At the border of the Land of Grass and the Land of Earth, Konoha's command post stood firm.
Prominent Konoha Jōnin, Hyūga Hizashi, Yūhi Kurenai, and Shibi Aburame, were among the key leaders here.
In the central tent, they strategized against Iwagakure's forces.
"Iwagakure's strength surpasses ours, so we must minimize our losses while securing victory." Yūhi Kurenai said. "From the local maps, there are too many places for Iwagakure to hide."
"We're fortunate that Iwagakure hasn't attacked with full force. They likely want to avoid heavy losses on this battlefield." Hyūga Hizashi noted.
"For now, we can only adapt to their movements."
Konoha was clearly at a disadvantage compared to Iwagakure.
"I heard the Hokage is sending reinforcements from the Kikyo Mountain battlefield. Any guesses on who's coming? Jiraiya-sama or Orochimaru-sama?" Hizashi speculated.
"Hard to say. It could be others." Kurenai replied, shaking her head. "Even if they come, it won't be right away, and the initial reinforcements will be limited."
"Once the Kikyo Mountain front stabilizes, Orochimaru-sama and Jiraiya-sama might join us." Kurenai added.
"Who knows? Maybe Namikaze Minato or Akimichi Chōza." Hizashi said with a chuckle.
"No need to guess. The reinforcements should arrive within a couple of days." Kurenai said.
"My lords, I request an audience." a Konoha-nin called from outside.
The leaders exchanged glances and permitted the ninja to enter.
"What is it?" Kurenai asked.
"My lords, reinforcements from the other battlefield have arrived." the ninja reported urgently.
"Reinforcements are here?" Kurenai and the others brightened, eager to see who had come.
"Let's go welcome our comrades." Kurenai said, leading the group out.
Soon, Hizashi, Kurenai, and the others spotted the reinforcements, and their leader: Tengen, Konoha's legendary prodigy.
Due to the war, news from the Kikyo Mountain battlefield had been delayed, so they were unaware of Tengen's monumental achievements.
Their initial reaction was one of surprise.
"Tengen, Kushina, you've worked hard." Kurenai said, recovering first. Hizashi and the others quickly followed with greetings.
"I didn't expect the Hokage to send you." Hizashi said curiously. According to the Hokage's letter, the reinforcement leader would hold significant authority on this battlefield, potentially surpassing their own.
"Haha, I'm not sure why. Maybe the old man had an idea." Tengen said with a laugh.
He didn't boast about his feats; that would be unbecoming. His team's presence would naturally spread his reputation.
"Tengen, Kushina, and everyone, rest up. You must be exhausted from the journey." Kurenai said. "Tengen, Kushina, why don't you come with me? I'll show you to your quarters."
"Thanks. Everyone, rest for now." Tengen told his ninjas.
"Yes, Tengen-sama!" The hundred-plus ninjas responded in unison, their voices ringing with reverence and admiration.
The Konoha leaders were taken aback, and nearby Konoha-nins paused, stunned.
What had prompted such a reaction to Konoha's prodigy? Was there something they didn't aware of?
Tengen paid no heed, following Kurenai.
"Thank you, Tengen, for looking after Red." Kurenai said, noting her daughter Asuka among Tengen's team.
As a Chūnin, Kurenai couldn't prevent her daughter from entering the battlefield, Konoha belonged to all. She could only arrange safer assignments for her.
Kurenai had entrusted Jiraiya with Red's safety. Recognizing Tengen's protective strength, Jiraiya had placed Red in Tengen's team.
"Tengen's strength must be formidable." Kurenai thought. Even in Konoha, the Jōnin had heard whispers of Tengen's battlefield prowess, though his fame was often eclipsed by Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
"Jōnin Kurenai, Red's my friend too, isn't she? Of course I'd protect her." Tengen said, smiling.
"Indeed." Kurenai replied, smiling back. "But I'm curious, why does your team seem to regard you as more than just their leader?"
"You'll find out soon enough." Tengen said with a grin, gesturing to two tents ahead. "These are our quarters?"
"Yes, for Jōnin Tengen and Jōnin Uzumaki." Kurenai confirmed. "If you need anything, come find me."
"Thank you, Jōnin Kurenai." Tengen said.
As Kurenai departed, Kushina pouted. "Tengen, if they knew about your fight with the Suna-nins, they'd be speechless."
The local Konoha-nins showed little excitement at Tengen's arrival, perhaps seeing him as just another Jōnin.
"Alright, Kushina, let's rest. The rush to get here was exhausting." Tengen said.
"Got it. Tomorrow, we'll show them what we're capable of." Kushina said, her smile radiant.
"By the way, Tengen, why do I feel a connection with you?" Kushina asked suddenly.
"Oh, I've got Uzumaki blood too." Tengen said, chuckling.
"Liar." Kushina teased, then entered her tent.
"Iwagakure, huh?" Tengen gazed toward the distant mountains, where Iwagakure's forces lay hidden.
***
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