Two months.
It was enough time for Sunagakure to stabilize. The outbreak of Rasa's counteroffensive had come at a crucial moment, and although the Third Raikage's surprise attack caused structural damage to the village, the casualties were minimal. The timely retaliation from Rasa had prevented a larger crisis.
Rasa's rise to prominence in this battle, where he defended Sunagakure from Kumogakure's assault, earned him widespread recognition. As the direct disciple of the Third Kazekage, and someone with sufficient strength and pedigree, Rasa was swiftly confirmed by the village council as the Fourth Kazekage to restore order.
In fact, the selection process for the next Kazekage had begun following the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. Rasa had always been among the top candidates due to his identity and capabilities. However, his accomplishments until then had not been remarkable. He had spent years in cultivation with few tangible contributions, so his candidacy hadn't been solidified. It was only after the village was attacked and he took command that he gained enough public and political support to be elected Kazekage.
Upon assuming power, Rasa moved decisively. He pulled Sunagakure out of the shadow of the previous Kazekage's disappearance and instilled a renewed sense of purpose. Though his handling of internal affairs was commendable, Rasa's youth and eagerness to make his mark made him impatient.
No sooner had the village regained stability than Rasa resolved to initiate a war against Konohagakure.
Perhaps driven by the need to assert himself as a new leader or to make a strong impression, Rasa focused his ambitions on Konoha. In the last Great Ninja War, Sunagakure had been bested by the Leaf. Now, if under his leadership Sunagakure could claim victory over Konoha, his standing and legacy would be firmly established.
The mobilization of such a large force in Sunagakure couldn't remain hidden, especially not from Konoha, whose intelligence network—particularly Root—was incredibly effective.
This time, having been reprimanded earlier by Hiruzen, Danzo acted more cautiously. The intelligence gathered by Root was shared promptly with the Hokage's office.
"Jiraiya, Sunagakure has begun its operations. A war with Konoha is imminent. I plan to send Minato to the Land of Rivers to oversee the battlefront there. I'll also inform Tsunade and have her accompany you," Hiruzen stated.
Jiraiya understood his teacher's intentions—this was part of Minato's grooming. However, he had some concerns about Tsunade.
"Don't worry. Tsunade's presence will serve as a deterrent. Sunagakure won't recklessly launch a full-scale assault if she's there. Initially, I was going to send you, but with new developments from Iwagakure and Kumogakure—their conflict has tapered off, and the A–B combo unit might head to Konoha's front—Orochimaru may be under heavy pressure. I need you to reinforce him."
Jiraiya nodded, no longer objecting. He only hoped Tsunade wouldn't encounter any unforeseen issues.
"I'll also assign Nara Shikaku and the other members of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation. With their strategic prowess, they can restrain Chiyo and Ebizō, reducing the chances of Tsunade needing to step in," Hiruzen added.
Jiraiya relaxed at the mention of the famed trio. Nara Shikaku was a trusted strategist whose intellect could shape the course of a battlefield. The combined strength of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation, polished over years of camaraderie and training, was formidable. Though each was individually strong, their teamwork made them even more effective—more valuable than sending six elite jonin.
"In that case, I'm reassured. I'll handle things in the Land of Lightning with Orochimaru," Jiraiya said.
The prophecy of the Great Toad Sage had started to point in a direction, and there was no need for Jiraiya to remain stationed in Konoha. Being on the frontlines also gave him more opportunities to investigate the Immortal Organization, whose movements and origins were still vague. Remaining mobile was advantageous, so he accepted Hiruzen's orders without hesitation.
Elsewhere...
"Minato-sensei, we haven't seen Hui-senpai in two months. Do you think something happened to him?" Obito asked anxiously.
Despite Hui's usual antics, Obito respected his strength and had learned from his guidance. There was a genuine concern in his voice, even if his words came out a bit awkwardly. Kakashi rolled his eyes—anyone who didn't know better would think Obito was cursing him.
"Hui took on a long-term mission," Minato explained. "It was classified and expected to take some time. He should be wrapping it up now. But we may not cross paths again soon. There's been a development in Sunagakure, and the village just issued orders. We're being transferred to the Land of Rivers to hold the line."
Relief washed over Obito upon hearing Hui was safe, but that hope was short-lived as he realized they were moving to a new battlefield.
"Kakashi, be careful when we get there," Minato added, though his tone was more serious than usual. Kakashi, puzzled, took the warning to heart regardless.
…
Two days later.
"Whew... finally back."
Hui exhaled deeply as he returned to the Konoha frontlines.
He hadn't expected the mission to take two entire months. There had been numerous complications along the way, forcing extensions and delays.
After reporting in at the mission office, Hui quickly became updated on the newest battlefield deployments through Orochimaru's logs.
So, Sunagakure had made its move as expected.
Minato had also taken his team to the Land of Rivers. Yet, Hui wasn't too disappointed.
While others thought they wouldn't see each other again for a while, Hui knew better. He remembered clearly that during the Third Great Ninja War, Sunagakure was the first to withdraw. The details from his previous life were vivid—after suffering defeat, Sunagakure, aided by Hanzo of Amegakure, surrendered and pulled out of the war. They later became Konoha's allies to help push back against Iwagakure.
More accurately, it wasn't just a retreat—it was a total loss. Though the conflict between Iwagakure and Kumogakure had reached a lull, there had been no decisive victor. Sunagakure, however, suffered a clear defeat and was forced into an alliance.
"The war between Iwagakure and Kumogakure is nearing its conclusion. With the A–B combo joining the fray, it's about time I reveal my strength," Hui mused. "With both Orochimaru and Jiraiya shifting to the Chuan battlefield, I'll have more freedom here. It'll be safer—and acceptable—for me to step up."
Hui had decided to display his true, shadow-level capabilities. At this stage, without such strength, he couldn't speak on equal footing with Konoha's leadership.
Konoha was now at its zenith. The Sannin, the Third Hokage, Namikaze Minato, and possibly the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails made up a power-packed roster. Add in clans like the Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Hyuga, and Uchiha, as well as Danzo and the elders, and Hui—though an elite jonin—had little say in affairs. He wasn't a clan leader or council member. Without greater standing, he couldn't influence critical decisions.
Meanwhile, Minato led Team 7 on a transfer from the Lightning Country front to the Land of Rivers. By the time they arrived, Konoha's forces had already established fortified positions.
"Shikaku-senpai."
As soon as they arrived at the forward base, Minato led his students to the central command tent.
"Ah, Minato. You've come."
While others might overlook it, Nara Shikaku noticed the signs of Hiruzen's mentorship toward Minato. He'd observed how the Third Hokage had sent Minato on critical missions, often pairing him with various elite jonin to build leadership skills and alliances. Now, with the war escalating, Minato was being deployed to more pivotal fronts.
Yes, this was preparation. Minato was being groomed—not just as an elite shinobi, but as a potential Hokage. Shikaku's instincts were rarely wrong.
Thus, he greeted Minato with due respect. After all, someone handpicked by the Hokage would eventually rise to high office—perhaps even challenge for the hat himself.
Following their arrival, Shikaku briefed Minato and Team 7 on their assignments.
Minato, now trusted with broader responsibility, was given a leadership role more significant than what he'd had in the Land of Lightning. The changing battlefield dynamics meant more authority—and more risk.
Team 7 was also entrusted with increased responsibilities. Unlike their prior deployment, where frontlines were stabilized, the Land of Rivers presented fresh challenges and insufficient manpower.
With Konoha fighting on two major fronts, everyone had to shoulder more weight.
At this point...
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