Both Kakashi and Kogetsu stood before Hisen, the leader of the Hidden Waterfall village as they made their introductions.
The situation was delicate with the loss of their forces due to the Stone's ambush tactics. Still, Hisen seemed keen on making the most of their presence, even if Kakashi did get the sense he was willing to sacrifice them for the greater good of his village.
"Our scouts have indicated that the enemy forces are trying to surround the entrance to our village and work their way in through the cave system," Hisen said.
"However, I cannot allow this to happen." He then said after a brief pause.
"I am planning on launching a full counterattack that will cause even the mighty Stone village to crumble!" Hisen said with conviction.
"And just how are you planning on doing such a thing, sir?" Kakashi asked, seeming sceptical.
"With your help, we will target the enemy's stronghold that has been set up along the border of our land with the land of Earth. That is where we will strike, hitting them with everything we have at the same time." Hisen said, getting both Kakashi's and Kogetsu's full attention.
"What will such an attack achieve?" Kogetsu asked, not sure how taking out a border stronghold would help their village.
"I thought you might ask that..." Hisen said before he stood to his feet, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You see, due to the land of earth terrain, in order for them to supply goods as fast as possible to their front-line troops they have to follow the smooth road that follows along our border towards the land of Grass until they reach their next stronghold, finally leading them to Kannabi bridge, something I think you are familiar with, eh?" Hisen said, looking Kakashi in the eye as he triggered the memory.
"I see..." Kakashi said after a moment to think about it.
"This way you not only cripple the supply line of the Stone village, aiding the Leaf and Mist in their war effort, but you also take out their ability to lay siege to your own village, leaving them open to attack from the other major villages," Kakashi said.
Kogetsu was also impressed with the details of his plan, knowing that Fuyōna must have sent them for this very reason, but decided to withhold the information for some reason.
"This plan is set to take place in one week's time, so I expect you to gather all of your manpower in that time," Hisen said, not seeming to care if some would still be injured or not.
"Very well, sir," Kakashi said, lowering his head a little out of respect.
Kogetsu did the same thing and both of them slowly took a couple of steps backwards before dismissing themselves and leaving Hisen alone with his guards, watching as both Kakashi and Kogetsu left the room.
"With their help, we just might pull this off..." He said, thinking hard about all of the details.
Kogetsu and Kakashi both made their way out of the main hall after having had their meeting with Hisen. Both of them know understood the plan and each of them knew that they would have to brief their own troops on the situation.
"I take it I can leave you to let Ganryu know the details?" Kakashi asked.
Kogetsu nodded.
"Of course." He said.
"Alright then, I'm going to go and tell my unit. I suggest you do the same and make the most of this time to rest and prepare." Kakashi said, heading off down one of the hallways.
Kogetsu didn't say anything and headed back towards the main hall where he had left Kimimaro and the others.
"Hey look, Kogetsu is back," Koyuki said, getting the other's attention.
The group had been sitting and waiting in the hall, making sure to keep to themselves and not cause any trouble.
"So, what's the plan?" Chika asked, not being able to wait.
Kogetsu remained silent for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"We will attack the Stone's outpost along the border of the land of Waterfalls and the land of Earth, striking a direct blow to the enemy forces and cutting off one of their main supply lines." Kogetsu said.
No one said a word as they processed the information.
"That makes sense." Haku then said, taking a moment to think about it.
"So when is this happening?" Rokuro also asked.
"In one week," Kogetsu said.
"We move in one week, regardless of anyone who is injured or not." He then added.
"Do you think captain Ganryu will be able to fight in a week?" Chika asked, not seeming so sure herself.
"I don't know..."
"But for now, I suggest we all get some rest and head to the accommodation that has been provided for us," Kogetsu said, getting an agreeing nod from everyone.
"I also think it will be best if we stay out of sight as much as we can." Kogetsu then added, getting another silent nod from everyone as they all followed him down one of the hall ways.
"Anyway, that's how that fight ended up going, and let's just say it wasn't his best moment." A familiar voice said before its owner turned the corner with a small group of others, almost bumping into Kogetsu and the group.
"Wow, sorry about that. Didn't see you there." The boy said, instantly recognizing the hidden Mist headbands that they were all wearing.
"Hold up... You guys?" The boy said, pointing to Kimimaro and the others.
"Who the hell is that?" Chika said, not having a clue who he was.
"It's me... Botan. We took the Chunin exams together." He said, helping to jog their memories.
"Oh, that's right... I remember you now." Rokuro said, giving him a nod.
"I take it you are here to help us with the up-and-coming attack?" Botan said, seeing that they had all been through a tough time.
"That's right," Kimimaro said, remembering Botan had been on Hattori's squad during the final exam.
"Well, if you guys need anything, let me know. I don't know how you guys faired after the exams, but I was promoted to Chunin." Botan said flashing them a smile.
"That's good to hear, perhaps a small tour of your village would be good," Kimimaro asked, taking advantage of his offer.
Botan smiled before he gave his reply.
"Sure, how about tomorrow?" He said.
"That would be great." Haku then said, stepping forwards.
"Alright, I will meet you at your living quarters tomorrow then, make sure to get some rest!" Botan then said, giving them a thumbs up.
With that Botan and Kimimaro bid each other farewell and went their separate ways, with Kogetsu leading the others to where they would be staying in the Waterfall village.
"The leader of the village was kind enough to provide us with some living accommodation in the quieter part of the village, meaning we can stay out of the way for the most part," Kogetsu said as they walked along a dirt path through some grassland to a large building.
"As long as it has a bath, anything will do for me," Chika said, placing her hands behind her head while walking.
"I'm sure it will be fine," Kogetsu said with a smile, also being from the Hozuki clan so he knew what she meant.
"After the effort, it took us to get here, I'm just looking forwards to getting some rest." Koyuki also said, feeling that her muscles were stiff and starting to cramp.
"I think we are all due a good rest," Kogetsu said, also remembering the events of the past few days. Including his battle with Zabuza.
The group quickly arrived at the building to find an old man waiting for them. The man was quick to hand out keys for each of them that had a room number on each.
"Ok, make sure you all get settled in. And make sure to get some rest." Kogetsu said, getting a nod from everyone as he looked over them.
"These last few days have been hard on all of us..." He thought, seeing the dirt and bruises on their bodies.
"But things are only going to get worse from here."
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Alright thats the end of this chapter! I hope you are enjoying it and as always thank you for your support!
If there is anything you would like to see or any ideas you have for the story, also please feel free to drop me a message anytime with them!