IUTT: Ch. 273

None of those who can rise to the upper ranks of Konoha are fools.

Even someone as once pure-hearted as Sakumo, after years of experience, is no longer some ignorant youth.

Perhaps there were some who didn't understand at first, but after Shin's words, how could they not see it clearly?

With all the major hidden villages speaking in such suspicious unison, who would believe there wasn't some hidden agenda?

Isn't this just a repeat of the First Great Ninja War?

Even Torifu fell silent, tacitly agreeing with Shin's assessment.

After all, he had personally participated in every stage of the First Great Ninja War.

Indeed, just as Shin said, back then the other villages also suddenly spoke with one voice, all targeting Konoha.

To an outsider, it might have seemed as if Konoha had committed some unforgivable crime.

But in truth, what they brought up were all old matters, suddenly exaggerated and politicized, just to find an excuse for war.

At that time, Tobirama had done everything he could to avoid war, engaging in long negotiations with the major villages.

Yet while the villages were talking with Konoha's envoys, they were simultaneously preparing for battle even more actively.

Torifu had a premonition: if they sent envoys again to negotiate, the other villages would do exactly as before, pretend they didn't want war and express willingness to talk, while their real goal was just to test Konoha's stance... all the while arming themselves.

That time and this time, exactly the same.

"Then we fight!" His gaze shifted completely, becoming the first to step up in support of Shin.

"I agree as well," said Fukuyama. "The Uchiha are no weaker than any other, this time we must be the vanguard."

"You make it sound like the New Hyūga Clan fears battle. No need to say more, if the Hokage gives the order, we'll strike wherever she points," declared Hinae, leader of the New Hyūga Clan.

"It's time the shinobi world hears the name 'Konoha's White Fang' again," Sakumo said with fighting spirit.

"Since everyone agrees, I hereby declare that Konoha will never compromise or apologize for things we have not done," Tsunade said with a commanding air.

"Moreover, it's time for the shinobi world to hear Konoha's voice."

"This battle, if the other villages surrender early, I'll give them a chance to humble themselves. But if they insist on resisting to the end, then we may as well take this opportunity to unify the entire shinobi world."

By the time she finished speaking, Tsunade's eyes were already filled with killing intent. She had always been reluctant to start wars, but that didn't mean she feared them.

If war is inevitable, then she would strike once and for all, creating an era of peace where there would be no war for a hundred years.

Hearing these words, the others felt their blood surge with excitement.

Soon, the order for Level One Combat Readiness spread to every corner of Konoha.

At the same time, a public notice from the Hokage's office was issued.

The notice stated clearly that the baseless slander from the major villages, without investigation, was something Konoha would never accept.

Their joint condemnation was merely a prelude to a united crusade against Konoha, a ploy to kill off Konoha's rising power.

This war was now unavoidable.

Konoha does not want war, but we do not fear it. Since the other villages want to fight, we will make them understand one truth: Konoha is not to be trifled with.

The announcement also directly appointed Shin as the commander of the war, giving him full control over all military matters.

Like it had grown wings, Konoha's announcement spread across the entire shinobi world.

The major villages were all shaken by Konoha's move.

Konoha wasn't wrong, their enemies really had planned to seize the opportunity to join forces and crush Konoha.

But none of them had expected Konoha to skip negotiations entirely and directly declare war on the entire shinobi world.

This struck fear into many of the villages' hearts, yet the arrow was already nocked and had to be released. After a video conference among the Kage and leaders of the major villages, they reached a consensus:

In this battle, the allied forces of ten villages will march against Konoha. Until Konoha is utterly destroyed, the war will not stop.

That same day, all the villages began active preparations for war.

Konoha's vanguard, led by Fukuyama, Sakumo, Hinae, and Minato's team, moved to various borders, set up camps, and waited for the enemy in advantageous positions.

---

Land of Demons, Underground Research Facility.

When Orochimaru received intelligence from Isshiki about the ten-village alliance's campaign against Konoha, he couldn't help but laugh.

"An impressive move," Orochimaru said.

"Just a small trick," Isshiki replied with a calm face, showing no hint of pride.

Indeed, this war had been deliberately provoked by him.

Though Kara had only recently been established with Orochimaru's help, he hadn't been idle over the years.

He had agents planted in the upper echelons of many villages, giving him deep insight into their internal situations and a clear understanding of their attitudes toward Konoha.

He wasn't creating the hostility, he was exploiting it. What he used was the long-standing fear and dissatisfaction the villages already felt toward Konoha.

All it took was stirring up trouble at the right moment, like this time, attacking the research facilities of multiple villages, and with the cooperation of his inside agents to fan the flames, he could accelerate the outbreak of war.

He had several reasons for instigating this great conflict:

To prevent investigation into the research facility attacks. If the villages really looked into the cause, they might uncover Kara's involvement and unite against him. He wasn't afraid of being discovered, but Kara needed time to grow, so the longer he could delay such a confrontation, the better. And nothing diverts attention like war, the fiercer the fighting outside, the safer he would be.

To distract Shin from hunting him down. Orochimaru had told him repeatedly that Shin would never stop searching for him, as Isshiki knew far too many secrets. This was a constant source of trouble for him. But once the war started, Shin would have no time for Orochimaru, letting Isshiki conduct his research in peace.

To fish in troubled waters. Orochimaru was indeed diligently searching for a perfect vessel for him, but such a task was long and arduous. Isshiki was also considering whether, in the chaos of war, he could ambush Minato or Shin and plant a Kāma on them, making them his perfect vessel.

To acquire research talent. The attacks on the research facilities not only sparked the war, but also allowed him to capture a large number of researchers, a gain with no downsides.

From Isshiki's perspective, the only true winner of this shinobi world war would be himself.

Once the major villages suffered heavy losses, his plans could proceed with greater ease. He might even take the opportunity to place his own people in power, seizing control of one or two villages for his own use, something far from impossible.

"You're not at all worried about Konoha?" Isshiki asked curiously, noticing the excitement on Orochimaru's face. "Isn't that your village?"

"I admit your plan is excellent," Orochimaru replied with a smile, "but I am from Konoha, so I know its true strength better than you do."

"This war, Konoha will win, and it will be an overwhelming victory."

"So, if you want the fighting to be more drawn-out and last longer, giving us more time to grow, we'll have to find a way to cause Konoha some trouble."