The war with the Land of Lightning had been going on for nearly two months, with neither side gaining a significant advantage. After the initial fierce attacks, the offensive gradually slowed, and both sides entered a stalemate, unable to decisively defeat the other.
Although the overall situation was favorable for Konoha, with the assistance of the Hyuga Clan and other Ninja Clans skilled in reconnaissance, Konoha Ninja could always anticipate the enemy's movements on the battlefield. Even if they couldn't completely grasp the whereabouts of the Kumogakure Ninja, they could investigate the Samurai Corps thoroughly.
While the combat abilities of an individual Ninja generally surpass those of an average samurai, a Ninja surrounded by dozens of samurai would be forced to retreat. However, as the number of Ninja increased, so did the number of samurai required. Konoha Ninja squads avoided direct confrontations with large samurai units, instead striking at smaller samurai groups to eliminate the enemy.
The victories between Konoha Ninja and Kumogakure Ninja were not clear-cut, but the Samurai Corps of both sides were gradually pulling apart. After all, Kumogakure did not have Konoha's reconnaissance capabilities, and their ability to strike at the Samurai Corps was not superior to Konoha's, but rather inferior.
Just as the Second Tsuchikage Mu predicted, the scales of victory were tipping in Konoha's favor. Even if Kumogakure could still fight Konoha, they would have to retreat from the Land of Fire if their Samurai Corps could not hold out.
In recent days, Masaki had been following orders, continuously eliminating samurai with his squad. With their combat capabilities, smaller samurai units stood no chance and were wiped out completely. Even when encountering Kumogakure Ninja, Masaki was fortunate not to run into the Third Raikage or other Kumogakure experts. Those Kumogakure Ninja, when possible, were captured.
However, because these Kumogakure Ninja were not particularly strong, it was unlikely that any important figures from Kumogakure would appear. Masaki found this somewhat surprising, similar to how during the Second Great Ninja War, Tsunade's brother Nawaki, despite his lack of strength, still went to the battlefield.
The results showed Masaki that luck wouldn't always be on his side. These Kumogakure Ninja were indeed not important figures and were sent directly to the prisoner camp to stay with their comrades.
At this moment, Masaki couldn't help but think of the female Kumogakure Ninja he had fought twice. She seemed to be the Third Raikage's junior, and since the Third Raikage would later inherit the leader's position, his junior would also be of significant status. She would be a suitable captive, but Masaki had not encountered her.
After returning to the camp, besides resting, Masaki would chat with Hiruzen and others, or accompany Satomi and talk about home. In this place, only these activities could bring some relaxation. Of course, there were also some things that made Masaki happy.
His written proposal was delivered to Tobirama by Senju Touka, and Tobirama, upon reading it, found it very convincing. Without hesitation, he issued an order for the camp to begin integrating medical procedures. After some time, although not very advanced, a unified medical approach had emerged, greatly benefiting the treatment of wounded personnel in the camp.
Tobirama specifically called Masaki over to ask for his opinions on the medical situation and to inquire if he had any new ideas.
Naturally, Masaki had many new ideas, but he couldn't reveal them all at once. In the hierarchical system of the Ninja Village, if he involved himself in too many matters, it might leave a bad impression on Tobirama. Therefore, he followed Tobirama's instructions and provided suggestions only for the medical aspect, without involving other areas.
Masaki said that unifying the medical procedures in the camp was just the first step. The important thing was to establish medical research as a separate field, with dedicated personnel to study new drug uses, new Medical Ninjutsu, and to train qualified Medical Ninja. Just as war requires necessary military supplies, medical supplies must also be provided.
Masaki's suggestions integrated some of Tsunade's ideas and medical plans from another world, which greatly impressed Tobirama. He could see that this plan would significantly reduce their side's casualties. He decided that once the war situation eased, he would allocate some resources to implement this.
On the other hand, Tobirama's appreciation for Masaki grew. Not only was his strength outstanding, but his abilities were evident in his prediction of the Land of Lightning as the greatest enemy and his medical suggestions. Moreover, his humble demeanor made him suitable to become one of the Village's decision-makers.
The only problem was that Masaki did not yet have significant enough achievements to be recognized by the major clans for promotion to Jonin. Jonin, in a sense, could stand on equal footing with the major clans, and no one would willingly see someone from a minor Ninja Clan easily reach the same position as themselves without extraordinary achievements.
Tobirama did not think this was too much of a concern. With Masaki's abilities, he would surely have the opportunity to achieve great things; it was only a matter of time. Of course, as his teacher, Tobirama would also plan to create opportunities for Masaki to achieve merit.
Tobirama did not focus on just one person. For his other students, he would also provide them with opportunities. However, those from prestigious backgrounds posed some difficulties. The fathers of Hiruzen, Danzo, and Torikaze were all Jonin, and Tobirama did not intend for a single family to have too many Jonin. Therefore, even if they achieved great merit, they would have to remain as Chunin, while those without family constraints, like Masaki, Koharu, and Homura, could more easily be promoted to Jonin.
This might seem unfair, but there was no other way. Tobirama had to consider the Village's interests. Sometimes, a prestigious background did not bring only advantages, as in the case of Hiruzen and the other two, who would likely be promoted to Jonin later than Masaki and the others.
As the war approached its third month, a new situation emerged. The Land of Earth issued a statement condemning the Land of Lightning for violating the Five Kage Pact and expressing support for the Land of Fire. They announced an alliance with the Land of Fire to jointly sanction the Land of Lightning.
No one expected the Land of Earth to suddenly join the war and align with the Land of Fire. Frankly, the Land of Lightning was quite frightened. Fighting the Land of Fire was already troublesome, and adding the Land of Earth to the mix would be unbearable.
The Land of Fire, on the other hand, was pleased. With the Land of Earth's support, the Land of Lightning would be driven out of the Land of Fire more quickly, allowing them to return home sooner. However, their joy was short-lived, as someone came to aid the Land of Lightning.
The Hidden Mist Ninja Village from the Land of Water suddenly attacked the coastal areas of the Land of Fire. Fortunately, Tobirama was vigilant about such surprise attacks and had all guards on high alert. Therefore, the Hidden Mist Ninja Village's raid did not achieve the same effect as the Kumogakure Ninja Village's.
After their attack was thwarted, the Land of Water openly declared their alliance with the Land of Lightning.
Although the Land of Water was one of the Five Great Nations, it was a small island country with geographical limitations hindering its development. To become stronger, they needed new territories, so they targeted the Land of Fire's land and naturally allied with the Land of Fire's enemies.
The situation did not end there. As four nations took action, the Land of Wind would not stand idly by. The Land of Wind, mostly desert, naturally coveted the fertile lands of the Land of Fire. Unsurprisingly, they set their sights on the Land of Fire but did not ally with the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water. Instead, they chose to act alone.
The reason was clear: an alliance would require sharing the spoils of victory, and the Land of Wind was too greedy for that. Moreover, the Land of Wind was far from the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water, receiving little assistance from them. Why share the benefits with allies who provided no help?
In summary, with the Land of Wind joining the war, this conflict, known as the First Great Ninja War, fully engulfed the entire Ninja World.