Tsuchikage Building Combat Command Center
On a huge strategic sand table covering the entire central area of the conference center, symbols representing different forces are intertwined. The red arrow seems to pierce into the heart of the Rain Country from the direction of the Wind Country, while the green Konoha symbol is resisting stubbornly in the southeast of the Rain Country, and there is a tendency to extend northwestward towards the Earth Country and southwest deep into the Rain Country.
The blue mark representing Yuyin appears chaotic and fragile, constantly squeezed by the red and green colors.
This is the war nerve center of Iwagakure, where encrypted intelligence from different border outposts and hidden spies is constantly being deciphered and added to the battle board.
"Confirmed that the Sand Village forces have broken through the Rain Village's third line of defense."
"Konoha's forces and Hanzo's direct forces are fighting fiercely on the Rain Swamp Plains, and the poisonous fog is expanding..."
"Traces of Konoha Anbu activity have been discovered on the border of the Land of Grass. Their goal is suspected to be to cut off the line of communication between our country and the northern part of Rain Village..."
"Large-scale chakra fluctuations have been detected within the Kingdom of Wind, suggesting a gathering of puppeteer forces..."
The staff officers were arguing in low voices around the sand table, their fingers moving quickly across the complex terrain model, calculating troop deployment routes and possible encounter points. The air was filled with the smell of rust and blood, which could be smelled even before the smoke of gunpowder arrived.
Ohnoki was suspended just above the sand table, his gaze sweeping across every changing mark on the sand table, finally stopping on Chichen.
"Akachen," Ohnoki's voice broke the low pressure in the command center, direct and powerful, "The situation is worse and more chaotic than expected.
The Sunagakure offensive is even more intense than the intelligence suggests. That old woman Chiyo's puppet army is devouring the Rain Country's defenses like locusts. Konoha's Danzo has an even bigger appetite. While holding off the Sunagakure, he's trying to extend his influence into the northern part of the Rain Country, even testing our passage through the Grass Country! Those in the mountains are already preparing our decision at the border.
He pointed to several key points on the sand table. "The Rain Swamp Plains is a meat grinder. Hanzo and a Konoha force are locked in a fierce battle there. The outcome is unpredictable, but no matter who wins, they will be severely damaged. The main force of Sunagakure has been held back by Konoha in the southeast, but they cannot be underestimated now."
"And Konoha..." Ohnoki's fingers tapped heavily on a pass near the border of the Land of Earth. "Danzo and his other elite troops have been active near our front lines. He wants to take advantage of our attention being distracted by the Land of Rain and secretly drive a nail here to test our reaction and strength."
Everyone's eyes were focused on Chi Chen. Chi Chen did not answer immediately. He leaned over slightly and gently tapped his fingertips on several key locations on the sand table: the direction of confrontation between Konoha and Iwagakure.
"Danzo's purpose is clear: to test, pressure, and even create friction. He wants to test Iwagakure's resolve and reaction speed if war breaks out, and he wants to force us to reveal our main force deployment in advance. If we overreact, he will exaggerate our 'threat theory'; if we show weakness, his next step will be to further expand our influence and truly erode the buffer zone."
He pointed in the direction of the Land of Rain and Konoha, "This is the eye of the storm, but it also presents an opportunity. A clash between Hanzo and Konoha will undoubtedly cost Konoha dear until Hanzo's poison is resolved. We must keep a close eye on this. This will determine whether we intervene and reap the benefits, or be forced to take on an even worse situation."
After finishing his analysis, Chichen raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the jonin present, finally returning to Ōnoki and the chief commander, Yamagami. His voice was clear and steady, with an unquestionable determination:
"Teacher, we can't stay out of this, but we can't blindly get sucked into the meat grinder of the main battlefield. Iwagakure's strategy should be to hold key points, launch precise counterattacks, intimidate powerful enemies, and wait for the opportunity."
Chichen pointed to several pre-set defensive nodes around the Limestone Valley on the sand table. "Rely on the solid rock fortifications we've already built and deploy heavy troops, especially ninjas skilled in defense and positional warfare. If we discover Konoha ninja crossing the line or establishing outposts, we will immediately expel them or annihilate them within the buffer zone without warning. We must strike hard to make Danzo understand that crossing the red line will cost blood. At the same time, we must strictly control the scale of the battle to avoid being dragged into a large-scale war of attrition."
Ohnoki nodded calmly, a glint of approval in his eyes: "A very clear goal."
"The leader of the bee-controlling tribe, go up to the water flow big board!"
A middle-aged ninja with a stern face stepped forward and said, "Here!"
"Your intelligence network is the eyes of Iwagakure. The situation on the Rain Plains is of paramount importance! I need you to deploy your most elite bee-controlling ninjas, regardless of the cost, to ensure real-time monitoring of the movements of the main forces of both Hanzo and Konoha. Any abnormalities must be reported immediately!" Ohnoki emphasized. "Also, closely monitor the movements of the main forces of the Sand Village puppet forces within the Wind Country, as well as the reactions of the Lightning Country and the Water Country."
"Yes, sir! The Bee Control Clan will live up to your trust!" Da Banmu accepted the order solemnly.
"Old Purple, Han!" Ōnoki looked at the two Jinchūriki. "The tailed beasts are Iwagakure's strategic deterrent. In the initial stages of the war, you will be stationed in the village temporarily and maintain the highest level of combat readiness. Your tasks are: 1. As the final line of defense, ensure the absolute safety of the core area of the village; 2. Be ready to fight at any time according to unexpected battlefield situations."
Lao Zi nodded in agreement. Han nodded calmly, "Understood. I'll be on standby."
After the deployment was completed, Nogi hovered in the air, his eyes sweeping across the three clearly divided battle lines on the sand table, then fell on Chichen's young face that already revealed the style of a general, and finally looked at Feiliu who was rubbing his hands together and the other senior ninjas who responded calmly.
"Very good!" Ohnoki's wrinkled face slowly forced a rusty smile, which resounded throughout the command center. "I will now personally command the village, with Yamagami as the frontline commander and Chichen as the deputy commander."
His gaze became extremely sharp as he scanned the entire audience: "Everyone! The storm of the Second Shinobi World War has arrived! This time, we in the Hidden Rock Village must make a name for ourselves. Only in this way can everything continue!"
Ōnoki's voice suddenly rose, carrying with it a determination that opened an era: "The order has been given! All units, act immediately! Let the puppets of Sunagakure be reduced to ashes under the light of Dust Release! Let Konoha's probing be smashed and bloodied against our rock wall! Let the entire ninja world see what the true 'Will of Stone' is! For the Land of Earth! For the Iwagakure Village!"
"For the Land of Earth! For the Hidden Rock Village!" Inside the command center, every ninja roared in unison, the sound threatening to overturn the solid rock ceiling. The will to fight surged like a substance, dispelling the previous solemnity, leaving only a steely determination.
"Let's go!" Ohnoki's voice was firm.
Chi Chen took a last look at the chaotic and dangerous chess game on the sand table and took a deep breath. The gears of war were already turning madly. He, the "Fourth Generation" who was placed with high hopes, had to face the cruelest side of this war.
He did not stop, but followed with steady and swift steps. Deep in his blue-gray eyes was the determination to protect and the power to crush all obstacles.
The Iwagakure, a war machine forged by the "Stone Project", started up with a new look and sharpened edge as the curtain was raised on the Second Generation Ninja World War, heading towards a multi-line, chaotic and cruel battlefield.
From this moment on, the fate of the Land of Earth and the future of Iwagakure will be written by all the people of the Land of Earth on the curtain of wind, rain and fire.
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