Ōnoki handed the envelope to Kitsuchi, his eyes filled with paternal warmth. "Kitsuchi, go. As the son of Ōnoki of the Two Scales, your future responsibilities are heavy." Ōnoki patted Kitsuchi's shoulder and smiled.
He had high hopes for his son and also wished for him not to lose his fighting spirit because of temporary failure.
Kitsuchi nodded solemnly, accepted the envelope with both hands, and bowed deeply to Ōnoki. Then he walked out of the building and headed toward the village gate. This mission was critical for three reasons.
First, the attack from Kumogakure was imminent. It could be today, or tomorrow. Who could say for sure?
Second, heading to Konoha now, with their stance unclear, meant he might face mockery and insults. But he couldn't back down. The safety of tens of thousands of villagers depended on this negotiation.
Third, his father, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, was at his limit. Having just survived a major battle, he couldn't fight at full strength. If the conflict dragged on and the Kage of both villages had to step onto the battlefield, there was a high chance his father would die.
For the sake of his father and the villagers, Kitsuchi had to succeed in this negotiation. His eyes burned with determination. Even if he were trampled into the dirt, he would endure it.
Ōnoki stood by the window, watching Kitsuchi leave, and sighed. He had once believed in the strength of individuals and the village, that unity could overcome anything. He had despised underhanded tactics.
But the sight of that colossal Buddha and the tamed tailed beasts had crushed his fiery spirit. Shaking his head, Ōnoki shakily rose to his feet and went downstairs to explain the defensive plans to the villagers.
Given their current strength, Kumogakure would pay a steep price to break through. Unless they were willing to commit their Jinchūriki and Kage to total annihilation, Ōnoki was confident they could inflict a 1:1.5 casualty ratio. To swallow Iwagakure, Kumo would lose at least ten thousand shinobi!
Ōnoki straightened his back. "Everyone, Kitsuchi has gone to seek reinforcements. But we cannot rely solely on others. We must fight back ourselves!"
As soon as he spoke, the shinobi straightened their postures. "Please lead us, Tsuchikage-sama! We will crush Kumo's ambitions and protect Iwagakure!"
Ōnoki nodded. "This is a life-or-death moment. Let us unite and overcome this crisis together. I thank you all!"
"Han, take three thousand Iwa-nin and hold the border at all costs. If necessary, fully release the Five-Tails. The first battle is crucial. Winning it means half the victory is ours!" Ōnoki looked at Han with a stern gaze.
Han nodded. "Understood, Tsuchikage-sama!" Though his body still ached and he longed for rest, there was no time. For the village, he had to march immediately.
Ōnoki turned to the others. "The remaining five thousand shinobi will stay with me as the central force. If the front line falters, we will push forward and crush the enemy!"
"From now on, everyone will eat soldier pills and replenish their chakra. We depart in one hour. Ensure your chakra reserves are full!" Ōnoki's plan was clear and orderly.
The shinobi present were all serious and filled with fighting spirit. The mission began: "The Rock Still Stands."
They rested in place, including Ōnoki, and began gathering chakra. There was no time to sleep. Every second counted. They had to recover as much chakra as possible before the enemy arrived!
One hour later, Han opened his eyes and roared, "Three thousand shinobi, follow me! The Rock Still Stands! Let those reckless Kumo barbarians pay the price!" As he spoke, Han activated his chakra, and five tails swayed behind him.
The sight ignited the morale of the three thousand Iwa-nin. They followed Han to the front lines at the Land of Earth-Land of Lightning border.
Ōnoki slowly opened his eyes. This battle would determine Iwagakure's morale and set the tone for the war. If Han fought well, they could hold out longer, giving Kitsuchi time to secure reinforcements. If they lost the first battle, they would have to prepare for a desperate fight to the death.
Ōnoki's eyes were heavy with worry and sorrow. He continued recovering his chakra. The central force still had an hour to rest before reinforcing the front lines.
Meanwhile, Yugito had just led her forces through the Land of Iron. Mifune hesitated but ultimately let them pass, though he resolved never to act as a neutral arbitrator for Kumogakure again.
'This is just shameless. They say one thing and do another. Who can tolerate this?' Mifune shook his head, lamenting the endless cycle of war in the shinobi world.
Yugito maintained strict discipline. Though young, she was no less capable than any veteran commander.
"Report! Iwagakure's Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han, is waiting for us on the highlands at the border!" a scout informed her.
Yugito clenched her jaw. She quickly grasped Ōnoki's strategy—this was a decisive first battle.
"Double time! Prepare for forced march! Iwa has already set up defenses. We must strike now while they're weak!" Yugito's eyes gleamed with madness.
What commander wasn't a little mad? Both Iwa and Kumo shinobi were brimming with fighting spirit. 'If we can't beat Konoha, we'll crush these weaklings!'
In less than half an hour, Yugito and Han faced each other.
Yugito raised her hand, signaling her troops to halt. She had words for the Five-Tails Jinchūriki.
"Are you Iwagakure's Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han?" she asked with a smile.
"Indeed, you Kumo scum. Your grandpa Han stands before you. You must be Yugito, right? Tsk, sending a pretty girl to lead troops—has Kumo run out of men?" Han taunted.
"I also heard Kumo tortured you since childhood to make you adapt to the Two-Tails. How pathetic, serving them willingly after that." Han's words were meant to provoke.
Yugito gritted her teeth. "Don't spout nonsense! I am Kumo's to the bone. I won't tolerate your lies!" She formed ten blue Flame Bombs and launched them at Han.
Han's smirk faded. He raised his right hand. "Steam Gun!" Pressurized steam shot from his armor, intercepting each Flame Bomb midair.
The attacks canceled each other out. Though seemingly equal, Han had reacted faster, gaining a slight advantage.
'Matatabi, any ideas?' Yugito asked inwardly.
Matatabi shook its head. 'He's a Jinchūriki too, and one who controls Boil Release. Winning won't be easy, but it's not impossible.'
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