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Kitsuchi led the Second Combat Division with tactics similar to Fugaku's. Once again, shinobi from other villages were astonished by Konoha's extravagant use of explosive tags.
However, there was one key difference.
After several waves of thrown ninja tools, Kitsuchi and dozens of skilled Earth Release users unleashed Earth Release: Great Moving Earth Core.
In an instant, the ground beneath thousands of White Zetsu collapsed, forming a massive pit. The enemy tumbled into the trap, and before they could react, another barrage of ninja tools and explosive tags rained down upon them, causing heavy casualties.
Unfortunately, many White Zetsu quickly adapted, burrowing underground to escape.
The White Zetsu at the rear seemed to take inspiration from this and also began sinking into the earth, attempting to launch a surprise attack from below.
Some shinobi, unfamiliar with Earth Release tactics, were left momentarily dumbfounded at the now-empty battlefield. More experienced comrades quickly reminded them to remain on guard against underground threats.
"Earth Release: Opening Earth Rising Excavation!"
Kitsuchi knew waiting for an ambush was too risky. Instead, he took immediate action.
Placing his hands on the ground, he activated his jutsu, causing a massive mound of earth to rise ahead.
From its centre, tens of thousands of White Zetsu were violently expelled into the sky as if shot from a volcanic eruption.
"The scale of this Earth Release… As expected of the Tsuchikage's son!"
"That was incredible, Kitsuchi-sama!"
"Unbelievable strength!"
Cheers erupted from the Allied Forces. Kitsuchi allowed himself a small smile before quickly regaining his serious demeanour.
"It's not over yet! This battle has only just begun! Stay alert!"
As the White Zetsu rained down from above, the shinobi readied themselves for close combat, prepared to finish off those who survived the fall.
…
The Eastern Front
The Third Combat Division, led by Terumi Mei, engaged the enemy on the eastern coastline. As a candidate for the Fifth Mizukage, she was in her element fighting near water.
The moment the White Zetsu surfaced from the sea, Mei gave the order.
Thousands of ninja tools shot forward, greeting the enemy with a deadly welcome.
As the White Zetsu advanced, Mei led dozens of Water Release specialists, including Karin and Haku, into launching a synchronized attack.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!"
Dozens of massive water dragons surged toward the enemy, crashing into them like a tidal wave. The sheer scale of the technique was reminiscent of Naruto's overwhelming battle style.
After a few more ranged attacks, Mei glanced at Karin.
The red-haired girl was truly remarkable. Even among elite Jōnin, her Water Release techniques stood out.
No wonder Konoha keeps producing exceptional talent.
Still, now was not the time for admiration.
"Prepare for close combat!" Mei commanded.
Despite their devastating opening attacks, victory would ultimately be decided in close-quarters combat. Not every ninja had chakra reserves as limitless as Naruto's or ninja tools as endless as Tenten's.
As tens of thousands of warriors clashed, the White Zetsu's numbers granted them an initial advantage. However, battlefield conditions prevented them from fully utilizing their numerical superiority.
Even if they outnumbered the Allied Forces by 100,000 to 80,000, the battlefield could only accommodate so many at a time.
Even if they had five times the shinobi's numbers, they couldn't physically attack five-on-one in an ideal formation.
For most shinobi, fighting a single White Zetsu was manageable.
A Genin might struggle against one. A Chūnin could win after some effort. But facing multiple White Zetsu at once posed a real danger.
Take Iruka, for example. He could handle one or two White Zetsu, but three or more would be a serious threat.
Of course, with proper teamwork and strategy, even an outnumbered shinobi stood a fighting chance.
The White Zetsu were relentless and fearless, never hesitating even as their comrades fell.
The Allied Forces, on the other hand, fought with high morale and strong coordination.
Both sides had their strengths.
But as the battle dragged on, casualties began to mount on both sides.
The shinobi were human. They felt emotions.
Seeing comrades wounded or killed, some were gripped by fear.
But for most, it was grief.
And rage.
No one was more affected than the Uchiha.
Many had already been pushed to their limits, their Sharingan awakening or evolving in the heat of battle.
Some fought with a terrifying intensity, their eyes glowing red with fury.
Others, already awakened, had no time for regret.
They could only keep fighting, swinging their kunai and swords, trying to forget the pain of losing those dear to them.
The battle raged from noon until the sky was painted crimson with the setting sun.
Yet the White Zetsu kept coming.
By now, many shinobi were physically and mentally drained.
Training could never truly prepare one for the exhaustion of prolonged combat.
And the White Zetsu took full advantage of it, inflicting significant losses.
The Fourth Combat Division, originally a support unit, had long since joined the front lines to relieve pressure on the exhausted forces.
Naruto and Tenten, utilizing the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, travelled between battlefields, transporting injured shinobi to safety.
Naruto's shadow clones proved invaluable in this task, allowing him to assist multiple battlefields at once.
And at times, unable to watch any longer, he hurled a few Tailed Beast Bombs into the enemy ranks.
Finally, as night fell, the Five Kage issued the order to retreat in an orderly fashion, preparing for the next day's battle.
Gaara, Yagura, Fū, Han, Naruto, and Kushina were tasked with covering the retreat using their strongest ability Talk no Jutsu.
Of course, to prevent any of them from being abducted, Minato sent multiple shadow clones to guard them.
As several flashes of white light streaked across the battlefield, followed by thunderous explosions, the first day of war came to an end.
…
Nightfall—The Allied Camp
The various divisions retreated to safe zones, setting up tents and preparing meals.
At the same time, defences were strengthened, with patrols and barrier jutsu deployed to prevent surprise attacks.
As the exhausted shinobi fell into restless sleep, the medical division became the busiest part of the camp.
Countless wounded required urgent treatment.
Two individuals, in particular, had no time to rest: Naruto and Kushina.
During the battle, many shinobi had their chakra absorbed by White Zetsu.
This meant that the enemy could now impersonate them, right down to their chakra signatures making traditional sensory techniques unreliable.
The only countermeasure?
Naruto and Kushina's Malicious Chakra Perception, derived from Kurama's power.
Using this, they were deployed as True Sight Guards, ensuring that no White Zetsu infiltrated their ranks.
With their ability to create multiple shadow clones, they could scan the various camps throughout the night.
…
Command Tent
The Five Kage held a war council, reviewing reports compiled by Shikaku Nara and Mabui.
Upon hearing the casualty numbers, the Raikage slammed the table in frustration.
"We fought all day and didn't even see a single real enemy! They lost White Zetsu, but our losses were real people!"
"Please remain calm, Raikage-sama," Mabui urged. "Shikaku-san has yet to finish his analysis."
Shikaku spoke next.
"The enemy's strategy is odd. They didn't scout, they didn't probe our weaknesses they immediately launched an all-out attack.
Something doesn't add up.
It feels like… they have another objective beyond simply exhausting our forces."
The room fell silent.
What was their true goal?
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