Sarutobi Hiruzen's forces had actually positioned themselves in the dense forest surrounding the Wind-Cloud Allied camp hours earlier, silently observing every development on the battlefield. His battle plan was elegantly simple: wait for the Nine-Tails to rampage through the enemy encampment, decimating their forces, then sweep in for the killing blow while they were weakened and disorganized.
Intelligence reports had confirmed his strategic advantage. Sunagakure's One-Tail Jinchuriki Bunpuku and Five-Tail Jinchuriki Hōichi remained sequestered in their monastery. Kumogakure's new Eight-Tail Jinchuriki Killer Bee was still training in the mountains, while Two-Tail Jinchuriki Yugito had long since abandoned her village. Despite their impressive numbers, the Wind-Cloud Alliance possessed zero combat-ready Tailed Beasts.
This left them in an impossible position. Without a Tailed Beast to counter the Nine-Tails—and even if they had one, victory was doubtful—they could only throw human lives into the meat grinder. Hiruzen had witnessed the Nine-Tails' devastating power firsthand. In all the world, perhaps only the deceased First Hokage Hashirama and the legendary Madara Uchiha could face such a creature alone. By every calculation, Konoha held overwhelming odds.
But reality refused to follow his script.
The entire confrontation consisted of Jinghang alone battling both Minato and Kushina, while the massive Allied camp remained eerily silent—no movement, no reinforcements, nothing.
This unexpected development left Hiruzen deeply unsettled. Had news of the Yuexi Peninsula attack reached them? Had they withdrawn under cover of darkness? But Danzo had sworn he'd maintained surveillance all morning—the twenty thousand Allied troops showed signs of preparation but no actual retreat. Where could such a massive force disappear to in mere hours?
He ordered the Hyuga brothers to penetrate the camp's defenses with their Byakugan. Their response nearly knocked him off his feet.
"Hokage-sama, that enormous camp is packed with human figures—roughly estimated at one hundred thousand people!"
One hundred thousand? Had they materialized from thin air?
Obviously impossible. This had to be an illusion crafted by those troublesome Ketsuryugan clan members.
After careful consideration, Hiruzen decided this wasn't necessarily catastrophic—at least it confirmed the Allied forces hadn't fled.
If the Nine-Tails could eliminate Jinghang, that would actually serve their purposes. With only the Third Raikage remaining, Konoha's combined might might prove sufficient.
But observing the actual battle, Jinghang was holding his own against two opponents without showing any disadvantage. Minato appeared injured, making the situation increasingly precarious—until Kushina's sudden transformation into the Nine-Tails. Hiruzen exhaled in relief. Finally, back on track.
Then everything went sideways.
Jinghang vanished completely, taking the Nine-Tails with him.
Hiruzen stared in absolute bewilderment.
That was legal?
Wasn't that against the rules?
He'd orchestrated this elaborate chess match only to have Jinghang—that honor-less bastard—steal the entire board.
How were they supposed to continue?
"Hiruzen, what do we... do next?"
Even Danzo seemed lost.
Hiruzen's mind raced through possibilities.
He'd seen Minato pursue the Nine-Tails. With the Yellow Flash present, neither Kushina nor the Tailed Beast should face serious danger.
But what about the fortress looming before them?
Attack? The situation remained unclear—they had no intelligence on enemy positions or capabilities. Though Jinghang had left the field, the Nine-Tails' departure meant twenty thousand enemy ninja remained at full strength. The Third Raikage, Tsukigami Kōichi, Sunagakure's Earthly Branches division, Kumogakure's Alphabet Squad—all those elite forces were still in play. Victory was far from guaranteed.
Retreat? Morale was fragile—it could be built up but never recovered once shattered. For months, the Wind-Cloud Alliance had terrorized Konoha with constant bombardment. He'd schemed relentlessly to create this single opportunity for counterattack. If they withdrew now, his ninja might never find courage to face these enemies again.
What choice did he have?
Every eye was on him—Danzo, Orochimaru, the Hyuga brothers, Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, Aburame Shibi, Senju Nawaki... even Inuzuka Tsume's newly trained pup seemed to be waiting for his decision.
This battle would determine everything. Victory meant Konoha's survival. Defeat meant decline and eventual destruction.
Gamble or retreat?
Screw it. Let fate decide. Odd numbers attack, even numbers withdraw.
"Danzo, what time is it?"
Danzo checked his watch. "00:07."
Hiruzen's hesitation evaporated. He rose to his feet with renewed determination.
"Konoha's fate hangs in the balance! This is our moment!"
He charged toward the Wind-Cloud Allied camp without looking back.
The Hokage has spoken. No room for doubt now.
Fifteen thousand Konoha ninja surged forward in Hiruzen's wake, their battle cry echoing across the battlefield as they launched their desperate assault.
Just as they approached the camp perimeter, the silent fortress exploded into activity. Massive searchlights blazed to life, turning night into blazing day across the entire encampment.
The main gates swung open with mechanical precision, revealing perfectly organized battle lines. At their head stood an unmistakable figure—the Third Raikage A himself.
Behind him, the elite specialists of Sunagakure's Earthly Branches and Kumogakure's Alphabet Squad had assumed combat positions.
This is a trap.
If so, then where was Kirigakure?
Hiruzen dismissed the thought. He understood now—advance was his only option. No retreat, no second chances. This path led to victory or annihilation.
The numbers slightly favored the Wind-Cloud Alliance, but without Jinghang, they'd lost their most devastating asset. In terms of elite combatants, Konoha held the advantage. With everything on the line, they had a real chance.
The Third Raikage's voice boomed across the battlefield.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen! How fashionably late! I've been waiting here with such anticipation! HAHAHA!"
Hiruzen slowed his advance, frowning as he regulated his breathing and prepared his body for the fight of his life.
Behind him, Konoha's forces formed battle lines and drew their weapons, awaiting only their Hokage's signal.
"They call you the Professor of Ninjutsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen. After all these years, I've never had the pleasure of testing myself against you. How about it? Care to give me that opportunity?"
Pure provocation dripped from the Raikage's words.
Hiruzen bit his thumb and smeared blood across his knuckles. His hands flew through seals before slamming his palm against the earth.
Smoke cleared to reveal his trusted companion—the staff-wielding Enma in his transformed state.
"Gladly! Let me witness the Raikage's legendary power firsthand!" His voice carried across both armies. "KONOHA NINJA—ATTACK!"
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