The Hidden Sand began serious military maneuvers.
The preliminary strategic objectives for squeezing the Land of Rain have been basically completed, though they wanted to further drain the Land of Rain's viable forces, doing so would inevitably lead to direct conflict with the Hidden Rain Village.
Regarding the matter of squeezing the Land of Rain, Hidden Sand's senior advisor, Chiyo, did not want to provoke the limits of that demigod ninja — Hanzo of the Salamander.
Having faced Hanzo head-on several times before, Chiyo deeply understood Hanzo's might and terrifying nature. If his limits were crossed, it would surely incite furious retaliation from the Hidden Rain.
At this juncture, knowing where to stop is the best outcome. There might be opportunities for cooperation in the future.
"Elder Chiyo, the reinforcements will arrive in two days."
At the end of the last year, Hidden Sand determined to launch a full attack on the Konoha squad stationed in the Land of Rain in March this year, aiming to quickly crush the living forces that Orochimaru had deployed within the Land of Rain from the front.
Afterward, they planned to conduct prolonged military raids within the Land of Fire and needed to ensure their forces remained intact. The most critical part of this was the dispatch of two thousand ninjas from the Hidden Sand Village headquarters to form a large squad.
Once they join with the Hidden Sand troops here, their forces could expand to over seven thousand.
They will have an overwhelming advantage when facing Orochimaru's ninja squad, which numbers less than three thousand.
With the Land of Rain unable to be further squeezed, Hidden Sand was left with one target, also one of the most crucial strategic objectives to launch this war — invading the Land of Fire.
The glamorous world there awaits the visit of Hidden Sand ninjas.
Compared to the impoverished Land of Rain, the Land of Fire is truly the paradise.
"Thank you for your hard work. Are the medicines, ninja tools, and food supplies ready?"
Chiyo's expression eased.
Wars between ninjas do not necessarily unfold in the form of large-scale battles. Many times, the battles occur in the form of squads. Only when achieving special goals or in unavoidable circumstances, do large-scale battles take place.
For example, the upcoming plan for Hidden Sand to invade the Land of Fire was based on the groundwork laid in the Land of Rain last year, not needing to waste much time, quickly defeating Konoha from the front. Though casualties would be heavy, the gains afterwards would be significant.
"Yes. Over the past year, starting from October, we secretly began gathering resources enough for a squad of seven thousand to use for a year. However, after purchasing medicines and ninja tools, there was a severe shortage of food, so a loan was secured from the Shion Flower Merchants Association of the Land of Demons to purchase food."
A Hidden Sand Jonin reported truthfully.
Chiyo nodded.
In these special wartime periods, food costs are far higher than in peacetime.
Additionally, the expenses for ninja tools are not insignificant; an ordinary kunai can be worth a hundred ryo. Better quality kunai can reach three hundred to five hundred ryo per piece. The superior kunai are valued at over a thousand ryo. When these superior kunai interact with ordinary ones, the ordinary ones may break after just a few touches.
The standard number for ninjas to carry kunai ranges from five to ten.
This is only the expense of kunai, but with additional shuriken, explosive tags, and various special ninja tools, along with periodic maintenance costs, even with minimum quality and quantity, the total accumulation is certainly astronomical.
Ninja battles aren't just about competing ninja techniques and the ninja's qualities, but also the quality of ninja tools.
The quality of ninja tools can play a crucial role in the outcome of a battle.
This is why Chiyo opted for the strategy of squeezing the Land of Rain; the Land of Wind is not as affluent and thriving as the Land of Fire. Most of its territory is an arid desert that is hard to cultivate, placing its economy and resource utilization as the lowest among the Five Great Nations. Even with strong support from the Daimyo, there are times when consuming resources feels inadequately funded.
Saving the scarce resources by squeezing the Land of Rain is indeed a strategic move, not only reducing the threat from the Land of Rain but also having them bear the heavy military expenses of the Hidden Sand, achieving two goals at once.
"As long as we win this war, there's no need to worry about the loan. For now, our focus solely needs to be on Konoha."
Chiyo answered confidently.
She was already very clear about the situation of this war.
Konoha's forces were divided into three routes, with fewer than three thousand Konoha ninjas stationed in the Land of Rain, Konoha is fundamentally powerless to resist the upcoming attacks from Hidden Sand, quickly suffering a crushing defeat and opening its gates to the Land of Fire.
Therefore, regarding borrowing from other countries and gathering all war supplies, Chiyo felt it was no big issue. Soon, Hidden Sand would capitalize on the resources from the Land of Fire, not only quickly repaying the loan but also utilizing the remaining resources to develop Hidden Sand's military power.
Having considered everything, Chiyo felt her plan could be rated as flawless.
At this point, another Hidden Sand Jonin walked in.
"Elder Chiyo."
"What's the matter?"
"The Hidden Rain Village Leader, Hanzo, wants to see you."
"That old man with the breathing apparatus?"
Sitting in her chair, Chiyo frowned, perplexed about Hanzo's intention in leaving the Hidden Rain Village to come to her at this time.
No matter how you think of it, it's hard to guess Hanzo's motive, and Chiyo stood up from her chair, telling the Hidden Sand Jonin, "Take me to see him, this old man with the breathing apparatus isn't easy to deal with."