The night air was still and silent, like the calm before a storm. It was somewhat uncanny, without even the slightest sound from the field that was famous for its vast existence of creatures. A gale blew and it grew unexpectedly icy cold. The long grass in the field swayed along with the cool wind, and it created a gentle rustle that seemed to be the only sound that penetrated the bitter air.
"Orochimaru sama, the invasion of the Land of grass has been carried out." A man crouched down and bowed with much flourish. The tone of his voice emitted fear, even though he seemed to be trying to conceal it.
A snicker could be heard from a figure standing on the right of the man. He gazed at the distance and gave a laughter that struck the man's heart with terror. The man cringed upon hearing it.
"Yes, just as I would have expected. Being allies with the Earth, the Waterfall and the Lightning turned out quite perfect for us, didn't it?"
"Indeed, Orochimaru sama." The man answered rapidly, although his voice seemed to be wavering.
"The plan to crush Konoha and to invade the Land of Fire shall ensue. Finally, after all these years of patient waiting, I have finally succeeded in doing so."
The figure gave a self-satisfied laugh yet again, breaking the silence. It was a laughter that caused the surroundings to grow colder. The man shivered visibly.
"Unfortunately, Orochimaru sama, the Land of Wind has allied with the Land of Fire, along with the Land of Water, and they are now doubling their defense. Our shinobis who were dispatched to gather information on their new tactics never returned. Orochimaru sama..."
The figure smirked, turning around to look at the man. "As would be expected of Tsunade, always so anxious to protect that little village of hers and her intelligent plans, isn't she? Just like my beloved sensei... An alliance? This will be cumbersome, I admit. Pass down my order. Cease all attack activities."
"Yes, sir!"
The man leapt off into the distance, leaving the figure standing alone in the field.
The wind ceased and silence fell yet again.
"This is going to be quite...interesting."
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"Tsunade sama! Report! The enemy troops have retreated!"
"What!"
A lady with an impeccable figure slammed her fist on the table furiously. She had striking features, as many have praised her. Yet, she was endowed with strength that was unrivalled. She was the Fifth Hokage of the prosperous village of Konoha who was well-respected by many across the lands as well.
"What do you mean they retreated?" She muttered, flashing her eyes.
The jounin giving the report, flinched slightly and replied tentatively, "Er...well, it seemed that the attack at the Gateway of Earth (A mountainous area at the boundary of Land of Earth), was false and that it turned out that the shinobis were under a genjutsu technique that gave them the impression that they were being crushed by stones. However, the large scale genjutsu technique is virtually impossible for normal shinobis. Hence, the attacker is most likely an S rank ninja. But, after the technique was eventually dispelled, the attacker was nowhere to be found. After which, we received an anonymous letter stating that the enemies are retreating. The origin of this letter is however a mystery because, as soon as our hands had gotten hold of the letter, it was burnt to ashes, undoubtedly by a Katon jutsu."
Tsunade leaned back on her chair and clasped her fingers together, pondering what her next step should be. That Orochimaru, fancy him taking such a step. She thought with much repulsion.
"Order all troops to return to base. I will pass down further commands if need be." She barked immediately.
"Yes, Tsunade Sama." The jounin saluted and marched out of the room smartly.
That was all she could do, for now. What was she going to do? Was she about to carry out an attack? What if it was all a trap? Millions of possibilities were swimming around her head. She, one of the legendary sannin, was desperately anxious.
"Tsunade sama, I'm sure you're starving. I've brought you lunch." A woman chirped cheerfully, as she entered the room. "It's really unlike you to forget about lunch." Her voice gradually evolved into a worried one.
"I've got no appetite, Shizune." Tsunade replied tiredly.
"Tsunade sama! No matter what may happen, your health should always come first." Shizune answered with an annoyed aura to her voice.
"Yes, I suppose you are right," Tsunade began eating.
"By the way, Tsunade sama, I've heard from Kakashi senpai that the enemy troops at the Gateway of Earth have retreated, isn't it a cause for celebration?" Shizune remarked, stroking Ton Ton which had leapt onto her.
"I'm not sure that it is that simple. That Orochimaru has always been like a snake. Unpredictable. I really do not know what to do. It must definitely be a trap, and to think that he has in his possession a ninjutsu to paralyse such a large troop of shinobis. Although I hate to admit it, he has gotten to be quite the unmanageable enemy." Tsunade muttered, sipping the cup of tea, and wondering. "If only I was able to send some shinobis to the enemy lines to investigate. But that would be too huge a risk. However, if we just leave it be, we may never be able to defeat that snake."
Shizune glanced at Tsunade and grew rather worried. It had been months since Orochimaru along with the various other allies of his had declared war against the Land of Fire, Water and Wind. Terrible as it may be, many had perished in the devastating battles that took place between the boundaries. Many a village had been utterly destroyed, whatever was left was nothing by carnage. The war came at a particularly troubling period, when the prosperity of Konoha was being threatened. Many of the jounins were already fighting at the Gateway of Earth where most of the enemy troops were. Some of the chuunins were already dispatched to various areas of the land whereby enemy forces roamed. The genins and some of the chuunins were in the village, trying to ensure that the village was not affected adversely by the prevalent battles occurring so awfully near the land. Yet, it was simply insufficient to solve the problem. It was mainly due to the surreally powerful tactics that the enemy used to counter-attack the shinobis. Now, out of the blue, they were retreating? Something was most definitely up. Shizune grimaced upon thinking about what Konoha would be if Orochimaru were to succeed in the invasion.
Tsunade gazed into the distance where it showed the full view of the Konoha village. The peaceful village, her village... It was in her hands now, the fate of Konoha laid in her hands. What was she going to do? She had to make a choice...
"Shizune! Get me Shikamaru, now!"
"Right away, Tsunade Sama!" Shizune rushed out of the room hurriedly.
It was time for something immense to begin.