At Kikyo Mountain, within Sunagakure's secret encampment, Kazekage Rasa convened a meeting in a tent filled with the village's elite Jōnin, the pinnacle of Sunagakure's strength.
"We've received word that Iwagakure is advancing toward the Land of Fire. This is our opportunity." Rasa declared, addressing the gathered ninjas.
"Iwagakure is finally moving against the Land of Fire." one Jōnin remarked, a spark of excitement in their eyes.
The alliance between Sunagakure and Iwagakure was no secret to these Jōnin, though they had begun to doubt whether Iwagakure would honor it, given their inaction thus far.
While Sunagakure's ninjas didn't fear Konoha's forces, they couldn't deny that Konoha's overall strength surpassed their own. If Konoha hadn't been holding back, wary of potential ambushes from other villages, Sunagakure's situation would be far more precarious.
"Now, let's discuss the recent battles between Konoha and Sunagakure, as well as our preparations for what's to come. One thing is clear: Iwagakure's advance will unsettle Konoha's ninjas. When that happens, Sunagakure may seize the chance for a decisive victory." Rasa said slowly.
After some time, once the war plans were finalized, most of the Jōnin left the tent, leaving only a few key figures behind, Sunagakure's true high command. Chiyo was among them.
"You're all aware of recent events. One individual has caused Sunagakure significant losses, something even Jiraiya and Orochimaru couldn't achieve." Rasa said gravely.
"That Konoha prodigy, Tengen?" A middle-aged Jōnin asked.
"Exactly. He's inflicted heavy damage on our forces, so we must devise a way to trap him on this battlefield." Rasa said, his gaze sweeping the group.
"I've assessed Tengen's strength. Ordinary ninjas can't contain him, not even I or you, Kazekage-sama." Chiyo said deliberately. "We need to leverage a unique power: Shukaku's."
"Shukaku's power?" The words sent a shiver through the other Jōnin. The One-Tail was Sunagakure's strategic weapon, sealed away since the death of its last Jinchūriki.
"Shukaku, huh?" Rasa mused. After Sunagakure was attacked, he had brought Shukaku along, anticipating a moment when its power might be needed. That moment had arrived.
"That's feasible." Rasa nodded. "But we must also track Tengen's movements. Using Shukaku against him directly is risky, it doesn't distinguish friend from foe. We'll need to set up a interni a barrier to trap both Tengen and Shukaku inside."
"That's doable." another Jōnin said. "A barrier capable of withstanding a Tailed Beast's power for a short time can be managed with our ninjas' coordination."
"Good. Let's plan how to deal with Tengen." Rasa said, a cold smile curling his lips.
Having been humiliated by Tengen's victory in the village, Rasa was determined to eliminate him. Tengen's prominence in the ongoing Shinobi World War made him an even greater threat to Sunagakure.
Unbeknownst to Rasa, Tengen was fearless. If Shukaku were unleashed against him, he'd welcome the challenge.
At Konoha's encampment, Tengen and Jiraiya discussed tomorrow's missions and the areas they needed to scout.
As dusk settled over the camp, Tengen walked through, accompanied by a young girl, his friend, Yūhi Kurenai, a Chūnin who had joined the war effort.
Kurenai had grown rapidly during this time.
"How've you been, Kurenai?" Tengen asked, noting the battle-worn aura on her face.
The ninja world could be cruel, forcing children into war. Kurenai, at least, was a teenager and a Chūnin before entering the battlefield. During the Second Shinobi World War, some fresh academy graduates were thrust into combat.
In the ninja world, age didn't matter, only strength did.
"I'm fine, Tengen. Thank you." Kurenai replied, shaking her head. Tengen had helped her immensely, not only guiding her in genjutsu but also including her in his team, where he could better protect her.
"Tengen, hanging out with Kurenai again? Are you trying to woo her?" Kushina teased, striding over with her usual boldness.
"Kushina-sama!" Kurenai's cheeks flushed, and she stole a shy glance at Tengen.
"Kushina, keep that up, and I won't go easy on you." Tengen said, exasperated.
"Oh, I'm so scared." Kushina laughed, winking at Kurenai. "Work hard, Kurenai!"
"Come on, Kurenai." Tengen said. "Let's go. Rest up, tomorrow's another mission."
"Got it." Kurenai nodded, her cheeks still red as an apple.
The next day, Tengen led his team of dozens through a designated area, searching for Suna-nins.
"Hm?" Tengen's gaze snapped to a certain direction, his eyes narrowing.
"What's up, Tengen?" Kushina asked.
"I might've found something." Tengen said with a faint smile. "Kushina, take the team and inform Jiraiya and Orochimaru. Head that way, there might be a big catch."
"What about you?" Kushina asked, startled.
"I'll scout ahead. Don't worry, I've got the Flying Thunder God Technique." Tengen assured her.
"Alright, be careful. I'm going now." Kushina said, leading the team away.
"A signal for an ultra-clear video." Tengen muttered. "Now that's rare."
***
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