The Third Kazekage had set up an inescapable net, targeting White Fang.
At first, the plan went very smoothly.
The squad led by White Fang was repeatedly outmaneuvered. In order for Sakumo Hatake to continue the mission, his teammates used themselves as bait, luring the enemy and falling into a deadly encirclement.
The Third Kazekage personally led more than ten Jonin to besiege Sakumo Hatake. However, he was outplayed at the critical moment—Sakumo saw through the trap and immediately shifted his position, intending to rescue his teammates and then break out together.
Fortunately, the Third Kazekage reacted in time and quickly led his men in pursuit.
By the time White Fang's elite squad finally broke out, nearly all his companions had died, and White Fang himself was gravely injured once again—this time, even worse than before.
"Chiyo-sensei."
Hardy suddenly called out to Chiyo.
"I think the pressure we're facing in the Land of Rain is about to ease quite a bit."
"Oh? Tell me your reasoning," Chiyo replied with a smile, sipping her tea.
White Fang had been beaten again—naturally, this delighted her.
But she also felt a bit regretful, since that guy White Fang actually survived.
"First, there's the direct impact of White Fang's severe injuries. The fact that Konoha previously sent Sakumo Hatake on such a mission shows that their leadership is desperate to change the situation on their western front, where their disadvantage is greatest. Now that hope has been dashed, the situation will continue to deteriorate. Konoha will surely send reinforcements to the western front and strengthen their defenses—unless the Third Hokage wants us to push all the way to Kikyo Mountain."
"Well said. But Konoha, among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, has the deepest reserves. What if they still have backup forces in the village?" Chiyo asked unhurriedly, as if testing Hardy.
"At the very least, they'll need someone with enough strength to contend with the Third Kazekage for a while. Sakumo Hatake has now been severely wounded by the Third Kazekage twice in a year, causing Konoha's western front to collapse. If I were Konoha's leadership, I'd think White Fang isn't capable of holding back the Third Kazekage. While he's back in the village recuperating, I'd definitely dispatch a new powerhouse."
"Hmm. Who do you think Konoha will send?" Chiyo nodded, satisfied with Hardy's analysis, and pressed on.
"Orochimaru."
"Go on—why Orochimaru?"
"The Third Hokage is sitting tight in Konoha. I don't believe a so-called 'Shinobi Hero' would be afraid of death; more likely, he's leading reserve forces to guard against Kirigakure and Kumogakure, so he won't personally go to the front lines. Mitokado Homura is the commander of the western front, but his strength is a bit inferior to White Fang's—he's mainly there due to seniority and being Sarutobi Hiruzen's classmate and confidant. He can probably hold the line against the Third Kazekage, but he can't turn the tide. Koharu Utatane is even weaker, and if Kumo or Kiri attack, and the Third Hokage has to go to the front, Koharu would have to stay behind to handle logistics and oversee Konoha—she can't be dispatched either.
Shimura Danzo is stronger, but he's currently the commander at the Rain front. Since that front hasn't had any major issues, if the Third Hokage wants stability, he won't reassign Danzo. So, the candidate should be one of the Sannin.
Orochimaru has already proven his command ability and strength on the Rain battlefield—he's more than capable of taking on this role.
Everyone knows the Third Hokage's most likely successor is Orochimaru. If they want to pave the way for him to become the Fourth Hokage in the future, it's necessary for him to take on this responsibility and cultivate his own loyal followers."
"As expected of my disciple—your analysis is thorough!" Chiyo was increasingly satisfied with her apprentice.
Not only was Hardy talented and improving rapidly, but also sharp-minded.
Once fully grown, Hardy could ensure Sunagakure's strength for decades to come.
"Most of what you said is correct, but there's one point you misjudged," Chiyo said, taking out a document.
"This is a mission report from the reconnaissance squad. Konoha's shinobi have recently been redeploying supplies and troops.
Both Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo are aggressive by nature—Orochimaru is more rational, while Danzo prefers underhanded tactics.
As you said, Konoha will send a top-tier expert away from the Rain front—most likely Orochimaru. But it seems that before he leaves, they want to gather all their strength for a major battle with us. After all, if one of their top fighters leaves, it'll be even harder for them to win in the Land of Rain later."
"So, a major battle is coming soon?" Hardy asked.
Chiyo nodded slightly.
"Your squad has improved quickly. You now basically have Jonin-level strength. Together, Pakura and Baki can match a Jonin as well. With two more Jonin, you're essentially an elite squad composed entirely of Jonin—enough to handle important missions."
Chiyo waved her sleeve and turned to look at the map on the wall.
"Reina was one of Danzo's people, codenamed 'Miko.' Your teacher Ebizo personally worked with intelligence ninjas to extract important information from Reina's mind, though after that, she was killed by a seal Danzo had placed.
Combined with the intel found in the mind of that Sarutobi clan Jonin we captured last time, and following the clues, we've managed to seize several key Konoha personnel and roughly pinpoint several of Konoha's supply depots along the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire."
Chiyo marked four locations on the map with a pencil.
"When the battle starts, Konoha will commit their main force. Even if the rear is still guarded, its defenses will be weakened. Your squad is strong, but usually you're either in the logistics department or carrying out missions that aren't A-level…"
Missions of this rank mean that Konoha's intelligence division won't have an accurate assessment of your true abilities. In other words, as far as Konoha is concerned, we've suddenly gained a squad where every member has jōnin-level strength."
"But… Captain Kazakami is quite famous, isn't he? It shouldn't be that easy for him to hide his identity."
"You're right. That's why we'll also be sending two other jōnin, both on par with Kazakami Chiran in strength, but who shouldn't be appearing on the battlefield at this time, to accompany you on the mission."
Chiyo smiled slightly as she answered.
"And they are…?"
"You'll find out tomorrow."
The next day.
Outside the Sunagakure camp.
The three members of Hardy's team, fully equipped, finally saw the two people they had been waiting for.