Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 287 The Land of Wind Declares War on the Land of Stars

Two days later, Sunagakure Village.

The scorching wind whipped up sand and swept past the fortifications built of massive rocks at the entrance to Sunagakure.

Several weary ninja figures slowly approached the village entrance under the scorching sun.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone." The young ninja in the lead, wearing a Sand Village headband, with a kind face and round-framed glasses, smiled and said to the two Sand Village ninjas standing guard at the door.

His voice was gentle and polite, which made people feel good about him.

"Oh, it's Kabuto. Mission accomplished?" One of the Sand Ninja on guard duty clearly recognized him and responded with a smile.

"Yes, it was just a simple bandit-clearing mission, and it went very smoothly." Kabuto Yakushi pushed up his glasses, his face displaying just the right amount of shyness and humility.

He was accompanied by his captain, Chunin Yorato, and two other slightly tired Genin teammates.

After a brief inspection and greeting, the team was allowed to pass through the narrow passage leading into the village.

Walking down the dimly lit corridor, Kabuto Yakushi, at the back of the group, subtly scanned his surroundings through his glasses.

The passage is flanked by steep, artificially reinforced rock walls. Looking up, all you can see is a sliver of sky, tinged with a hazy yellow by the wind and sand.

Sunagakure is situated in this massive canyon, with steep, insurmountable rock walls on both the east and west sides. This natural barrier means that the village's main defensive forces are concentrated on the north-south passage.

Without the ability to fly or special ninja tools, even for a Jonin, it would be extremely difficult to silently scale the rock wall and sneak into the village.

'The terrain is treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack...' Yakushi Kabuto silently noted in his mind.

Nearly four months have passed since the night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. He spent a short but heartwarming time with his adoptive mother, Yakushi Nonou, in the Star Capital.

Those were rare days in his life when he didn't need to pretend or scheme.

But this peace did not last long. Knowing the responsibility on his shoulders, he took the initiative to apply to the Star Ninja Anbu to continue carrying out infiltration missions.

His application was quickly approved.

Based on his experience and outstanding abilities from his previous infiltration of Sunagakure, he was transferred to the Anbu Intelligence Squad and reported directly to the squad leader Terumi Rei and the Anbu Captain Kisame Hoshigaki.

His latest mission is to rebuild a comprehensive intelligence network within Sunagakure, covering ninja information, resident dynamics, terrain defense, and troop deployment.

His return from this simple mission of "encircling and suppressing desert bandits" was part of his routine operation to integrate into the Sunagakure village's genin community and gather intelligence from the outside world.

As the light gradually brightened, the team emerged from the passage, and the entire village of Sunagakure came into view.

The buildings in the village are mostly made of sand and rock, presenting a unique architectural complex that resembles a high-rising ant nest.

Whether elliptical or cubic in shape, many buildings are interconnected by sand channels that resemble tree roots or pipes, forming a complex and organic whole that can resist wind and sand and facilitate passage in inclement weather.

As Kabuto walked with his teammates through the somewhat deserted streets, he silently observed the village's layout, the flow of people, and the distribution of various facilities, firmly imprinting this information in his mind.

Their destination was the mission hall located on the ground floor of the Wind Shadow Building.

However, as soon as they stepped into the mission hall, an unusually solemn atmosphere enveloped them.

Normally, this place isn't exactly noisy, but there are always sounds of ninjas talking and exchanging missions. But now it's unusually quiet. Most of the ninjas present have somber expressions and are talking in hushed tones. There's a sense of oppression and unease in the air.

Captain Yoru immediately sensed that something was wrong.

He strode to the mission handover window, handed the scroll to a familiar Chunin clerk inside, and asked in a low voice, "What happened in the village? Why does the atmosphere feel so strange?"

The clerk first skillfully checked the mission scroll and completed the registration, then leaned closer and said in a voice barely audible to the two of them, "You don't know yet? Something terrible has happened!"

Ye Liangren's heart tightened: "What important matter?"

"It's said that the day before yesterday, an elite unit went out on a mission, and many Jonin participated..." The Chunin's voice lowered even further: "As a result, when they returned yesterday, the casualties were heavy! I heard... I heard that even Elder Ebizo... was killed in action!"

"What?!" Ye Liangren's expression changed drastically, and he couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. He immediately lowered his voice, his face filled with disbelief: "Elder Hai Bizang?! This... how is this possible?!"

Following behind, Kabuto's glasses flashed with a barely perceptible glint of cold light.

On the surface, he maintained the slightly bewildered and nervous expression befitting a genin, but his mind was racing.

Ebizo!

One of the advisors and elders of Sunagakure, an elite Jonin, he is in charge of the village's important intelligence department and was one of the key figures who pushed Rasa to the top!

How could such a high-ranking and powerful ninja be dead?

'What kind of mission is it? What kind of enemies did we encounter?' Kabuto's mind raced as he analyzed the situation.

This is absolutely crucial intelligence!

He carefully controlled his breathing and expression, like a genin who was truly frightened by the news, slightly shrinking his neck while his ears were perked up even more, not missing any possible information.

His two genin teammates beside him looked blank, clearly not realizing what the news meant.

Indeed, for ordinary genin, they might not even have heard of Ebizo, a high-ranking advisor to the village.

Soon, without them even needing to inquire, an even more explosive piece of news spread rapidly throughout Sunagakure, centered around the Kazekage Building, causing a huge shock!

The Land of Wind has officially declared war on the Land of Stars!
The shadow of war instantly enveloped the entire Sand Village.

The ninjas were urgently mobilized, and the mission hall became even busier and more chaotic, with various instructions and orders being issued continuously.

The previously leisurely atmosphere on the street vanished, replaced by a tense and ominous feeling, as if a storm was brewing.

The Sand Village seemed to have returned overnight to the somber state of preparation for war that characterized the Third Shinobi World War.

Kabuto silently left the mission hall with the team that had completed the mission handover, walking on the suddenly bustling street, already understanding what was going on.

'Ebizo's death, the declaration of war against the Star Kingdom... It seems Lord Shura is planning something big.' He adjusted his glasses, making sure he remembered this important development, as it would be key to subsequent intelligence analysis.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Fengying Building, in a heavily guarded meeting room.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, sat wearily in the main seat, with the image of the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, Masaki Sato, displayed on a special communication screen in front of him.

The daimyo was dressed in a gorgeous kimono, habitually holding an exquisite folding fan in his hand, with a hint of doubt on his face.

"Rasa, is this battle... absolutely necessary?" Sato Daimyo's voice came through the loudspeaker, carrying the tone characteristic of someone in a superior position.

Luo Sha frowned, slightly surprised.

He clearly remembered that a few years ago, when the Star Kingdom had just risen to power and slaughtered the nobles and daimyo of the Bear Kingdom, the Dark Kingdom, and other places with ruthless methods, this daimyo of the Wind Kingdom was filled with righteous indignation and hated the Star Kingdom and "Shura" to the bone. He said he wished he could send ninjas to wipe them out immediately.

They even felt resentful because of their own refusal.

Why has your attitude become hesitant after only three or five years?

Luo Sha's gaze swept over the obviously valuable artworks and luxury goods in the background behind the daimyo on the screen, and a sudden realization flashed through his mind.

It's likely that in recent years, the novel goods and huge trade profits from the Land of Stars have brought this daimyo a taste of success, and it's even possible that the daimyo's prefecture has been engaging in illicit dealings with the Land of Stars through some clandestine channels...

After cursing inwardly, Luo Sha suppressed his suspicions and slight displeasure, and with a pained yet resolute expression on his face, explained to the screen: "Your Excellency, it was not we who initiated the war."

"The Star Ninja have brazenly invaded the territory of our Land of Wind, murdering fifteen of our elite ninjas in the 'Death Sands' region. Furthermore, they have stolen the Jinchuriki, a vital strategic weapon for our village!" "Now, they are even constructing a defensive line within our borders! This is not only an insult to Sunagakure but also an insult to Your Majesty the Daimyo. If we do not launch a strong counterattack, where will the dignity of our Land of Wind be? How can Sunagakure have the face to stand in the ninja world?"

He deliberately concealed the true details of the "Death Sand Sea" battle, such as the fact that his side dispatched an elite force led by him personally, which included many Jonin and elders, but they suffered a crushing defeat with more than fifteen casualties, including Ebizo who was killed in battle, and elite Jonin such as Maki and Yekura all wounded.

He knew that if the Daimyo knew that Sunagakure had suffered such heavy losses in its high-end combat force, the Daimyo would likely choose to let the matter drop due to concerns and a reluctance to spend military funds.

However, with the One-Tailed Jinchuriki stolen and Ebizo and others killed in action, his position as Kazekage would be in jeopardy if this battle wasn't fought.

As for whether or not we can win the war?
If we always had enough confidence to go to war, there wouldn't be so many wars and conflicts in the world.

As expected, he successfully aroused the daimyo's vigilance and anger.

On the other side of the screen, when Sato Daimyo heard that "the Jinchuriki has been kidnapped," his hand that was waving a fan stopped abruptly, and his lazy expression vanished, replaced by a serious one.

Sato Daimyo originally thought that the "Death Sand Sea," that desolate, godforsaken place, was nothing but sand and sand, without even a single oasis village where taxes could be collected, and if the Star Kingdom wanted it, he might as well sell it to them.

But the nature of the Jinchuriki being stolen is completely different!

That is one of the most important strategic deterrent forces for a country and a village of ninjas!

This concerns national dignity and the stability of his rule, and it is a bottom line that cannot be easily compromised!

If the Land of Wind can't even protect its own Jinchūriki, how can it call itself a great power?

Other countries might launch a coordinated attack, and even Konoha, the Land of Fire, their "ally," might stab them in the back.

Sato Daimyo shook his folding fan and asked solemnly, "So, Lord Kazekage, what are your chances of winning? How far do you intend to fight this battle? What if other countries, such as the Land of Fire or the Land of Earth, take the opportunity to intervene?"

Seeing that the Daimyo's attitude had softened, Rasa immediately perked up and revealed his plan in detail: "Your Excellency, please rest assured! I have already sent people to urgently contact our allies, Konoha Village in the Land of Fire, and at the same time, I have dispatched diplomatic envoys to Iwagakure Village in the Land of Earth. If possible, I hope to facilitate a three-way alliance of the Wind, Fire, and Earth nations to jointly attack the Star Country, the common enemy of the ninja world!"

"Konoha and Iwagakure?" Sato Daimyo nodded upon hearing this. "I've also heard that Konoha seems to have a grudge against that Shura. As allies, it's only right and proper for them to send troops or provide financial assistance."

"However... Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, is said to be a cunning and shrewd fellow. Would he easily send troops without sufficient benefits?"

Rasa had already considered this point, and he explained, “Your Excellency, the Land of Stars and the Land of Earth share a long border and have direct territorial disputes.”

"This alone is indeed not enough to make that old fox Onoki send out ninjas. But if you personally come forward, contact the Daimyo of the Land of Earth, and promise them the benefits of jointly dividing the territory and wealth of the Land of Stars, it should be enough to sway them."

"After all, the Star Kingdom has developed rapidly in recent years. The Youhe Plain under its control is fertile and commercially prosperous, making it a tempting piece of meat."

Upon hearing "divide up the Star Country," Sato Daimyo's eyes visibly lit up on the screen, and a greedy look appeared on his face.

He had long heard that the Star Kingdom had become increasingly prosperous in recent years.

The Land of Stars not only became a major commercial center in the western part of the Ninja World, but also exported a large amount of grain to the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth, which lacked land and grain production, earning them a lot of wealth.

If they could get a share of the profits from this opportunity, it would be a huge temptation for the daimyo of the Land of Earth.

Daimyo Sato finally nodded and made his decision: "Alright! In that case, you will be fully in charge of the war against the Land of Stars! The Daimyo's Office will allocate a special sum of money for the war, paid according to the standards during the Third Shinobi World War!"

"I will personally write to the daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth to communicate with them. As for the specific negotiations between Konoha and Iwagakure and the coordination of the allied forces, that will be your responsibility as the Kazekage!"

"Yes! Thank you for your support, Your Excellency! I will live up to your expectations!" Luo Sha replied in a deep voice, feeling a slight sense of relief.

With the support of the daimyo and military funding, at least the war machine can be started.

The communication screen went dark.

Luo Sha breathed a sigh of relief and looked to the side: "Elder Chiyo, His Majesty the Daimyo has agreed to go to war. You... please accept my condolences."

A figure slowly emerged from the shadows in the corner of the conference room.

It was Chiyo, the haggard-looking woman whose eyes burned with deep-seated hatred.

The death of her younger brother, Ebizo, ignited the long-suppressed grief and anger in her heart. At this moment, she had only one thought in her mind—to take revenge on the Land of Stars!
Let us use the enemy's blood to mourn the soul of our deceased brother!

The news that the Land of Wind had declared war on the Land of Stars spread like wildfire throughout the ninja world.

It also reached Konohagakure in the Land of Fire.

Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind a large desk, holding in his hand an intelligence scroll recently compiled and delivered by the Anbu regarding the movements of Sunagakure, as well as a diplomatic document from Sunagakure requesting Konoha to fulfill its obligations as an ally and jointly send troops.

He slowly exhaled a smoke ring, a look of surprise on his face.

According to the intelligence he had previously received secretly from Kakashi, Kakashi's team's operation of disguising themselves as Star Ninjas and framing the Star Country within the Land of Earth should not have yet progressed to the border of the Land of Wind.

How come the Land of Wind and the Land of Stars started fighting so quickly?

However, this slight surprise was quickly replaced by a look of satisfaction.

'Regardless of the specific reasons, the conflict between the Land of Wind and the Land of Stars is exactly the outcome I desired.'

He placed the scroll on the table and looked at the two advisors and elders sitting to the side.

Utane Koharu and Mitomon En.

"Koharu, En, what do you think about Sunagakure's plea for help?"

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and spoke first, his tone tinged with excitement: "Hiruzen, this is good news! The war between the Land of Stars and the Sand Village of the Land of Wind, regardless of who wins or loses, will greatly weaken their strength, which is extremely beneficial to our Konoha."

“I think we can send some of our ninja forces to participate in the battle and support Sunagakure. This will not only fulfill our obligations as allies, but also allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the true strength of the Land of Stars, and even… have the opportunity to gain benefits at a critical moment.”

Koharu Utatane, however, appeared more cautious. She shook her head and said, "Yan, sending a ninja unit into battle requires careful consideration."

"The Land of Fire is far from the Land of Stars, and there are also countries like the Land of Rivers and the Land of Rain in between. If we send out ninja troops, the logistical support will be under tremendous pressure. Moreover, even if we help Sunagakure win, we cannot cross such a long distance to divide up the land of the Land of Stars. At most, we can only get some monetary or material compensation, and the input and output may not be proportional."

"I believe that providing material and financial support to Sunagakure is a more prudent approach."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, took a drag of his cigarette, and slowly said, "Koharu's concerns are valid. Distance is indeed the biggest problem. We..."

"We must send a ninja force to join the battle!"

Just then, a voice interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the office door was pushed open with a bang.

Danzo Shimura, his face half-covered by bandages, walked in expressionlessly, leaning on a cane, followed silently by Ryoma Aburame.

Mitokado Yan turned his head slightly to look at his old friend, but did not speak.

"What are you doing now?!" Koharu, who was turning the dorm, said with some dissatisfaction.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned immediately and snapped, "Danzo! You're no longer the head of Root, nor an advisor or elder! Who gave you permission to trespass into the Hokage's office?!"

However, Danzo ignored Koharu Utatane and Hiruzen Sarutobi's reprimands. His one eye swept over the three people in the office, and he dropped a bombshell that made all three of them pale.

"According to top-secret intelligence I just received, the One-Tailed Jinchuriki of Sunagakure has apparently been kidnapped by that 'Shura'!"

"What?!" This time, even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't remain calm. He suddenly stood up from his seat, not even noticing his pipe slipping from his mouth!

The One-Tailed Jinchuriki has been stolen?!
No wonder Sunagakure declared war on the Land of Stars.

(End of this chapter)