On a bright and sunny afternoon, Asuka's squad finally managed to enjoy a rare day of rest. The members gathered together for lunch.
Hozuki Mangetsu stared at the canned rations in front of him and grumbled, "Canned food again? I want ramen!"
"You're lucky to have anything at all," Miyagawa Ryosuke teased from the side. He had already recovered from his injuries. "Once the war starts, you'll probably be living off soldier pills."
"Exactly! Mangetsu, you're way too spoiled."
"If you're not going to eat it, I'll take it. I'm still hungry," another squad member chimed in.
"Shoo, shoo! What's it to you? Who said I wasn't eating?" Mangetsu quickly shielded his can behind his back when someone actually reached for it. "Get lost, all of you!"
Amid the teasing and laughter, the rare moment of peace didn't feel so dull.
Then a sharp cry cut through the air.
Everyone looked up to see a large flock of ninja hawks flying in from the direction of the Village.
Seeing so many hawks carrying intelligence scrolls, the squad members immediately sensed that something major had happened. The cheerful atmosphere faded into uneasy silence.
Moments later, Asuka received a summons from Terumi Kenshi.
---
When Asuka entered Kenshi's tent, the first thing he noticed was Kenshi's grim expression.
"Kenshi-kun, what happened? What news came from the Village?"
"The Land of Lightning has declared war on the Land of Wind!"
So it begins, Asuka thought calmly. He had already suspected as much when he saw the hawks. Kenshi's words only confirmed it.
"The Land of Lightning declared war? That certainly fits their style," Asuka replied evenly.
"Yes. We expected conflict sooner or later, but I didn't think it would erupt this quickly."
"What are Mizukage-sama's orders? Are we preparing to strike as well?"
In Asuka's memory, the Land of Water did not join the Third Great Ninja War at the outset. They entered only in the later stages. That posed a problem for him—if the Hidden Mist intervened too late, it would limit his opportunity to gain prestige on the battlefield.
Kenshi sighed. "No. Mizukage-sama has not ordered us to join the war. We are to strengthen border patrols. Additional manpower will be sent to reinforce the frontier."
Asuka's heart sank slightly. History was repeating itself. His presence had not yet altered the Third Mizukage's decisions.
After a brief pause, he spoke again. "In that case, Kenshi-kun, I'll lead my squad out on patrol. Now that war has begun, the other nations won't remain idle. There will be a surge of intelligence operations."
Preoccupied with his thoughts, Kenshi nodded without objection.
---
After leaving the tent, Asuka immediately assembled the Fourth Squad.
Even Mangetsu, who usually couldn't stop talking, remained silent when he saw Asuka's serious expression.
Asuka scanned the group and spoke in a low voice.
"The war has begun. The Land of Lightning has officially declared war on the Land of Wind."
His words stirred the squad like a stone thrown into still water.
"So fast?"
"Typical Kumogakure brutes…"
"Does this mean we'll join the war soon?"
Minazuki Murasaki stepped forward. "Captain, since Kumogakure has already attacked Sunagakure, what about us? Will the Hidden Mist take this opportunity to enter the war?"
She had voiced the question on everyone's mind.
Asuka raised a hand to quiet them.
"I cannot disclose Mizukage-sama's full directives. However, effective immediately, all rest periods—except for shift rotations—are canceled. Remain vigilant at all times. The war has begun, and we don't know how far it will spread. I will not tolerate anyone losing their life due to carelessness."
"Yes, Captain!" the squad responded in unison.
---
Konoha – Hokage Office
At the same time, the Hokage Office in Konoha was filled with jonin.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat at the head of the room with a pipe in hand. Smoke drifted upward, obscuring his expression.
After a long silence, he tapped the ash from his pipe.
"What are your thoughts on Kumogakure's declaration of war?"
Nara Shikaku scratched his head lazily. "What a drag. Kumogakure's approach is as straightforward as ever. The disappearance of the Third Kazekage has been common knowledge among the higher-ups for some time. Everyone knew Sunagakure was vulnerable. They were just waiting to see who would make the first move. Kumogakure doing so fits their style perfectly."
He even yawned at the end.
Hiruzen nodded. "This war will not remain confined to two nations. Once ignited, the flames will spread across the entire ninja world."
Minato Namikaze spoke up calmly. "Hokage-sama is correct. The Land of Fire possesses the richest land and resources. Other nations have always coveted our territory. The flames of war will inevitably reach Konoha. We must prepare in advance."
Hiruzen looked at him approvingly. "Exactly. Though this began as a unilateral declaration, I believe the consequences will be far broader."
He paused before speaking firmly.
"It may very well become the Third Great Ninja War."
Murmurs rippled through the jonin—worry, fear, excitement, and resolve all mingled in their expressions.
Hiruzen raised his hand for silence.
"I am issuing combat directives."
The jonin knelt on one knee.
"Our priority is intelligence. Closely monitor the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind. Do not neglect the Land of Water or the Land of Earth. Konoha is now entering wartime alert. Reinforce the front lines. Activate sleeper agents. I want detailed reports on every nation's movements."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
---
Later – Hokage Building Corridor
Minato Namikaze and Nara Shikaku walked side by side.
"Shikaku-senpai, with war approaching, do you have any plans?"
"Plans? What plans could I have?" Shikaku sighed. "War is such a drag. I'll follow Hokage-sama's orders."
Minato smiled faintly. "I plan to request assignment to the front lines for intelligence gathering."
"That sounds like you."
"Which nation do you think I should request?"
Shikaku thought for a moment. "The Land of Water."
"The Land of Water? I thought you'd suggest the Land of Lightning."
"Lightning would suit you," Shikaku admitted. "But the Land of Water has recently produced a troublesome figure."
"Oh?"
"A rising star from the Kaguya Clan. Extremely powerful physically. Ridiculous regenerative ability. He led a raid on our border forces and caused heavy casualties. Our intelligence teams can barely infiltrate the Land of Water now."
Minato's eyes sharpened slightly. "I see. That does sound troublesome."
"That's why I suggest you go. With your ability, you should be able to handle him."
"Thank you for the advice, Shikaku-senpai. I'll consider it carefully."
The two parted ways outside the Hokage Building.
As Minato walked home alone, deep in thought, a name lingered in his mind.
"Kaguya Asuka… Sounds like a worthy opponent."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Perhaps I should meet him."