Chapter 49: The Hot Springs Front
The journey to the Land of Hot Springs was a long, silent trek through dense forests and across winding mountain paths. Kagenori followed Orochimaru's relentless pace, his mind a whirlwind of the conversation they'd shared and the promise he'd made to Kushina. After several days, they finally arrived at the Konoha forward base, situated precariously on the border between the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of Fire.
The base was a stark, functional affair—a collection of sturdy tents nestled in a defensive formation, with weary-looking shinobi patrolling the perimeter. Every ninja who spotted Orochimaru offered a respectful, "Lord Orochimaru," their postures straightening slightly as he passed. Orochimaru acknowledged them with a slight nod, leading Kagenori directly to the largest command tent at the center of the encampment.
Inside, they found Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze hunched over a large sand table, its surface molded to represent the local topography.
Jiraiya looked up, his face breaking into a relieved grin at the sight of his former teammate. "Orochimaru! You're finally here. The old man said you were coming for support. It's a weight off my shoulders."
Orochimaru bypassed any pleasantries, his voice cutting straight to the matter at hand. "Report the situation."
Jiraiya's expression sobered instantly. "It's bad. Our forward positions have been pushed back again and again. We're almost at the point where we can't retreat any further without ceding the border entirely."
As Orochimaru moved to study the sand table, Kagenori's eyes found Minato. The years had changed him. He was taller, his features sharper and more resolute, and he carried a tangible, fierce aura—the kind forged in real combat, a far cry from the academy prodigy. Minato was watching him too, his gaze analytical, taking in the changes in the boy he had once sparred with and lost to.
Kagenori turned away, moving to stand beside Orochimaru to examine the tactical layout.
Jiraiya pointed to various markers on the table. "The Kumo-nin seem to have reached some kind of agreement with the local Hot Springs authorities. A significant number of their forces are garrisoned within the villages themselves. The border here is extensive. With our current numbers, holding such a long line is nearly impossible. Right now, we're barely managing to keep them from crossing into the Land of Fire."
He moved his finger to a point representing the Land of the Moon. "Simultaneously, Kumo has a substantial force stationed here. The moment we inflict casualties, they rotate fresh troops from the Moon Country into the Hot Springs front, maintaining constant pressure. At this rate, a full withdrawal into the Land of Fire is inevitable."
Orochimaru studied the sand table, a deep frown etched on his face. He had expected the situation to be difficult, but the reality was even more dire.
Jiraiya, for his part, looked immensely relieved. The burden of command—the endless deployments, the tactical assignments—had weighed heavily on him. With Orochimaru here, that logistical nightmare could be handed off to the one Sannin best suited for it.
As Orochimaru contemplated the map, Jiraiya turned his attention to Kagenori. "Kid, long time no see. Never thought you'd end up as Orochimaru's student. He's picky. You must have something special."
Kagenori offered a polite, formal bow. "It's good to see you again, Lord Jiraiya." Having fulfilled the social nicety, he immediately returned his focus to the sand table, his expression intense.
Jiraiya snorted quietly. "As cold as your sensei, I see."
Kagenori's eyes traced the line of Konoha's flags on the sand table, his expression turning grim. The front line was literally on the border. Any further retreat, and they would be fighting on home soil.
Orochimaru glanced sideways at him. "Kagenori. Your assessment. How do we change this situation?"
The question startled everyone, including Jiraiya and Minato. They looked from Orochimaru to the young Chunin in surprise.
"This is a battlefield," Orochimaru added, his tone implying that here, merit was everything. He was giving Kagenori a platform, a chance to prove his strategic worth and accelerate his rise within Konoha's hierarchy.
Jiraiya leaned closer to Orochimaru, whispering, "Isn't it a bit early to be asking a kid for his opinion on something this critical?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a thin smile. "Don't underestimate my student, Jiraiya. In some ways, he's sharper than I am."
Jiraiya looked back at the深思熟虑(Kagenori) with renewed interest. "Is that so?"
After a long moment of silent analysis, Kagenori looked up.
Orochimaru prompted him. "Well?"
"I have a thought. It may lack refinement," Kagenori began cautiously.
"Speak it. I will determine its feasibility."
Kagenori nodded. "First, I have a question for Lord Jiraiya. The reason our forces haven't been completely pushed back into the Land of Fire, the reason we can still hold this border, is primarily because of your presence here, correct? My idea hinges on this point."
Jiraiya puffed out his chest slightly. "Well, it sounds a bit boastful, but yes, you could say that. I am one of the Legendary Sannin, after all. My presence carries weight."
Kagenori launched into his analysis. "In my view, Kumogakure is not yet ready for a full-scale war with Konoha. If they were, given the current disparity in forces, they could have easily concentrated their strength and forced us back to the Land of Fire by now. Your presence here, Lord Jiraiya, is the key deterrent. It signals Konoha's serious commitment to defending this border. Losing a Sannin would force Konoha to commit massive reinforcements, an escalation Kumo does not want, especially since they are in a cooperative—but likely distrustful—alliance with Iwagakure. They have no desire to bear the full brunt of Konoha's retaliation while Iwa sits back and watches."
He pointed at the stalemate line on the sand table. "Therefore, I believe Kumo is intentionally maintaining this status quo. They are preserving their strength. When the full-scale war they are preparing for finally begins, they can shatter this weakened border defense in a single, decisive push and carry the war directly into the Land of Fire from the very first moment."