The Third Kazekage had set a trap, a net designed specifically for White Fang.
Initially, the plan went smoothly.
White Fang's squad, after being repeatedly outmaneuvered, found themselves surrounded. To allow Hatake Sakumo to continue his mission, his teammates sacrificed themselves, using the entire squad as bait.
The Third Kazekage personally led over a dozen Jonin to corner Hatake Sakumo. However, the plan fell short; at the critical moment, Hatake Sakumo realized it was a trap and immediately withdrew, intending to rescue his teammates before breaking through the encirclement.
Fortunately, the Third Kazekage reacted swiftly, leading his forces in pursuit.
By the time White Fang's elite squad finally broke through, eight or nine out of ten of his comrades had perished. White Fang himself was severely wounded again, even more so than the previous time.
"Chiyo-sensei," Qingshui suddenly called out to Chiyo.
"I think the pressure on us in the Land of Rain should significantly decrease."
"Oh? Tell me your thoughts," Chiyo said with a smile, sipping her tea.
White Fang had been beaten up again; of course, she was the happiest.
Her greatest regret, however, was that White Fang, that guy, actually hadn't died.
"First, there's the direct impact of White Fang's severe injuries. The fact that Konoha would assign Hatake Sakumo to such a mission indicates that Konoha's higher-ups are desperate to change the situation on their Western Front. Their disadvantage is greatest there, and now that hope is dashed, the situation will only worsen. Konoha will undoubtedly send more reinforcements to the Western Front to strengthen their defenses, unless the Third Hokage wants us to reach Kikyō Pass."
"Well said, but Konoha has the deepest foundation among the Five Great Shinobi Villages. What if they still have reserves within the village?" Chiyo said unhurriedly, seemingly testing Qingshui.
"But at the very least, they'll need someone with great strength, someone who can contend with the Third Kazekage for at least a certain period. Hatake Sakumo has been severely wounded twice by the Third Kazekage within a year, leading to the collapse of Konoha's Western Front. If I were a Konoha elder, I would certainly believe that White Fang's ability is insufficient to withstand the Third Kazekage. They would definitely dispatch a new expert while White Fang is recuperating from his severe injuries back in the village."
"Hmm, then who do you think Konoha will send?" Chiyo nodded, quite satisfied with Qingshui's judgment. She continued to ask.
"Orochimaru."
"Continue, tell me why it would be Orochimaru."
"The Third Hokage remains stationed in Konoha; I don't believe the so-called 'Shinobi Professor' is afraid of death. It's more likely he's leading reserve forces to keep an eye on the Mist Hidden and Cloud Hidden, and he certainly won't personally take to the field. Mitokado Homura is the Western Front commander, but his strength is slightly inferior to White Fang's. He only holds his position due to his seniority, being a trusted classmate of Hiruzen Sarutobi, and a Konoha elder.
To say he could barely manage against the Third Generation, I think he might have the strength, but it's impossible for him to turn the tide. Utatane Koharu's strength is even weaker. Not to mention, if the Cloud Hidden or Mist Hidden send troops and the Third Hokage goes to battle, Utatane Koharu would definitely have to stay behind to manage logistics and oversee Konoha Village. She wouldn't be able to act either.
Danzō's strength is a bit greater, but he's currently the commander on the Rain Country Front. The Rain Country front hasn't seen major upheaval. If the Third Hokage wants stability, he certainly won't replace him. So this candidate should be one of the Sannin.
Orochimaru has already proven his command abilities on the battlefield in the Land of Rain. He is powerful and fully capable of taking on this role.
Everyone also knows that the Third Hokage's most likely successor is Orochimaru. If they want to pave the way for Orochimaru to become the Fourth Hokage years from now, then it's essential for him to take on this role and cultivate his trusted followers."
"As expected of my disciple; your analysis is very thorough!" Chiyo was increasingly pleased with her student.
Not only did he have great talent and rapid progress in strength, but his mind was also sharp.
Once he grew up, the Sand Village could be assured of not declining for the next few decades.
"Most of what you said is correct, with only one misjudgment."
Chiyo took out another document.
"This is a mission report from the reconnaissance squad. Konoha ninja are currently re-mobilizing supplies and troops.
Both Orochimaru and Danzō are relatively aggressive individuals. However, Orochimaru is more rational despite his aggression, while Danzō tends to use more underhanded, demonic tactics when being aggressive.
Konoha will indeed dispatch a top expert from the Land of Rain, as you said. It's highly likely to be Orochimaru, as you predicted. But it seems they hope to have a full-scale battle with us before he leaves. After all, if one of them leaves, it will be even harder for them to win on the Land of Rain battlefield in the future."
"So, a major battle is coming soon?"
Chiyo nodded slightly.
"Your squad's strength has improved rapidly. You now essentially possess Jonin-level strength. Pakura and Baki combined are comparable to a Jonin, and with two more Jonin, you'll be an elite squad entirely composed of Jonin. That's enough to undertake some important missions."
Chiyo flicked her sleeve, turned around, and looked at the map hanging on the wall.
"Reina is Danzō's person, codenamed 'Miko.' Your teacher, Ebizo, personally took action, working with intelligence ninja to extract some important information from Reina's mind. Although after that, Reina was killed by a seal Danzō had placed on her."
"Combined with the intelligence obtained from the head of that Sarutobi Clan Jonin we captured last time, cross-referencing the two, we followed the trail and apprehended several key Konoha figures. We've roughly identified several of Konoha's supply strongholds along the border of the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire."
Chiyo used a pencil to mark points on the map one by one, indicating four locations.
"When the war begins, Konoha will undoubtedly deploy their main forces. Even if their rear is still protected, it will certainly be weakened. Your squad is quite strong, but normally you either stay in logistics or perform missions below A-rank. Konoha's intelligence department won't have an accurate assessment of your strength. In other words, from Konoha's perspective, we'll suddenly have an additional squad with full Jonin-level strength."
"But... Captain Fukami's reputation should be quite significant, shouldn't it? It shouldn't be that easy for him to hide himself."
"You're right," Chiyo replied with a slight smile. "So we will also send two Jonin whose strength is on par with Fukami Senran's, but who shouldn't appear at this time, to perform the mission with you."
"Then who are they...?"
"You'll know tomorrow."
The next day.
Outside the Sand Hidden Camp.
Qingshui and his two companions were fully equipped, finally waiting for the two people they had been expecting.
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