Time passed, and spring returned once more. At the start of the year, the shinobi world was still peaceful, but many could sense an uneasy tension growing beneath the surface. Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass…
Life went on as usual, people went to work, children went to school. At that moment, Charlie was testing out some new scientific shinobi tools developed by the research institute, nodding with approval. "Not bad."
Just then, "lord! lord!" Mujie burst in, glancing around nervously before lowering his voice. "I just received word, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure has gone missing!"
"?!"
Charlie froze for a moment, then removed the shinobi tool from his hand. He nodded thoughtfully, his eyes sharp and steady as he said quietly, "War… is coming."
The Third Great shinobi War had officially begun. The shocking news that the Third Kazekage, the strongest Kazekage in Sunagakure's history, had gone missing sent a wave of silence across the entire shinobi world.
Everyone sensed what was coming: war was inevitable. And sure enough, it wasn't long before Kumogakure seized the opportunity created by the lordship void in Sunagakure and launched the first attack against the Sunagakure.
Though Sunagakure's shinobi quickly rallied to defend their home and pushed back the assault, the battle took an unexpected turn. Mid-fight, Kumogakure suddenly shifted focus, launching an attack on Konoha.
Soon after, Sunagakure, driven by the desire to avenge their missing Kazekage, also redirected their forces to strike Konoha. In an instant, the three great shinobi villages were locked in full-scale conflict, and the entire shinobi world realized that the Third Great shinobi War had truly arrived.
As soon as news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance spread, Charlie, immediately put the Land of Grass on high alert. Although the fighting had yet to reach their borders, the sudden outbreak of war unsettled the citizens at first.
However, Charlie's steady and decisive lordship quickly restored calm. Despite Land of grass reputation beyond its borders, the villagers themselves held deep trust in their shinobi village, especially since Charlie had ended internal strife and rebuilt the Land of Grass from the ground up. Thanks to his guidance, chaos did not take root here.
Inside the conference room, everyone sat silently, their faces tense as they focused on their lord. War had come, and though it hadn't yet reached their land, the weight of the conflict hung heavy in the air.
This was war, another brutal struggle threatening the entire shinobi world. Breaking the silence, Kana spoke firmly, flipping through reports.
"Our food supplies are very stable," she reported. "We started preparing well before the war broke out, and with Kusagakure's advanced scientific tools boosting our farming, our harvests have been more than enough. By our calculations, even if we begin distributing food widely now, supplies will last for three years."
Relieved sighs filled the room. Those who had lived through war understood just how vital food could be during times of conflict.
Look at the Land of Rain next door, how many people have died of starvation because of food shortages? And in the Land of Whirlpool, during their years on the run, many shinobi from the Uzumaki clan lost their vitality.
Their hair turned white from malnutrition and chakra depletion, as they lived through cycles of feast and famine. The Uzumaki clan was famous for their longevity. Their hair was naturally bright red, only turning white when they were near the end of their life or had overexerted their chakra.
But if they managed to replenish their food and chakra in time, their hair would return to its original color. If not, their lives would slowly fade away. Take Youma, for example. When he first arrived, his hair was a dull gray-white due to hunger, chakra exhaustion, and serious injuries.
After years of recovery, though, his hair had regained a vibrant red. While not as bright as in his youth, that flowing red hair showed he still had many years ahead of him. Food was critical, for both shinobi and civilians alike.
"The Guard Division has been deployed as needed," Kado, head of Land of Grass Guard Division, said solemnly. "Though each area doesn't have many personnel, we will do everything we can to protect the Land of Grass, no matter what dangers come our way."
Youma added seriously, then sighed with gratitude, "Research has also been ramped up to produce scientific shinobi tools. Thanks to the Chief's recent Literacy Campaign, many workers can now take over production jobs left vacant by departing shinobi. This has eased our manufacturing pressure and freed up some shinobi."
After Youma finished, Ryoshi spoke up. "Thanks to years of development and resources invested, our medical division has improved significantly. While we still can't match Konoha's level, I believe we'll be a great help if war breaks out here."
The medical advancements had begun during the Land of Grass's reconstruction and were managed by Kana and Ryoshi, with Charlie offering suggestions and support from time to time. Now, it seemed their efforts were finally paying off.
Charlie nodded approvingly, then glanced at Mujie, who had been waiting impatiently with a goofy grin. Skipping him for a moment, Charlie smiled warmly at the group. "Looks like everyone's been working hard lately."
"lord! lord! I have something to say!" Mujie burst out excitedly.
"I truly believe that as long as we all work together, nothing can stand in the way of Land of Grass!" Charlie declared confidently.
Just then, Mujie began to speak up. "lord, I have news from our intelligence network. With the war raging, now is the perfect time for us to expand our spy operations and information sharing…"
But Charlie seemed to brush off Mujie's lengthy explanation, turning instead to the group with a smile. "Anything else?"
"I…" Mujie faltered.
"Oh, that's right!" Youma suddenly chimed in, a bright smile spreading across his face. "The academy's first class of students is about to graduate soon!"
Hearing this, the whole group's faces lit up. This was the very first graduating class since Kusagakure's shinobi academy was established, a major milestone for the Land of Grass. Besides, as the lord had said before, children are the future of any shinobi village. Everyone listened closely.
Charlie sighed softly. "Almost forgot, it really is time for graduation." Then, turning serious, he looked at Youma. "But remember, we can't let the children worry about the war. A small group of newly graduated students won't change the Land of Grass's current situation. Let them finish their studies properly."
Youma blinked in surprise but nodded firmly. "You're right. The kids' education must come first."