"Kitsuchi, how is the frontline? Apart from Konoha's forces, has Kumo made any moves?" Ōnoki pondered deeply.
Among the leaders of this generation, Ōnoki's military prowess was considered top-tier. Under his leadership, Iwagakure had grown from a minor village to one that dared to challenge Konoha directly.
Kitsuchi shook his head. "Father, Konoha's forces are holding their position at the border. No matter how we provoke or lure them, Orochimaru refuses to move."
This frustrated Kitsuchi greatly. They had declared war, so Konoha's defensive stance was understandable. But their complete lack of action made them seem cowardly.
Seeing his son's impatience, Ōnoki sighed. "You're rushing again! How many times have I told you? War isn't as simple as you think. Compared to reckless attacks, biding your time and waiting for the right opportunity is what a true strategist does."
Among his children, Kitsuchi had the highest talent and comprehension. Despite his youth, he already possessed strength comparable to an average Kage. Though he lacked patience in warfare, he was still young and had plenty of time to learn.
Ōnoki had high hopes for Kitsuchi, which was why he kept him by his side to study military strategy. In terms of ninjutsu, Kitsuchi was exceptional—his Earth Release: Mountain Sandwich Technique could bury two hundred shinobi in an instant. It was just his strategic thinking that gave Ōnoki headaches.
"Then let me ask you—if you were to attack, how would you do it?" Ōnoki wanted to hear his son's thoughts. He lifted a cup of tea to his lips, closed his eyes, and listened quietly.
"Father, I would lead Iwa-nin in a downhill charge from the high ground, using the momentum to catch Konoha's forces off guard!" Kitsuchi declared confidently.
Ōnoki gave him a flat look. "If we already hold the high ground, why attack at all? Occupying the advantageous terrain and waiting for them to come to us would be better. We could rain down shuriken and explosive tags from above."
"As for supplies, we have no worries. This is the Land of Earth, not the Land of Fire. Konoha is the one who should be concerned about shortages."
"So the key to this battle isn't about which side has stronger shinobi, but about supplies and terrain. You need to understand this!" Ōnoki scolded, frustrated.
"The strength of an individual means little against a collective force. Except for those two." Ōnoki fell into reminiscence.
['There is no such thing as an alliance. Submit to Konoha's power. And never speak that shinobi's name in front of me again.' Madara Uchiha summoned Susano'o, effortlessly overturning Ōnoki and his teacher, the Second Tsuchikage Mu. A single glance was enough to make him abandon his Stone Will.]
"Father." Kitsuchi interrupted Ōnoki's memories. "Father, let me try!"
Ōnoki looked at his son. His stubbornness reminded him of his younger self—unyielding and relentless.
After much deliberation, he finally nodded. "I'll give you a thousand Iwa-nin. You're only allowed one attempt. Whether you succeed or fail, you must return alive. Understood?"
Kitsuchi's face lit up. "Yes, Father!" He then left the tent to gather troops for a night raid on Konoha.
As Ōnoki watched Kitsuchi's retreating figure, his right eyelid twitched incessantly. He sighed and spoke to the air. "Rōshi, I'm counting on you to look after my child."
"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama!" A voice replied from nowhere. Hearing this, Ōnoki relaxed slightly.
With Rōshi there, Kitsuchi should be safe.
Konoha Camp
"Ryun, you came at the perfect time. My right eye had been twitching all day, but the moment you arrived, it stopped!" Orochimaru draped an arm over Uchiha Ryun's shoulders.
Ryun chuckled. "Give me a quick rundown of the situation."
Orochimaru nodded and explained everything from the declaration of war to the current standoff between the two armies.
After listening, Ryun frowned and looked at Orochimaru, waiting for an explanation. He refused to believe Orochimaru could be this foolish.
Orochimaru smirked. "Actually, the shinobi stationed at the base of the cliff are just shadow clones. I borrowed this strategy from your playbook against Suna."
"Every day at 4 p.m., shadow clones rotate in for defense, luring the enemy into attacking downhill. But I didn't expect Ōnoki to be so cautious."
"As a result, the traps I prepared—spiked pits and the like—haven't been triggered yet." Orochimaru shrugged helplessly.
Ryun nodded. This made sense. Orochimaru was Hiruzen Sarutobi's prized student, excelling in warfare, research, and ninjutsu.
There was no way he would let the enemy hold the high ground without a plan. Shadow clones plus traps—now that was more like it.
"You're really sneaky," Ryun remarked.
"Heh heh, likewise," Orochimaru replied, taking the "compliment" in stride.
"Still, now that you're here, we can adjust the strategy—" Before he could finish, a shinobi rushed into the tent.
"Report, Orochimaru-sama—" The shinobi paused when he noticed Ryun standing beside Orochimaru. After a quick glance, he recognized him.
"Reporting to Orochimaru-sama and Uchiha Ryun-sama, the enemy has begun moving. The leader is Ōnoki's son, Kitsuchi."
"How many?" Orochimaru asked, his expression serious. It wasn't just Kitsuchi's Kage-level strength that worried him, but also the possibility of the enemy numbers overwhelming their traps.
"Approximately a thousand," the shinobi answered.
Orochimaru turned to Ryun. "Is Ōnoki really this confident sending his son into battle? Kitsuchi is practically the frontrunner for the Fourth Tsuchikage position. What do you think, Ryun?"
"Simple. He has backup. Either Rōshi or Han, but I'd bet on the former. Rumor has it Rōshi gets along well with the Four-Tails," Ryun said casually.
"A Jinchūriki? Ryun, do you think you can take down Rōshi?" Orochimaru pressed.
If one side had a Jinchūriki on the battlefield, it would spell disaster for the side without one.
"I should be able to handle it," Ryun replied with a faint smile.
Previously, he had suppressed Matatabi with his Mangekyō Sharingan. Now, after mastering Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode, he wanted to test just how strong he had become. His Mangekyō gleamed with battle intent.
Iwa Forces
Hidden among the thousand Iwa-nin, Rōshi suddenly shuddered, sensing impending danger.
"Rōshi, what's wrong?" Son Gokū's voice echoed in his mind.
"Son Gokū, I have a bad feeling. If things go south, I need you to take over my body. Protect Kitsuchi at all costs!" Rōshi ordered firmly.
"Understood," Son Gokū replied before falling silent.
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