However, these more than five hundred people, even when combined with the more than five thousand ninjas already on the front lines, over six thousand in total, were actually only a portion of the forces Konoha had committed to the frontline.
They accounted for only about thirty percent of Konoha's total combat strength. (Excluding Genin.)
This was an unavoidable reality determined by the unique, favorable yet perilous geographical and strategic environment of the Land of Fire, especially after Konoha's leadership, having carefully studied Shinichi's war analysis report, gained a clearer understanding of the coming storm.
Therefore, every unit in the early stage of the war had to be carefully calculated and repeatedly weighed.
The unit advanced in a long line through the biting winter wind and the lingering morning mist, crossing mountains and forests, passing through plains, heading toward the western border already ignited by the flames of war.
At the same time, just as Tsunade led the medical and logistics unit rapidly toward the southwestern battlefield, in the distant Land of Lightning, within the Raikage's office building in the Village Hidden in the Cloud…
"Third Raikage-sama, according to the latest compiled intelligence, the Village Hidden in the Sand has launched a full-scale assault on Konoha's southwestern border. The war has entered its fourth day. So far, both sides are locked in an intense tug-of-war and attrition along the border."
"The front line is roughly stable. The Village Hidden in the Sand has failed to achieve its initial objective of a lightning speed breakthrough. On Konoha's side, under Jiraiya's command, the defensive line has been preliminarily stabilized, but the pressure is immense, and the losses are significant."
"In addition, our intelligence agents operating in the northeastern direction of the Land of Fire and within the Land of Hot Water have, over the past two days, reported several signs that require caution. Konoha's routine patrol frequency and coverage in that direction have abnormally increased. Some border outposts appear to have reinforced personnel and stockpiled supplies, and traces of small groups of elite Konoha ninjas have been detected more frequently than before."
"Although there is still no clear evidence of large-scale troop assembly, all signs indicate that Konoha's vigilance toward the northeastern direction has not decreased due to the war on the western front. On the contrary, it has increased."
The third Raikage remained silent, merely scanning the large map on the wall.
After a long time, he suddenly slammed the table and shouted loudly: "Good! If the Village Hidden in the Sand attacks Konoha, then the Village Hidden in the Cloud will also attack Konoha! If they strike the southwest, we'll strike the northeast! We'll drive straight into the Land of Fire, take Konoha, and capture Hiruzen Sarutobi along with it!"
He turned around, his blazing gaze falling like a tangible force upon Dodai, who stood calmly at his side, and gave his order: "Dodai! Start preparing immediately! One month! I want you to complete the final assembly of all frontline forces, tactical simulations, resource allocation, and logistical support within one month!"
"One month later, I will personally lead the village's most elite ninjas and deliver a heavy blow to Konoha from the northeast! We will strike them so they cannot defend both front and rear, and seize sufficient results before that bunch of useless Sunagakure ninjas is completely defeated!"
...
After two days and two nights of nearly nonstop marching without rest, this medical and logistics unit of more than five hundred people had already crossed more than half of the Land of Fire's territory.
The continuous forced march made it hard for anyone in the team to hide their fatigue, but the focus and vigilance in their eyes had not diminished in the slightest.
At their current speed, by tomorrow afternoon at the latest, they would be able to reach the main battlefield area at the western border of the Land of Fire and successfully link up with the main frontline forces commanded by Jiraiya.
At this moment, the unit temporarily stopped in a relatively concealed valley backed by forest, carrying out necessary rest and final reconnaissance adjustments.
Tsunade took the encrypted letter handed over by the ninja responsible for communications and quickly scanned its contents.
Jiraiya's side was already aware of their journey and had dispatched an elite squad to meet them, expected to rendezvous with them tomorrow morning.
"Pass down the order: all companies rest in place, seize the time to recover stamina, check the supplies and equipment you are carrying, and prepare for the final push tomorrow, as well as immediate deployment upon reaching the frontline."
Tsunade put away the letter and issued the command, then turned her gaze slightly forward to the side: "Reconnaissance unit!"
Three Hyuga Clan's ninjas who had long been on standby immediately stepped forward and responded in unison: "Here!"
All three Hyuga Clan members were from branch families, with similar appearances and calm demeanors.
Standing in the middle, slightly older, was Kenichi Hyuga. He was the leader of the reconnaissance unit accompanying this team, steady in personality and the most experienced.
On the left was his cousin Ryota Hyuga, around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, and on the right was the youngest, Yuto Hyuga.
"Kenichi Hyuga."
Tsunade pointed toward the direction of the team's advance. "Take three people ahead. Focus on scouting for suspicious chakra reactions, terrain changes, and possible ambush traces along the planned route and both sides. Return with a report in three hours."
"Yes!"
Without hesitation, Kenichi Hyuga immediately selected three companions skilled in stealth and counter-reconnaissance. With a flicker, the few figures silently disappeared into the forest ahead.
"Ryota Hyuga!"
Tsunade turned to the left. "Take three people and be responsible for vigilance at the rear of the team and the rear flanks. Make sure there are no tails behind us, and also watch for enemies attempting to approach from the sides."
"Understood!"
Ryota Hyuga accepted the order and likewise led three ninjas, quickly vanishing in the direction they had come from.
"Yuto Hyuga!"
Tsunade finally looked at Yuto Hyuga on the right. "You stay in the camp. Activate the Byakugan when needed. Focus on monitoring abnormal chakra flow within the camp and its surroundings. If any unidentified or suspicious chakra sources approach, issue an immediate warning."
"Understood, Lady Tsunade!"
Yuto Hyuga nodded forcefully, then stepped aside, found a position, and stood quietly.
The orders were carried out swiftly and in an orderly manner.
The entire unit was like a set of precision gears.
After a brief pause, it entered a self-check and adjustment state once again before resuming high-speed operation.
The ninjas silently ate rations and checked their tools, while the medical personnel counted medicines and equipment once again. A tense calm, like the silence before a great battle, filled the air.
Shinichi leaned against a tree, slowly drinking water. His gaze swept across the busy yet orderly camp and finally landed on Yuto Hyuga, who stood quietly in the distance.
The Byakugan of the Hyuga clan, in this kind of marching and vigilance mission, indeed had irreplaceable strategic value. Being able to detect danger in advance was crucial for ensuring the safety of the entire unit.
He withdrew his gaze, closed his eyes, and began to make use of this rare rest time to slowly adjust his breathing and chakra, making final preparations for tomorrow's last stretch of the journey and for the battlefield he was about to truly step into.