AN: Just a quick note I've adjusted some things in the timeline. Per the Naruto wiki the attempted coup d'état of the Fire Daimyo occurred about two years after Naruto's birth. Here it hasn't happened yet. I've also taken some liberties in the relationship between the shinobi villages and the Daimyo. Honestly it never made sense that shinobi would kowtow to the Daimyo when they held so little actual power. In the show an existential threat existed and the Daimyo were busy arguing about making medals for the shinobi. If the Daimyo had not consented to the creation of a joint force do you think the villages would have listened to them? I certainly don't.

Chapter 7: Aftermath

Sarutobi Motoki was not your typical Sarutobi. Unlike many of his clan he had no desire to ever become a shinobi. In fact he had wanted nothing to do with being part of a shinobi village. Instead he had wanted to make his own way in the world.

Motoki had always been fascinated by the Akimichi dishes that were brought out during major inter-clan functions. Through trial and error he was able to make similar type recipes and with a bit of starting capital from his brother, who was an active duty shinobi, he made his way to southern Hi no Kuni and set up his own restaurant.

And there for the last fifteen years he enjoyed life with his wife and three children. Two sons and a little girl that soon had him wrapped around her little finger. After a long and tiring, but fulfilling day he returned home to horror. As soon as he walked into the door he knew something was wrong. His wife's body was on the floor in a puddle of blood. He raced to her hoping she was alive. He turned her over and saw that her throat had been cut. She was gone.

A fresh wave of panic descended over him. Where were his children? His eldest would have returned from school by now and his two youngest were still at home.

He raced up to their rooms and saw their bodies. He crashed to his knees and let out a howl of denial. A kunai silenced that howl and turned it into a gurgle. Motoki fell to the ground and as his life's blood ran out and his vision faded he saw a shinobi.

The minor Sarutobi scion had tried to run away from the shinobi world. He had tried to live his life in peace but the shinobi world didn't care and it had no mercy.

***BREAK***

Aburame Shibi was satisfied with his team's performance. They had defeated a total of 19 enemy shinobi and only suffered minor injuries in the process. Shibi knew that he was not the best short range fighter. His team made up for that quite sufficiently. Shisui could get into to close range instantly and unless his opponent had excellent reflexes they were done for.

Anko had a rare and powerful fighting style. To Shibi's knowledge it was known only to a handful of individuals. Her summoned snakes were a second deadly type of attack that she used ruthlessly. Hoheto like all Hyūga had his taijutsu.

They had performed more than adequately and he had told them that their efforts had exceeded his initial expectations by a moderate margin. He had been advised by the elders in the Aburame clan that allies appreciated being praised. When he spoke those words his observations indicated he had not clearly communicated his praise because they looked at him oddly.

'It would be constructive to question them on how I acknowledged their success however the elders also stated that having direct discussions regarding social niceties is also a social faux pas. Frustrating.'

While it was frustrating it didn't disturb his aplomb because he like Aburame knew that anger clouded thinking. Nonetheless he could clearly see why so few Aburame were asked to fulfill leadership roles in shinobi squads.

Fortunately the team had not dwelled on the comment. The mood was jubilant in general as Konohagakure had won a great victory. Shibi knew his squad's work was not yet done. That very night his team would be transported once more fifty miles west where an ANBU squad there waiting. Then they would conduct a joint assault on one of the watch towers that overlooked the trade route from Tahara.

He was starting to see how Sarutobi-sama's plan was coming together. A series of attacks to eliminate shinobi were only part of it. The shock would demoralize Kumo and cripple trade. Shibi believed there was probably more to it but without more data he couldn't be certain. Even he as a jōnin had not been privy to what his next move would be after the assault on the tower.

"We are schedule to leave within the hour. You should all consume an appropriately sized meal for energy sustainment."

His team nodded with Anko rolling her eyes. A sign of disrespect clearly however the fiery young kunoichi had followed all of his orders precisely in the field meaning there was more to lose in terms of team cohesion and morale in addressing the disrespect as opposed to letting it slide. If there was a pattern of behavior and significant lull in the fighting he would broach the subject. For now he simply took out his own pack and began eating the nutrient dense and tasteless field rations.

***BREAK***

Samui had been given twenty squads of her choosing. Her mission was to locate any of the genin squads outside of Kaminari no Kuni and bring them home. Primarily the attacks had been occurring in the lands of Shimo no Kuni and Yu no Kuni. Her younger brother had been on a mission to Ta no Kuni which was just west of Shimo no Kuni.

'Atusi you had better be all right.'

She had been given a list of missions for the 22 genin teams that were operating in the two nearest nations. Half of them had failed to report in. Four of them had a mission type that took them away from major villages and towns and four squads had been successfully located. Three additional squads were already in route but had not yet met at the rendezvous point. She knew that Atusi and his squad would have to return through Shimo no Kuni so she took her personal squad towards the border.

Her personal squad consisted of three individuals who were either young or appeared young. The blond kenjutsu mistress figured it would be worthwhile to use her team as bait. Her primary concern was making sure Atusi was safe but she always wanted vengeance on the cowardly Konoha shinobi who were targeting people just like her brother.

Her other squads were combing the countryside for the genin who had failed to report in and those who were too far away to have heard the news. She was nearing the border of Ta no Kuni when her 'genin' team was ambushed. Sadly for the Konoha dogs this was no genin team. She was an elite jōnin and with her were another jōnin and two chūnin.

The enemy squad was good but her team was on the lookout for precisely this kind of attack. Kunai with explosive tags raced toward them and they scattered, avoiding the explosions. Samui saw a pair of Katon jutsu race for her teammates and she blazed forward drawing her blade. Her tantō sang out as she neared the first masked nin who blocked her strike. The shinobi did not expect that much power behind her blow and he was shoved backwards and rolled on the ground. Without stopping Samui pushed forward for the kill strike only for two more opponents to block her path.

She was in the bingo books ranging from B to A rank depending on how accurate a particular village's information was. They clearly thought she was the jōnin and were concentrating on her. Her blade whirled and clashed with theirs and they could not find an opening to exploit. And they really didn't have time to because the 'genin' of her team sprang into action. A bolt of azure lightning crossed the battlefield striking one of the Konoha shinobi directly in the chest. Samui ducked another slash and countered with a swift slash to the leg that expertly ripped open the femoral artery.

A gout of fire roared out from of the mouth of one of the Konoha shinobi. She leapt back hastily as the flames licked her skin. Even as the jutsu was burning she pulled an extra kunai out and threw it at her opponent's foot. No cry of pain occurred when her kunai connected but the Katon jutsu abruptly ended. Her squad mate had a quick close quarters brawl with that ended with the enemy nin lighting an explosive tag in close quarters. Samui bit back a curse as one of her chūnin was severely injured in the blast.

'The bastard blew himself up when he saw he was outmatched and nearly killed him!'

The final nin fled and Samui signaled her team not to follow. They had an injury and there was no guarantee there weren't additional foes nearby. She walked over and inspected the damage. He would be all right but taking an explosive blast at that range had caused severe burns and partial loss of hearing. They didn't have a medical nin as part of their squad.

"Team 21 has a medical nin and they are only a few hours away. I plan on dropping you off there and then pushing on."

Her subordinates nodded. She hated when someone on her squad was injured but she couldn't help the rush of satisfaction that filled her core. There were now three less Konoha assassins alive.

***BREAK***

Sarutobi Asuma was enjoying life right now. He was away from Konohagakure and the stifling presence of his father. It wasn't that he hated his father but everyone there knew him as 'the Hokage's son.' If he was successful and reached the rank of jōnin earlier than most no one cared. Of course he would be a good shinobi his father was the Sandaime! It irked him to no end.

But here in the capital of Hi no Kuni, his name didn't mean much. In fact in some circles it was the very opposite of a boon. He had to work harder to prove himself since some of the Shugonin Jūnishi (Guardian Ninja Twelve) resented Konohagakure's autonomy. It had been made worse in the last week after the Hokage's letter to the Elemental Nations.

In theory the Fire Daimyo ruled Hi no Kuni and Konohagakure was his to command. But that was a complete farce. In none of the Elemental Nations did the Daimyo have that kind of power. In truth the Daimyo did control the purse strings of the nation and set laws for civilians. He never set laws for shinobi. Tension was rare since it benefited no one. Even with legions of soldiers and drafted civilians he couldn't defeat the strength of a major hidden village. Likewise Konohagakure would be wise to avoid antagonizing the Daimyo because the Daimyo could hire shinobi from other lands and that would impact the income of the village.

Unfortunately some of the Guardian Twelve were very vocal about his father's actions. Kazuma in particularly gave him quite a bit of grief. Asuma wish the bastard would shut up about it but thankfully many of his other comrades didn't care. In fact he was enjoying a drink with Chiriku. Well he was enjoying a drink and Chiriku was enjoying… water.

"I'm telling you, you need to live a little Chiriku."

The long suffering monk merely gave a companionable sigh.

Asuma's eye was drawn to a figure entering the bar. She immediately perked his interest. She was tall for a woman and had long dark hair. Her skin was lightly tanned all the way from her face to her upper thigh that her dress revealed. The bar was upscale so it wasn't a surprise to see a woman with such finery enter though typically she would have some companions.

The woman ordered a drink and pulled out a cigarette. She flipped her lighter only for it to fail to spark. Her picturesque face was marred with a petulant frown. She asked the man next to her for a light but he shook his head. Asuma took a long drink.

"Looks like it is my lucky night." Asuma smiled.

Chiriku let his own smile appear on his features. "Perhaps, either that or you'll be back here drinking far too much sake."

Asuma grumbled and walked up to the dark haired woman. He gallantly presented his lighter and produced the flame for her to light her own smoke.

"Thanks, you're a life saver." She replied after a long drag of her cigarette.

"My pleasure, what brings you here? I haven't seen you in town before."

She looked at him through long eyelashes. "My brother is a merchant and I'm travelling with him. He is admittedly poor company." Her eyes took in his strong physique. "Looks like I've found better company."

Asuma smiled and they began making small talk. The ladies did like him. He was the Daimyo's bodyguard; his sash let all know it. While he didn't enjoy people seeking him out just for his position he figured it was a great way to get girls to take a look. And in Asuma's mind it only took one look before they saw something they liked that had nothing to do with family or station.

However Asuma wasn't born yesterday. The kunoichi was good but he had gone through quite a bit of training to spot spies. He didn't know what her intentions were but he doubted they were good. He was careful to keep his guard up and never let her hands near his drink. She was flirtatious and soon the invitation came to rent a room upstairs for the night away from her brother.

Asuma smiled and rubbed his scraggily beard he was trying to grow. "Sure thing let me tell my friend goodnight and we'll go up."

Asuma walked over to Chiriku and moved his lips without actually speaking. It took only a small bit of chakra to enhance hearing if you knew the trick and he didn't know if she did or not. "Don't react but she's a kunoichi. Stay close." He mouthed it all very quickly and then out loud said, "I told you I've got the touch. Cover my morning duty will you?"

The monk nodded and said goodbye aloud. That done Asuma took the woman by the arm and guided her to the stairs. "Ladies first," he told her as she ascended the stairs to her room. He walked behind her as she opened the door. As soon as the door was open he rested his trench knife on the back of her neck.

"No sudden moves now. I would hate to slip."

***BREAK***

Hizashi bowed as he entered the room the Hokage had commandeered as his headquarters in Tahara.

"Hizashi how goes the forced evacuation?" The Sandaime asked as he finished reading a scroll in the candle light.

"It goes well Hokage-sama, 95% of the population has been forced out. We have a few stubborn holdouts hiding or trying to barricade themselves in."

Hiruzen put down the scroll he was reading. "I'll need everyone gone in the next day or so. I would hate to have to kill them but I can't have them interfering with our operations."

They discussed a few more details about the fallout of the attack and then the Hokage asked about his squad.

"They performed admirably. In fact I'd like to give Uchiha Itachi a battlefield promotion to chūnin. He far surpasses any mere genin at this point."

"I hear he is a genius even among the Uchiha."

"Yes, and I would say if anything it is understated. Due to his age his chakra reserves and strength are low but his genjutsu is flawless. He even trapped a jōnin in one during the attack."

The Hokage considered it for a few moments and then agreed. Normally one had to be promoted to chūnin during the chūnin exams or by a department head if the particular shinobi worked in a branch like T&I. The Hokage or the jōnin commander could of course just grant a promotion. The exams were the preferred choice however since it allowed a village to showcase their up and coming talent. Hiruzen could see the benefit since his genin status was really a mislabeled rank and furthermore it would foster good will between the Uchiha and the Hyūga.

"His skills as a shinobi aside, how has he handled the conflict itself. He is only eight."

Hizashi's expressionless face flickered a moment into regret before returning to its normal mask.

"It hurts him. I can see that he despises killing and regrets every life that he takes. And even with that regret he does his duty and does not shirk his responsibilities. It does wear at him however and he was looking forward to catching up with his cousin Shisui but the squad Shisui was assigned to has already left the city."

"Are you concerned about his mental health? Should I recall him to Konoha and have the Yamanaka clan work with him?" Hiruzen wasn't serious about the suggestion but he wanted to hear Hizashi's thoughts.

Hizashi shook his head. "His father would never allow it. And while I am concerned about him from everything I have seen of his dedication to the village I would stake my life on his continued performance. The boy carries the Will of Fire. Not as a flaming beacon shining light to all corners but rather the steadfast flame that protects and comforts the family from the elements."

The Hokage allowed himself a small smile. This piece of news provided further vindication to how he had brought the Uchiha back into the fold. He was about to ask about the other members of the squad when Raidō entered with a fresh report.

"Aburame's team reports success with no fatalities and only minor to moderate wounds among his squad and ANBU team badger."

More welcome news indeed. The Hokage had set up a message system using the modified Hiraishin. It involved someone creating a Kage Bunshin and then having it transported to someone with the seal. The clone would hear the report and then dissipate allowing the creator to learn all that was reported. While somewhat chakra intensive it was manageable. The former bodyguards of the Yondaime were kept away from the fighting and all other duties save for the use of the one technique.

And back home in Konohagakure the newly trained Kakashi, Shikaku and Inoichi were still sending in squads based on his initial orders. All throughout Kaminari no Kuni 'soft targets' were being hit within a fifty mile radius of Tahara. There were a few other attacks completed outside of that circle but they had to keep those to a minimum since it would leave the attackers stranded deep behind enemy lines. For some of the elite stealth based squads this was fine and even critical to the Hiruzen's plan but primarily they were focusing their efforts on the eastern part of Kumo's territory.

"Excellent, have Shibi make his way back east. Have his team ambush any merchants who have stopped for the night. Kill any guards and destroy the goods but leave the merchants alive."

Raidō nodded and soon another Kage Bunshin was created to relay the information. The Hokage turned back to Hizashi.

"Get some rest and have your squad lead the efforts in the morning. I want the city completely evacuated no later than nightfall."

Hizashi bowed and left the tent. Hiruzen had his assistant put down another mark on the large map on the desk next to him. His plans were going well so far. Kumo had been completely blindsided by the attack and no doubt they would scramble to respond.

'They are massing at their own border. Will they march toward Tahara or will they invade Hi no Kuni? Will they do both?'

Either way he had planned for all three possibilities. Plans of course needed to be changed after contact with the enemy or with new information. The interrogation of Toroi might yield valuable intelligence. He had been the commander of Tahara and would likely be a goldmine. He had no doubt his people would glean the secrets from his mind. The Yamanaka clan was once again proving their worth. Transporting the prisoner to Konohagakure was a simple task thanks to the Yondaime's three person variant of his signature jutsu.

'It was borderline gross negligence in not having more individuals learn that jutsu. There are risks in having too many shinobi learn it since it would be a disaster if our enemies were able to learn it but keeping it limited to nine fanatically loyal shinobi will mitigate that. All of them know to end their lives if it looks like they would be captured.'

He forcefully pushed that thought aside. There was much to do but he did need to get some rest. Everything was on track for the moment but eventually he would be on the battlefield with a jinchūriki or the Raikage himself. He would need to be at his best for those foes.

***BREAK***

Sarutobi Asuma had the pretty spy right where he wanted her. With his blade on her neck any sudden moves were impossible.

"W-what are you talking about?" The kunoichi asked in a frightened voice.

"You can drop the act. A beautiful woman happens to come into the bar that I'm visiting, that I'm known to be at often and can't get a light? You also move a shade too smoothly for a civilian, aren't from around the area and readily agreed to spend the night with me after only one drink. I know I look good but that's a stretch."

The kunoichi shuddered. "They're going to kill me. I didn't have a choice."

Asuma heard the waver in her voice. She was scared all right.

"If you tell me who 'they' are I can make sure we take them out and if you cooperate things might not go too badly for you. But first I'll need to know what is going on."

She took a deep breath. "All right I'll tell you everything, please just don't let anyone hurt me."

Asuma sighed. He didn't like this at all. The fact kunoichi had to do seduction missions sickened him. The thought of Kurenai doing something like this made his insides knot up. In Konoha it was never required but there was a lot of social pressure on kunoichi to do their duty to the village when it was necessary. And many other villages weren't like Konoha. This poor girl probably had been picked up just for her looks and then forced into this.

"I promise no one will hurt you." He took his trench knife off of her neck and in an instant she moved.

She threw herself forward into a roll and twisted her body around while finishing her jutsu.

Futon: Shinkūgyoku (Wind Release: Vacuum Air Bullets) roared out of her mouth sending cylinder shaped blasts of air flying toward Asuma. Luckily for him he was a Futon specialist himself and quickly pushed chakra into his blades and deflected the attacks. Before he could attack her she jumped straight back and smashed through the glass window.

Asuma hurried to pursue and as he left the window he realized his mistake. He wasn't sure if this was all part of the original plan or just a really good backup plan. Either way he was in for the fight of his life as attacks came from three separate directions.

Down on the ground a slender man in dark clothing and a mask finished his hand seals and attempted to place Asuma in a genjutsu. From above another kunoichi in the garb of a waitress completed Raiton: Sandāboruto (Lightning Release: Thunderbolt). From the side two kunai screamed toward him. Asuma flooded his system with chakra breaking the genjutsu and then slashing upward with his chakra blades allowing the Futon encased blades to disrupt the jutsu. He succeeded for the most part but was still shocked a bit by the residual Ration energy that hit him.

Being required to do all of things at once meant he couldn't avoid the kunai. One slammed into the meat of his shoulder while the other gave him a shallow cut across the ribs. He fell to the ground hurt but brought up both knives right away despite the pain in his shoulder. The would be seductress came at him with a kunai the moment he landed. It wasn't just a kunai though, she was using Futon: Shinkūjin (Wind Release: Vacuum Blade). The blade of wind came crashing down and he used both trench knives to block. He shoved her back just in time to see yet another attacker, this time a male who had been in the bar, the guy who didn't have a lighter.

Looking at him more closely he saw that he was quite muscular, his dark skin heavily implied he was from Kumogakure. He feinted forward and Asuma cut at him only for the kunoichi to strike again. Forced to defend himself from the vacuum blade it allowed the taijutsu expert to come in close and hit him with a vicious stomp to the side of his knee.

Asuma gave a cry of pain as the stomp tore apart the critical ligaments in his knee. He felt to the ground on that damaged knee and slashed out. The man dodged the trench knife but the extension of Futon charka around allowed Asuma to still score a shallow cut across his chest. He then quickly performed a Kawarimi right as the kunoichi swept her vacuum blade through the space he had just departed.

He replaced himself with a small branch that had fallen off a tree. It only got him twenty feet away and the enemy was quickly reorienting themselves onto his position.

'Can't put any pressure on the leg.'

The second kunoichi was racing towards him flashing through the hand seals for Raiton: Jibashi (Lightning Release: Electromagnetic Murder). Asuma responded with Futon: Daitoppa (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough). The Futon jutsu had the elemental superiority advantage and crushed the enemy ninjutsu while driving her and the taijutsu expert back.

The man who had attempted to place a genjutsu on him didn't attack since at that moment Chiriku arrived on the scene and rushed him. Asuma couldn't afford to pay attention to that fight as the damned kunoichi who had deceived him struck again with her blade of air.

It was clear she was skilled with kenjutsu. Asuma blocked her strikes as she circled around to his left side. He couldn't put any weight on his leg which forced him to turn slowly and she took full advantage of that fact. Her blade sliced into his rib an inch when he had been a fraction of a heartbeat too slow to parry with his own blade. With her free hand she grabbed the kunai in his shoulder and ripped it out sideways tearing through more flesh.

He gave another cry of pain and saw another Raiton jutsu erupt, this time he wasn't the target though. The enemy was trying to keep Chiriku away from him. Asuma grit his teeth and used his good leg to push off from and try to gain some distance from the kunoichi.

She was on him in a moment but in that brief moment of separation he had been able to finish another Kawarimi. Unfortunately it didn't get him far enough as the bastard who wrecked his knee was on him in less than a second. Asuma forced him back with the speed of his blades but he couldn't get in a killing strike with his lack of mobility.

Hope soared in his chest as he saw Chiriku snap the neck of the genjutsu specialist.

'Have to survive until he can save my ass.'

On came the kunoichi who now had two kunai. Both blades blazed with Futon chakra. One slashed toward his side and the other came in a slower but more powerful overhand arc. He blocked both but the downward strike forced pressure onto his knee. It collapsed under him and her rising knee took him square in the face, breaking his nose.

He fell backward and he saw his life flash before his eyes as the blades began to descend once more. Chiriku was there though with a powerful kick that sent her flying backwards. His friend's body arched as Raiton energies contorted his body.

'Damn it he had to turn his back on his opponent to save me!'

He rolled to avoid the downward stomp from the taijutsu expert. He slashed out and scored another shallow cut on the man's leg. Chiriku was on the ground still twitching as the other kunoichi used Raiton: Sandāboruto (Lightning Release: Thunderbolt again. Asuma countered with Futon jutsu saving Chiriku from being finished off.

A kunai flew toward him filled with Futon energy. He dodged to the side and nearly fell again as his knee wouldn't cooperate. He saw the kunai slam through the wall of a nearby building and continue going. Chiriku slowly got to his feet muscles still twitching. He broke free of the last of the lingering Raiton jutsu and kicked away the other taijutsu specialist and sprinted for the Raiton user.

Light filled night air as the monk used Raigō: Senjusatsu (Welcoming Approach: Thousand Armed Murder). The jutsu not only blocked the lightning it also devastated the kunoichi, barraging her with punches until she collapsed in a heap. Asuma couldn't admire the technique for long as kunoichi in the dress stalked forward with her single wind blade.

Her attacks were swift and fluid. Asuma was confident he could take her if he wasn't already injured but with those injuries it was only a matter of time. His wounded shoulder made that arm weaker and he pulled up to parry too slow. Her vacuum blade sliced into his face horizontally. It ripped right through his left eyeball and part of his nose. Another inch and he would have lost both eyes. He fell back into a tree, blood loss and exhaustion meant he knew the fight was done.

Triumph surged in her foes eyes. "Die Sarutobi!"

For one final time Chiriku came to Asuma's aid. He had just finished defeating the third opponent. His battle had taken him too far way to run the distance; instead he used Kawarimi to replace himself with a large piece of bark that had been ripped from the tree in the fight. He interposed himself between Asuma and the vacuum blade. The blade ripped into his torso, cut straight through it and his right lung. However as this was happening his knife hand strike took the kunoichi in the throat, instantly crushing her larynx and windpipe.

Asuma watched in horror out of his one remaining eye. His best friend amongst the Shugonin Jūnishi (Guardian Ninja Twelve) died right in front of him. Blood was everywhere. He struggled to get up to see if there was anything that could be done for his friend. But it was too late. The blade had almost bisected him. He gurgled his last as did the kunoichi. Asuma grabbed his friend and wept.

Within minutes the guard would find Sarutobi Asuma, maimed and in despair, but still alive unlike the assassins from Kumogakure.

***BREAK***

Dodai of the Yōton (Lava Release) had finally arrived in Kumogakure. When word came that war had been declared he had been busy leading a squad on the hunt for a pair of chūnin missing nin. They weren't dangerous for a jōnin of his skill but they were quite good at avoiding other shinobi who had been sent after them. That was why the Raikage at the time had personally assigned Dodai to the task.

He was in his late 40s and one of the few of the older generation that the Raikage trusted. This was likely due to him having selected Killer B to be the partner to the young Raikage to be. As soon as Dodai arrived he was escorted to see the Raikage in his office.

"Dodai it is good to see you." The Raikage barked and threw down the scroll he was reading.

"And you as well Raikage-sama."

"I trust you were successful?"

Dodai quirked an eyebrow. The Raikage laughed.

"A foolish question, I have never known you to fail."

"I wish that were true. I have five mission failures though that one D rank when I was ten I still feel should be expunged. But enough I know you are busy and I know we are at war. What can I do to help?"

The Raikage paced by the widow looking for the rest of the village. Dodai was good at reading people and he knew his Kage was tense. The man had the responsibility for an entire village riding on his broad shoulders. Their hopes, their dreams and their continued existence were all dependent on the Raikage's decisions.

The elite jōnin listened to his leader as he went over the situation. The botched attempted to abduct the Hyūga, the Hokage's declaration of war, the attacks on the genin teams and the debate still raging amongst his council of advisors. The Raikage clearly wanted to invade Hi no Kuni and strike at the heart of Konohagakure. But Darui, a young man the Raikage trusted greatly, was counseling caution. The Hokage had laid down the gauntlet and declared his intent to invade. Darui feared some kind of trap if the armies of Kumogakure marched.

"He has a point Raikage-sama. While the Hokage's letter declared it was just between Konohagakure and us and that they needed no help, it could have been a ruse. They tricked us once when they promised Hiashi's body and it cost us several good shinobi. We cannot trust them."

The pacing stopped and he turned toward Dodai.

"And let the Hokage continue to assault our land? To pick off those still young and untested? I've already responded in kind to his predations but that is just a start. He threatens my village? He dares demand our unconditional surrender? I'll crush the senile old fool and his damned village!"

Dodai chose not to enter into a direct argument and instead focused on part of his statement. There was too much emotion regarding the attack on the genin teams. When A had become the Raikage he had pushed to expand the size of the shinobi force. Through a combination of aggressive recruiting, financial incentives for parents to enroll their children in shinobi training and a slight lessening of the requirements to become a genin they had expanded their shinobi force. These reforms though meant that many of the genin would not have become shinobi in the first place without the Raikage's actions. In turn, this also meant that they would not have been killed by the Konoha assassins. Likely he blamed himself which helped fuel his clear anger.

"You mentioned that you have responded in kind? What do you mean?"

The Raikage's smile didn't quite reach his blazing eyes. "Anyone with a drop of Sarutobi blood outside of Konohagakure has been targeted. I'll make his clan as endangered as the Senju and the Uzumaki."

Dodai frowned slightly. "Is that really the best use of our shinobi?"

"It will teach the world a lesson. Strike at the future of Kumo and we will not only end you but your entire line."

"Perhaps, but is the dawn of a full scale war the right time to be lecturing the world?"

"Bah. It's done."

'That's as close as I'm going to get as an admission of fault from him.'

Before Dodai could continue onto another subject a messenger rushed into the room.

"Lord Raikage! Konohagakure has attacked Tahara and destroyed the docks!"

"WHAT?" The Raikage boomed and snatched the scroll from the frightened chūnin. Dodai was shocked. He knew Toroi quite well; the man would have put up a hell of a fight against an invader. He had three hundred shinobi under him. How had Konoha reached so far into Kaminari no Kuni?

The Raikage grew even angrier as he read the scroll. "Bring me the rest of my council. I want them here in five minutes or I'll have their heads!"

AN: Chapter is a bit longer than most – I hope you enjoy it! As always I love to hear from you in regards to what went well and what could use some work.