Action Begins

Although Konoha's Chunin Exam had been affected to some extent, they later announced that they had caught a spy, and no one pursued the matter further.

As soon as Konoha's Chunin Exam ended,

under Minato's arrangements, both Konoha and Iwagakure began openly gathering ninja.

However, every ninja Konoha deployed was an elite, all Chunin rank or above.

Iwagakure, on the other hand, deployed only Chunin and lower-ranked ninja.

Konoha had assembled only five hundred people, while Iwagakure's first batch numbered two thousand.

Iwagakure's forces had already set out ahead of time, heading for Sea Buckthorn City.

Konoha's side also set out with great fanfare, beginning their march toward Sea Buckthorn City.

It was clear they intended to use Sea Buckthorn City as a forward base for attacking Sunagakure.

The movements of Iwagakure and Konoha quickly became known throughout the Shinobi World.

Sunagakure was under tremendous pressure. Although Iwagakure and Konoha had not sent many people,

this was clearly only the first batch, meant to scout the way.

Konoha clearly did not intend to simply grab some benefits and leave.

Sunagakure was also holding a meeting to discuss the matter.

Sunagakure.

Conference room.

"...Rasa has completely disappeared. There is no longer any hope on that front."

"Konoha's cooperation with Iwagakure this time is clearly not just to seize a few advantages and leave."

"Now Iwagakure and Konoha's forces have gathered at Sea Buckthorn City. Elders, think of how we should fight this war."

After Pakura spoke, the elders either looked around or sat in silent contemplation.

In short, not one of them said a word.

Pakura was frantic with worry, but at this critical moment, every one of these elders had turned into a turtle hiding in its shell.

It infuriated Pakura.

Bang! Pakura slammed her palm onto the table.