Chapter 42: On the Eve of War
Separating the Crimson Gourd and presenting it alone as a bride-price to the Uzumaki clan was, of course, not an act of recklessness on Senju Morin's part.
No one understood better than he did that the Seven-Star Sword, the Golden Binding Rope, and the Crimson Gourd formed a complete set of Six Paths Treasures—only when used together could they unleash their true power.
But Morin understood something else even more clearly:
the unspoken rules of clan marriages, and the character of the Uzumaki clan.
They would never accept such a gift without returning it in kind.
In the end, whether it was sent back as part of a "dowry," or entrusted to his future wife for safekeeping, the Crimson Gourd would inevitably return to Konoha—to Morin himself.
Much like the Seven-Star Sword and the Golden Binding Rope.
Although Morin had "donated" those two treasures to the village without compensation, had he truly lost control of them?
Of course not.
As artifacts ranked alongside the Scroll of Seals—treasures vital to the village's foundation—they would ultimately be safeguarded by the Hokage himself.
What looked like an act of relinquishment was nothing more than a meticulously staged political performance.
The treasures had made a symbolic circuit, but real control had never once left Morin's grasp.
...
Once the grand alliance celebration concluded, an undercurrent of tension—heavy and oppressive—began to spread throughout Konoha like the calm before a storm.
Those who had attended the celebration returned home and quickly spread word of the Cloud envoys' outrageous demands, as well as the Hokage's uncompromising response.
In less than a single afternoon, nearly everyone came to the same realization—
War was coming.
Amid this suffocating atmosphere, two figures clad in jōnin vests appeared at the entrance to the Senju clan compound, formally requesting an audience with Senju Morin.
One of them had wild, spiky hair like a bristling hedgehog, crimson fang-shaped markings painted on his cheeks, and a feral aura that radiated barely restrained aggression.
He was Inuzuka Dō, head of the Inuzuka clan.
The other was his complete opposite.
Wearing a high-collared coat, hood pulled low, and dark glasses concealing his face, he kept himself entirely hidden from view.
He was Aburame Shima, head of the Aburame clan.
The two were quickly granted entry and, escorted by a Senju clansman, led deeper into the compound.
Unlike Hashirama or Tobirama, Morin had not constructed a separate "Third Hokage Residence" after assuming office.
He continued to live within the Senju clan grounds, alongside his clansmen.
Moreover, because he was currently hosting the Uzumaki delegation, Morin had not yet returned to the Hokage Tower—he happened to still be within the clan compound.
After changing into lighter attire, Morin received the two clan heads in a quiet tea room.
"Shima. Dō. Rare visitors indeed," Morin greeted them with an easy smile, dressed in loose, informal robes, his demeanor relaxed and approachable.
The two men, however, showed no hint of casualness. They bowed respectfully.
"We apologize for the sudden intrusion. Please forgive us, Hokage-sama."
Inuzuka Dō, ever the impatient one, spoke first, unable to hold himself back.
"Hokage-sama, we all saw what happened at the celebration. Those Cloud bastards have gone too far—threatening Konoha with war, of all things!"
His fists clenched tightly, fury vibrating through his voice.
"It's not just me. The young ones in my clan nearly exploded when they heard. They're itching to head straight to the front lines and teach Cloud Village a lesson!"
Aburame Shima removed his hood as well, his voice low and steady as he echoed the sentiment:
"The Aburame clan feels the same. Under the Hokage's command, we are willing to resist the Cloud and do our part for the village."
When he first heard that the two clan heads had requested an audience, Senju Morin had already guessed their purpose. Their words now came as no surprise.
"I am deeply heartened by your resolve," Morin said with a faint smile, gesturing for them to have some tea. "With a great enemy looming, Konoha needs unity now more than ever."
"Still, there is no need to rush. Both the Aburame and Inuzuka clans are pillars of Konoha. In the meetings to come, there will naturally be appropriate appointments…"
...
Early the next morning, Morin went straight to the Hokage Tower and immediately issued an order to convene a Jōnin Council.
One by one, the jōnin arrived. Compared to the previous gathering held for the Hokage election, however, the turnout was noticeably smaller—only a little over ninety people.
This, in fact, was normal.
Aside from leading teams on active missions, many jōnin were permanently stationed along the borders:
the northeast guarding against the Cloud,
the northwest watching the Stone,
and the southwest keeping an eye on the Sand.
Only the southeast—despite the threat of the Mist—was relatively secure thanks to the allied Land of Whirlpools, saving Konoha considerable manpower and resources.
That was precisely why the Hokage election had been scheduled five days later in the first place—to allow these dispersed jōnin time to return.
...
Inside the Hokage Tower's conference hall, Morin sat alone atop the raised platform. Hyūga Sōgo and the other three advisors were seated on either side below him, facing the assembled jōnin together.
"War is coming!"
Morin's voice rang out, clear and forceful, filling the chamber.
"The cause of this war is already known to you all. The Cloud Village has spoken without shame—attempting not only to demand the Six Paths Treasures from Konoha, but to extort us under the threat of war!"
"A new conflict is now unavoidable!"
"But I must make one thing clear—not all wars are the same!"
"The sacrifice of the Second Hokage was indeed a grievous loss to Konoha. But compared to us, the losses suffered by the Cloud are far greater!"
"The Second Raikage, the Gold and Silver Brothers, their elite forces—Cloud is no longer the mighty power it once was!"
"Unlike the previous Great Ninja War, today's Cloud Village simply cannot sustain a true war. This is nothing more than a despicable attempt at war blackmail—an effort to intimidate Konoha into concessions!"
"For this battle, I will personally take the field and confront the Cloud!"
"Their schemes will not succeed!"
Morin's gaze swept across the hall, moving from face to face, before finally settling on one man.
"Jōnin Danzō."
"…Present."
Shimura Danzō rose slowly, his expression dark, his single visible eye fixed coldly on Morin.
"When the Second Hokage still lived, you often proclaimed yourself his most devoted disciple. His death filled you with the greatest fury of all," Morin said calmly, yet with an authority that brooked no refusal.
"Now that Cloud dares to come again, this is the perfect opportunity to avenge Lord Tobirama."
"By my order: Jōnin Shimura Danzō, Shimura Kō, Shimura Sōu, Utatane Zawa, Utatane Ichiro, Mitokado Shi, and Mitokado Kenjin shall form a Special Tactical Unit, operating directly under my command!"
The moment those words fell, Danzō's already grim expression darkened further.
But Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura turned pale, barely able to conceal their alarm.
What… what does this mean?!
Does this mean he's finally moving to settle accounts with Hiruzen's old faction?
Or is this punishment for their hesitation— for failing to pledge loyalty quickly enough?
Damn it. Damn it all.
They never should have clung to old bonds with Hiruzen and Danzō—now they had dragged themselves straight into the fire.
"Koharu-jōnin. Homura-jōnin."
Morin's voice remained calm, but the two felt their bodies stiffen the instant their names were called.
"And you?"
He looked directly at them, his tone quiet—yet it landed like a boulder crushing down upon their chests.
"Are you willing… to avenge the Second Hokage?"