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The 100,000 White Zetsu forces advanced from three different directions, while the Allied Shinobi Forces split accordingly to intercept them. A reserve force was also left behind to provide reinforcements in case of ambushes.
In terms of sheer numbers, the shinobi were at a disadvantage. However, when it came to teamwork and battlefield adaptability, the White Zetsu clones were far inferior.
Leading the First Combat Division, Uchiha Fugaku led his forces in a rapid march toward the western border. Along the way, scout teams would periodically run up to Fugaku, delivering reports on the terrain and enemy movements.
These reconnaissance teams played a crucial role in detecting ambushes or traps. Every few kilometres, they rotated scouts, ensuring continuous surveillance while keeping the main force informed.
Several Hyūga Jōnin and Chūnin accompanied Fugaku, taking turns scanning for hidden enemies. Their presence significantly reduced the risk of running headfirst into an explosive tag trap, unlike a certain someone who had met such a fate in the past.
Receiving an alert from the scouts, Fugaku raised his hand, signalling the troops to halt. Hyūga Tokuma activated his Byakugan and described the enemy's numbers and positions.
The White Zetsu forces had no real formation. Their battle strategy was simply to overwhelm their opponents with sheer numbers.
Since they were still within the Land of Fire, Fugaku quickly checked his map and recalled the surrounding terrain. As the unit commander, he wasn't unprepared.
Fugaku swiftly arranged his troops into optimal positions in close combat; ranged attackers and support units all took their designated spots. He even factored in contingencies in case they needed to retreat or stall the enemy.
This battle was of utmost importance to him. Minato had entrusted him with command, a position that could have gone to at least five other capable Konoha shinobi. Since he had been chosen, he had to ensure a decisive victory.
Before long, a white line appeared on the horizon, gradually widening as it approached.
A massive wave of White Zetsu clones surged forward it was likely only the first wave.
As they came into clearer view, the shinobi could make out the grotesque, plant-like patterns and spikes covering their bodies. These humanoid figures wore no clothing and bore expressions ranging from twisted grins to eerie smirks. The estimated count exceeded 20,000.
Many younger shinobi who had never witnessed a battlefield of this scale instinctively swallowed hard.
Tens of thousands of monstrous figures advancing in eerie unison it was enough to make them clutch their weapons tighter.
It was at this moment that reality set in.
For those who had never experienced war, this was the moment they truly understood.
This was a battlefield.
A place where death could come at any moment.
Fugaku, sensing the shift in morale, spoke firmly.
"Do not panic. These enemies are called White Zetsu. White Zetsu dies when killed. They are not invincible monsters.
And do not fear injuries Lady Tsunade's medical division is stationed behind us, ready to provide support!"
"OH!!"
A resounding battle cry echoed through the ranks.
Whether it was the intel on the enemy or simply the reassuring mention of Tsunade's name, the soldiers found their confidence returning.
After all, having the best medical ninja in the world on their side was a huge morale booster.
"Prepare weapons! Attack!"
As the White Zetsu reached the attack range, Fugaku gave the command.
Shuriken, kunai, and various other ninja tools were hurled forward.
Each village had its preferred throwing weapons, shuriken, kunai, and windmill shuriken, but the Konoha shinobi all threw the same thing: kunai.
Why?
Because every single one of them had explosive tags attached.
Kunai handles were ideal for tying or wrapping explosive tags, making them incredibly efficient for mass deployment.
A series of explosions erupted across the battlefield, kicking up dust and debris. The White Zetsu shrieked, their cries drowned out by the deafening detonations.
However, the enemy lines continued advancing. The dense smoke made it difficult to assess the damage.
"Don't just stand there! Keep attacking!"
Fugaku's orders rang out, reminding the troops that every enemy killed from range meant fewer risks in close combat.
The shinobi quickly resumed their bombardment.
After a few volleys, some allied ninjas couldn't help but notice something odd.
Are the Konoha shinobi using explosive tags like they're free?!
That elderly Konoha Genin with the cooking pot he had already thrown at least twenty or thirty!
And the others weren't being frugal either!
The relentless series of explosions…
To outsiders, it didn't sound like battlefield combat it sounded like money being burned at an astronomical rate!
Can normal ninjas even afford this?!
The Konoha shinobi's answer?
Yes.
In fact, they could keep this up for several more rounds!
Unfortunately, before they could prove just how absurdly rich they were in explosive tags, the White Zetsu closed in.
They had burned through nearly half their stockpile, but the enemy was still advancing.
Had these been normal shinobi, their morale would have crumbled after enduring such an onslaught. But White Zetsu clones weren't affected by fear or psychological pressure they only knew how to push forward.
Seeing the enemy nearing, Fugaku raised his hand again.
"Fire Release Unit, prepare to attack!"
Nearly a hundred shinobi stepped forward, standing in a formation.
Most were from the Uchiha and Sarutobi clans, with a few others who specialized in Fire Release ninjutsu.
Fugaku himself joined the centre of the formation and led the charge.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
The Uchiha shinobi on either side followed suit.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
It wasn't that they couldn't use stronger fire techniques.
But when launching a large-scale attack against such disposable enemies, sheer quantity was more effective than complexity.
The Sarutobi shinobi used their clan's unique jutsu.
"Fire Release: Grand Flame Technique!"
Massive fireballs, each nearly ten meters in diameter, surged forward in a wall of flames.
The combined attacks merged into a blazing inferno, creating a firestorm that dwarfed even the Edo Tensei Madara's Great Fire Annihilation!
Well, it was a group effort, so maybe that wasn't something to brag about…
Nevertheless, the spectacle stunned the younger shinobi.
The heatwave painted the battlefield in red hues, scorching the ground and turning the advancing White Zetsu into living torches.
"This is incredible Fire Release!"
"Amazing! I've never seen such overwhelming ninjutsu before!"
"So this is the power of shinobi working together…!"
The flames swallowed the first wave of White Zetsu.
Hundreds collapsed, charred and smouldering. Even those on the outer edges of the attack suffered severe burns.
"Prepare for close combat!"
Without hesitation, Fugaku charged forward.
"OH!!"
The shinobi followed, weapons drawn.
After waves of projectile and ninjutsu bombardment, their spirits were high.
Not only had they significantly reduced the enemy numbers, but they had also reaffirmed Fugaku's words—
These creatures were far from invincible.
This battle had only just begun.
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