Orochimaru’s Magic Lamp

Konoha, in today's ninja world, is clearly the greatest beneficiary and guardian of the current world order. Naturally, it has no desire to jeopardize that position—certainly not for the sake of a minor nation like the Land of Iron.

The simplest path forward is to offer some well-crafted diplomatic words, use military strength as a deterrent, and then reap the rewards of Kusanagi Village's actions—grabbing the spoils without getting its hands dirty.

When Nara Shikaku raised this idea, both Koharu and Homura quickly voiced their agreement, as if everything was already under control.

And it wasn't just arrogance. The two Hokage advisors knew full well the limits of Kusanagi's power. Even with the strength of a tailed beast, they were no match for Konoha. Their victory over the Land of Iron wasn't enough to warrant alarm.

But the Third Hokage thought otherwise.

He gestured for a large map of the ninja world to be brought out and laid across the long table. Pointing to the Lands of Grass, Taki, and Iron, he said:

"Kusanagi wiped out Taki Ninja Village and destroyed the samurai stronghold. They've now linked three small countries into a single territory, and they're recruiting large numbers of wandering ninjas to expand further. We can't treat them the same way anymore."

"But so what?" Koharu scoffed. "They're just a loose collection of mercenaries. Scattered and weak…"

From her perspective, Kusanagi's actions were reckless. Tailed beasts could be used for gradual intimidation and territorial expansion—not brute-force conquest. Now they had eliminated the samurai, but whether they could hold that ground was another question entirely. More likely, someone else would swoop in and take the reward.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly.

"You misunderstand. This isn't about whether Kusanagi can take on Konoha. They've made their move—and now others will join them."

"Konoha has more than one enemy in the ninja world."

The two advisors fell silent, glancing back at the map.

With the buffer zones between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth now reduced to just one, and with Kusanagi's clear ambition, it was obvious they wouldn't simply back down before Konoha. Their next move was easy to predict…

"Heh… I've received some intel," Danzo said suddenly in his usual hoarse tone. "Two days ago, a squad from Kusanagi secretly arrived in Iwagakure."

The advisors' expressions darkened. It was perfectly logical—forming alliances and pulling in weaker nations like the Land of Earth to stand against the powerhouse that was Konoha.

What really bothered them, however, was the fact that Danzo had this intel—and they didn't.

How many underground agents did Danzo still control in Konoha?

Of course, this wasn't the time to confront that issue. The real question now was this: with the Land of Earth possibly involved—and even the Land of Lightning waiting in the wings—should Konoha act now? Or let Kusanagi continue expanding unchecked?

As usual, the two elders favored caution.

Bullying a village like Kusanagi was fine. But risking escalation with Iwagakure? Not worth it.

The Land of Fire was strong. There was no need to take unnecessary risks.

But thinking like that was dangerously shortsighted.

The Third Hokage didn't comment on their view. Instead, he cast a subtle glance at Danzo, quietly sighing.

Yes, restraining Danzo and the Root organization had been the right move for Konoha's stability. But it had also empowered the village's conservative faction.

As Hokage, one couldn't always show preference. Sometimes you had to go with the tide—and sometimes, be swept along by it.

After a moment of thought, he looked past Nara Shikaku (who was keeping wisely silent) and turned to Orochimaru.

Ideally, this task wouldn't fall to Orochimaru. While effective, he had a tendency to act on his own terms. But right now, there was no better option.

Tsunade was too emotional. Jiraiya, too laid-back. The other clan heads didn't have the vision.

Orochimaru blinked, catching the Third's meaning. A sly smile crossed his face.

Interrupting Koharu mid-discussion, he pulled a pen from his sleeve and ignored her displeased glare.

Scratch... scratch…

He circled several key countries on the map: the Land of Rivers (bordering Fire and Wind), the Lands of Hot Water and Sound (bordering Fire and Lightning). Altogether, he drew a clear circle—encircling Konoha.

Then he looked up and said, slowly:

"Now, do you still think Kusanagi's actions have nothing to do with Konoha?"

Koharu stared at the map. The implication was obvious, even to a fool.

But understanding it didn't mean accepting it.

She frowned. "You're saying Kusanagi is trying to encircle us?"

That was the unspoken concern in the room. Not that anyone believed Kusanagi had the strength to surround Konoha, but rather—what enabled them to do this?

Orochimaru smirked.

"You still don't get it. Kusanagi doesn't need to fight Konoha directly. If they have the strength to conquer and govern these minor countries, they'll attract help."

"The Land of Earth, the Land of Thunder—even the Land of Wind—they'll all benefit. A strong military buffer like Kusanagi saves them massive costs on border defense."

"And what do you think they'll do with those savings?"

His grin widened.

"I'd wager they'll spend it causing problems for us."

Koharu and Homura had no answer. No one in the room did.

If this trend continued, Kusanagi could indeed reach that point. And while it wouldn't destroy Konoha, it would certainly cause immense trouble.

Prosperity didn't mean invulnerability. If the Land of Fire's trade routes were blocked, its golden age would end.

"So," Orochimaru concluded, eyes sweeping the room, "this war must be fought."

"It's not about the Land of Iron anymore. It's about stopping Kusanagi's ambitions before they reshape the map."

_____________________

The story is Finished on patreon (394 Chapters)

Join my patreon To Read it

patreon.com/Silver757

Or Tip me on

coff.ee/silver7959

http://buymeacoffee.com/silver7959