On Kumogakure's side, there were three thousand Ninja troops.
Besides that, the most important figures were the Third Raikage's son—A, who is the Fourth Raikage—and his brother, Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
This so-called AB combination had caused Konoha a lot of trouble.
In addition, Kumogakure also had many elite Jonin.
More crucially, the strategist on the other side was very difficult to deal with.
Nara Shikaku realized this.
Kumogakure had a formidable strategist!
His tactical prowess was not inferior to his own.
"The Jinchuriki have all come? It looks like they're putting all their eggs in one basket; Kumogakure has made up its mind." Upon learning this, Tsunade couldn't help but frown slightly, already understanding Kumogakure's intention.
Do they want to use the power of the Tailed Beast?
If that's the case, if we hadn't come, it would indeed be difficult to deal with them.
Even if that guy Minato came, it probably wouldn't be easy. So that guy Bai Mu's judgment was correct; we really needed to come here.
"Lady Tsunade, where is Uchiha Bai Mu?" Nara Shikaku really couldn't hold back anymore. He didn't want to be so rash, but who made Bai Mu's identity special? Moreover, wasn't he supposed to be with you, Tsunade? Why isn't he here?
"Him?"
Tsunade pouted and replied casually, "Soon, he should be here by now!"
What does 'should' mean?
Nara Shikaku was utterly confused by her words and truly didn't know how to respond. But he glanced at the two women behind Tsunade, and immediately felt a new wave of confusion.
Do we have these two in Konoha?
"Lady Tsunade, the ones behind you are..." There was no other way, Nara Shikaku still had to ask.
Tsunade waved her hand and said indifferently, "You don't need to worry. They are my friends, and they are here to help me. So rest assured, it won't affect the operation."
Friends?
This is a battlefield.
But Nara Shikaku's words reached his lips and he ultimately swallowed them.
Because he noticed that the woman wearing a hat, dressed in a white military uniform, with long ice-blue hair, was clearly no ordinary person. The faint, almost imperceptible murderous aura she exuded clearly indicated that she had killed many people, meaning this person was not simple.
Lady Tsunade, where did you meet these friends?
Also, are you only bringing these few people to the front lines?
Originally, Nara Shikaku thought that Tsunade's arrival would be accompanied by members of the Uchiha Clan, but he hadn't expected there to be only Uchiha Bai Mu, and even he was nowhere to be found!
Alas, if this is the case, it will be difficult to deal with Kumogakure.
"He's here."
Esdeath suddenly spoke.
Upon hearing this, Tsunade's brows furrowed slightly, understanding that Bai Mu had arrived, which meant the problem was solved. His speed was quite fast!
Indeed, Bai Mu's figure slowly appeared. Tsunade saw his calm expression and immediately realized that he must have left no one alive.
"Solved?"
After taking a few steps, Tsunade came beside Bai Mu and asked in a low voice.
Nara Shikaku and the others watched this scene, feeling a sense of incongruity. Why did Tsunade's attitude towards Bai Mu seem a bit strange?
"Mm!"
Bai Mu said softly.
Seeing this, Tsunade didn't ask for details; some things were not suitable to ask about. Instead, she turned to the war.
"Kumogakure's army is currently amassed, three thousand Kumogakure Ninja are coming fiercely. The key issue is the Jinchuriki. The Eight-Tails is openly present, but the Two-Tails is unclear. I suspect the Two-Tails should also be here, just hidden."
If the Eight-Tails is here, the Two-Tails cannot be absent.
And since there's no news now, it's highly likely it's hidden, or carrying out some top-secret mission, most likely targeting Konoha's rear.
In that case, the line from the northeast of the Land of Fire to the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost becomes very problematic.
Since Tsunade brought this up, the necessary questions naturally had to be asked.
"Shikaku, are there any anomalies with the logistics line?"
Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku's expression became serious, and he said in a deep voice, "Currently, there are no reports of attacks; everything is operating smoothly. However, Lady Tsunade, since you put it that way, it seems we need to focus on prevention."
Tsunade asked in a deep voice, "How many safe points are there?"
Nara Shikaku replied, "There are about ten or so safe points responsible for logistics security, each guarded by at least three squads. However, several front-line outposts have already been destroyed, and our reconnaissance is severely hampered."
"What do you think?"
Tsunade turned to Bai Mu and asked.
Facing Tsunade's question, Bai Mu calmly replied, "My opinion is to attack directly. However, what is the combat strength in the main camp currently? If it's not enough, we'll just have to go."
Nara Shikaku: "???"
No, are you sure you want to do that?
He was a bit dazed, not even sure if he had heard correctly.
Thinking of this, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but look at Akimichi Choza, Inoichi Yamanaka, and others behind him, hoping they would tell him this wasn't true.
However, from the faces of Akimichi Choza and the others behind him, Nara Shikaku saw the same expressions as his own: shock, bewilderment, and confusion. Clearly, this was all real.
Alright, I don't understand!
But what confused Nara Shikaku even more was that Tsunade simply replied, "Hmm, that's true."
No, does that mean you approve?
Lady Tsunade, are you sure?
Nara Shikaku was greatly shocked.
And if Nara Shikaku was like this, then Akimichi Choza, Inoichi Yamanaka, and the other Jonin from the Village behind him were all equally shocked, momentarily at a loss for words.
No, why is this kid so arrogant?
People from the Uchiha Clan are arrogant, but not to this extent, right? It's completely unreasonable, abnormal. Where does this kid get his confidence?
Inside the tent, these Konoha Jonin exchanged glances, each unsure how to describe their current feelings.
But as for Bai Mu, of course, it was...that Uchiha brat is too audacious!
But before Nara Shikaku and the others could react, Tsunade directly issued an order:
"Shikaku, you all pay attention to the security of the logistics line to prevent surprise attacks from Kumogakure. The whereabouts of the Two-Tails are unknown, and it is highly likely it is tasked with disrupting our Konoha logistics line. Uchiha Bai Mu, Esdeath, Alice, and I will head directly to the battlefield to engage Kumogakure. You all gather a portion of elites and be ready to provide support and rendezvous, but do not get too close, so as not to endanger your safety!"
Lady Tsunade, are you sure you want to do this?
Nara Shikaku just wanted to say, this is truly insane.
He didn't know why Tsunade was so confident, and according to this, four people would go together, but you would be facing the Kumogakure army.
The key is that there are countless elites there, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and those Kumogakure Jonin. I don't know where you get your chances of winning.
Nara Shikaku didn't know, so he had to stop her. He absolutely couldn't let Tsunade act so recklessly.
"Lady Tsunade, why don't we wait for Minato? After he arrives, we can then..."
Tsunade waved her hand, directly interrupting, "No need. Speed is paramount in war. After a rest, we will depart tomorrow. You all prepare accordingly and be responsible for capturing prisoners."
"Alright, meeting adjourned!"
Tsunade was decisive and left after speaking.
Left behind, naturally, were the bewildered Konoha Jonin.
"Shikaku, what should we do?" Akimichi Choza and Inoichi Yamanaka couldn't help but look at Nara Shikaku. Now it was up to him to decide.
Nara Shikaku thought to himself that he also had no solution. Princess Tsunade was not someone he could command, and moreover, given her status and position, there was nothing they could do.
He sighed, rubbed his temples, and then made arrangements: "Get Minato here as quickly as possible, and also... report to Hokage-sama immediately!"
...Inside the dim underground cavern.
Uchiha Madara was listening to White Zetsu's report, and upon learning that Bai Mu had actually managed to kill the Third Mizukage, causing Hidden Mist to suffer heavy losses and forcing them to withdraw from the Third Great Ninja War, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression.
"Uchiha Bai Mu, this kid is quite interesting! Hidden Mist was actually shattered by him, but the death of the Third Mizukage is a bit problematic."
Although Uchiha Madara had intentions against Bai Mu, the problem was that he could handle things so appropriately, and even killed the Third Mizukage. He deserved praise, and he wouldn't be so enraged by it.
However, this kid is indeed not suitable to be my pawn. Obito, that kid, is easier to control.
White Zetsu continued to report, "Lord Madara, Uchiha Bai Mu has now arrived in the Land of Frost with Tsunade, seemingly to fight Kumogakure. However, a battle occurred within the Land of Hot Water, and according to our investigation, it was Konoha's Anbu!"
"Anbu?"
Uchiha Madara's brows immediately furrowed, and he understood the situation, letting out a cold snort. "Hmph, Konoha's higher-ups are still the same. As expected of Senju Tobirama's disciple, he truly inherited that guy's consistent policy of targeting the Uchiha Clan..."
Uchiha Madara understood the actions of Konoha's higher-ups. Moreover, that dog, Senju Tobirama, harbored too much malice towards the Uchiha Clan, so the policies he left behind were all specifically aimed at the Uchiha Clan.
And now that Uchiha Bai Mu had emerged, could Konoha's higher-ups sit still?
"Before, I underestimated Uchiha Bai Mu. I didn't expect him to be so outstanding. And the Anbu making a move on him... doesn't that mean...?" Realizing this, Uchiha Madara looked up at White Zetsu and asked, "Oh, right, what's the battle situation? What's the scene like?"
"All of the Anbu are dead."
"Among them, Hiruzen Sarutobi's son, Sarutobi Miroku, also died there. Only half of his head remained. Almost none of the people at the scene were intact; they died very miserably."
White Zetsu answered honestly, without any intention of joking.
All dead?
And the Hokage's son died too?
"Uchiha Bai Mu, this brat is cunning, ruthless in his actions, and possesses extraordinary methods. My decision not to choose him was indeed correct. And this test of mine has also resolved my doubts. It wasn't that I misjudged him; it's that this brat is too good at hiding. That fool Obito, on the other hand, is much easier to deal with."
Upon learning of this, Uchiha Madara was both surprised and somewhat emotional, never expecting a junior from the Uchiha to dare act in such a way.
This brat... indeed, it was right not to choose him.
Once again, Uchiha Madara understood that his choice was indeed not wrong. This brat had always acted low-key, and he knew he was not simple and held secrets.
Facts proved this was correct.
He deliberately hid himself because he saw the conflict between the Village and the Clan, and because his wings were not yet fully grown, he was not in a hurry to stand out.
The most prominent tree in the forest is the first to be blown down by the wind. This brat understood that too well, and he was overly cautious!
The question is, how did he get Hashirama's granddaughter to side with him?
This truly made Uchiha Madara curious.
"Lord Madara, not only that, but he also overthrew Uchiha Fugaku on the Hidden Mist front and made himself Clan Head," White Zetsu added upon hearing this.
"He became Clan Head?"
Uchiha Madara's expression was somewhat surprised, then a hint of anger appeared. White Zetsu hadn't reported it in time, so he immediately questioned, "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
"Lord Madara, there were too many things; I forgot," White Zetsu quickly explained, scared by Uchiha Madara's anger.
Did I not say it?
No, I forgot.
There was nothing he could do; there were too many things, and he really couldn't keep track of everything.
"Hmph, utterly useless!" Knowing the reason, Uchiha Madara was undoubtedly furious.
What was he good for?
Useless, truly useless.
But it was already too late. Uchiha Madara would not complain about this repeatedly. The immediate task was to implement the plan as quickly as possible to make Obito his pawn.
"On Obito's side, get him to recover as soon as possible. Also, have the Hidden Mist Anbu start acting according to the plan. Since Minato Namikaze is going to the Kumogakure battlefield, Obito's two companions might return to the Village, or they might follow him. But no matter where they go, Rin Nohara will definitely have a chance to be alone. Keep a constant watch, and once there's an opportunity, capture her."
Uchiha Madara was now worried that the Third Great Ninja War would end prematurely. Iwagakure had already retreated, and that brat Ōnoki temporarily dared not make a move, choosing to negotiate peace with Konoha. Regardless of whether this peace talk was effective or not, it meant a ceasefire.
Furthermore, Hidden Mist had been beaten back and was powerless.
In this way, the remaining Sunagakure was only a matter of time, and although Kumogakure seemed strong, Uchiha Madara was not optimistic.
Therefore, he was afraid that the war would end quickly, and once it ended, it would be difficult to carry out the plan.
He needed Obito to fall into darkness and awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Uchiha Madara had repeatedly conceived and designed this.
The plan to be executed now was the best one.
So Uchiha Madara would absolutely not allow this Ninja World War to end before Obito awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan; that would mean the plan would be difficult to carry out.
After all, to hold back Minato Namikaze, only when the war was ongoing could he be tied up, creating an opportunity to put Obito's two companions in a desperate situation.
This way, Obito would personally witness the girl he loved die at the hands of his cherished companion, and the Mangekyo would naturally awaken.
Furthermore, Obito would also understand that the future of the Ninja World could only be saved by the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Only the Infinite Tsukuyomi could bring about peace.
Uchiha Madara firmly believed this...