Being the Tsuchikage for so many years, Ōnoki—like Sarutobi Hiruzen—is a "silver coin": shrewd, seasoned, and politically sharp. The only thing missing from that description might be the word old.
A man like him, upon learning that the entire military force of Kumogakure was committed to a single front, would naturally begin wondering: Where does their confidence come from?
Now, presenting Konoha with such detailed intelligence… it's not generosity—it's a test. A temptation.
Of course, it's meant to persuade. To entice.
Even if Konoha and Kumogakure had an agreement, treaties between nations are only sacred when they're convenient. When they're not, they're no better than discarded parchment.
Ōnoki's message is clear: Look at what I've done to the Land of Thunder. Now's your chance. Why not take a shot yourself?
Koharu and Homura were clearly tempted. They began to stir, eyes glinting with the thought of opportunity.
But let's be honest—they're old. The decision doesn't rest with them anymore.
Whether a war breaks out or not depends on the will of the "Three Legendary Sannin"—Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.
Of the three, Tsunade and Jiraiya are more inclined to caution and preservation than to bold aggression. That leaves Orochimaru with the real decision-making power.
And he has no intention of marching into war.
Why bother fighting over Kumogakure or Iwagakure now? In the end, he believes, it'll all belong to me anyway.
His "nursery" may be planted in Konoha for now, but Orochimaru fully intends for it to spread throughout the entire shinobi world.
All he needs… is time. Three years? Five? The more time passes, the more the game changes.
So, uncharacteristically, Orochimaru is being conservative. Even if Kumogakure is all but baiting them, he won't bite.
Even Jiraiya, when it matters, can be trusted to protect what's his.
"You're really something, Orochimaru…"
Koharu and Homura could only sigh, clearly disappointed.
But they had no authority to overrule him. Before speaking with Orochimaru, they had already contacted the village, and the Third Hokage had made it clear—Orochimaru has final say.
With master and apprentice aligned, who could challenge it? Not even Danzō could.
"Well, that's that," Orochimaru said, rising to his feet. "The conflict between the two villages has reached its conclusion. The rest is up to you."
He looked toward Tsunade, a faint smile on his lips. "I have some matters to attend to back in the village."
Whether it was caring for Aoi and Karin, studying the chakra soul of the Third Kazekage, or managing other secrets—Orochimaru had plenty to digest from this war.
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances but said nothing to stop him.
Kumogakure was no longer in a position to continue fighting. In fact, they now had to worry about a potential alliance between Konoha and Iwagakure.
Signing a peace agreement would be a given. More than that—it was an opportunity to make demands.
For instance… access to the rare mineral deposits in the Land of Thunder.
…
One day later – Kumogakure, Land of Lightning
Night had fallen when a ripple suddenly shimmered atop the misty peaks of Kumogakure. In the next instant, a man wearing a tiger-striped mask stepped through and landed lightly on the branch of a fir tree.
Hidden in the dark clouds, he looked down at the glowing lights clustered around the tall towers of Kumogakure and let out a cold, mocking laugh.
The war between Iwagakure and Kumogakure had erupted without warning—and ended just as abruptly. It concluded with Onoki injuring the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and then... nothing. The fighting ceased.
Kumogakure, for all its bluster, had only defended itself. Iwagakure, the aggressor, had gained no real ground. A frustrating result—especially for someone like Obito.
What bothered him most was Konoha's inaction. They didn't capitalize on Kumogakure's exposed flank. Not even a whisper of opportunism.
When did the shinobi world become so polite?
Even if it were just payback for Kumogakure's past meddling, Konoha should've acted. Their passivity disgusted him.
"Hehehe…"
Obito chuckled darkly. "It hasn't even been long since the Fourth Hokage died, and the village is already falling apart."
"Yes, yes. Konoha's behavior is... confusing," agreed a voice beside him.
From the trunk of a massive tree, a figure emerged—half hidden in the leaves of a giant nepenthes. It was Zetsu.
"So, is the original plan still on? The peace talks between Kumogakure and Konoha are about to begin."
Obito glanced sideways and fell silent in thought.
The plan had been simple: assassinate the peace envoys during the talks and reignite the war. But now, even if someone from either side died, Kumogakure might simply back down—they lacked the strength for a second round with Konoha.
After a pause, Obito replied, "We continue as planned. But now, find me a suitable high-ranking official in Kumogakure. I need a pawn—someone to delay the talks until the Fourth Raikage recovers."
Only then would the balance of power allow for meaningful conflict again. As this war proved, Kumogakure with its Fourth Raikage and Kirigakure under his control were key to tipping the scales.
"You're going to use genjutsu to control them?" Zetsu asked. "Aren't you worried your Sharingan won't hold out?"
Unlike Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, which could permanently alter one's will, most other Sharingan—Mangekyō or Rinnegan alike—only imposed temporary illusions that consumed a lot of chakra and pupil strength. Maintenance was costly.
Obito was already controlling the Fourth Mizukage and his Tailed Beast. Adding another strong ninja might stretch his powers too thin.
"It's worth it," Obito said after a moment of silence. He smiled coldly. "Besides, we don't need a powerful target. Older shinobi are easier to control."
---
The Next Morning – Konoha Gates
After more than a day of travel, Orochimaru and his group finally returned to Konoha.
"We're back," Tsunade muttered as she looked up at the familiar gates. Her voice was tinged with nostalgia and regret. Despite the passing years, so little had changed.
"…Tsunade! It's been ages!"
A cheerful, booming voice interrupted her thoughts. In a flash, a muscular figure appeared and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Let's have a reunion hug! It's been too long!"
Flushed with embarrassment and irritation, Tsunade's face twisted with fury. She broke free and sent a devastating punch straight into Jiraiya's face.
In the blink of an eye, Jiraiya flew backwards, crashing through several trees before disappearing into the forest in a shower of broken branches.
Everyone nearby stared, stunned. Those who recognized Jiraiya could only gulp in disbelief.
It's just a reunion… no need to make it a farewell.
Orochimaru, unmoved, stood nearby with his arms crossed, watching the whole thing as if it were routine.
The infamous "Legendary Three" really did live up to their name—even if their reunions were dangerously unpredictable.
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