In the Land of Wind, Sunagakure, inside the Kazekage's bunker.
The high-level meeting room was somber, filled with a heavy atmosphere as everyone wore despondent expressions.
The reason was simple: the Sand Ninja forces had suffered continuous defeats in the Rain Country and the Land of Fire, facing the grim prospect of being pushed back to their homeland, losing the war.
They had exhausted countless resources and manpower over the years, frantically building and stockpiling puppets with the primary goal of expanding the territory of the Land of Wind and plundering external resources to alleviate their internal fiscal crisis.
If they were forced to retreat, even if their enemies didn't take advantage of the situation to invade, it would be considered a disgraceful defeat.
Moreover, the Third Kazekage, disregarding the opposition from his council, had confidently petitioned the impoverished Land of Wind for a substantial amount of financial support. Even the high-ranking officials of Sunagakure were unaware of where that money had gone.
If they lost the war, that investment would be considered a complete waste, and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind had already begun to pressure Sunagakure regarding this matter.
In the Rain Country, Chiyo, serving as the absolute leader of the three armies, was not only a senior figure within Sunagakure but also an exceptionally powerful ninja skilled in puppet techniques, medical ninjutsu, sealing techniques, and poisonous techniques, with strength at the level of a Kage.
Under her command, even if the Sand forces couldn't win, they wouldn't face a complete rout.
In contrast, the situation on the battlefield against Konoha was much more dangerous. The ferocity of "White Fang" posed a far greater threat to Sunagakure than Hanzō, who led the Konoha forces, which resembled a fierce beast and were on the verge of annihilating Goro and his wife's raiding team.
If Sunagakure didn't send timely reinforcements, the consequences would undoubtedly lead to devastating casualties.
Thus, the strategy laid out by the Third Kazekage had only created a weakness for Sunagakure instead of relieving the pressure on the main battlefield.
Around the meeting table, the expressions of the senior officials shifted, glancing subtly at the Third Kazekage.
"If anyone has something to say, please don't hesitate," said the man at the head of the table, dressed in the white Kazekage robe. His well-proportioned physique and orange-yellow eyes, coupled with his grayish-blue spiky hair, radiated authority as he sat in the central position, looking fierce and serious.
"Perhaps…" a cautious elder suggested, "we should follow my previous advice and deploy the One-Tail…"
"If you believe my initial decision was wrong, feel free to speak up." The Third Kazekage cast a cold glare at him, revealing disdain. "However, your suggestion is infinitely more foolish than my decision!"
The elder immediately fell silent, feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
After all, the one seated at the head of the table was the strongest Kazekage in Sunagakure history, the same one who had once wounded the "ghost of the ninja world," Uchiha Kamihane, and had managed to retreat from under his command without a scratch.
While you could question his strategies, you could never question his strength.
"Good old Konoha White Fang!" a middle-aged bald man hissed, his face as dark as water.
"I suggest we withdraw my sister from the Rain Country to support and encircle him, annihilating White Fang and the Konoha forces in one fell swoop!"
"Absolutely not."
The Third Kazekage's voice was firm as he turned to the middle-aged man, softening his expression slightly. "I understand your feelings, considering that Goro and his wife are your direct juniors, but anger aside, Chiyo must stay in the Rain Country. We cannot afford to lose the main battlefield! This is war!"
"Indeed, Chiyo's position cannot be altered." Another senior official chimed in. "If we retreat just because of one Konoha White Fang, what would that say about Sunagakure's reputation?"
Others echoed in agreement, "That's right. We cannot afford to lose the Rain Country battlefield…"
"So what do you propose we do regarding Konoha?" the middle-aged man, named Haimatsu, slammed his hand on the table, glaring at everyone. "Are you going to sit and let Goro and his wife die?"
"Knock, knock, knock."
The Third Kazekage rapped his knuckles on the table, bringing everyone's attention back to him.
"Do not let your anger cloud your judgment." He said calmly, "Konoha White Fang is not a god, nor is he an unyielding war machine. Have you all forgotten what is most feared in a two-army standoff?"
The senior members exchanged confused glances.
"An invincible weapon? Or an impregnable defense? Ha…" The Third Kazekage stood up, surveying the crowd. "The most frightening thing in war is the logistics that never arrive!"
He interjected coldly, "Have you all forgotten that two years ago, I represented the Sand and established diplomatic relations with the Sky Country and the Sky Ninja?"
"Could it be...?" Haimatsu began to calm down, his thoughts racing.
"Seal the news. Do not let the situation here reach the main battlefield lest it disturb the morale of the troops." The Third Kazekage announced as he stood up, his tone unwavering. "I will take care of the situation on the Konoha front."
…
In the Land of Fire, along a forest path, a convoy laden with supplies was advancing quickly.
For ninjas, transporting goods was extremely simple. Whether it was military rations, weapons, or other strategic supplies, they could all be sealed within storage scrolls.
However, regardless of the fact that ninja consumption far exceeded that of ordinary people, supplying an entire ninja army was far more demanding than merely relying on a few storage scrolls.
It was well-known that storage scrolls couldn't store other storage scrolls, as the spatial techniques within the scrolls would interfere with each other. Therefore, to provide sufficient resources to the front lines, several cargo carts filled with scrolls were still necessary.
Thus, delivering strategic supplies in wartime was an extremely important task.
Kaito Moku, tasked with leading this convoy, wore a serious expression.
As a seasoned Jōnin from Konoha, he might not have the outstanding strength of White Fang, Jiraiya, or Tsunade, but his cautious nature and steadfast personality, combined with his experience from the ANBU, earned him the trust of the Third Hokage.
The importance of military supplies went without saying, and the task of escorting such valuable resources was crucial to the overall battle situation. Being assigned this role filled Kaito with a sense of pride.
Not only was this recognition of his loyalty and abilities, but it was also the highest praise for his unwavering effort!
Especially when he thought of meeting the legendary White Fang, whose reputation had grown immensely in recent years and instilled fear in enemies, he quickened his pace, filled with admiration and anticipation.
The sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and birds flew freely in the sky, much like the joy he felt in this moment.
In stark contrast to the grim clouds hanging over Sunagakure, Konoha was riding high on recent victories, with White Fang breaking enemy lines like a sharp blade striking at the heart of the foe.
This kind of unrivaled momentum, as long as the supplies were secure, could very well breach the lines of the Land of Wind.
"A model for us all!" Kaito Moku mused proudly.
Lost in thought, he quickened his steps, urging the convoy to move along.
Suddenly, a booming voice cried out:
"Not good, we're under attack!!!"
Kaito Moku spun around. The voice belonged to one of the Hyūga ninjas in the squad.
Instinctively, he jumped to the front of the convoy, taking a strong stance with his feet planted firmly, brimming with vigilance. "How far are the enemies?!"
"They're… already here!"
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