In most wars between the great nations, battles were fought on the soil of smaller countries.
During the Second Great Ninja War, the conflict between Konoha and Sunagakure had unfolded entirely within the Land of Rivers. The major powers preferred proxy battlefields, places where they could clash without directly damaging their own territories.
This time, however, the situation was different.
Two consecutive defeats had taught Sunagakure a painful lesson. If they could not overcome Konoha in a conventional engagement, then they would simply choose terrain that favored them.
Forests granted Konoha a natural advantage. At sea, Kirigakure reigned supreme. But in the desert, Sunagakure's combat capability surpassed every other village.
Moreover, the deeper Konoha's forces pushed toward the Land of Wind, the longer and more vulnerable their supply lines became. Whether Suna dispatched shinobi to sabotage those lines or Konoha attempted reinforcement and resupply, the difficulty multiplied significantly.
Naturally, Konoha would have preferred to stall the battlefield within the Land of Rivers, just as they had done before. But this war was not a simple bilateral conflict.
This time, four great nations were coordinating their pressure. If Konoha became entangled in prolonged warfare on one front, it would risk being attacked from multiple directions.
As previously determined, Konoha's only viable strategy was to concentrate its strength and eliminate one enemy swiftly.
Strategically, that meant defeating Sunagakure first. Only after removing the weakest of the coalition could Konoha afford to redistribute its forces against the remaining threats. They could not afford to stare across a vast no man's land and wait passively.
Under such circumstances, the battlefield selection inevitably favored Sunagakure.
The Third Kazekage's plan was proving effective. Even the relentless desert heat alone posed a serious challenge to Konoha's shinobi.
After three days of forced marching beneath the blazing sun, the unit led by Hayashi and Jiraiya finally arrived at Konoha's forward base along the border of the Land of Wind.
The camp stood firmly against the desert winds, banners snapping under the dry sky.
The moment they passed through the gate, Jiraiya spoke briskly. "Head straight to the main tent in the center. Orochimaru sent word, the war council is already in session."
"Understood," Hayashi replied, glancing at Mikoto beside him. "Let's go."
Mikoto hesitated slightly. War councils were typically restricted to senior personnel. However, after a brief pause, she followed him inside.
Within the central tent, several jonin were already gathered around a large table covered with maps and documents. Aside from Orochimaru, there were many experienced commanders present. When Hayashi, Jiraiya, and Mikoto entered, no one turned their heads. The discussion had reached a critical stage.
They quietly moved to a corner and waited.
Soon, assignments for the ordinary jonin concluded. After distributing orders, the majority of attendees exited the tent, leaving behind only key figures.
Although Mikoto was technically an ordinary jonin, her status was far from ordinary. As Orochimaru's disciple, she naturally remained.
Orochimaru's golden eyes shifted toward Hayashi.
"It has only been a few months, yet you have grown stronger again," he said calmly, his tone soft and measured.
Hayashi did not respond verbally, but he understood the implication. His training at Ryuchi Cave had significantly refined his control over Sage Mode. Even without fully activating it, his chakra presence was different from before.
Orochimaru had heard about the Sage Arts of Ryuchi Cave, yet he had never personally witnessed their true potential. Without direct exposure, even someone as brilliant as him could not fully appreciate the magnitude of that power.
It was similar to how he once lived in Konoha for years without paying much attention to the Sharingan, until he encountered a certain prodigy and witnessed the terrifying strength of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Power revealed perspective.
Compared to his composed acknowledgment of Hayashi and Mikoto, Orochimaru showed little enthusiasm toward Jiraiya, whom he had not seen for years. Jiraiya, clearly hoping for a more emotional reunion, looked mildly disappointed.
Still, judging by the faint smirk on his face, he was likely already planning to immortalize Orochimaru in his next manuscript.
"Regarding camp logistics," Orochimaru continued, turning to Jiraiya, "the documents on the table contain all relevant details. Review them when you have time. If I am deployed on a mission, you will assume command."
Currently, Orochimaru served as the supreme commander of the Wind front, with Jiraiya as his deputy. In terms of combat strength, the camp also housed Sakumo Hatake, known as the White Fang of Konoha, along with Uchiha Hayashi.
However, Sakumo had little patience for administrative matters. Compared to him, Jiraiya possessed greater adaptability in managing personnel and battlefield coordination.
"I understand," Jiraiya replied seriously.
The desert front was volatile. A commander might be summoned to the battlefield at any moment. One person alone could not shoulder the entire burden.
During the Second Great Ninja War, even a single front had required multiple commanders to maintain balance.
After concluding instructions to Jiraiya, Orochimaru turned his attention back to Hayashi and Mikoto.
"The village has not committed its full strength to the Land of Wind," he said evenly. "We have only a few dozen elite jonin. While we possess a considerable number of standard jonin and chunin, they will not determine the final outcome."
He gestured for them to approach the map.
With swift precision, Orochimaru formed three hand seals. Chakra flowed subtly, and a section of the map became highlighted in red ink.
"Observe this point carefully."
He tapped the marked location.
"Tomorrow, a Sunagakure raiding unit will pass through this route."
"I have prepared detailed intelligence for you. Intercept and eliminate them before they reach their encampment."
His voice remained calm, yet the meaning was unmistakable.
A clean, decisive elimination.
"The tent prepared for you is located in the central residential area," Orochimaru added.
Receiving their assignment, Hayashi and Mikoto left the command tent.
Unless extraordinary circumstances occurred, camp layouts rarely changed. Drawing from his experience during the previous war, Hayashi easily navigated toward Konoha's residential sector.
According to Orochimaru, someone familiar had arranged their accommodations. If there were no surprises, that person would likely be waiting nearby.
Under the gradually brightening moonlight, they spotted a young blond shinobi standing at the entrance.
"Minato," Hayashi called out as he approached. "It has been a w
hile."
Without hesitation, the two embraced firmly, a reunion between comrades forged in battle.
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