Dividing the Forces and Nawaki

News of the frontline outpost being attacked and eight ninja tragically killed quickly spread throughout Sunagakure.

For a time, Sunagakure's ninja were filled with righteous indignation and clamored for battle, determined to teach Konoha a harsh lesson!

After all, the conflict between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire had a long history. The two sides had already clashed many times over the distribution of resources in the Land of Rain and the Land of Rivers.

They might not have been sworn enemies with blood-deep hatred, but it was close enough.

The Land of Wind had long been filled with voices calling for war against Konoha and the seizure of territory.

This attack on the outpost was merely a fuse...

Using this incident, Elder Chiyo requested reinforcements, and the Third Kazekage swiftly approved the plan.

Soon, large numbers of Sunagakure forces were deployed to the frontlines in the Land of Rain and the Land of Rivers.

And in retaliation for the earlier attack, Sunagakure launched several surprise raids on Konoha's frontline outposts.

Multiple battles broke out between the areas under the two sides' actual control.

This undoubtedly made the already tense atmosphere in the Land of Rain even worse, as though it could explode at the slightest spark.

Meanwhile, Konoha's command headquarters was utterly baffled.

"Why has Sunagakure suddenly gone mad and started biting everyone?"

Jiraiya's face darkened completely as he looked over the battle reports from the frontlines.

The Land of Wind's move to reinforce the border would undoubtedly place immense pressure on Konoha, perhaps even affecting their offensive against the Land of Rain.

"According to Sunagakure, their recent actions are simply retaliation against Konoha."

"They claim that our ninja destroyed one of their frontline outposts a few days ago."

Wearing a Hidden Leaf Village Uniform with her blond hair tied high, Tsunade answered Jiraiya's question.

"Utter nonsense!!"

Jiraiya slapped the table. When had he ever ordered an attack on Sunagakure?

In response to Jiraiya's agitation, Orochimaru let out a sinister chuckle.

"That is merely Sunagakure's excuse. Their true purpose is likely to seize as many resources as possible while we attack the Land of Rain."

"Of course, if our campaign goes poorly, we cannot rule out the possibility that they will turn this probing into a large-scale offensive."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, his golden snake pupils gleaming with cold light.

"Do not forget how the First Shinobi World War began."

"Every major nation eagerly awaits the chance to drag Konoha down from its first-place throne, then tear a large chunk of flesh from the Land of Fire."

Orochimaru's cold words immediately plunged Jiraiya and Tsunade into silence.

That was right. Did wars between great nations even need a reason?

The only thing they cared about was profit...

After a brief silence, Tsunade finally broke the deadlock.

"Sunagakure is, after all, a major nation. We absolutely cannot turn a blind eye to their threat."

"Whether or not they intend to formally declare war on Konoha, we must prepare for them."

The two friends nodded in agreement. Neither wanted to suddenly see Sunagakure ninja appear while fighting the Land of Rain.

"If that is the case, then I will lead part of our ninja to Sunagakure's frontlines and guard against their attack."

Orochimaru volunteered.

After all, Jiraiya was the nominal commander-in-chief of this operation, while Tsunade was responsible for the vital task of treating the wounded.

That left only him free to deal with Sunagakure.

After pondering for a moment, Jiraiya nodded slightly as well.

Sending Orochimaru was indeed the best choice.

"I'll have the village send reinforcements as quickly as possible. Be careful."

Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru and reminded him.

"Heh... When it comes to staying alive, a hundred of you still would not compare to me."

The latter let out a hoarse chuckle.

"Compared to me, you two are the ones who should be more careful."

"The new leader of the Hidden Rain Village personally killed Hanzo. Against him, the two of you may not have the advantage."

At those words, Jiraiya and Tsunade both grew serious.

They still remembered the terrifying dominance Hanzo had displayed during their first campaign in the Land of Rain.

Had he not feared Konoha's retaliation, the three of them would likely have long since died beneath his blade.

As for the title of the Three Legendary Ninja, to them, it was more like a...

Humiliation.

"Alright, take care of yourselves."

"Once the village's reinforcements arrive, I'll rush over to support you immediately."

"I hope I can make it in time for the decisive battle."

Orochimaru said nothing more. With a wave of his hand, he walked straight out of the tent.

The moment he stepped outside, he ran into a boy with a bright, sunny smile and a little baby fat still on his face—

Nawaki.

A member of Konoha's new generation of ninja, the biological grandson of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, and the younger brother of Tsunade, one of the Three Legendary Ninja.

At the same time, he was Orochimaru's disciple.

"Teacher, Teacher, are we going to the frontlines?"

The seemingly simple and cheerful boy raised his head high and asked with a face full of anticipation.

Nawaki was extremely excited. Only by going to the frontlines could he complete more missions and fulfill his dream sooner—

To become a great Hokage like his grandfather!!

At the sight of his disciple, Orochimaru's gaze softened somewhat, but he still corrected him.

"I am going to the frontlines, not us."

Upon hearing that, Nawaki immediately deflated like a punctured balloon.

"Why?"

He still asked unwillingly.

"Because you are not strong enough to protect yourself on the battlefield. The logistics transfer base is where you should be right now!"

Orochimaru's tone left no room for doubt.

In the end, this was still because of Nawaki's special status.

Compared to others, he held immense political significance in Konoha.

If anything happened to him, it would inevitably trigger a chain reaction.

But Nawaki refused to give up and continued pestering Orochimaru.

"Is the logistics transfer base safe at all? This is the area most vulnerable to enemies circling around and attacking from behind!"

"On the other hand, the frontlines are safest with you there, Teacher!"

Nawaki's reasoning made Orochimaru frown. It did not seem entirely without merit...

At that moment, Tsunade and Jiraiya happened to walk out of the tent.

"Let him go. As the grandson of the God of Shinobi, how can he avoid going through a little experience?"

Tsunade crossed her arms, her tone sounding quite calm.

But as her old friends, Jiraiya and Orochimaru could clearly hear the unease in her heart.

From an emotional standpoint, Tsunade naturally did not want her younger brother to risk his life.

But since he had chosen to become a ninja, danger and death were unavoidable—

Even if he was the biological grandson of Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi.

If he wanted to become Hokage, facing death was the first trial he had to endure.