In the original work, Nagato and Naruto once mentioned it in their conversation.
The Second Great Ninja War was started by the Hawkish Faction of Konoha.
As for who the Hawkish Faction of Konoha was, everyone knows without saying.
That's right, it's that old schemer Danzo again.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's support was also behind this; otherwise, Danzo would have had neither the authority nor the ability.
The main purpose of the Konoha higher-ups in this war was to display their formidable power.
After the First Great Ninja War, the nations had been at peace for nearly twenty years. During these twenty years, the major Ninja Villages had been actively developing their political, economic, and military sectors.
However, due to its advantageous geographical location, Konoha developed the fastest. By the time the other Ninja Villages realized it, Konoha's overall strength had already surpassed theirs by a significant margin.
As a result, the military forces of the various Ninja Villages were restless, filled with desire for Konoha's fertile land.
But at this moment, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were in their prime. Hiruzen Sarutobi was even known as the Shinobi Hero. Seeing these Ninja Villages so restless, they knew it was no longer the time for low-profile development.
Thus, after discussions among the Konoha higher-ups, they chose the Hidden Sand Village, which had the weakest overall strength, and directly declared war on them.
Led by Anbu Captain Sakumo Hatake, along with the Hokage's disciples like Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, they attacked the Hidden Sand Village.
However, once war begins, it is like a boulder rolling down a mountain—difficult to control.
Although Konoha eventually gained the upper hand, the cost was not small. More importantly, it completely shattered the fragile balance, allowing other Ninja Villages to see an opportunity and planting more seeds of hatred.
The reason Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't let Danzo act against the Uchiha Clan at this time was that Sakumo Hatake had led a large number of Ninjas to the Sand battlefield, leaving Konoha's current defenses somewhat depleted. If another Ninja Village wanted to take advantage of the situation and act against Konoha, the Uchiha Clan would be a very useful blade.
Whether it was Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo Shimura, although they didn't much like the Uchiha Clan because of their teacher, Senju Tobirama, they had to admit that the Uchiha Clan's strength was indeed formidable.
If Danzo were to move against the Uchiha Clan now and cause them to rebel while Konoha was internally empty, and if Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and the Hidden Mist took the opportunity to attack, Konoha would be in grave danger.
As the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was calmer than Danzo and understood the situation better.
"However, the pursuit of Uchiha Shao Yu and his group must still be carried out. After all, it's Konoha Village's top Bloodline Limit. It would be bad if it fell into the hands of other Ninja Villages."
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi straightened up and quickly wrote down an order.
Since he had cut Danzo's funding, he also had to find something for him to do, letting him vent his anger and energy in the right direction to prevent him from causing more uncontrollable trouble within the Village.
"Someone, come," he said toward an empty corner of the office.
An Anbu figure emerged silently and knelt on one knee.
"Deliver this order to Elder Danzo Shimura."
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed over the scroll, his voice calm.
"Order him to immediately mobilize the Root's elites and pursue the rogue Ninja Uchiha Shao Yu and his party of twelve with all their strength."
"Dead or alive. Pay special attention to the routes they might take to the Land of Lightning or the Land of Earth. Have the undercover personnel in the countries along the way cooperate, but the operation must be secretive and must not cause any diplomatic disputes. Additionally, recover or confirm the destruction of the stolen Uchiha Clan secrets, especially the map data."
"Yes!" The Anbu took the scroll with both hands, and with a flicker, disappeared.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked out the window again; the sunlight was already shining over Konoha, but it could not dispel the gloom in his heart.
"I hope the matter is resolved perfectly."
Meanwhile, far beyond the northern border of the Land of Fire.
After a day and night of non-stop desperate flight, crossing the dense and dangerous Forest of Death and scaling the rugged and steep border mountains, Uchiha Shao Yu and his party of twelve finally stepped into the Land of Hot Springs, a neighbor of the Land of Fire.
The Land of Hot Springs is known in the Ninja World for its nationwide natural hot springs and its relatively peaceful and neutral stance.
There is no large Ninja Village here, and security is relatively relaxed, making it a resting place for travelers, merchants, and even wandering Ninjas from various countries.
When the signature warm, sulfur-scented air replaced the damp cold of the forest and the biting mountain wind, and when hot spring streams with curling steam and relaxed-style inn signs began to appear along the way, even the most determined Uchiha couldn't help but relax their tense nerves slightly.
With the blessing of the Six Eyes, he hadn't consumed much energy.
"Lord Shao Yu," the leading Uchiha Renka slowed his pace and approached Shao Yu, his voice tinged with unmistakable hoarseness and exhaustion.
"Everyone... is reaching their limit. Chakra needs to be restored, and our physical strength won't last much longer. This is already the Land of Hot Springs, which is relatively safe. Should we... take a break?"
Shao Yu stopped and swept his gaze over the clansmen behind him.
Renka's forehead was stained with sweat, and though his eyes were still sharp, they couldn't hide his tiredness.
The two Jonin, Rice Fire and Chikage, were breathing more heavily than usual. Several Chunin, including Uchiha Rei and Uchiha Mei, had faces pale from the long journey. The youngest, Shisui, was leaning against his leg, his small face scrunched up as he forced himself not to complain, but his eyelids were already starting to droop.
After all, not everyone had the Six Eyes like him, and after a day and night without food or water, his body was also a bit tired.
Furthermore, he had enough confidence in himself; as long as Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't take action personally, he could handle it, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had to remain in Konoha, so it was impossible for him to personally hunt him down.
"We indeed need a rest."
Shao Yu nodded, his voice steady.
"Traveling continuously causes our condition to decline, which makes it easier to make mistakes. The Land of Hot Springs is neutral, and the hot springs will help relieve fatigue and restore physical strength. We'll find a secluded but reliable hot spring inn, rest for half a day, replenish our supplies, and then continue our journey."
Hearing that they could rest, everyone's spirits lifted.
They cleaned up the tracks they had left to confuse the pursuers.
Soon, in a remote corner of the border town Hot Water Village in the Land of Hot Springs, they found a clean and simple hot spring inn called Matsukazetei, run by an elderly couple. The inn was located against a mountain and had few guests, which was exactly what they wanted.
After paying enough money and renting an independent courtyard in the back of the inn with a small outdoor hot spring, everyone was finally able to temporarily shed the tension of their flight.
The steaming hot springs dispelled the bone-deep fatigue and cold. Everyone washed thoroughly and changed into clean casual clothes purchased at the inn.
Uchiha Rei briefly checked everyone's physical condition, confirming there were no hidden injuries or sequelae from excessive consumption.
Soaking in the hot spring, Shisui was so comfortable he almost fell asleep. Shao Yu fished him out, dried him off, and tucked him into a warm bed. The little fellow fell into a deep sleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Shao Yu didn't rest immediately. He left Renka and Mei in charge of sentry duty while he took Rice Fire and quietly left the inn to head to the town to purchase necessary supplies.
Although the town of Hot Water Village was small, it was lined with shops due to the hot spring tourism industry, and supplies were fairly complete.
Shao Yu and Rice Fire cautiously divided their purchases to avoid drawing attention. Rice Fire was responsible for purchasing routine supplies, while Shao Yu focused more on intelligence.
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808