007 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

"So, this is the legendary Sharingan?" Arashi held a small transparent bottle up to the sunlight, inspecting it closely. Inside, preserved in formalin, floated a pair of eyes adorned with the iconic three-tomoe pattern. As Arashi tilted the bottle, the crimson pupils swirled hypnotically, exuding an unsettling, almost soul-piercing aura.

"Yeah, these belonged to someone named Uchiha Kagami. He tried to cast a genjutsu on Shamon but got outmaneuvered. By the time I arrived, Shamon was gravely injured—his kidneys were practically shredded—but he was still clutching these eyes like his life depended on it. Luckily, I had a collection vial on hand. They're fresh enough. Want me to implant them for you?" Chiyo said casually, her tone calm as a breeze.

"No rush, no rush. Let's put them in cold storage for now. I haven't decided what to do with these yet." Arashi handed the bottle back to Chiyo.

As a transmigrator, Arashi knew well that the Sharingan was powerful. But let's be real—it was also cursed. Awakening it? A hassle. Mangekyō? Even worse. Eternal Mangekyō? Good luck finding a sibling with matching eyes willing to donate theirs. And the price? Severed bonds, relentless trauma, and a high chance of spiraling into madness. Sure, the power was incredible—Susanoo-level incredible—but the durability was trash. The more you used it, the closer you got to blindness. And replacing them? It's not like Mangekyō-ready siblings grow on trees.

Still, ever since Arashi began studying ninjutsu, one question had lingered: What if I face an Uchiha? Susanoo wasn't a problem—he had his own "mecha" ready to counter that, tested with tailed beasts and all. But genjutsu? That was another story. Genjutsu was his weakest area—he couldn't even use it! He'd trained extensively in anti-genjutsu techniques, but Uchiha genjutsu was on another level, practically unavoidable. Fortunately, the Uchiha clan had seen a sharp decline in talent after Madara's "death." With Kagami now gone, there wasn't a single notable Uchiha around. And it'd be decades before the likes of Shisui, Obito, or Itachi showed up—so the threat wasn't immediate.

Snapping out of his wandering thoughts, Arashi straightened up and addressed Chiyo seriously.

"Chiyo-sama, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"It's about this war, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Go ahead."

"After defeating Danzo, I want to form an alliance with Konoha."

Chiyo fell silent, her expression darkening. But Arashi didn't pause, continuing with firm conviction.

"I've reviewed the intelligence gathered by the informants Elder Ebizō planted in various regions. Eight days ago, Kumogakure secretly began mobilizing its forces—intentions unclear. Six days ago, Takigakure suffered internal chaos, most of its leadership was massacred by rogue ninjas, and its major clans are now warring among themselves. Five days ago, Iwagakure's Tsuchikage issued a full mobilization order. Three days ago, they annexed Crystal Village and three other small settlements. Two days ago, a large contingent of Kirigakure shinobi landed in the Land of Fire—their purpose remains unknown."

As Arashi spoke, he calmly poured Chiyo a cup of tea. The stern lines of her face softened into one of deep thought.

"This isn't just a skirmish—it's a Ninja World War!"

Chiyo, the leader of Sunagakure's militant faction, sought war not out of blind bloodlust but as a means to secure her village's future—more resources, greater power, and a better life for the next generation. She wasn't a reckless war fanatic like the Kaguya clan nor a manipulative schemer like Black Zetsu.

Having lived through the First Ninja War, Chiyo understood what a world war meant: lands reduced to ash, fortunes turned to dust, and countless lives lost, leaving only bones behind. The current situation eerily mirrored those dark days. After months of grueling battles with Amegakure and Konoha, both Sunagakure's militant and conservative factions were nearing collapse. Resources, manpower, and morale had been stretched to their limits. If not for Arashi's decisive victory on the western front against Konoha's White Fang, the village might have fallen entirely. And Konoha? They'd only used a fraction of their strength. The heavyweights like Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't even left the village.

"Sunagakure must withdraw from this war, focus on recovery, and rebuild its economy. We should also take advantage of the chaos to recruit talented outcasts and increase our population. The true victor is the one who remains standing at the end. If we're drawn too deeply into this furnace, even if we survive, we'll be crippled!" Arashi's gaze was resolute.

Chiyo stared at the young man she had watched grow up. His profound strategy and unshakable determination reminded her of her late husband, Reto. In that moment, she saw his shadow in Arashi. Slowly, her own resolve hardened.

"How long do you think this war will last?"

"Four to five years."

"And you're certain Konoha will emerge victorious?"

"Konoha's foundation is deep, its forces vast. Hiruzen Sarutobi is bold, decisive, and rarely makes mistakes. They'll win."

Chiyo closed her eyes, contemplating.

"What do you need from this old woman?"

Sensing a breakthrough, Arashi quickly poured her another cup of tea with a fawning smile.

"You're the village's elder and have watched me grow up. I know my own limits. As the newly appointed Kazekage, my words might lack weight, and some clans might resist my decision…"

"What's there to resist? Fighting on the battlefield will convince them. You're the Kazekage, chosen by Shamon and approved by the clan elders. Who dares defy your orders? Don't worry, this old woman will back you up!" Chiyo slammed her hand on the table decisively. With that, the matter was settled.

"How confident are you about defeating Danzo Shimura?"

Arashi drained his tea with a confident grin.

"Ninety-nine percent."

...

"Argh! That hurts!" Jiraiya yelped in pain.

"Stop whining. You're lucky this iron sand wasn't poisoned, or you'd already be dead," Tsunade snapped, using a massive magnet to extract the particles embedded in his body.

Danzo squinted, rubbing a pinch of the iron sand between his fingers. After sniffing it, he asked, "He was alone?"

"Just him," Orochimaru confirmed.

"Have you dealt with him before?"

"I've heard of him but never met him."

"This loss isn't your fault." Danzo sighed.

"The intel from the Anbu was woefully inadequate. How can we face such a significant enemy with only a record of his victories and basic biography? There's nothing on his jutsu or tactics. This isn't intelligence gathering—it's a joke!" Danzo barked at a masked Anbu operative.

"How much of this iron sand do you think he brought?"

Orochimaru pondered. "Judging by the so-called Steel Human jutsu…at least ten tons."

"Order the army to retreat to the Sands Oasis. Tell logistics to buy up as much iron as possible from the Land of Rain and nearby regions. We'll need at least thirty tons. No—fifty!" Danzo declared, holding up five fingers.

"It seems Danzo-sama is preparing a massive trap," Orochimaru said with a sly smile, licking his lips.