Tsunade stood tall, her feet planted firmly on the highest branch of a massive tree. Her piercing golden eyes, reminiscent of polished glass, scanned the distant Rain Ninja camp, seemingly able to see through the layers of wooden structures. Even without consciously activating her sensory abilities, the sprawling wooden camps were reflected clearly in her gaze, and the movements of the Rain Ninjas, scurrying within the camp, resembled a colony of ants at work.
"It's time to bring an end to this endless conflict," she thought, her expression unwavering.
The Land of Rain and its ninja village, situated on the border of Konoha, had long been known for its martial traditions and belligerent nature. Tough in both external relations and internally governed by the iron fist of Hanzō of the Salamander, the Rain Ninja Village had become a formidable force—one that even Konoha had to regard with caution.
But Tsunade felt no fear in her heart. On the battlefield, the Konoha army had firmly suppressed the Rain Ninjas, their control over all but their main camp lost. The battle was all but over.
Tsunade took one last sweeping look at the Rain Ninja camp, mentally calculating the remaining strength of the enemy forces. Satisfied, she turned away, heading back to the Konoha camp in the rear.
"Lady Tsunade," a voice called out as she entered the camp.
Most of the Konoha ninja corps had gathered, with some running to secure rear routes, others dispatched to scout, and a few on special assignments. The rest, a little over fifteen hundred strong, were waiting for the orders to strike.
Tsunade surveyed the gathered ninjas before speaking, her voice steady and commanding.
"The enemy has retreated into their camp. We're going to attack it head-on. Though their defenses are formidable, we have no choice but to press forward. We may pay a heavy price, but we must win."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over her forces.
"I, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya will lead the charge. The three of us will summon large beasts to disrupt their defenses, creating an opening. Once you see the breach, you must rush in with all your might and finish them."
Her voice rose with fervor, her words full of resolve. Her golden hair seemed to shine brighter under the sunlight, and the fire in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Are there any questions?" she asked, surveying the faces of the assembled ninjas.
No one spoke out. Whether they were clan ninjas or civilians, all understood the gravity of the situation. In the world of ninjutsu, where strength and power were the ultimate currencies, it was the high-level combatants who tipped the scales. The strategy of leading from the front, as Tsunade and her comrades did, was a proven one. After all, victories were often decided not by the rank-and-file, but by the outcome of battles between the strongest.
Tsunade gave a slight nod, her expression resolute.
"Very well," she said. "Let's claim victory and bring everyone back to Konoha alive. Move out!"
With her command, the ninja army set forth in unison, marching towards the Rain Ninja camp under the leadership of the three legendary figures.
In the face of large-scale warfare, the individual strength of a ninja becomes less relevant. The battle was no longer about small squads of assassins or ambushes—it was now a contest of armies, each force aligning behind their leaders.
The cold wind whistled across the battlefield, carrying with it the promise of devastation. The once lush bushes and fertile land were now mere remnants of what had been, soon to be reduced to ashes and scorched earth.
But the land would eventually heal—years later, it would be green once more.
War was a brutal and unrelenting force, with no room for hesitation. With a thunderous crash of white mist, colossal summoning beasts appeared on the battlefield, signaling the beginning of the final assault.
Tsunade summoned a gargantuan white slug, which immediately split into smaller slugs. These slugs scurried to each of the Konoha ninjas, providing much-needed medical support as the battle raged.
Alongside her, Orochimaru and Jiraiya unleashed their own summoned beasts—a massive python and a gigantic toad, respectively.
Orochimaru, perched atop the legendary serpent Manda, narrowed his cold, calculating eyes as he surveyed the enemy camp up ahead. The enemy ninjas were beginning to organize their defenses, but Orochimaru seemed unfazed.
With a thin, sinister smile, he addressed his summoned beast.
"It seems Manda is hungry," he said with a chilling calm. "Go and crush their defenses. I'll leave the rest to you."
Manda's massive, serpent-like body slithered into motion, causing the ground beneath it to tremble. With each coil, the earth seemed to crack and shift, the massive creature carving a path of destruction through the battlefield. The huge snake's cold, cruel eyes reflected an almost glee-like hunger as it prepared to annihilate anything in its path.
"I'll feast on them," Manda hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "Watch and learn, Orochimaru."
And with that, the battle for the Rain Ninja camp had truly begun.
"Gamabunta, let's go too!" Jiraiya called out, standing atop the massive toad, his voice commanding as he rushed toward the battlefield with thunderous momentum.
Behind him, the two enormous summoned beasts—Gamabunta and Manda—tore through the Rain Ninja camp's defenses with savage force. The carefully constructed barriers and traps were obliterated in moments, and every step forward claimed countless lives.
"Follow me! Kill them all!" Tsunade's voice rang out, her command cutting through the chaos. Remaining grounded to lead the charge, she watched as the Konoha ninja corps surged forward, pressing relentlessly toward the enemy lines. The Rain Ninjas, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, quickly scrambled into defensive formations.
What followed was a brutal clash—an unyielding, vicious fight where the land became a stage for carnage. The air crackled with energy as jutsu collided and death loomed at every corner. Within moments, the battlefield was filled with the sounds of combat, and bodies began to fall in droves.
From the Uchiha ranks, a massive Great Fireball Technique erupted, scorching the earth in its wake. The Akimichi clan formed their Human Bullet Tank formations, charging with devastating speed. Meanwhile, water blades sliced through the air, intertwining with the deadly rain of senbon, creating a brutal dance of destruction.
In this chaotic melee, killing became the only truth. Whether they were fresh genin, seasoned chūnin, or jōnin with families waiting at home, every single one of them faced the grim reality that their lives could be snuffed out in an instant. The battlefield was merciless, and life was fragile. A single kunai, a moment's hesitation, and even the most experienced could fall.
"Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!" Itoshiki shouted as he rapidly formed hand seals, launching a barrage of fireballs. The flames split midair, weaving through the chaos to strike down several Rain Ninjas who had been preparing hand seals of their own. His gaze swept across the battlefield, quickly assessing the situation.
The pressure on Konoha forces was lighter than expected. In fact, the Rain Ninjas' resistance was less fierce than intelligence reports had indicated.
Most of the Konoha jōnin shared the same thought as Itoshiki. The anticipated counterattack never came. The fight was proceeding far more smoothly than anyone had expected.
Tch, Tsunade thought to herself. With such a meager force, can this really be all they have?
As the situation unfolded, Tsunade's mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. This is too easy... If it were just a matter of luring us in, they've vastly underestimated Konoha. Hanzō of the Salamander is not one to rely on such simple tactics. There has to be more to this—what are they planning?
Despite her suspicions, Tsunade knew there was no room for hesitation. No matter what trap the Rain Ninjas had laid, they could not afford to slow down. Taking the front-line camp was the key to breaking through their defenses. Once that was done, their forces would overwhelm the enemy, pushing deep into the heart of the Land of Rain. Victory would be within reach.
Whatever their plan is, we must push through, Tsunade thought, determination settling in. The Rain Ninjas' front-line camp must fall today, no matter the cost.
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