It was a quiet day in the governor's office. Faint sounds were coming from the bustling market, but could not disturb Marcus as he looked over some documents with keen interest. He always wore simple clothes, he hadn't harbored a taste for luxury even with his position. He had turned the office into his study, a fireplace crackled on the other side, and bookshelves filled to the brim with manuscripts and texts. A knock on the door suddenly interrupted him as he was drowned in his work. Without looking up he commanded,
"Come in." The door opened and a man entered. Marcus was pleased to see him.
It was Hatano, the shinobi provided by Konoha. He was a young man with straight black hair, black eyes, and no facial hair. His physique was tall but lean, and he wore the standard Jonin attire. The shinobi respectfully bowed to the governor, who greeted him,
"Good afternoon Hatano, is there anything I can help you with? Not having any trouble here, are you?" Hatano nodded sideways, his expression became serious as he spoke,
"Lord Governor, I must inform you of some matters that require care and attention." Marcus's interest diverted, as he put the documents away and sat straight to listen to what his subordinate had to say,
"As you may remember, I was sent to Takigakure by the Roman leadership here to, collect information regarding the village's activities. I have come across something that may change the political landscape." Marcus listened intently, his hands on his chin. He gestured for Hatano to sit down. The latter took a seat and continued,
"While there, I have learned that Amegakure is working towards an alliance with the other minor villages. Not just any alliance, but like a confederacy, a federation. I have no real proof to back this up, it is what I could gather from stolen letters and a few bribed officials. It can be a mere rumor, an idea, but there is no telling as Ame and Taki have already allied." Marcus thought about the matter for a second before questioning,
"Is that all?" Hatano nodded and got up from his seat. Marcus gave him a nod of acknowledgment and informed him,
"We will elaborate on this matter, it is truly something serious." Hatano turned to leave after speaking,
"Awaiting further commands."
It was quiet again in the office, just the crackling fire and faint sounds from the commercial area. Marcus was thinking over the matter, his hands on his chin. These petty villages had no power alone, they couldn't even get that many missions and relied on their Daimyo for support. But if they combine, it was something able to challenge the Great Five, something that will almost certainly tip the scale in its favor in all matters. This couldn't be allowed, they could be allied with or fought against. But as Hatano had mentioned, he had no confirmation for this data, it could be just a rumor, a faint idea among the village leaders, or a serious initiative; there was no way to know.
They could only prepare, and be cautious. Knowing that Marcus quickly got out his pen, writing pad, and a sheet of paper. He spent a moment brainstorming what was to be written, and then put pen to paper,
May 8th,
Marcus Julius Brutus,
governor of the Shinobi provinces,
To the prefect, fort Tarraco, Roman-Kusa border,
My greetings to the prefect. The motive for this official letter is that Kusagakure, and several other minor villages, have displayed hostility towards the republic. It is ordered that border security be tightened, defenses built, and more units called from surrounding garrisons if necessary. None from the Lands of Fields, Waterfalls, Storms, and Rivers shall be allowed entry unless formal permission is given. If any shinobi are found across the border, soldiers are ordered to fire at will to neutralize the hostile force. Such an action on the villages' part shall be considered an act of war and commanders have full permission to advance upon the enemy lands. Any assets and lands owned by men from the enemy nations shall be seized immediately.
I shall send a thousand additional troops alongside artillery to aid in any defensive actions and security measures. All border forts must be alerted.
Marcus felt satisfied with his letter as he put down his pen, and reread the text. He could do nothing about the matter other than this, without concrete proof supporting the info. They could only hope such a plan wasn't a reality. Otherwise, a war shall become a necessity.
Outskirts of Konoha
Maximus had quickened his steps, now into a sprint, as he saw smoke rising from the village; its walls now rubble. He quickly jumped over the trees and ruins, and what he had feared was true. It was an attack, shinobi squads battling in the streets for every house, and giant summons wreaking havoc as they fought each other. Maximus quickly jumped away before reaching his own home. Being in an isolated corner of the village was thankfully safe.
Bolting through the door, he began searching through the cupboards in his home. Until he found it, the storage seal. Pouring his chakra into it, and the desired objects appeared before him. Kunai & shuriken alongside paper bombs, it was time for battle.
After carefully storing the objects as mentioned earlier in pouches, he took out another case. Opening it, he gazed at the bow and leather quiver, a little gift by the Romans for his service. A high-quality weapon that will weather years of service. The arrowheads were the shape of a kite, made of metal. He couldn't call himself a marksman by all accounts but knew how to handle the weapon sufficiently. It was no problem though, Kunai and arrows couldn't be sensed as inanimate objects, so that was an advantage.
Carefully sneaking out, he takes up a position on a ruined house, its roof blasted away and a small corner of the wall left standing. Pulling the string and aiming an arrow, Maximus looked around. His arms were becoming tense, not used to the weapon he was using, his eyes searched around for enemies. The building in front of him collapsed as a Suna shinobi used Wind Jutsu against his foes, Maximus quickly reacted. Tightening his hold on the bow, and changing his aim, he let go of the arrow. The projectile cut through the air with great speed, and perfectly hit its target on the back. The Suna shinobi fell on his head, and his entire nervous system was paralyzed due to the arrow in his spine.
Putting his hand at rest, Maximus gazed at his kill with satisfaction. As he moved out of the ruins and into the street below, Hayato approached him with a serious look,
"Finally, you arrived." Maximus turned to his side, and his first inquiry was,
"What the fuck happened?" Hayato sighed and explained to Maximus,
"This was supposed to be a Chunin exam, but the Sand and Mountain villages have no balls, it's a surprise attack for now." Maximus got into a fighting stance and commented,
"But we decide whether it fails or not." Hayato grins,
"I always like your rhetoric." And the two men rush into battle.
Toad Summoning island
Jiraiya quietly walked the path leading across the forested island, his wooden sandals clattering with every step. The flora and fauna here and beyond exotic, magical; the likes of which could not be seen anywhere else in the world. Perhaps it was due to the abundant presence of Senjutsu. He didn't like being here, whenever he was summoned it was only prophetic foretelling which he couldn't understand, why did they have to talk in riddles? Moreover, the food he had to eat if the stay was longer than a day. Jiraiya almost gagged as he thought of it, but quickly waived it off.
As he was close enough to set his sights on the city, Shima appeared to greet him,
"Good day, lord Jiraiya. I hope the long journey wasn't uncomfortable." Jiraiya smiled and replied,
"It isn't, after 15 years of travel." Shima nodded and bid Jiraiya follow her.
As the two trudged the path Jiraiya couldn't help but question,
"Where's Fukasaku?" Shima kept walking and replied,
"You know you've been summoned by the Great Old Sage. Fukasaku is currently with him." Jiraiya was satisfied, and the two kept walking in silence.
Mount Myoboku
Jiraiya gazed at the Great Toad Sage attentively, standing straight and hands folded. Around him were present Shima and Fukasaku, whom he had known since he attained his status as a sage. Their manner was formal, attending to a serious matter. Jiraiya was familiar with this behavior, which meant he should pay attention. The silence was broken by Gamamaru whose tone was friendly,
"Ah, so you've finally arrived Jiraiya." The latter smiled and replied,
"Yes. If I was told correctly, you've summoned me regarding serious business." Jiraiya's manner was to the point, as he didn't wish to spend much time on this island. Gamamaru laughed and commented,
"So eager you are Jiraiya-boy." As the old sage's laughter died down, Fukasaku queried formally,
"Shall we hear what you have to say, lord Gamamaru?" The sage's expression turned serious as he became lost in his thoughts. Jiraiya and the other two patiently waited, it was the sage's way of foretelling the future; one hard session of meditation before he passed the headache onto them (arguably only Jiraiya saw it that way). After roughly fifteen minutes had passed in complete silence, Gamamaru opened his mouth to speak,
"Jiraiya-boy, the upcoming events are to be of grave concern to you. They shall decide on the shinobi continent's fate, whether it is good or bad I can't say. That will be in your hands." Gamamaru had a tense expression, unlike him. This only worked to influence Jiraiya's thoughts negatively. What could it be that the most relaxed toad on the planet suddenly became so serious?
"It is a war. Do not be surprised Jiraiya-boy. Conflict, bloody as it is, solely has the power to decide the fate of nations and people in mere days. I advise you to brace yourself, for your acts in battle are of great importance regarding the outcome." As Gamamaru ended his words, Jiraiya was left with a sense of doubt and insecurity. Another war, as if this bloody land hadn't had enough.
"But lord Gamamaru, is there no way to prevent this catastrophe?" The sage tilted his head down with a somber look and replied,
"Fate has its ways, Jiraiya-boy. We cannot escape it, but we can change it." Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
Getting up, he informed the other three as he left the hall,
"I must inform the Hokage about this."