as Tsunade's reputation declined. Even if they knew the path ahead was perilous, they would take the risk.
If Tsunade fell, they would lose their last chance to resist. Therefore, they had to rally behind her while she still had the strength to unify the Land of Fire's forces for one decisive battle.
Tsunade was forcing their hand, pushing for an all-or-nothing effort.
Hyuga Fuji would not oppose such a development. As long as he could dominate the battlefield, it would be the perfect opportunity to establish his authority.
For the citizens, this plan promised the quickest route to stabilizing the situation without dragging them further into conflict.
So...
"Don't look so grim. For all sides, this is the best option. The price I pay is minimal... but Shisui will suffer…" Tsunade noted Shikaku's conflicted expression and offered a quiet reassurance.
Shikaku shook his head.
"The Yamanaka Clan only discovered that Raikage ordered someone to track Shisui's whereabouts. Nothing else. By following the current developments, we might find Shisui sooner."
Raikage's target was never the Land of Fire itself. Understanding this made predicting future actions easier.
Once the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire reached a boiling point, finding Shisui's location would allow both sides to back down gracefully. They could then redirect their focus to the true enemy Raikage sought to confront.
The sooner relations were restored, the less Shisui would have to endure.
"Maybe so, but as Hokage, failing to protect our people is still my negligence."
Tsunade sighed. "Still, if unification is inevitable, the sooner it happens, the better."
Shikaku's eyes lingered on Tsunade's resolute yet weary face, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions.
He knew that Tsunade's decision wasn't made lightly. It was driven by her duty as Hokage. The Land of Fire was at a critical juncture, and any hesitation could lead to irreversible consequences.
"Then, from this moment, Konoha will enter a state of wartime readiness, awaiting your command."
Taking a deep breath, Shikaku set aside his doubts. As Hokage's advisor, his role now was to fully support Tsunade's decision and ensure the plan's success.
"With you by my side, I am at ease." Tsunade nodded in satisfaction.
Whether the Land of Lightning had guessed her plan by chance or for another reason, if they wanted to use this conflict to gather the remaining forces of the other nations, then so be it.
They would amass all remaining power and prepare for the final battle.
…
As time passed, the standoff between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire grew more intense due to their mutual unwillingness to back down.
The alliance treaty was torn asunder, and the trust and oaths they once shared lay in ruins.
Under Raikage's orders, the Land of Lightning began amassing troops along its borders, conducting frequent military exercises with a clear intent to provoke.
In response, the Land of Fire also dispatched large numbers of shinobi to the frontier, ready to counter any threats.
It was a powder keg waiting for a single spark to ignite it.
The smaller nations watched nervously as the two powerhouses edged closer to war. Though bewildered, their instinct for self-preservation kept them from intervening.
But the Land of Earth couldn't accept this!
Why are you fighting now? The external threats aren't dealt with, and you're turning on each other?
I'm still waiting for your help against the Land of Water!
Thus, the Land of Earth rallied the hesitant smaller nations, bringing them into the conflict between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire.
With various countries trying to mediate, the tension between the two great nations eased slightly. The Land of Earth seized the opportunity to convene a high-level meeting between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.
In a large conference room, Tsunade sat with several top officials from the Land of Fire, their faces grave.
Before them stood a massive electronic screen, its edges glowing faintly blue. Thick cables snaked across the floor, connecting to a large power box that ensured the screen's stable operation.
A low hum filled the room as the screen lit up, connecting them with the leaders of various nations. Raikage, Tsuchikage, and the leaders of smaller countries appeared, their expressions ranging from stern to anxious, with a few masking subtle tension.
"Everyone," Tsunade began, "we are gathered here today to address the rising tensions between the Land of Lightning and our nation. I understand your concerns and am willing to seek a peaceful resolution."
Raikage snorted, interrupting her. "Peace? The Land of Fire has deployed tens of thousands of troops along our border—is that what you call a peaceful stance?"
Unfazed, Tsunade continued, "Raikage, we are merely responding to your provocations. If you cease your military exercises and aggressive actions, we will also reduce our border forces accordingly."
"Furthermore, regarding Shisui's disappearance, the Land of Lightning has yet to provide a satisfactory explanation. Should we interpret this as a refusal to reconcile?"
"Hmph, absurd! What benefit would we gain from capturing Uchiha Shisui? We had no reason to do so!" Raikage denied the accusation outright.
Tsunade sneered. "Since you're so certain, can we assume the Land of Lightning is willing to assist in our investigation as a gesture of good faith?"
"And what exactly does your so-called assistance entail? If—"
Before they could escalate further, the Fourth Tsuchikage, Kitsuchi, interjected to defuse the situation. "Both of you, now is not the time to argue over who's right or wrong. Our goal today is to find a solution acceptable to both parties."
He paused and then looked at Tsunade. "Right now, we lack any leads on Uchiha Shisui. Our priority should be to locate him."
"We could form a joint investigative team comprising representatives from the Land of Fire, Land of Lightning, and Land of Earth. Lady Tsunade, Lord Raikage—do you both agree to this and to share relevant information?"
From Kitsuchi's perspective, the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning had already exchanged enough harsh words.
For the sake of one Uchiha Shisui, Tsunade had nearly declared war on the Land of Lightning, showing her commitment to the Uchiha clan's support. She was unlikely to reject the proposal now.
Raikage, too, probably didn't truly wish for war.
However, to his surprise, both responded in quick succession—
"No way!"
"I disagree!"
Upon hearing each other's replies, Tsunade and Raikage exchanged bewildered looks.
(End of Chapter)