The front line of the Land of Rivers.
Inside the Land of Fire's command tent.
Kakashi was resting his chin on his hand with a helpless expression, with Hagoromo and Asuma sitting beside him.
There were only two Jonin (Jonin) in charge who were stationed at the border.
After all, they were more familiar with the situation on the front lines, so Kakashi was naturally invited along as well.
Only--
Kakashi watched Asuma idly eating chestnuts and constantly smoking beside him.
That dead fish eye just stared like that.
"Asuma, I can tolerate Hagoromo's behavior, but aren't you going to offer your opinion?"
Upon hearing this, Asuma, who was smoking a cigarette, was taken aback.
He then shrugged and said, "I just arrived, what can I say if I don't know the situation?"
He makes a very good point.
Kakashi's dead fish eyes grew increasingly lifeless, while Hagoromo beside him twitched the corner of his mouth.
The other two officials in charge exchanged glances, after all, these three were the power center of the village.
It's better for them not to get involved.
"Alright, Hagoromo, what are your thoughts?"
Kakashi could only look helplessly at Hagoromo, who was pretending to be invisible.
Um?
Yui, whose mouth was Hagoromo with chestnuts, was taken aback and looked at Kakashi, who had lifted her up.
What are your thoughts?
"Ah, what do you have to say about the Sand Shinobi surrounding the border of the Land of Rivers without starting a war?"
Kakashi nodded.
He was helpless; he had originally planned to start the battle as soon as the Sand Shinobi arrived, and had made many preparations.
As a result, the Sand Shinobi simply stood still after reaching the border.
"I don't think the Sand Shinobi are stupid. They would rush in recklessly when it's obvious they're being used as pawns by the Iwagakure."
"It's not surprising that the Sand Shinobi did this," said Hagoromo.
Although the situation inside the Sand Shinobi is still unclear, even if the Fourth Kazekage is indeed unconscious.
Unless their lives are in danger, the Sand Shinobi elders currently commanding the battlefield will generally not be the first to go in and suffer the first wave of Konoha's wrath.
Actually, the most important thing is the supplies they transported; there's still no news about them.
This left them in a dilemma: to act or not to act.
At the very least, the best course of action is to first deploy troops at the front lines to hold the border, and then simply stall for time.
Kakashi understood what Hagoromo meant, but the village's orders were to eliminate the Sand Shinobi's front as quickly as possible.
At the very least, we can't let it drag on until the Stone Shinobi start fighting together. Even if Konoha isn't afraid of fighting two major powers, it's still afraid of being attacked from two fronts.
After all, when the pressure is at its peak, you have to be cautious with every step you take.
Is there any way?
Kakashi directly asked Hagoromo for his opinion, after all, he was the commander-in-chief and Hagoromo was the deputy commander.
Hagoromo tossed the chestnut shells in her hand into the fire in front of her and said, "Add more firewood, let them get anxious on their own."
"Dispatch Intelligence Department to investigate the location of the Sand Shinobi's current food supplies."
"At the same time, send out small teams to continuously harass them, buying time for the intelligence team."
"Just to disgust them."
Inside the tent, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment after hearing Hagoromo's words.
This method, though simple, is surprisingly effective.
After all, supplies are the most important factor in starting a war. If the Sand Shinobi lose even their last supplies...
Even if the Sand Shinobi Village leadership manages to maintain stability, their troops might not be able to hold out.
"By the way, we need to make sure our logistics are in good order, otherwise we might be the ones suffering before they even start to worry."
Hagoromo offered a reminder, saying it was always better to be cautious.
Everyone knows that a cornered dog will jump over a wall, and that's exactly what's happening with the Sand Shinobi now.
"Have you received any news from Jiraiya?" Hagoromo asked Kakashi, as if remembering something.
"It's still quiet on Lord Jiraiya's side for now, and the Stone Shinobi haven't made any moves either."
Kakashi said directly, "This information just came recently."
"I think it's best to be careful. The worst-case scenario is that the Stone Shinobi might use the route through the Land of Birds or the Land of Rain to join forces with the Sand Shinobi."
Hagoromo said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Kakashi's eyes widened, and he immediately stood up.
"Send a message to Lord Jiraiya, telling him to keep an eye on the situation in Iwagakure!"
It's better to be safe than sorry, after all, the border between Stone Shinobi and Konoha is currently being watched by Kumogakure and Konoha.
As long as there are no unusual changes, there should be no problem.
However, if the Stone Shinobi join forces with the Sand Shinobi through a passage, then they might not be able to withstand it.
One of the border officials stood up and walked out of the tent.
After all, the possibility is not low.
"Has Shikaku- senpai found out anything about the supplies that the Sand Shinobi ninja were transporting?"
Hagoromo then spoke up, after all, if it really was Stone Shinobi coming here.
Then we have to pay attention to one thing: the Akatsuki.
Ōnoki really enjoys hiring these people to do some difficult tasks, and the troops on Konoha's side can hold them off.
However, if it's an operation by two members of the Akatsuki, they could easily infiltrate.
"Not yet. That Kizō surprisingly tight-lipped."
Even Inoichi couldn't get him to talk for the time being.
Kakashi shook his head and said.
Hagoromo lowered her eyes, which was normal, since giving in meant her life was entering its final countdown.
Konoha is currently at war, and it's impossible for them to allow someone who poses such a great threat to live.
In peacetime, I would definitely study his Kekkei Genkai carefully.
"Alright, Asuma, go and tell the Hyuga people to send a few more to join the Intelligence Department, and start investigating the Sand Shinobi's logistics in small groups."
"And, confirm whether there are any Stone Shinobi in the Sand Shinobi Village's forces."
"Okay." Asuma threw his cigarette butt into the fire, got up, and walked out of the tent.
As I passed by, I casually patted Hagoromo on the shoulder.
"Hagoromo, I know you're fast, are you confident you can harass the Sand Shinobi forces?"
Kakashi spoke solemnly to Hagoromo.
After all, everyone understands Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions; Hagoromo has come to the battlefield for military merit.
However, one cannot always be at the forefront, especially considering the previous battle in Kumogakure.
Hagoromo has already made a name for himself, and once he appears on the battlefield, he will become the target of concentrated fire.
"No problem, it'll really rust if it stays any longer."
Hagoromo rubbed her wrist and chuckled.
Although I couldn't refuse the old man's kindness, I did what I could to help.
Besides, I am not weak.
"Alright, be careful, make sure the Sand Shinobi a good pain!"
Kakashi's expression also turned serious. Doing this kind of mission, if you're not careful, you could end up being surrounded and attacked.
Moreover, since the purpose was to cover up the affairs of their own Intelligence Department, they naturally needed to go even deeper.
"Don't worry, but I'll choose the team members."
Hagoromo waved her hand. This kind of mission requires retreat at any time, so it would be better to choose people who can cooperate.
"Ah, you can choose any of the staff here."
Kakashi nodded and then began issuing other commands.