Faced with Aoki's invitation, Yahiko and the others exchanged glances before Yahiko nodded firmly, his voice resolute: "We of the Akatsuki are willing to follow the Hokage, for the peace of the Ninja World!"
Under Aoki's arrangement, the entire Akatsuki organization led by Yahiko was incorporated into Konoha's ranks. Besides Yahiko and his two companions, the other Akatsuki members they had personally trained also joined Konoha together.
Aoki arranged for them to enter the Ninja Academy to receive formal instruction. Meanwhile, Nagato, also of the Uzumaki Clan, was taken by Aoki to meet Uzumaki Mito and Kushina.
Upon seeing Nagato, both were overjoyed, never expecting to encounter a surviving descendant of their clan. Nagato felt a kinship born of shared blood and was very friendly towards them. Watching this scene, Aoki's thoughts churned. He realized that after capturing Kusagakure, they might find more members of the Uzumaki Clan.
He recalled Karui from the original story, who hailed from Kusagakure. This suggested that Karui's parents were likely there too, meaning other Uzumaki clansmen must still reside within Kusagakure.
After settling Nagato and the others, Jiraiya had also returned to the village. Everything was prepared; it was time to act. The next morning, the heads of the great clans once again gathered in the Hokage's Office. This time, besides the clan heads, the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, Sakumo Hatake, and Minato were also present.
Once everyone had assembled, Aoki asked, "Is everything ready?"
The group responded in unison, "All preparations are complete, Lord Hokage!"
Aoki nodded in satisfaction and immediately began issuing orders: "Sakumo Hatake, you will lead the force to take control of the Land of Whirlpools while closely monitoring the movements of Kirigakure."
Hatake responded in a low voice, "Understood."
Aoki then turned his gaze to Minato: "Minato Namikaze, you will command the main force to subjugate the Land of Grass. Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi will accompany you to assist."
Another resounding "Understood!" echoed. With the Ino-Shika-Cho trio's assistance, dealing with ordinary Kage-level opponents would be no trouble. Minato himself possessed Kage-level strength, so this mission to subjugate the Land of Grass was expected to proceed very smoothly.
Aoki added an instruction for Minato: "By the way, Minato, remember to bring back the Uzumaki clansmen from Kusagakure as well."
Minato nodded solemnly in acknowledgment.
The remaining force to subjugate the Land of Rain would be led personally by Aoki. All deployments were finalized. The three units soon assembled at the village gates. The sight of the ninjas lined up in formation sparked discussion among the villagers.
"What's happening? Why are all the ninjas gathering together?"
"I'm not sure. It looks like the Ninja World might be thrown into chaos again."
"Please, no! We've only just achieved peace!"
"Hah, don't worry. With the Fourth Hokage leading them, Konoha is sure to win!"
Amidst the villagers' discussions, their firm support for the Fourth Hokage, Aoki, grew even stronger, their chants echoing at the village gates.
Without further delay, Aoki ordered the army to march. The three units set off towards the Land of Whirlpools, the Land of Grass, and the Land of Rain respectively.
Not long after Konoha's army departed, the villages of Iwagakure, the Sand Hidden Village, and Kirigakure received news of Konoha's military mobilization.
Upon seeing the news, the three villages fell into panic.
"What exactly does Konoha intend to do?"
"Are they trying to drag us into a new Great Ninja War?"
The movements of Konoha's forces mentioned in the report filled the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, with anxiety. Particularly unsettling was the fact that two of the squads were heading toward the Land of Earth, intensifying his unease.
"Hurry! Mobilize the troops! I want to see what this Fourth Hokage is really scheming!" Onoki's urgency was palpable. He understood all too well that the situation in the Ninja World was growing increasingly tense.
In the Hidden Sand Village, the situation had already grown complicated due to the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. Upon learning of Konoha's military deployment, the villagers became even more restless, debating how to respond.
Ebizo was momentarily at a loss and could only seek advice from Chiyo. Chiyo, however, remained remarkably composed and offered reassurance: "There's no need to panic! Do you think Konoha is foolish? Or do you believe their new Fourth Hokage is an idiot? What would Konoha gain by attacking the Sand Hidden Village? Endless sandstorms or a desert where not a single drop of water can be found?"
Ebizo suddenly understood, realizing that Konoha had no reason to target the Sand Hidden Village. He breathed a sigh of relief and agreed with Chiyo's assessment.
"Regardless, we must remain vigilant and avoid any misunderstandings with Konoha. With the Third Kazekage missing, it's even more crucial to maintain morale and assemble our forces!"
Even though he believed Konoha would not turn its spear toward the Sand Hidden Village, Ebizo still ordered heightened alertness. The village's troops were quickly assembled.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Mist Village, the Third Mizukage, upholding the will of the Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu, had been diligently working to strengthen the village. However, constrained by geographical limitations, Kirigakure's resources and development environment ultimately could not compare to Konoha's.
Reading the report in his hands, the Third Mizukage's eyes flickered with amusement. Konoha's actions seemed to treat all three major Hidden Villages as enemies simultaneously—truly an interesting development.
He consulted the village elders for their strategy. The elders suggested that the Fourth Hokage's actions were undoubtedly part of a premeditated plan and advised against excessive worry.
Satisfied with the elders' response, the Third Mizukage smiled and immediately issued orders: closely monitor the movements of Konoha's forces to discern their true intentions, while ensuring Kirigakure's troops were fully prepared to respond to any sudden developments.
It seemed the sky of the Ninja World was about to change once again.
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