One day later, in the Konoha camp, the atmosphere was tense yet tinged with relief. The faint morning mist hung over the tents, blending with the whispers of shinobi recounting the prior day's events.
Shibi Aburame, his expression stoic as always, pushed past the flaps of the command tent. Inside, a group of senior shinobi turned their attention to him immediately, their gazes sharp and expectant.
"The armies of the Rock Ninja and Sand Ninja are retreating," Shibi reported, his voice calm yet carrying an undertone of urgency. "They've begun withdrawing from the inner borders of the Land of Rain and are moving toward their respective territories."
Jiraiya and Minato, positioned at the rear of the tent, exchanged glances. The information was not unexpected, but it carried significant implications.
"Well done, Shibi. Your efforts have been invaluable," Jiraiya said with a faint smile, though his tone held a weight of contemplation.
Shibi nodded briefly before stepping back, allowing the leaders to deliberate. His insect-controlling abilities had proven indispensable in tracking enemy movements, offering Konoha an edge in intelligence that few could counter.
"Damn it!" Hinata Tenki exclaimed, his fist slamming against the table. "If not for the Akatsuki's interference, we would've secured a decisive victory!"
Uchiha Yoruki, standing silently nearby, frowned slightly at the outburst. His dark eyes flicked toward Minato, who remained calm and composed despite the heated discussion.
Minato's demeanor was unsettling to some, especially to Yoruki. The lack of immediate explanation from either Minato or Jiraiya regarding Nagato left questions lingering in the air. However, despite the lack of a complete triumph, the retreat of the coalition forces marked a significant turning point.
The war, which had raged for months along the borders of the Land of Rain, was finally easing. For the first time in over half a year, the shinobi of Konoha could breathe a sigh of relief.
Since the outbreak of the Third Ninja World War, Konoha had faced relentless attacks from the four major ninja villages. Yet, time and time again, they had repelled these assaults, shifting the balance of power steadily in their favor.
"Send the information back to the village," Jiraiya instructed, exhaling a long breath that seemed to carry the weight of the battlefield. He turned to Minato, who nodded in silent agreement.
"This intelligence needs to be delivered personally," Minato added. "There are details that only Sensei and I are privy to, and it's crucial the Third Hokage receives them directly."
Half a day later, the report reached Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Alone in his office, he read the scroll with a solemn expression. The faint glow of the evening sun filtered through the window, casting long shadows over the desk.
Hiruzen took a deep draw from his pipe, the smoke curling lazily in the air as he processed the gravity of the situation. "The Akatsuki organization… and the Rinnegan," he murmured, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.
Jiraiya had previously informed him about Nagato and the events in the Land of Rain. Over the years, Hiruzen had made attempts to gather information on the Rinnegan, but Hanzo's control over the region had kept many secrets well hidden. The revelation that Jiraiya's former students had formed an organization capable of disrupting the war's dynamics was both surprising and alarming.
Their actions had hindered Konoha's counterattack, making it clear that the Akatsuki could not be ignored. By conventional standards, they would be added to Konoha's red list as a high-priority threat. Yet, Minato's cautious notes in the report gave Hiruzen pause.
"If the Land of Rain becomes fully aligned with the enemy, the consequences could be catastrophic," Hiruzen muttered. Hanzo's presence alone was enough to warrant vigilance, but the addition of Nagato and his Rinnegan posed an unprecedented risk.
Summoning the Anbu, Hiruzen instructed them to notify Konoha's high-ranking officials for an immediate meeting.
Inside the operations meeting room, the air was heavy with tension as Hiruzen detailed the latest developments.
"The sudden emergence of the Akatsuki has significantly altered the situation," Hiruzen began. His voice was steady, though a flicker of unease passed through the room. "In addition to their interference, we now face the potential threat of Nagato's Rinnegan."
Homura Mitokado and Utane Koharu, seated at the table, exchanged grave looks. Koharu was the first to speak. "Regardless of their origins, we must investigate the Akatsuki thoroughly once this war concludes. Leaving such an organization unchecked is a risk we cannot afford."
Hiruzen nodded, his tone resolute. "Agreed. For now, however, we must focus on the immediate threats. I am assigning Jiraiya to lead the defense of the Land of Grass. Iwagakure has established a supply line there, and we cannot allow them to gain a foothold."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "We will also strengthen the defense around Mount Kikyo in the Land of Rivers and maintain a presence along the Land of Fire's coastline. Hyuga Tenki and Kato Dan will take over the coastline defenses, while the Uchiha clan will be reassigned to other critical positions."
The advisors nodded in agreement, though Homura Mitokado added cautiously, "While this strategy is sound, we must remain vigilant. The enemy may yet attempt a simultaneous assault, as they did during the First Ninja World War."
Hiruzen's lips curved into a faint smile. "Preparations are already underway. Minato's leadership has been instrumental thus far, and I trust he will continue to deliver results."
As the discussion continued, Danzo Shimura remained silent, his expression dark and contemplative. The mention of Minato's growing influence only deepened the shadows in his eyes.
Back at the Root headquarters, the atmosphere was as cold and foreboding as ever. Danzo stood in the dimly lit chamber, his gaze fixed on the figure kneeling before him.
"Send operatives into the Land of Rain," Danzo ordered, his voice low and sharp. "I want every detail about this so-called Akatsuki organization. Use whatever means necessary."
The operative bowed and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts.
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