"Achoo!"
Minato, who had left using the Instantaneous Body Technique, suddenly sneezed. He looked back at the tent from which roars were coming and couldn't help but shiver. He then quickly turned and left that troublesome place.
… …
Konoha Battlefield.
Sunagakure Frontline Camp.
"Well done, you've worked hard."
Chiyo put down the scroll and nodded to the Sunagakure reconnaissance team leader kneeling before her.
"It was no hardship, Lady Chiyo. We encountered Konoha ninja during our reconnaissance."
"Did you engage them?"
"No, we retreated after a brief encounter."
After the Sunagakure captain finished speaking, he hesitated but didn't mention their engagement with the native forces of the Land of Rain. In his opinion, such a matter wasn't essential, and it made no difference whether he mentioned it or not.
"I understand. You may go rest now."
"Yes!"
Watching the captain leave the tent, Chiyo turned to Ebizo, who had been sitting silently for a while, and said in a deep voice, "Tell me, what should we do?"
Ebizo stood up, walked to the large map hanging on the wall, organised his thoughts, and then turned to Chiyo.
"Sister, the current situation is not very favourable for us, so a shift on the battlefield is inevitable."
"That's right."
Chiyo nodded in agreement, walked over to Ebizo, pointed to a spot on the map, and said in a deep voice, "This is the strategic stronghold we have temporarily designated and must occupy. If we can take these places, we can at least be invincible on the Land of Rain battlefield."
"Exactly. And as for Iwagakure, I already sent someone yesterday. If they agree, I will draft an agreement to form an alliance. At that time, we can catch Konoha off guard on the battlefield."
"Well done. We can only do our best."
Chiyo patted Ebizo's shoulder, feeling a sense of melancholy.
The Hidden Sand Village's strength was truly at the bottom among the Five Great Ninja Villages. There were only a few Kage-level experts, and all types of talents were incredibly scarce.
It hadn't been long since they started fighting Konoha when Iwagakure also joined the war, causing various supplies to be consumed at double the rate. Konoha was wealthy and had abundant supplies, so they weren't worried about a prolonged war.
Sunagakure, however, was in a dire situation, already dirt poor and living a miserable life. They had barely recovered from the Second Ninja World War when they were forced to start the first war due to the disappearance of their Kazekage. With multi-front operations, the consumption of war materials increased.
While enduring for a year or so wasn't a big problem, months had passed since the war began without any progress in the battle. Even if the two were anxious, there was nothing they could do. They could only maintain the status quo while looking for a way to break the deadlock.
… …
Konoha Battlefield.
Iwagakure Frontline Camp.
The Iwagakure high-ranking officials standing inside the tent were engaged in a heated discussion. The atmosphere was much more serious than in either Konoha or Sunagakure. After all, according to the current situation, although they hadn't suffered losses on the battlefields against Konoha and Sunagakure and even held a slight advantage,
If their sworn enemy, Kumogakure, entered the fray, this slight advantage would quickly disappear and turn into a disadvantage.
It should be noted that apart from Konoha, whose Land of Fire was in the centre of the four countries, forcing them into four-front warfare, Iwagakure's position was the most awkward.
To their direct south was the Land of Wind, where Sunagakure was located, with only two small countries separating them, ready for conflict at any time.
To their southeast was the Land of Fire, where Konoha was located. Needless to say, they were direct neighbours, and there was always a battle in every Ninja World War.
To their direct east, past a few small countries, was the Land of Lightning, where Kumogakure was located.
Now, three factions had already entered the fray, and Kumogakure's entry was expected to happen soon. At that time, they would definitely declare war on both Konoha and Iwagakure simultaneously.
By then, Iwagakure would have to begin three-front warfare. Therefore, Iwagakure's current situation was not much better than Sunagakure's or Konoha's.
"Alright, everyone, calm down and let Lord Shiroyama make the decision."
After discussing for a long time without reaching a conclusion, everyone's gaze collectively turned to Shiroyama, who was seated at the head, awaiting his decision.
Shiroyama, Iwagakure Jonin Squad Leader, possessed extraordinary strength and was also Kitsuchi's Jonin instructor. He held a very high position and reputation within Iwagakure. On the Konoha battlefield, he served as the Commander, with Kitsuchi and Roshi as his left and right hands, seated on either side.
"Everyone, there's no need to be too anxious. Yesterday, Sunagakure sent someone over, indicating that after entering the Land of Rain battlefield, our two sides can temporarily join forces on the battlefield to resist Konoha together."
At this point, Shiroyama's tone remained unchanged. After scanning the room and seeing no one speak, he calmly asked, "What do you all think?"
Kitsuchi, sitting to his right, pondered for a moment before slowly speaking. "Lord Shiroyama, I think it's feasible. We and Sunagakure don't really have much animosity. The immediate priority is to quickly break this current stalemate. A temporary alliance is not inappropriate. However, we must also be careful of those Sunagakure fellows suddenly turning against us."
"Not bad."
Shiroyama first affirmed Kitsuchi's suggestion, then looked at the people in the room and said calmly, "What are the others' opinions?"
Everyone looked at each other and finally realised that everything that could be said had already been said. They could only raise their hands one by one to indicate.
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
"Good, in that case, reply to Sunagakure immediately. Roshi, the matter of sending troops to the Land of Rain is entrusted to you."
"Yes!"
Roshi, who had been quietly listening to others speak, stood up and left, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.
He had been looking forward to this battle for a long time. This time, Konoha, you won't be as lucky as last time!
… …
Sunagakure Battlefield.
Konoha Frontline Camp.
"Lord Sakumo, this map couldn't have come at a better time! Minato and his team did a splendid job!"
Nara Shikaku looked at the map in his hand and said joyfully to Sakumo Hatake, who was seated at the head.
"Is that so? Then let's start sending troops to the Land of Rain. If there are no surprises, Sunagakure will most likely form an alliance with Iwagakure next. Prepare for a fierce battle."
Sakumo Hatake stood up and walked to the sand table, looking at the undulating terrain and the dense enemy markings. His expression became somewhat solemn.
"Senior Sakumo, there's no need to worry too much. Although Sunagakure and Iwagakure are not weak, in this Ninja World, we are ultimately the strongest."
Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, looking at the two men and speaking calmly. Her strong confidence infected them both.
"Hahaha, indeed. Our Konoha does not fear any invading enemy. If they come, we'll simply cut them down."
Sakumo Hatake's expression also relaxed. He stroked the short sword placed on the table, a faint smile appearing on his face.
What if they join forces? What if they swarm us? Even if the four countries besiege us, caught between two fires, Konoha remains invincible in the Ninja World.