Konohagakure
Titus looked over the documents with a keen eye. Sunlight pierced through the window and hit his face with brilliance. This was a secluded part of town, and a soothing silence reigned over the surroundings. The curtains flew upwards as a light breeze entered the small apartment; their temporary home. The place was humble, with mostly empty shelves and drawers -yet to be filled.
Titus was initially worried by how his brother had handled the situation. Sure, they got what they wanted, but what if they were caught? Aureus had dismissed his worries with a simple, 'Some gifts to the royal clerks, and all's good.' He had been right. The daimyo's seal was expensive but could be bought. Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy the means to happiness.
He reviewed the paperwork and saw Aureus through the open door, adjusting his woolen coat. Setting the pen aside, he remarked,
"Going somewhere?" His brother nodded his head but didn't turn. Titus spoke further,
"Don't worry, I've taken care of all the documents. You can rest." Aureus displayed no reaction and casually replied,
"It's another matter." Both stayed silent for a minute. The younger brother dusted his clothes and prepared to leave. Titus looked grave,
"You must stop this," Aureus finally turned, his brother continued in a grim & serious manner,
"You are inside a shinobi village, not some hotchpotch city. If they catch you, it's a death sentence."
"Don't worry."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'DON'T WORRY!?'" Titus slammed his hand on the table. This change in voice shook Aureus,
"WE ARE NOT WASTING YOUR LIFE LIKE YOU'RE A PIG IN A SLAUGHTERHOUSE! You will write a letter to Governor Marcus, tell him you're out of this, and work with me. Do you understand?" The younger brother sighed.
"It's nothing dangerous, I just need to report the state of things in Konoha."
"A spy nevertheless! I should've learned my lesson after that Land of Hot Water affair, why did I let you come with me?" Aureus chuckled,
"You never do, brother." With this remark, he dashed out the door, leaving Titus fuming. Before leaving the building, Aureus heard Titus scream from the upper floor,
"I am sending you back the second you return!" The younger brother smirked and slowed his pace once far from the apartment.
Back in the room, Titus could only mumble,
'That son of a-, never mind, can't say that.'
Land of Earth Border
Han, the Five Tails' jinchuriki, stood atop the boulder and examined his force. He led people from all backgrounds, from enthusiastic chunins to battle-hardened veterans, who grudged war as a necessary evil. Energetic kunoichi to coldhearted men, who don't give a second thought to whoever they kill. Han preferred the latter, stoic warriors were the best soldiers, but where would we be without the false pretensions of glory and honor?
They were assembled in a valley, sixty shinobi in total. It was a cold and cloudy day, as chilling winds swept through the crevices between mountains. Behind Han was the narrow and deep river that demarcated the Earth-USC border. This stream, which could be crossed with a single leap, would go on to spread itself outwards when it reaches the plains, the Lands of Grass and Storms. To the Five Tails' jinchuriki, this river represented the USC. A new, unintimidating force, deep and hard to understand. But if left unchecked, it will sweep across the continent like the north wind.
And here they stood, to prevent just that. Years ago, the Land of Mountains broke away from the Land of Earth. Before Iwagakure could react, those petty cowards prostrated before Suna and successfully begged for their protection. The Sand Village's reputation lay in shambles (the catalyst being their disastrous invasion of Konoha), so the traitors banded together with other smaller men to maintain their power as if that would do them any good! It'd be better if they lay down before old man Onoki and begged for their lives.
With a stern gaze, hands behind his back, he addressed the soldiers,
"You know what you're here for," With a loud and commanding manner, everyone's attention was captivated. Taking a deep breath, the commander continued,
"Most of you are young chunins and Jonins, but I think the older shinobi know the cause of this problem vividly. After the death of our second Tsuchikage, lord Mu, the two candidates for Kageship fought a secret war for power. The shinobi you'll face across the border followed the loser, and like the cowards they were, retreated to this backwater province to save their necks.
Today, we will finish the job left behind. You have no restrictions, do what is necessary and bring glory to Iwagakure!" The crowd cheered and gave war cries as Han incited them further. He wasn't a good orator, but it only needed a spark to ignite their will to fight.
With a motion of his fingers, the shinobi charged across the border with unstoppable impetus. The Milestone demarcating the border was, symbolically, blown away by an Iwa shinobi. While the shouts echoed through the valleys, Han could only smile. War had come again.
Byzantium
Marcus quietly sipped at his tea as Janus continued his narration. He'd lately started drinking this local beverage due to its abundance. Everyone, from soldiers to generals, had tasted tea through curiosity or local hospitality; many had liked it. His subordinate continued into the details and spoke on without pausing. Marcus nodded and hm where needed, but his mind was fixed on the drink. They were talking serious business, and this was careless of him, but a man needs time for himself.
"-So what is our next step?" The governor's gaze shifted from the cup to Janus, who was expecting an answer. Marcus wasn't an ignorant fool, he made sure to pick up bits and 'keywords' from the conversation to answer when needed.
"The Land of Iron has refused our ultimatum yes?" Janus nodded. The governor stood up, and placing his cup on a desk in the corner replied while turning,
"Well then, do what we said we'll do. Blockade them." The general didn't agree and elaborated,
"Sir, we must see the political implications of this." Marcus picked an apple from the desk and answered,
"I see everything when I make a decision, Janus. When threatening, you must have a plan for if they refuse. And they mostly refuse." Janus remained adamant,
"If we blockade them, it's war. The Land of Iron has built close ties with the Confederation. Any actions against them mean war, a world war." Marcus smirked,
"War. Bloody war," Placing a half-eaten apple on the table, he continued,
"That's exactly what I want. Don't you realize Janus? This is our chance. Once the Confederation is dissolved, we can make puppets of the minor countries and control EVERYTHING that passes between nations. Kiri and Suna won't recover from another defeat. The Land of Water will lose all its strategic islands; as for those Desert-dwellers, who knows if they'll even qualify for being a great village!" The general understood well, and couldn't help but agree.
He'd known Marcus for years, but this was a rare side of him. To the common eye, he was a veteran soldier and trustable ally, the nice guy who'll compliment you and never betray you.
"What if our allies find out?" The governor leaned his head on his hand and remarked,
"I'll handle it. There are no friends and enemies in politics, only permanent interests that must be secured." This was more than true, Janus admitted. With a smirk, he commented,
"Who knew you could be so, scheming?" Marcus grinned back,
"Think why I am the governor, and you the general. We think differently, Janus, you're a soldier and I'm a bureaucrat."
"Bureaucrats, snotty pigs. What more plans have you conjured eh? Planted that nephew of yours in Konoha ten years ago, so he'll be a spy now? Get him to fuck some clan girl and get you a kekkei genkai, like those black bastards from Kumo?" Marcus laughed loudly. Tapping the desk,
"Fuck off."