The doors to the Royal Palace of the Land of Water's council chamber were tightly shut.
A massive military defense map hung on the wall, densely marked with red dots.
Like gaping, ferocious mouths: approaching the Land of Water's borders from the east, north, west, and northwest.
Shikaku held a thick intelligence report, his forehead still dotted with fine beads of sweat. "Shun-sama, the movements of the Four Nations Allied Forces have been confirmed. The intel sent back by the Anbu has been verified three times, and the troop data is accurate."
"Iwagakure has gathered 17,000 ninjas, divided into three legions, advancing towards the northern border."
"Kumogakure has gathered 14,000 ninjas, divided into two legions, advancing towards the eastern border."
"Sunagakure has assembled 12,000 ninjas, with Rasa personally leading them, stationed along the western border."
"The most troublesome is the Land of Akatsuki. Akatsuki has gathered 15,000 ninjas, personally commanded by the Six Paths of Pain. They are currently lingering along the northwestern border, showing clear signs of aggression."
After saying this, Shikaku gulpex, his expression growing even more serious.
"The Four Nations Allied Forces total 68,000 troops, spread across four fronts, putting no small amount of pressure on our defensive deployment."
Shun slowly raised his head, sweeping his gaze over the people in the council chamber.
"We don't provoke trouble, but we also don't fear it. Since they want war, we shall accept it."
His steady and powerful voice instantly calmed everyone's emotions.
"Minato, you will lead 15,000 ninjas to defend against Kumogakure's attack. You must hold the border and await the unified counterattack order."
Minato immediately stood up, responding solemnly, "Yes, I will definitely hold the line and never allow Kumogakure's ninjas to take even a single step into the Land of Water."
"Shisui, you will lead 18,000 ninjas and be stationed at the Land of Earth's border."
Shisui stood up, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "Understood. I will not fail your trust."
After assigning the northeast two fronts, Shun's finger moved to the Land of Akatsuki on the northwestern border.
He paused, then slowly spoke, "Akatsuki... 15,000 Akatsuki ninjas, I alone can defend against them."
As soon as these words were uttered, everyone in the council chamber was stunned.
Minato, Shikaku, and others stepped forward to dissuade him.
"Shun-sama, you are the core of the Land of Water, you absolutely cannot take such a risk."
"Akatsuki's Six Paths of Pain possess strange abilities, and with 15,000 ninjas assisting him, it's too dangerous for you alone. Why don't we dispatch 15,000 ninjas to support you, even if it's just to tie down a portion of the enemy?"
"Yes, Shun-sama, we are willing to go with you."
The others also chimed in, their eyes full of worry.
Shun raised a hand to interrupt them, smiling casually. "What are you worried about? With a flick of my hand, I can summon tens of thousands of Shadow Clone. It's hard to say who will surround whom. When I activate a thousand-meter-tall Susanoo, a single sweep of my hand can kill a large number of enemies. If allies are near me, the shockwaves of battle could easily injure them."
"Moreover, Pain's Ninjutsu has a very large area of effect. Ordinary Jonin caught in it could easily die. Only if I go can unnecessary casualties be avoided. Your holding your respective lines is the greatest support you can give me."
Seeing his firm attitude and reasonable words, everyone knew they couldn't persuade him.
At this moment, Nawaki suddenly stood up, his face full of excitement. "Brother-in-law! Leave the Sandstorm Pass on the western Land of Wind border to me. I've wanted to go to the battlefield for a long time. These 12,000 people from Sunagakure are perfect for me."
Watching Nawaki's eagerness to prove himself, a hint of a smile flashed in Shun's eyes.
He deliberately put on a stern face and teased, "Alright, Nawaki, you will lead 15,000 ninjas to defend the Land of Wind's border. But remember not to kill Rasa, or Gaara, Kankuro, and Karura. They are Temari's family after all. If you hurt them, Temari won't forgive you."
"Don't worry, brother-in-law. I have a sense of proportion." Nawaki excitedly clenched his fist, a hearty smile blooming on his face.
With the defensive deployment complete, everyone gradually left the council chamber.
The night deepened, and the silver moonlight spilled onto the bluestone path, like a thin layer of frost. Occasionally, a late breeze blew, and the leaves rustled softly.
As Shun reached the entrance of the inner hall, he saw several small figures running out from inside. They surrounded him like a flock of cheerful birds.
"Father!"
With a shout, Hamamaru, clad in a black combat suit with a gleaming long sword at his waist, exuded a strong fighting spirit.
His eyes held a hint of urgency as he said, "Father, we heard that the Four Great Nations are going to attack the Land of Water and have gathered tens of thousands of ninjas. We also want to go to the battlefield and fight for our country."
"Father, we also want to go to the battlefield!"
"Father... Father... Father..."
Shiryu, Seishin, Sasuke, Manaka, Karin, and Shion also gathered around, chattering incessantly.
Looking at this group of eager children, Shun felt a mix of emotions. He was both pleased by their courage and worried about them getting hurt on the battlefield.
He was pleased by the children's courage but also worried about their safety.
He gently patted Hamamaru's shoulder and said seriously, "I am very pleased that you have the courage to go to the battlefield. But the Four Nations Allied Forces total 68,000 people, all elite ninjas from various countries. The dangers of the battlefield far exceed your imagination. Although you have mastered many Ninjutsu, rushing onto the battlefield now is still too dangerous."
When they heard the words "too dangerous," the hearts of the seven children sank. Their originally expectant eyes, as if doused with a bucket of cold water, instantly became dim.
Hamamaru bit his lip tightly, seemingly wanting to say something to refute his father, but ultimately remained silent.
Just as the children's spirits hit rock bottom, Shun's next sentence was like a ray of dawn.
"However, it's not impossible to go."
Hearing this, the children's eyes rekindled with a glimmer of light.
"Hamamaru, Shiryu, Seishin, the three of you will go with Minato to the Kumogakure battlefield. Kumogakure ninjas are skilled in Taijutsu and Lightning Release, you can go there to gain experience."
"Minato is very strong. Stay by his side and learn practical combat and command skills. Remember, you must obey Minato's commands and not act on your own."
"Yes, father."
Hamamaru and the other two excitedly responded in unison, then turned to pack their bags, afraid their father might suddenly change his mind.