Chapter 262: The Shortage of Supplies
The atmosphere in Sunagakure's frontline camp was somber and frantic. Ebizo stood on a raised platform; his gaunt figure emanated a suffocating sense of oppression. Before him, the main body of the army had gathered, a dark mass, with the air thick with killing intent.
"Konoha massacred our compatriots and trampled on our dignity!" Ebizo's voice, filled with deep hatred, was heard clearly by all the ninjas through the wind release. "Today is the day we wash away this shame, avenge our fallen heroes, invade the heart of the Land of Fire, and reclaim everything that belongs to us!"
He waved his hand, and guards brought out dozens of sealed boxes, revealing high-quality detonating talismans, the same shipment that the Sunataki clan had smuggled.
"Do you see this?!" He grabbed a handful and held them up. "This is the loot we took from Konoha! These are the weapons that will shatter their defenses, the flames of our revenge!"
A sudden exclamation of surprise and greed resonated among the crowd. They were high-quality detonating talismans. In Sunagakure, where resources were scarce, they were an invaluable currency.
"This time, I am in command!" Ebizo's voice rose. His cold gaze swept over the jonin. "Every ninja must be given one talisman. Genin will receive two, chunin will get double that, and jonin will get double that. We must ensure that every ninja who participates in the battle has one!"
His words hit hard. The faces of the clan representatives darkened. So many talismans, but they were actually being distributed per person, which was tantamount to depriving them of their own profits.
"Elder Ebizo, isn't this inappropriate?" an elite jonin from the Sunataki clan couldn't help but intervene. "Such valuable supplies should be prioritized for the elite troops."
"A waste?!" Ebizo snapped his head around, staring intently at the jonin. A wave of murderous instinct washed over him. "Do you question my orders? Or do you question whether these ninjas who shed blood and sacrificed themselves for Sunagakure are unworthy?"
The jonin hesitated, fearing that Ebizo would seize the opportunity and bring up the smuggling case.
"Listen up!" Ebizo continued. "This battle is a matter of life and death. I need the full strength of the entire army. Anyone, from any clan, who dares to hold one back, hoard one, or try to manipulate the distribution... you are my enemy, and the enemy of all Sunagakure. I, Ebizo, am serious!"
His words were imbued with a bloody aura that sent shivers down everyone's spines. They had no doubt that Ebizo, obsessed with revenge, would do it. Under immense pressure, the Sand clan finally accepted defeat.
Numerous new detonating plates were distributed to every ninja. When the common ninjas, who had rarely touched one, finally received theirs, the surprise was overwhelming.
"This, this is for me?" an old chunin held his plate with trembling hands, his clouded eyes filled with emotion.
"Captain, how do you use this plate?" a fresh-faced genin asked.
"Idiot!" although the team leader cursed, he couldn't hide his excitement. "Inject chakra and throw it quickly. Don't waste it!"
"Everyone, let's go!" he raised his voice. "The elder has treated us so well. We must repay his kindness with the blood of Konoha ninjas!"
"Yes, fight for the elders, avenge the shame!" fanatical shouts followed.
Standing on the platform, Ebizo watched the army, their morale through the roof. He seemed to see victory approaching, to see the White Blood Demon reduced to ashes.
"White Blood Demon!" he whispered, a grim sneer on his face. "Your doom has arrived!" He brandished his sword, pointing it towards the Konoha camp. "All troops! Attack!"
With deafening shouts and a cloud of dust, the Sunagakure army launched a desperate assault. However, none of them, including the triumphant Ebizo, realized that the explosive plates they were clutching, brimming with chakra, could kill them just as well as any Konoha ninja.
The imposing figure of Choza stood before the lookout, a frown on his face. He watched the Sunagakure ninjas in the distance; their enthusiasm exceeded expectations.
"Has that old fox Ebizo gone mad?" Choza's voice was filled with deep confusion. "We've already deciphered the poison. Where does he get the confidence to launch an all-out assault?"
He turned and looked at Sasuke, who stood to the side with a calm expression. "Sasuke, what do you think? Ebizo is not a reckless man. He must have something to rely on."
"When the enemy arrives, we will face them with our own forces," Sasuke said calmly. "We have the advantage in personnel. Our top priority is to stand our ground."
"Advantage in personnel?" Choza shook his head. "The Suna ninjas have deployed their full power this time, and they are all elite troops, especially their puppet users. This power cannot be countered by numerical superiority alone."
"Yes," Sasuke nodded, evasively.
Choza clenched his fists. "Nevertheless, you are right. We must repel them. Pass on the order!" he turned to the messenger ninja. "Order all units to rely on the fortifications and defend with all their might!"
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