Chapter 133: The Advancing Sand Ninja
The boisterous atmosphere lasted for over half an hour before gradually subsiding. As for Kyosuke himself, he had long since followed Orochimaru to his tent.
"Well done, Kyosuke," Fugaku said, unable to hold back his praise the moment he sat down.
Orochimaru, who was on the side, also smiled and nodded, but then his brow furrowed deeply.
Seeing this, Kyosuke asked with hesitation, "Is the battle situation very unfavorable?"
"That's right," Orochimaru said, not hiding the truth. "Not only are we at a numerical disadvantage, but we may also be lacking in high-level combat power."
Hearing this, Kyosuke glanced at the expressionless Fugaku and then said, "Then what should we do next?"
"Stall," Orochimaru said with a single, decisive word.
"Are you saying that we should take advantage of the fact that the Sand ninja's medical capabilities have been greatly weakened and drag out the battle as long as possible, until we completely wear them down?" Kyosuke asked, trying to understand Orochimaru's thinking.
"You're right. For now, without using our hidden trump cards, this is the only way," Orochimaru sighed with a sense of helplessness.
Kyosuke knew in his heart what he meant by "hidden trump cards." It was none other than the Rain ninja who were still watching from the sidelines.
Although Hanzo had agreed to Konoha's request for troops, the cunning old fox would certainly not send them out at the first opportunity. He needed to observe for a while. It was only after he had confirmed that the Southwestern Army truly had the strength to contend with the Sand ninja that he would probably send troops to their aid.
So, for now, they probably couldn't count on him.
The Konoha众人's hearts were all very clear about Hanzo's little scheme.
However, they couldn't blame him. After all, as the leader of a village, it was normal for Hanzo to act with caution. Not to mention, if it were Orochimaru or Kyosuke in his position, they would probably make the same choice.
Just as the people in the tent were lost in thought, a messenger suddenly rushed in. "Report! According to intelligence, the Sand's Pakura is leading a team of about a thousand men, bypassing our defensive lines and advancing toward the Land of Fire from the north of the Land of Rivers."
Before they could react, another messenger rushed in.
"Report! According to intelligence, the Sand's Rasa is leading a team of a thousand men into the Land of Rain. His whereabouts are currently unknown."
"Report! According to intelligence, the Sand's Chiyo is leading 2,000 men in a surprise attack on our outpost in the south of the Land of Rivers. Our army has suffered heavy casualties."
"Report! According to intelligence, the Sand's Bunjin is leading a team of a thousand men and has appeared at the southern outpost. They have already broken through our defensive perimeter and are heading straight for our main camp."
"Report! According to intelligence, the Third Kazekage is leading the Kage Guard and has personally set out. His purpose and whereabouts are unknown."
A series of unfavorable intelligence reports made Kyosuke feel a sense of suffocation.
"Are the Sand ninja planning to burn their boats?" Kyosuke muttered to himself, his expression grim.
"That's right. Since I can understand that the Sand will be defeated if we drag this out, how could they give us that chance?" Kyosuke thought, looking at the pensive Orochimaru.
Time rewinds to a little earlier, in the Sand's commander's camp.
Thump! An oil lamp was violently struck, shattering into pieces.
"Damn you, Konoha! Damn you, Uchiha Kyosuke!" the Third Kazekage roared in anger.
The Third Kazekage, who was usually known for his calmness and wisdom, was now having trouble suppressing his anger.
As a master of strategy, he knew very well what the large-scale death of medical personnel meant.
That was why he had briefly lost his senses.
After a while of venting, the Third Kazekage finally regained his composure. He turned to look at the silent three and felt a pang of guilt.
"I'm sorry. This happened because of my poor command as the commander-in-chief. If..."
Before the Third Kazekage could finish, Chiyo waved her hand and interrupted him.
"There's no need to blame yourself, Kazekage. No one could have predicted this would happen. By blaming yourself, are you not also blaming us consultants?" Chiyo said with a faint smile.
Hearing Chiyo's words, the Third Kazekage's self-blame was somewhat alleviated. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "We can't drag this on any longer."
"That's right, we can't drag this on any longer..." Chiyo muttered to herself.
Just then, Ebizo, who was on the side, suddenly pointed at the strategic map on the wall. "Look here, here, and here."
The three places he pointed to were the northernmost valley of the Land of Rivers, the outpost set up by Konoha in the south of the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Rain.
"Send men to bypass this route and advance into the Land of Fire. This way, Konoha's already stretched forces will be forced to split up again to block our troops. At the same time, the pressure on our front lines will be correspondingly reduced."
"Similarly, Rasa, you lead an army into the Land of Rain, bypass their forces, and surround Konoha's Southwestern Army, completely cutting off their retreat."
The others' eyes lit up, and Bunjin couldn't help but praise, "Attack where the enemy must rescue. Brilliant."
"Then, sister, you first lead a surprise attack on Konoha's southern outpost to test their resistance. If it's not possible, then retreat. But if you see an opportunity..." Ebizo said, then turned to Bunjin. "You lead men to support my sister, and then charge straight into Konoha's main camp."
The others thought for a moment, then all nodded in agreement.
The intention behind Ebizo's arrangement was clear. It was to bully the Southwestern Army for its small numbers. "I'll send men to bypass you and head for the Land of Fire. Will you rescue them or not? If you do, you'll have to split your forces. If you don't... then the vast fertile lands of the Land of Fire will be ours for the taking."
The same logic applied to Rasa's actions. Although Ebizo's order was to surround them, the key was that the Southwestern Army didn't know this. So, they faced the same problem. Should they go and block Rasa or not? If they didn't, and the Land of Fire suffered massive casualties and property losses, would you, Orochimaru, be able to bear the responsibility?
This was Ebizo's open conspiracy. Since the Southwestern Army liked to play dirty, then he would just play it straight and see if they could handle it.
As for whether Konoha would send more reinforcements, Ebizo himself was not too worried.
The Cloud ninja were still watching them like tigers on the border of the Land of Rice Fields. If Konoha dared to make a move, the Cloud's army would definitely march south. At that time, Konoha would be facing a pincer attack from two great ninja villages. Not to mention...
Ebizo thought of a secret letter he had received a while ago, and the corner of his mouth curled up slightly. "Konoha, you will be defeated this time."
Seeing that his colleagues had understood his intentions, Ebizo turned to the Third Kazekage. "Kazekage, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to make a trip yourself this time."
Hearing his words, the Third Kazekage's expression turned serious. "Please speak."
"You do this, and this..." Ebizo whispered to him.
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