Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The whispered conversation between Jiraiya and Orochimaru was quiet, but the council room was filled with Konoha's most skilled and experienced shinobi. Many of them, including Shimura Danzo, caught fragments of Jiraiya's revelation.

"What?! That's impossible," Danzo muttered, his expression shifting to one of disbelief.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, having overheard his students, decided to seize the moment. Clearing his throat, he addressed the room. "Everyone, there's no need to worry about the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. He is in a safe location, and I will call upon him if necessary."

He shifted gears, his tone firm and authoritative. "With Sand Ninja's declaration of war, Konoha will now officially enter a state of war. Nara Shikashin, prepare the village's war supplies and submit a request to the Fire Daimyo for additional financial support."

"Orochimaru," he continued, turning to his disciple, "you will lead a unit to the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire to guard against potential incursions from the Hidden Stone Village."

"Jiraiya, you will lead a unit to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water to monitor movements from the Hidden Cloud Village."

"I will assign your respective subordinates their roles after the meeting. Begin your preparations immediately."

He paused before turning his gaze to Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane. "As for the Hidden Sand Village, I appoint Hatake Sakumo as the front-line commander. Homura, you will assist him."

Mitokadu Homura nodded in agreement, offering no objections.

Hiruzen continued assigning roles and responsibilities to the assembled shinobi, ensuring that nearly everyone present had a part to play in Konoha's war efforts. The only person left without an assignment was Shimura Danzo, whose attempts to undermine Hiruzen earlier had not gone unnoticed.

The meeting stretched from noon until late into the evening, with the bright moon high in the sky by the time it concluded. Seeing that he had been left out of the planning, Danzo reluctantly suggested joining Orochimaru's forces in the Land of Rain. Hiruzen, still honoring their old camaraderie, assigned Danzo an advisory role under Orochimaru, preserving his dignity.

As the council members dispersed, Hiruzen summoned Jiraiya to his office for a private discussion about Uzumaki Raiden's condition.

Mount Myoboku

Under the night sky, Mount Myoboku was alive with the harmonious croaking of frogs. Yet, within the serene Wanfeng Forest, a peculiar silence reigned. Here, amidst the towering cone-shaped stone spires, a young man wielded a long blade, his movements illuminated by arcs of crackling lightning.

Uzumaki Raiden, stripped to his boxer shorts, stood under the moonlight, his red hair glowing faintly in the dark. His once grievous chest wound—inflicted by Rasa's gold dust spear—had healed almost entirely, leaving behind twin scars, one on his chest and one on his back.

A lesser ninja would have been bedridden for months from such an injury, but Raiden had recovered in a mere two days. He had even chosen to keep the scars as a reminder, a testament to the lesson learned: in the ninja world, even a moment's complacency could lead to death.

"The injury from Rasa is no longer an issue," Raiden murmured, sheathing his blade. "I should return tomorrow. Even though Jiraiya's liaison toad delivered my message, Hatake Sakumo and the others could still be in grave danger."

He paused, gazing into the distance. "Shukaku's rampage can only stall Sand Ninja for so long. They'll quickly find another vessel or containment method for the One-Tail."

Raiden's mind raced as he considered the implications. The appearance of such a large Sand Ninja force, accompanied by leaders like Chiyo and Rasa, signaled a much larger scheme. This was no mere search party for the missing Kazekage.

"If my hunch is correct," Raiden muttered grimly, "the Third Ninja World War will be triggered by Sand Ninja."

He raised his head to the night sky, the moon casting its silver glow over the forest. Thoughts of Uchiha Madara flickered through his mind. Somewhere, the legendary shinobi lingered in the shadows, his plans inching toward fruition.

"But I'm no longer the weakling I once was," Raiden said, gripping Sakegari no Tachi tightly. "It's time to enter the game."

For years, Raiden had honed his skills in secret, but now his power was undeniable. His mastery of ninjutsu, the growth of his chakra reserves, and his proficiency with Sage Mode placed him on a level beyond most Jonin. Even if Uchiha Madara noticed him, Raiden was confident in his ability to hold his ground.

"It's time to increase my influence within Konoha," he resolved. "Even someone as powerful as Madara needed the Five Great Nations as his pawns. I'll need Konoha to face him when the time comes."

With a flicker, Raiden disappeared into the night.

The Next Morning

Before dawn, outside the bustling town of Turbulent in the Land of Rivers, a lone figure approached through the forest. Clad in a black robe, the figure carried an exposed blade at his side, the black metal gleaming ominously in the faint starlight.

The figure's face was concealed beneath a hooded cloak, masking his identity. As he neared the town, he whispered to himself, "Let's gather some intel first."

Reaching the town gates, the figure vanished, slipping unnoticed into the shadows of Turbulent Town.

(End of Chapter)