Almost no decent large towns can be seen, only scattered villages where locals survive on meager food and water.
Due to lack of funds to hire ninjas for clearing out bandits, the bandit problem in the northwest of the Land of Wind has not seen any effective improvement.
And now they must face not only the increasingly severe bandit problem, but also the terrifying ninjas of the Land of Demons, more fearsome than bandits.
They have all heard of the brutality of war.
The Hidden Sand Village ninjas have been defeated, completely abandoning them, giving up their territory to the ninjas invading the Land of Wind from the Land of Demons. It can be imagined that soon the blade of the Land of Demons' ninjas will swing from above, taking their lives, stealing their possessions and women, and ultimately torching their villages.
Thus, as the Hidden Sand Ninja Squad began withdrawing from the northwest, many residents are planning to move their families to towns in the interior of the Land of Wind to avoid the devastation wrought by the ninjas of the Land of Demons.
However, when the ninjas of the Land of Demons pass, it's another scene.
The forces advancing south in the Land of Wind completely ignore these powerless low-class citizens, focusing solely on constructing military bases, rapidly building defense structures.
Majestic base structures rise from the desert, these newly built bases are branches of the main base, serving as warnings and protection for the main base.
But as the war gradually transitions to a white-hot phase, under Hakushi's command, the ninja forces of the Land of Demons are divided into several squads stationed in branch bases.
Ensuring that each branch base, in the initial investment phase, has a sufficient force of two hundred ninjas.
With so many bases constructed in the desert, even the local residents cannot hide, let alone the Hidden Sand ninja scouting teams frequently wandering along the warning line.
Even though their Kazekage has to return to Hidden Sand for treatment and recovery due to serious injuries, it doesn't mean the Hidden Sand ninjas will give up, handing over the Land of Wind's territory.
"This is the last area in the northwest of the Land of Wind, and it is an important resource area that must be taken."
In a branch base on the front line, Hakushi pointed to the northwest territory on the Land of Wind map, where there is a rare oasis in the desert environment.
In the desertified Land of Wind, water, vegetation, and crops in the oasis are invaluable wealth.
They can make the local residents self-sufficient and effectively alleviate the pressure of water and food shortages in the Land of Wind.
But for the Land of Demons, it is also a rich resource area worth developing and utilizing.
"When to attack?"
Ruri wasn't very interested in resource utilization issues; she was only responsible for combat.
"Once the air force from headquarters arrives here, the attack can start the next day. The specific time is set for ten o'clock the morning after tomorrow."
"Attack method? Like before?"
Ruri asked.
"No, this time there's no need for a feint. It's the last attack; after such a prolonged stalemate, it's time to put a perfect end to this war. Hidden Sand should also have made reasonable arrangements. There's no need to drag it out."
Ruri nodded, understanding Hakushi's underlying message.
Hakushi continued, "So, this time you and I will undertake the bait work, using full strength when needed."
Ruri was slightly surprised.
"I thought you would have me keep hiding my strength, retaining some means, considering there might be Akatsuki members watching this battlefield to collect intelligence."
Even though there has been a ceasefire agreement with Akatsuki, it does not mean both sides won't collect each other's intelligence.
Within permissible conditions, collecting the opponent's intelligence as much as possible is an unspoken rule within the agreement.
The battle noise between the Land of Wind and the Land of Demons is so great, its international response is very strong, Akatsuki members cannot avoid collecting intelligence.
"That's an issue, but in the upcoming battle, if we hold back strength, other incidents might occur. Even you can't handle such a massive force on your own."
"Alright, I'll be cautious."
Ruri did not refute.
She wouldn't make foolish claims that she alone could handle Hidden Sand and Konoha.
Though Susanoo is powerful, it also depletes Chakra immensely; keeping Susanoo active for extended periods is a huge test to Chakra.
Especially the fourth stage of Susanoo, which imposes a heavy burden on her body.
Even with the Mangekyo Sharingan activated, this issue cannot be fundamentally avoided.
Moreover, swift, decisive battle can only be implemented theoretically; in real combat, theoretical calculations might mislead her judgment, presenting enemies with opportunities.
Ninjas command a variety of Jutsus, differing in strength; theoretically calculated data can only be used for reference, not directly applied in combat.
With Hakushi serving as 'bait' alongside her, her pressure will be reduced.
"Please, you'll take command here from now on. I'll check the Jutsu operation in the basement to avoid accidents during the battle the day after tomorrow."
Ruri nodded, watching Hakushi leave the conference room.