The Third Shinobi World War was a major conflict in the fictional universe of Naruto, occurring between the five great ninja villages. It lasted from 2016 to 2018 in the timeline of the series and involved numerous battles, alliances, and betrayals among the villages, including Konoha and Kumo. The war was sparked by territorial disputes and the desire for power among the villages. Key figures, such as Tobirama Senju and Hiruzen Sarutobi, played significant roles in the conflict. The war ultimately led to significant losses and changes in the political landscape of the ninja world, setting the stage for future events in the series.