Chapter 6: A Gathering Storm
Amidst the intensifying second great shinobi war, an unprecedented alliance had formed. Kirigakure and Iwagakure had joined forces with Kumogakure, uniting their strength for a common purpose.
However, this alliance came with a unique condition – the equitable sharing of all available resources among the three villages.
Kumogakure, once a solitary entity in the war, had little choice but to acquiesce to these conditions. Their situation had become increasingly dire due to Sunagakure's downfall on their front. The one responsible for Sunagakure's retreat was none other than a renowned shinobi known far and wide.
It was Sakumo Hatake, a warrior of incredible prowess. Although he had been declared dead, the truth behind his demise was a closely guarded secret. The world believed he had taken his own life due to the intense criticism he faced for prioritizing his comrades' lives over a mission.
Sakumo's legendary skills on the battlefield had earned him the nickname "The White Fang of Konoha." He was renowned for his unparalleled combat abilities and unwavering dedication to his team.
However, the weight of public opinion had driven him to a breaking point, leading to his supposed suicide.
Yet, here he stood, in the midst of the war, a living legend commanding respect and fear alike.
His intervention had forced Sunagakure's hand, leaving them with no choice but to retreat.
Following their devastating defeat at the hands of Sakumo Hatake, Sunagakure was left with no alternative but to accede to the demands of their conquerors. Under the terms of the treaty they were forced to sign, they committed to never engage in hostilities against Konoha again.
Furthermore, should they defy this agreement and face another defeat, they would be liable to pay substantial war reparations.
This accord was signed by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, where Sunagakure was geographically situated. The Daimyo, as a paramount authority, played a pivotal role in ratifying this pact, and it carried the weight of his authority.
With no viable alternatives, Sunagakure found themselves retreating from the war theatre. This strategic withdrawal left Kumogakure in a precarious position.
They had initially entered the conflict with the assurance of Sunagakure's support, but now, in the wake of Sunagakure's defeat, Kumogakure had no recourse but to seek assistance.
In their hour of need, Kumogakure extended their call to both powerful nations and smaller factions, beseeching them to join their cause in the ongoing war.
The once seemingly invincible alliance had been fractured, leaving Kumogakure to grapple with the challenge of facing Konoha on their own. Their desperate plea for reinforcement marked a turning point in the conflict, reshaping the dynamics of the second great shinobi war.
The Tsuchikage of Iwagakure had been anticipating this precise turn of events, patiently biding his time for the opportune moment to make his move. Now, with the perfect opening before him, he opted to align with Kumogakure, but not without stipulations.
His consent to join forces came with a singular condition: the control of the rivers flowing from Konoha into Sunagakure must fall under the dominion of Iwagakure.
The Tsuchikage's cunning strategy aimed to achieve a twofold objective. First, it was to engage and potentially vanquish Konoha on the battlefield, which would grant him control over the vital river resources connecting the Land of Fire to the Land of Wind.
Recognizing the immense advantages this held, he readily formalized his alliance with Kumogakure, and together, they officially declared war on Konohagakure.
News of this alliance sent shockwaves throughout the ninja world, particularly enraging the Kazekage of Sunagakure. He comprehended the stark difference between the two potential rulers of the river.
Under Konohagakure's control, there had been a sense of reliability and humanity. The water flow from the Land of Fire into the Land of Wind remained uninterrupted, and there were no concerns about any inhumane exploitation.
However, the Kazekage harbored deep reservations about Iwagakure's intentions. In his eyes, the shinobi from Iwagakure were perceived as ruthless pragmatists, unscrupulous in their pursuit of personal gain.
He viewed them with a significant degree of mistrust, firmly believing that they would exploit their newfound control for their own benefit, regardless of the consequences.
The fate of the crucial river resources now hung precariously in the balance, and the escalating conflict threatened to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Shinobi world.
Within the Hokage Tower, Konohagakure's seat of power,
In the subterranean chambers of the Hokage Tower, a high-level assembly convened - a council unique to Konohagakure. This was an exclusive gathering strictly reserved for the village's most accomplished jounin, surpassing even the esteemed special jounin.
In attendance were not only these elite shinobi but also the influential clan leaders, venerable elders, and, of course, the Hokage. No member of the citizens' council held a place within these hallowed halls; this was a domain solely for Konoha's military echelons.
Every participant assumed their designated positions with precision and gravity. Jounin, spanning the entirety of Konoha's clans, and their leaders took their respective seats, filling the chamber with a palpable aura of authority.
Yet, there remained one conspicuous vacancy, an empty chair adjacent to the Akimichi clan leader. It was a seat reserved for the Hatake clan leader, but the incumbent had passed away.
Although Kakashi stood as the rightful successor in the clan hierarchy, he found himself barred from occupying that seat due to his rank, still a step away from achieving the coveted jounin status.
The Hokage ascended the podium, a vantage point from which he could command attention and address the assembly.
His discerning gaze canvassed the room, ensuring that all essential attendees were present for this pivotal gathering. Methodically, he surveyed the chamber's entirety, and in doing so, his eyes inevitably alighted upon the vacant chair stationed beside the Akimichi clan leader.
This poignant sight served as a poignant reminder of his fallen comrade, a shinobi who had been not merely an ally but akin to a student under his guidance.
The tremendous might that this departed warrior had wielded equaled the collective power of the legendary Sannin. Konohagakure had sustained a grievous loss, one that would likely require five to ten years to convalesce from fully.
Having momentarily pushed aside the weight of those ruminations, the Hokage resolutely shifted his focus to the pressing matters that demanded their undivided attention.
Within the confines of the Hokage Tower, myriad conversations hummed through the air as shinobi exchanged puzzled remarks concerning the sudden, imperative summons to the Jounin Council meeting.
The urgency of the situation heightened their intrigue, for it was uncommon for such gatherings to be convened at short notice.
While uncertainty gripped some attendees, those well-versed in the intricacies of village affairs, including clan leaders and seasoned jounin, possessed a deeper understanding of the gravity of the circumstances.
They recognized that Konohagakure now found itself pitted against three formidable nations, and their own ranks suffered steadily increasing casualties.
To redirect the focus of the room, the Hokage employed a subtle signal, a gesture that beckoned all present to cease their conversations and divert their full attention to the forthcoming pronouncement. The room hushed, the Hokage standing as the harbinger of critical tidings.
He embarked upon his address, commencing with solemn words, "On the battlefield shared by Sunagakure and Konohagakure, our Sand allies have elected to make a strategic withdrawal, opting to refrain from launching further assaults upon the Land of Fire."
These words hung in the air, and he allowed the weight of their implications to permeate the minds of those assembled.
Following a brief interlude during which the room buzzed with expressions of joy and camaraderie from those unaware of Iwagakure and Kirigakure's alliance with Kumogakure, the atmosphere lightened with embraces and hearty laughter.
However, the Hokage, perceptive as ever, reasserted his presence with a subtle yet commanding signal, urging the gathering to return to a state of rapt attention. All eyes fixed upon him, anticipatory and anxious, their curiosity piqued by the looming revelation.
In a measured tone, Hiruzen inhaled deeply before proceeding with the somber disclosure, "Although Sunagakure has chosen the path of retreat, Iwagakure and Kirigakure have solidified their alliance with Kumogakure."
These words fell upon the assembly like a cold, unwelcome shower, extinguishing the flicker of hope that had briefly burned within their hearts.
The turn of events appeared almost surreal, for even the struggle against two great nations had strained their resources.
The loss of their formidable White Fang had further eroded their position of power, leaving them in a precarious and daunting situation.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone