NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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A day passed, and news spread across the ninja world like wildfire.

The simultaneous attacks on three major villages by Konoha sent shockwaves throughout the lands.

The once-formidable Iwa, Kumo, and Mist forces, already weakened, were dealt a devastating blow again.

These attacks were perceived as "the last nail in the coffin," as the villages struggled to maintain governance over their neighboring small countries.

Although they would not be entirely obliterated, the pressure on them was immense.

Konoha's actions painted a grim picture for the other great nations.

First, there had been the surprise Uzumaki attack.

Then, the arrest of multiple kage.

Next, the failed negotiations, followed by the deaths of several prominent leaders.

Now, the decisive annihilation of three separate forces and their allied small villages in a single day left the world stunned.

The ripple effects of this bold strategy were felt everywhere, from the halls of power in major villages to the camps of their battle-weary forces.

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Sunagakure Camp

Inside a large tent at the Sunagakure camp, the Third Kazekage and his council convened to discuss the alarming developments.

Seated around a wooden table, illuminated by dim lanterns, they wore somber expressions.

"This is the first time in history that Konoha has declared war so openly," the Kazekage began.

"Not only did they attack villages, but they also dealt with them swiftly and decisively."

Chiyo, ever cautious, responded, "It's true. I never expected Sarutobi Hiruzen to act with such ruthlessness. He seems unafraid of any retaliation from the three villages."

Ebizo, seated beside his sister, added thoughtfully, "It seems the Second Great Ninja War might end before it even fully begins. Once again, Konoha positions itself as the undisputed victor."

The Kazekage raised a hand, signaling them to pause.

"Don't be hasty, Ebizo. The war is far from over. Our village still retains its full strength.

We must now focus on dealing with Iwa and Konoha, especially Iwa, as they are severely weakened."

Chiyo interjected urgently, "Kazekage-sama, we must not rush into attacking Konoha.

Hiruzen Sarutobi has not yet entered the battlefield, and even his disciple Jiraiya alone has managed to halt Ebizo and a dozen jonin single-handedly. We must tread carefully."

She paused briefly before continuing,

"Moreover, Konoha still has Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Sakumo—all of them S-rank ninja leading other fronts.

If they leave their current positions to reinforce any battlefield, our situation could become perilous.

Instead, we should focus on further weakening Iwa and demanding compensation without suffering a direct defeat ourselves. This presents an unprecedented opportunity."

Ebizo nodded in agreement. "Kazekage-sama, Chiyo is right. Attacking Konoha now would be disastrous.

They have freed themselves from engagements with three villages and could launch an offensive against us at any moment. We should concentrate on the Iwa front."

After pondering for a moment, the Kazekage finally nodded. "Very well. Redirect the forces we pulled from Konoha's front yesterday toward Iwa's village."

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Iwagakure Council

Meanwhile, in Iwagakure, the atmosphere was tense.

The remaining elders gathered in a dimly lit chamber, their faces lined with worry and fatigue. One of the elders broke the silence.

"We are doomed. Over 7,000 of our ninja have been killed, including our S-rank shinobi.

We never imagined that in our pursuit of a slight profit and an attempt to weaken Konoha, we would be ruthlessly purged."

Another elder chimed in, "We must ensure our survival. The 1,000-strong team stationed at Kanabi Pass is on its way back.

We must secure our defenses around the Rock and Ame borders."

Everyone present nodded in agreement. With their forces depleted, survival became their primary concern.

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Kumogakure Council

In Kumogakure, tempers flared as the council convened. One elder, a staunch supporter of the Third Raikage, pounded the table in frustration.

"Those Konoha bastards! This is too much. We must secure an alliance with Mist and Iwa, then launch an attack on Konoha. We cannot sit idly by and accept this defeat!"

An elder from the opposing camp sneered. "Oh, look who's talking. Will you be leading the charge against Sarutobi Hiruzen yourself?"

The enraged elder's expression changed instantly, as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over his fiery ambitions.

The opposing elder continued, "Don't be a fool. If we suggest an alliance, on whose behalf will it be? Yours or the council's?

We don't even have the leverage to secure an alliance. Mist is currently in the most dominant position—they have multiple bloodline families and more than one kage.

What we need to do now is defend our borders. Even the trash like Frost village dared to attack the stationed forces of Kumo."

Another jonin, seated quietly until now, spoke up.

"We agree with the elder. Our priority should be securing our country first. After that, we can negotiate with Konoha to avoid further conflict.

Once we regain our strength, we can deal with minor threats like the Frost Village. What we need most right now is time."

The council members nodded in agreement, though the Raikage's camp seethed with anger, while the opposing elder mused.

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Kirigakure Council

In Kirigakure, Bashra Yuki, the newly appointed Mizukage, convened an emergency meeting.

He began with a grim expression. "It seems Konoha deliberately leaked the news and launched their attack in rapid succession.

Our 4,000-strong army, along with Wave's 1,000 reinforcements, was wiped out.

Reports indicate that Sakumo Hatake used an S-rank jutsu derived from natural lightning, similar to the Hokage's techniques, to decimate our forces."

The room erupted into murmurs. The leader of the Hoshigaki Clan stood up and spoke.

"We must surrender to Konoha. This latest attack shows that their threat of war is no bluff. Not only have they defeated us, but they have also crushed Iwa and Kumo.

Now, only we and Suna remain standing, and I doubt Chiyo will allow Suna to attack Konoha.

Their likely target is Iwa. We are the only ones left vulnerable, so we must negotiate."

Bashra Yuki's expression darkened as he thought, This spineless coward. I have just taken the seat of Mizukage, and now he wants to undermine my authority.

Still, he understood the gravity of their situation. "Hoshigaki's leader has a point," he said aloud.

"But don't forget—we are surrounded by the ocean. Even if Konoha attacks, they cannot send a large force here easily.

This is our home turf, and we can handle double their numbers if they dare invade.

For now, we should tighten our defenses and withdraw from any plans of offensive warfare. We must rebuild our forces and search for the Three-Tails.

According to reports, Konoha has released the tailed beasts. We should prioritize finding and sealing one for ourselves."

The council members exchanged knowing glances and nodded. The meeting soon adjourned.

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Konoha War Council

In Konoha Hokage War council, a detailed map was displayed before the high-ranking officials.

This map, created entirely from chakra, showed not only the entirety of the Fire Nation but also parts of the neighboring countries, including portions of Sand, Earth, Lightning, and Mist territories.

The map's intricate design an great details allowed for real-time detection of chakra signatures, marking allies and enemies alike.

Kagami Uchiha stared in awe. "Hiruzen, is this one of your jutsu?"

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes. It's called the World Map Jutsu. Its detection range currently covers the Fire Nation and its bordering territories.

It works in conjunction with my paper release birds, which scan the area and replicate the exact landscape.

With this, mobilizing our armies and managing multiple fronts becomes significantly easier."

The council members were visibly impressed. Hiruzen continued, pointing to the blue markers on the map.

"Our attacks on the Iwa-Kusa front, the Hot Springs front, and the Wave front have been successful.

The enemy forces have suffered tremendous losses and will need at least few years time to recover.

However, we must maintain our momentum. The truly weak front now is Iwa, followed by Kumo and then Mist."

Kagami spoke up. "We can have Jiraiya divide his forces, with half securing the Land of Rivers while the other half prevents Suna from advancing further. Meanwhile, Orochimaru's forces can deal with Amegakure."

Hiruzen nodded. "Sakumo has been dispatched to secure the Land of Tea. Kagami, you will lead a squad of 100 to intercept Suna's two kage alongside Jiraiya."

Kagami acknowledged the order. Hiruzen continued,

"As for the Kumo front, Tsunade will lead half the forces to intercept any attempts by Mist to flank us via the Land of Waves until we secure Land of Tea."

With that, Hiruzen formed a hand seal. Four scrolls appeared before him, their contents inscribed with chakra.

With another seal, the scrolls vanished, each heading to their respective positions.

The council dispersed, ready to carry out their next phase of operations.

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