When Chinya learned that the Third Raikage might personally join the battlefield, he suspected Iwagakure was planning to betray Kumo.
Considering the current state of the Shinobi World, Kumo seemed like a better target than Konoha or the other villages at this moment.
If true, an epic battle between the Third Raikage and ten thousand Rock Ninja would soon take place.
Such an incredible spectacle was something Chinya definitely didn't want to miss.
Plus, he wanted to confirm whether Iwagakure truly had ten thousand ninja.
Konoha's total number of ninja was about ten thousand altogether.
But with so many fronts open, Konoha could only spare a couple hundred ninja per front—bare minimum every time—because they needed to prepare for prolonged warfare.
The remaining majority of ninja were scattered throughout the Land of Fire. Wherever problems arose, they'd be dispatched with just enough force to arrive at the battlefield as quickly as possible.
So if we exclude the Rock Ninja stationed in the Grass Country, did Iwagakure really still have ten thousand ninja left?
Also, several smaller nations separated the Lands of Earth and Lightning.
If Iwagakure truly mobilized ten thousand ninja, how come the Third Raikage hadn't received any intelligence about it yet?
So Chinya doubted that this clash between ten thousand Rock Ninja and the Third Raikage would actually happen.
Chinya said to Orochimaru, "Sensei Orochimaru, I'd like to request a mission assignment."
Orochimaru asked, "What kind of mission do you want?"
"I'd like to take an intelligence-gathering mission—to confirm whether the Third Raikage will indeed enter combat," Chinya replied.
Surprised, Orochimaru remarked, "Surely the Raikage's personal involvement should already be certain. Is there even value in reconnaissance?"
Chinya responded seriously, "Sensei, I believe there is value because I don't think Iwagakure will sit idle and wait."
Orochimaru slightly frowned, "Are you suggesting… that Iwagakure is about to launch a large-scale operation against Konoha?"
Chinya shook his head. "No, my speculation is that Iwagakure is most likely preparing to strike Kumo."
Orochimaru showed visible surprise. "Why do you think Iwagakure would attack their own ally, Kumogakure?"
Chinya analyzed, "The Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, Onoki—that sly old fox—is extremely cunning.
Even though the war has lasted many years, despite cooperating with Kumo, Iwagakure's ninja remained overly cautious in the Grass Country, engaging in far fewer battles than on other fronts.
Therefore, among the Five Great Villages, the strongest currently is Iwagakure.
Meanwhile, Kumo has been locked in fierce, head-to-head battles with Konoha in the Land of Hot Water from the very start. After all these years, they still haven't broken through Konoha's defenses, and now their overall strength is roughly equal to Konoha's, which is under pressure from multiple sides.
Onoki, that old fox, pursues only self-interest—not loyalty to Konoha.
From the perspective of the current state of the Shinobi World:
Sunagakure doesn't have much to offer in terms of resources or wealth,
and Kirigakure is too far away—attacking them wouldn't yield much strategic value."
Konoha's morale is currently very high, and many outstanding powerful ninja have emerged.
In contrast, Cloud Village has sent a large number of elite ninja to the Land of Hot Water, and even the Third Raikage has decided to personally join the battle. Cloud Village's rear is now vulnerable—the timing is perfect.
Therefore, I believe that Onoki won't miss this opportunity. It's highly possible he'll attempt to ambush the Third Raikage and severely damage Cloud Village in return for his own gains."
Orochimaru remained silent for a moment.
Chinya's analysis made some sense, but Orochimaru believed the possibility wasn't very high.
Still, there was a chance. If it truly happened, then Konoha's counterattack would begin.
Orochimaru nodded and agreed, saying, "Fine, then I'll entrust you with this mission!"
Chinya bowed his head and said, "Then, Teacher Orochimaru, I'll set off immediately!"
Chinya believed that if the Rock Ninja really intended to ambush the Third Raikage, they wouldn't choose either the Land of Lightning or the Land of Hot Water. It was most likely going to happen in the Moon Country, between those two nations.
So Chinya headed directly to the Moon Country.
A few days later,
Chinya arrived at the Moon Country. As soon as the Third Raikage left the Land of Lightning and crossed into the Moon Country's border, Chinya sensed his presence using Kenbunshoku Haki.
Back when he had operated in Cloud Village before, Chinya had memorized the Third Raikage's aura.
Behind the Third Raikage followed more than twenty ninja, each of them no pushovers.
Chinya kept track of the Third Raikage from the farthest distance his sensing abilities could reach.
Two days later, Chinya—who had been sitting on the ground resting—suddenly stood up.
"They're here!"
Chinya sensed a massive influx of ninja—an estimated 7,000 or so.
Not ten thousand, but still a sizable force. Most of them, however, weren't particularly strong—barely average at best.
Only a small portion possessed decent strength.
Chinya once again sensed the Third Raikage's location. It seemed like they hadn't yet realized the Rock Ninja were after them, continuing their journey without caution.
Chinya furrowed his brow. Could Kumo's intel really be this poor?
Thousands of Rock Ninja, crossing multiple countries—how was there not even a hint of information received?
Chinya sped forward. Regardless, this battle was definitely about to ignite.
When Chinya arrived, the Third Raikage had already encountered the Rock Ninja army.
Leading the Rock Ninja force was Kitsuchi, the son of Onoki.
The Third Raikage glared at the massive ninja force before him and spoke in a deep, accusing tone: "What do you think you're doing?! Onoki said your troops were supposed to enter the Land of Hot Water through the flank of the Rice Country, working with us to wipe out the Konoha ninjas stationed there—not show up *here!*"
This was when Chinya finally understood.
It turned out Onoki had deceived the Third Raikage.
Under the pretense of cooperation, Onoki had secretly mobilized his forces and made it all the way to the Moon Country to set an ambush for the Third Raikage.
Kitsuchi took a step forward and spoke, "Latest orders from Tsuchikage! Eliminate the Third Raikage here, and then... launch an attack on the Land of Lightning!"
The Third Raikage's eyes flared in fury, "How dare that old fool Onoki trick me! How dare he break the alliance!"
Hearing the Third Raikage insult Kitsuchi's father, Kitsuchi frowned in displeasure and said, "Raikage, this is a battlefield. I believe, as the leader of a village, you don't need me to remind you about the trickery and betrayal that occur in war."
The Third Raikage immediately activated his Lightning Release: Chakra Mode. Turning to those behind him, he commanded, "I will hold them off. You must head to the Land of Hot Water at once, withdraw every ninja stationed there, and have A inherit my title!
Tell A that due to this war, the Land of Lightning and the Cloud Village are officially withdrawing! We've already lost!"
The Raikage's subordinates hesitated, remaining rooted in place. "Raikage-sama..."
He barked at them sternly, "Don't hesitate like a group of old women! Go now! You are the future of the Cloud Village—you absolutely must not perish here!"
"Yes! Raikage-sama!"
With red, tearful eyes, each of them left reluctantly, turning away from the battlefield.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>