After Konoha's army set out and arrived at the border of the Land of Rain, they regrouped with the two thousand Konoha ninjas already stationed there. After reorganizing their forces, they split into two divisions.
One force of four thousand ninjas, led by Senju Senra and Hyūga Jitsushi, advanced toward the Iwagakure army.
The other force of six thousand ninjas—consisting of the majority of Konoha's elite—was led by Orochimaru, Yoru, and Tsunade, heading toward Sunagakure's forces.
After selecting a suitable location, Orochimaru began directing the construction of a frontline base.
Amid loud shouts and coordinated effort, the outline of a massive base quickly took shape. One should never underestimate the efficiency of ninjas in building structures. Earth Release users rapidly reshaped the terrain and laid the foundation. Wind Release users cut and processed the materials, while taijutsu specialists assembled the structures with incredible speed.
Yoru, Tsunade, and a white-haired ninja stood together.
Yoru glanced at the man beside him.
Hatake Sakumo.
The man who would serve as his deputy on the Sunagakure battlefield—
A future legend known as the "White Fang of Konoha."
Based on historical accounts, it was difficult to precisely gauge Sakumo's true strength. He rose to fame in the latter half of the Second Great Ninja War, wielding a short blade known as "White Fang." On the Sunagakure battlefield, he slaughtered countless enemies. Eventually, he penetrated deep into the Land of Wind and, in front of the legendary puppet master Chiyo, killed numerous Sand ninjas—including her son and daughter-in-law, who were Sasori's parents.
That single battle made him famous across the world.
The title "White Fang of Konoha"—
Was said to surpass even the Legendary Sannin.
Though, according to records, Sakumo had never fought someone at the absolute peak of Kage-level power, making his exact strength hard to determine.
Still—
His Kage-level strength was beyond doubt.
And his chakra blade techniques required no hand seals.
In terms of lethality—
He likely stood at the pinnacle of Kage-level combat.
Of course, at this stage, Sakumo had yet to reach his true peak. Having only just entered the battlefield, his strength would inevitably surge rapidly through the trials of war.
In chaotic times—
Heroes were born.
True powerhouses rose through bloodshed.
"Yoru-sama," Sakumo said calmly, his expression as composed as ever. "I look forward to working with you."
"Haha." Yoru smiled. "You're too polite, Sakumo. I've heard about your strength from the Hokage himself. I'm sure you'll achieve great merit in this war."
A flicker of emotion passed through Sakumo's usually calm eyes.
No man—
Especially one of his caliber—
Could resist the desire to achieve glory on the battlefield.
In the past, as an ANBU operative, his identity had always remained hidden. Though he never complained—
The opportunity to earn fame openly—
Was something no one could reject.
"Yoru-sama, Tsunade-sama, Hatake Sakumo-sama," a Konoha jonin approached respectfully. "The command tent has been set up. Lord Orochimaru requests your presence for a strategic meeting."
The three nodded, following him toward the command tent.
Step. Step. Step.
Orochimaru looked up as they entered. A faint smile appeared on his pale face.
"Yoru-kun, Tsunade, Hatake-kun—you're here?"
At this stage, Orochimaru's manners were impeccable—one of the reasons Hiruzen favored him so highly.
"Please, sit."
After taking their seats, Yoru exchanged greetings with Senju Mingluo and Uchiha Mingkong, who were seated nearby. Both responded respectfully.
Though most of the Senju clan's elite were on the Iwagakure front under Senju Senra, it didn't mean there were none here. Senju Mingluo led a portion of the clan on the Sunagakure battlefield.
As for the Uchiha clan—
They maintained their usual detached attitude, as if the war had little to do with them.
They sent only a token force.
And naturally—
Those sent were from Uchiha Han's faction.
Uchiha Mingkong, one of their strongest members, had already awakened his three-tomoe Sharingan. His strength stood at the peak of elite jonin.
"Our current orders are to defeat Sunagakure's forces as quickly as possible," a strategist began after everyone was seated. "Meanwhile, the Iwagakure front is being held by four thousand ninjas under Lord Senju Senra. Time is critical. If we fail to defeat Sunagakure quickly, the pressure on the other front will become overwhelming."
"Sunagakure is not comparable to the Rain ninjas we fought before," Orochimaru said in his slightly hoarse voice. "Defeating them quickly will not be easy. Does anyone have suggestions?"
"Lord Orochimaru," another strategist spoke up, "a rapid victory is unlikely. If we push them too far, the Third Kazekage and the One-Tail, Shukaku, may appear on the battlefield."
At the mention of the Kazekage and Shukaku—
Many present showed visible fear.
The Third Kazekage—
The strongest in the village's history—
Wielded Magnet Release, capable of battling Tailed Beasts alone.
And Shukaku—
Though considered the weakest among the Tailed Beasts—
Was still a monster of pure destruction.
Such creatures—
Were not something humans could easily contend with.
"Why are you afraid?"
Yoru's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
He looked at the fearful faces and spoke coldly.
"It's just the One-Tail."
"If Sunagakure dares to bring it to the battlefield—"
"Then they should be prepared to lose it forever."
His words rang with absolute confidence.
For a moment—
Silence filled the tent.
Then—
"Yes… we have Yoru-sama!"
"Right! With Yoru-sama here, what is there to fear?!"
"It's just the One-Tail!"
The morale of the group surged instantly.
They had almost forgotten—
They had a monster of their own.
Yoru.
A being feared across the shinobi world.
If anyone could stand against a Tailed Beast—
It was him.
Orochimaru watched the shift in morale and smiled faintly.
He had never been particularly interested in power or authority.
If not for Hiruzen's command—
He wouldn't have taken the role of commander at all.
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