Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

[First destroy the Kazekage, then the Raikage.]

[Supremacy of the ninja world belongs to Sarutobi alone.]

These two lines of text shocked the entire shinobi world, especially since they were carved in blood on both sides of the walls of Kumogakure, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Adding to the chaos was the rampage of the tailed beasts, and the spies lurking in Kumogakure had already leaked the information.

In an instant, a storm swept through the entire shinobi world.

...

Konoha

"Hiruzen, you've gone mad! Do you want to become the ultimate shinobi overlord?!"

As soon as Danzo Shimura received the report from his spies in the Root, he angrily barged into the Hokage's office without knocking. Once inside, he unleashed a storm of fury.

"All for the sake of achieving the pinnacle of glory before stepping down, you secretly schemed such a huge event behind my back!"

Inside the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already heard the news. His expression was grim as he looked at Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane, who had just entered the room.

"Danzo! This is not the time for your petty schemes!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's stern voice silenced Danzo, leaving him momentarily speechless.

If the Root had managed to uncover this information, how could Sarutobi Hiruzen—Konoha's Third Hokage and its ruler—not have known?

 If he truly lacked such capability, he wouldn't be fit to hold the title of Hokage in the first place.

Danzo's momentary silence also revealed his understanding: Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't have hidden something like this from him.

Once Danzo had quieted down, Sarutobi Hiruzen wasted no time and spoke in a deep voice:

"As for what happened in Kumogakure, I won't say much. Things have spiraled beyond our expectations, with both positive and negative outcomes."

"On the positive side, Kumogakure's two-tailed beasts went on a rampage, and the appearance of the mysterious figure, Skoll, has stirred up hatred within Kumogakure. The tension between the racial division has erupted into open conflict."

"On the negative side, Kumogakure's losses from this incident aren't significant. And who exactly is Skoll? What is his purpose? And which shinobi village is backing him?"

At the peak of his power, Sarutobi Hiruzen's aura was imposing even without anger. His sharp gaze swept over the three people in the room as he explained the gravity of the situation.

Danzo, however, responded in a low voice:

"Does any of that matter right now? Given the temperament of those in Kumogakure, I'm afraid war could break out at any moment!"

Danzo's words caused both Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane to look visibly worried. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a cold chuckle.

"You underestimate the Third Raikage. If it weren't for Skoll, Kumogakure would have been in the best position to launch a war earlier. They could have redirected their internal conflicts outward. But now, things are different!"

"Skoll's appearance using the blood of Kumo ninjas for revenge, has completely ignited the internal conflict. The conflict between the two factions has escalated beyond repair, even within the Land of Lightning."

"The Third Raikage isn't a fool. Launching a war now, with potentially heavy losses, would only deepen internal unrest and invite exploitation. Unless Kumogakure allies with another shinobi village, they won't act rashly!"

At this point, Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze turned to Danzo, and he barked coldly:

"I don't care where this Skoll came from or which power is backing him. Right now, we have the best opportunity. The Anbu will fully cooperate with the Root, and even the entire Land of Fire will lend its support."

"We must escalate the conflict in the Land of Lightning and prevent Kumogakure from suppressing it at all costs."

The three individuals in the room weren't fools. They understood the current situation in Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning.

Previously, the internal conflict had been forcibly suppressed. But now that it had erupted internally, even if Kumogakure wanted to start a war, they would have to worry about a faction taking advantage of the situation.

Danzo let out a cold chuckle and said calmly:

"Hiruzen, don't worry. Stirring up internal strife in Kumogakure is what the Root excels at. We can even easily exacerbate the conflict in the Land of Lightning."

"All I need is for you to send word to the Daimyo. Let a trend of slavery sweep through the Land of Fire!"

At this, Danzo's sinister smile deepened.

As Danzo laid out his plan, Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane exchanged glances and nodded subtly.

"Danzo's plan to exploit the internal conflict has already been reviewed by the Daimyo. We've discussed and agreed upon it. Originally, this was a plan meant to take ten or even twenty years to unfold. Unexpectedly, the chaos in Kumogakure has sped up its execution."

Mitokado Homura nodded solemnly, revealing the prior existence of such a plan. Although not flawless, it was sufficient.

Even Koharu Utatane, the only woman present, smirked coldly:

"Our former teacher was killed in the Land of Lightning. Over the years, the major clans have whispered many criticisms behind our backs. This will finally shut them up."

The sudden chaos in Kumogakure had significantly alleviated the pressure on Sarutobi Hiruzen's shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a rare smile.

"This incident will ensure that Kumogakure won't dare to start a war for at least several years. Internal conflicts aren't resolved so easily."

Previously, under the tense situation in the shinobi world, the other four Great Shinobi Villages seemed to be uniting against Konoha. But who would have thought Kumogakure would implode first?

"However, Skoll is using our name. Such despicable and treacherous methods remind me of only one person: Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage."

Sarutobi Hiruzen directly pointed his suspicions at Iwagakure. After all, only a major shinobi village would have the capability to orchestrate such turmoil.

"Keep a close watch on Kumogakure's every move. At the same time, we must strongly denounce Skoll's actions as a framing attempt. Konoha desires peace and would never resort to such deeds!"

With a face full of schadenfreude, Sarutobi Hiruzen realized that even before the next shinobi war could break out, Kumogakure had already fallen into chaos. The other shinobi villages would surely take advantage of this opportunity.

With the reduced pressure on Konoha, none of the remaining three Great Shinobi Villages would want to be the first to start a war.

The situation in the shinobi world had become clear: with Kumogakure in turmoil, no one else would want to take the lead. This gave Konoha ample time and opportunity to sow discord among the other villages.

...

The Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

"Unbelievable! 'First, destroy the Kazekage, then the Raikage. Supremacy of the ninja world belongs to Sarutobi alone?!'"

In the Kazekage's office, Elder Chiyo slammed the table in anger and glared at the Sunagakure Council.

"Is there any doubt left? The disappearance of the Third Kazekage is undoubtedly linked to Konoha! That old Sarutobi wants to cement his reputation as the ultimate shinobi hero before retiring! He wants to step down with unparalleled glory!"

Previously, Sunagakure had only harbored suspicions. But now, Kumogakure's incident had cast everything in a new light.

In the entire shinobi world, only the Five Great Shinobi Villages had the capability for such actions. Iwagakure's Onoki and Kirigakure's forces lacked the motivation.

"First it was our Sunagakure. Now it's Kumogakure. According to Konoha's plan, two of the Five Great Shinobi Villages have already been thrown into turmoil. At this rate, Konoha's only remaining opponents will be Iwagakure and Kirigakure!"

Elder Chiyo slammed the table again and glared at Sunagakure's Council, shouting:

"This is Konoha's conspiracy in response to the tense situation in the shinobi world. During the last war, Konoha experienced the strength of the other four villages working together, so now they're resorting to this!"

As Elder Chiyo vented her anger, another elder from Sunagakure, equally furious and aggrieved, spoke:

"Elder Chiyo, what should we do now? If news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance spreads, Sunagakure will undoubtedly fall into turmoil."

"Exactly. At this point, Konoha's conspiracy has already succeeded."

"Damn Konoha, despicable Shimura Danzo!"

"It must be the work of the darkness of the ninja world, Shimura Danzo! No one else in the entire ninja world but that shady rat!"

Ebizō, the elder of Sunagakure who wields real power, revealed a heavy expression as he observed the current situation and said solemnly:

"Konoha has indeed succeeded. The Third Great Ninja War hasn't even started, yet they've already caused disturbances in both Sunagakure and Kumogakure. Sarutobi Hiruzen truly lives up to his reputation—his methods are impressive!"

"But, sister! There's still one way out!"

After seeing the look in his brother Ebizō's eyes, Elder Chiyo also revealed a vicious expression. She scanned everyone present and shouted coldly:

"The disappearance of the Third Kazekage won't remain a secret forever. Right now, we have only two paths before us: The first is to prepare for the selection of the Fourth Kazekage.

At the same time, we must address the unrest within the village and deal with the decline in Sunagakure's credibility across the ninja world."

When Elder Chiyo uttered these words, the other elders' expressions changed drastically.

"If the village's credibility takes such a hit, our share of missions—already smaller than the other four major ninja villages—will shrink further. If our prestige falls even more, Sunagakure will truly become the bottom of the barrel!"

"It's not just that! Sunagakure already lacks various resources. A significant loss of missions will lead to a shortage of funds, creating a vicious cycle."

"We absolutely cannot let this happen! Without enough missions, how will we feed the countless ninjas in our village?"

Although the ninja world had enjoyed peace for over twenty years, the hasty conclusion of the Second Ninja War left Sunagakure relatively unscathed. The village still had a large number of ninjas.

At this time, if internal strife arises, all these ninja will require resources. How will they sustain themselves?

Almost everyone opposed this proposal. But after seeing the crowd's reactions, Elder Chiyo let out a sinister smile and said coldly:

"Then we have only the second path left: secretly contact the three other great villages—Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure—and simultaneously announce to the ninja world that the Third Kazekage was killed by Konoha.

We unite against a common enemy, claiming that Konoha has already devised a plan to defeat the other four great villages and dominate the ninja world. Sunagakure will directly declare war!"

Declare war!

 When Elder Chiyo spoke these words, many people's expressions changed drastically. The idea of targeting Konoha as the first enemy made some of them hesitate.

However, Ebizō's expression darkened as he supported this decision and said solemnly:

"Everyone, the current situations of Kumogakure and Sunagakure are already clear. Who dares to say that Iwagakure and Kirigakure aren't also part of Konoha's plans?

Additionally, rumors have spread about Konoha researching Wood Release. Let's not forget that this is a power capable of suppressing the ultimate weapon—the Tailed Beasts. If we continue to wait and let Konoha develop, we'll only be defeated one by one!"

Ebizō's statement caused many to waver. Elder Chiyo, seeing this, let out a cold laugh and put forward a decisive argument to solidify their resolve:

"Since Konoha dared to harm our Third Kazekage, we will march directly into the Land of Fire and launch an attack! Konoha would never expect us to retaliate so ruthlessly.

Once Sunagakure initiates the conflict, do you think the other villages will just stand by and watch us get defeated? Especially Kumogakure—they would join us!"

At this moment, Elder Chiyo's eyes glinted with hatred as she shouted coldly:

"Inform the Third Raikage of Kumogakure to join forces with Sunagakure and declare war on Konoha! Divert internal conflicts outward and send all of their internal dissidents to the battlefield. Resolve their disputes through war.

If the Third Raikage refuses to ally with us, then we will publicly declare that the Land of Wind supports the righteous ideology of Skoll, exposing that the so-called devils of Kumogakure have merely stolen the rightful lands!"

 It's often said that the most ruthless are women. Elder Chiyo's cunning and merciless strategy was truly ruthless.

The Land of Lightning's Kumogakure was already being roasted over the fire due to its internal racial conflict. At this moment, they were already in a difficult situation.

If they attacked Konoha on their own, they'd only end up benefiting others without gaining anything themselves. But if they sought alliances with other villages, the other villages weren't in a hurry to act.

It must be said that, at this point, no one in the ninja world yet knew that the Third Kazekage had already been killed. This was the advantage of an information gap.

"Elder Chiyo is right. If we can't drag the other villages into this, we can at least drag Kumogakure into the fray!"

"Exactly. With Kumogakure's current hatred toward Konoha, if the Third Raikage dares refuse an alliance, we'll openly support Skoll."

"That's right! Since everything's bound to descend into chaos anyway, it's better to turn internal conflict into external war. The Third Raikage will surely understand the situation!"

"Join forces with Kumogakure and attack the Land of Fire!"

Within the Kazekage's office, one elder after another firmly voiced their decision to declare war. There was almost no hesitation among them.

Looking back at Sunagakure's history of war, the village in the Land of Wind has always been the most headstrong and the most eager to initiate wars.

This isn't because they're inherently violent, but because the vast deserts of the Land of Wind, stretching endlessly for thousands of miles, have left them perpetually short of resources. They've always envied the fertile lands of the neighboring Land of Fire.

Whenever Sunagakure reaches a limit in its development, it must turn to war—either to seize more resources or to undergo a brutal conflict that, while costly, also reduces the village's population and resource consumption.

In this cycle, Sunagakure's ninja have passed down the will, generation after generation, to one day lead their descendants out of the endless sands.