Konoha Village, Hokage's Office.
The cigarette in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mouth trembled violently as he read the report in his hand. A thick puff of smoke burst from his lips, filling the room with tension.
Uttering an annoyed sigh, Koharu Utatane glanced over. "Hiruzen, what happened at the frontlines? You're making it sound like a disaster. Was there an ambush?"
"See for yourselves," Hiruzen said grimly, holding his pipe aside and passing the report to his three advisors.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu leaned forward immediately, joined by Danzō Shimura. As their eyes scanned line after line, their expressions darkened.
"This can't wait," Danzō spoke first, voice cold. "Forget the other nations—now even a small country like the Land of Rain dares to act this boldly. They're not even pretending to respect us anymore. We need to establish dominance."
Koharu nodded sharply. "Agreed, Hiruzen. This is more than a political matter. If we allow ourselves to be humiliated by a minor nation, the smaller countries surrounding the Land of Fire will all grow ambitious. They'll try to take bites out of us."
Homura adjusted his glasses. "Exactly. Those buffer nations—like the Land of Rain—exist to serve as shields between the Five Great Nations. They're strategically vital, but weak. Dealing with them drains our resources, and we're already stretched thin defending four borders.
If we show weakness, those fence-sitters will immediately change sides. All it takes is for them to offer their land as supply routes or bases for other great nations, and suddenly our defensive line will be pushed back to our own borders. The war could spill into the Land of Fire itself."
Koharu concluded, "We must crush this kind of behavior before it takes root."
Listening to them all, the Third Hokage could only massage his temples. "Truly… troublesome times. Good thing the frontlines are under the command of a Nara genius. Anyone else would've already walked into a disaster."
Danzō's single visible eye gleamed. He folded his right hand under his robe, already planning his next move. "Hiruzen, we need to wipe out Sunagakure's assassination squad immediately. And that strategist—keep him alive at all costs. As for Amegakure and Hanzō of the Salamander… leave them to Root."
Hiruzen frowned but didn't object. He knew Danzō's methods—unscrupulous but effective. "Very well," he agreed at last. "Send Jōnin Moonlight with twenty kenjutsu specialists. If the enemies are puppet masters, that should be enough."
He exhaled, thinking aloud. "We also need to watch the Land of Lightning. The Third Raikage is a powerhouse—station at least one elite team on that front. As for the Land of Water, it's isolated by sea. No movement there yet, so we can redirect some troops from that side."
"If the Land of Lightning makes a move, they'll have to cross the Lands of Frost and Hot Water first," Homura added. "Neither has a Hidden Village, so we'll have reaction time. But Sunagakure's assassins won't all be puppet users. We should send additional elites."
Koharu nodded. "If we can crush Sunagakure's forces early, it'll intimidate the other nations and prove Konoha's fangs are still sharp. A first victory will rally not just our ninja, but every citizen of the Land of Fire."
"Then it's settled," Hiruzen said. "If Suna and Ame are truly cooperating, we'll send reinforcements. This first battle must not be lost."
After a pause, he added, "Dispatch Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade as well. As long as they don't run into Ōnoki, they'll be fine. If there's movement from the Land of Lightning, I'll go there personally."
He stood and declared, "That's the plan. Send out the orders."
When the three advisors left, the Hokage's office fell silent again.
Hiruzen looked at the growing pile of reports on his desk and exhaled a long, weary breath.
---
Meanwhile—Root Headquarters
Danzō had already returned to his underground base. His tone was low and commanding:
"Wind. Cloud."
Two masked figures appeared instantly, kneeling on one knee.
"Lord Danzō."
"Establish contact with Hanzō of the Salamander," he ordered. "We'll work with him. I have a bargaining chip he won't be able to refuse."
---
Land of Rain
Having fully adapted to Hanzō's memories and body, the reincarnated Hanzō now sat in the Amegakure's leader office, calmly reviewing documents.
Since I've come this far, I might as well play the part properly, he thought. From now on, I am Hanzō.
"Lord Hanzō," came a report from a familiar voice—Hattori Murakami, the same subordinate who'd first brought him intelligence earlier.
"The evacuation of civilians is proceeding smoothly. The armies of the three Great Nations have halted their advance without any interference. With a little more time, we'll complete the transfer of all noncombatants."
"Good work," Hanzō said with a nod.
Murakami continued, "There's one more matter. The Tsuchikage of Iwagakure has sent an envoy. He says he wishes to negotiate an alliance. Here's his letter."
He handed over a yellow scroll. Hanzō unrolled it and read:
[To the Esteemed Hanzō:
We are aware of your grand ambition—to secure a rightful place for Amegakure among the nations and save your people from suffering.
Yet the Land of Rain lies at the crossroads of three powers—a strategic prize for all.
Now Konoha's forces trample your soil, bringing ruin to your people, while Sunagakure waits like a vulture to strike.
Your valor and resolve in protecting your nation inspire admiration.
We, too, in Iwagakure bear grievances against Konoha.
Perhaps we might meet at the border to discuss our mutual interests.]
Hanzō sighed inwardly. So basically, they want me to meet them at the border to plan a joint offensive against Konoha. All this flowery nonsense just to say that? At least the flattery's decent.
Still, this wasn't something to take lightly.
Ōnoki was a cunning old fox. One misstep and he'd turn the whole situation against him.
But maybe I can use this opportunity…
"I understand," he said aloud.
He closed the scroll. "Bring in Iwagakure's envoy."
A tall, thin man entered and bowed. "Lord Hanzō."
Hanzō didn't waste time. "Tell the Tsuchikage I'll meet him at the border in three days."
The envoy blinked, surprised by the quick agreement. "Excellent. We'll await your arrival. I assure you, it will be a meeting full of… surprises."
Hanzō gave a faint chuckle. "Heh. I look forward to it."
After the Iwa ninja left, Hanzō turned to his aides.
"That'll be all for today. You may go."
He vanished with a Teleportation Jutsu before they could respond. The remaining two Ame ninja exchanged glances and quietly left as well.
---
Amegakure – Supply Depot
Hanzō appeared in a flash. The guards straightened immediately.
"Lord Hanzō!"
"How many explosive tags are currently stored?" he asked.
"Thirty Thousand in total, my lord. What are your orders?"
"I'll be taking twenty thousand," he said.
"Yes, sir!"
They rushed to prepare the supplies. A few moments later, a large scroll was handed to him.
"All inside, Lord Hanzō."
He accepted it—but as he looked at the Ame ninja, something felt off.
This one…
His steady gaze froze the woman in place. Cold sweat ran down her back, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Is… something the matter, Lord Hanzō?"
"No," he said softly. "Nothing at all. But if you ever find yourself in trouble, come to me. As long as it's not excessive, I'll help you. I'm sure you'll know how to find me."
With that, he vanished.
The woman stood there trembling.
Behind her, another Ame ninja laughed. "What's wrong? Did Lord Hanzō charm you that much?"
"Haha… yes," she forced a smile. "Lord Hanzō really is amazing."
But inside, she was terrified.
He's seen through me.
He didn't expose me. He didn't strike. But those words… he knows.
She glanced warily at her "comrades."
As expected of the Demigod. Even I don't know how many spies that man planted here. Maybe one of these people watching me right now works for him.
With that man's paranoia, anyone beyond his control—or who poses even the slightest threat—gets eliminated.
If he learns I've been compromised… I'm dead.
She was certain—this was her first time meeting Hanzō. And yet, from a single look, he had sensed her.
So that's the instinct of a true predator…
Her heart pounded.
Terrifying man. After all my years of deep cover, it's all over now.
She and her true master had an unspoken agreement: during every mission, one of his agents would accompany her—ostensibly to "learn from her experience."
She always knew. And he knew that she knew. Neither ever spoke of it.
She possessed far too much sensitive information—on both her own side and the enemy. If it ever leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable.
What now? I'll have to plan my next move carefully…
---
That night, back in his quarters, Hanzō opened his eyes and murmured quietly to himself:
"The Wandering Miko… Yakushi Nonō."