Sunagakure Army

In the Land of Wind, in a vast desert, in a large valley sheltered from the sandstorms, more than five thousand Sunagakure are gathered.

Sitting in the valley, you are protected from the wind and sand, but the sound of the wind coming in through the valley entrance is unusually loud.

The five thousand Sunagakure knew they were about to participate in a Life and Death War.

So even the noisy wind sounds exceptionally comforting at this moment, carrying a strong sense of home.

Everyone remained silent, except for the ninja in charge of intelligence who kept going in and out of the valley entrance.

Suddenly, an intelligence agent rushed into the valley and passed through several checkpoints at top speed.

Instead of going to the intelligence gathering center to preprocess the intelligence like other intelligence ninjas, he went straight into the tent where the Command Center was located.

The many Sunagakure who witnessed this scene felt a sudden tightness in their hearts. After exchanging glances, they had a feeling that the Command Center had been waiting for the intelligence carried by this intelligence ninja.

As the Sunagakure had anticipated, the order to set out was issued shortly after the intelligence ninja entered the Command Center.

Target: Iwa ninja. This is the order received by the ordinary Sunagakure.

Some Jonin received relatively detailed intelligence: the Iwa ninja Village) had stationed 3,000 troops on the border to guard against the Sunagakure, led by Iwagakure's Advisor Saka.

The Sand Ninja Army's goal was to wipe out the three thousand Iwa Ninja Army.

Above them are the higher-ups who are actually involved in formulating the plan; they know even more details.

They knew that the Tsuchikage had gone to Konoha, Advisor Ikura had gone to Kirigakure. Although Ōnoki's whereabouts were uncertain, there was clear intelligence indicating that the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of Cloud ninja was heading straight for Iwagakure.

In this situation, Ōnoki must return to Iwagakure to intercept him.

The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of the Cloud ninja is Perfect Jinchuriki, and Killer B Bee is Kage Level ninja himself. Even if Ōnoki personally returned to help, he might not be able to stop him.

As for the Jinchuriki who remained in Iwagakure to guard the village, they were no match for the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

Therefore, although there was still no trace of Ōnoki, the Command Center decided to take action after discussion.

Because the Sunagakure was very well prepared this time, they not only gathered superior forces, but also deployed two Kage Level, Chiyo and Pakura.

Even if Ōnoki abandons the village to deal with them, they are confident of victory.

However, one thing is certain: they must be fast. This Ninja World War is different from previous ones. This time, all sides have skipped the initial probing and are going straight to the decisive battle.

The reason is simple: the trigger for this Ninja World War was that the Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages were all tied up in the conflict.

Taking advantage of the fact that other villages were unable to extricate themselves, each party wanted to gain some benefit.

The Sunagakure is a typical example of this. Rasa didn't want to give up his gains in Konoha, and he also wanted to launch a surprise attack on the Iwa ninja Village while Yichen was away from the village.

Soon, the five thousand Sunagakure were ready and left the valley in a grand procession.

This valley was not far from the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Bears, and the Sunagakure quickly entered the Land of Bears.

Ignoring the fearful gazes of the numerous missing-nin and wandering ninjas in the Land of Bears, the Sunagakure continued their journey without stopping, heading straight for the Land of Earth.

Soon after, Saka, who was in the Iwa Ninja Army, received news of the Sunagakure's deployment.

An Elite Jonin said worriedly to Saka, "Advisor Saka, the Sunagakure are coming with great force. Their team may even have Kage Level fighter. We are inferior to them in both numbers and high-level combat power. Should we retreat tactically for now?"

Saka looked at him for a few seconds and said, "You're right. We need to appear panicked and issue the order for the army to retreat and deploy in the mountains."

The Elite Jonin aback. What did that mean? What did you mean by appearing flustered? I was genuinely flustered.

He asked cautiously, "Advisor Saka? You have a backup plan?"

This Elite Jonin participated in more than one Ninja World War; he also participated in the First Shinobi War when Yichen became a Quasi-Kage.

At the time, the Iwa ninja were at a complete disadvantage, but then Ōnoki appeared like a divine warrior, annihilating the elite Konoha ninja in one fell swoop. This fundamentally reversed the course of the battle.

So, upon hearing Saka's words, this elite Elite Jonin a sense of anticipation.

However, the disparity in strength between the two sides this time is too great. Even if Ōnoki is in the shadows, it seems that the Iwa ninja have little chance of winning.

If the Sand Ōnoki sends out two Kage, then even if Sunagakure were to take action, he would surely be defeated.

He knew that at this time, Advisor Ikura was in Kirigakure, and the Lord Tsuchikage was in Konoha; neither of them could make it back in time.

Saka said, "No need to ask any more questions, just do as I say."

"Yes." With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, the Elite Jonin to relay the order.

Soon, news of the Iwa ninja's actions reached the Sunagakure who were on a forced march.

"Grandma Chiyo, the Iwa ninja have retreated. They shouldn't have any backup plans, right?" Pakura asked Chiyo.

Chiyo shook her head and said, "It's hard to say. Warfare is all about deception and strategy. This Saka is no simple man. Before the Fourth Tsuchikage and Ikura rose to prominence, he was the regular commander of the Iwa ninja."

"Ōnoki was able to maintain the situation in the Land of Earth all by himself, thanks in no small part to Sakai. Don't underestimate him. When we attack later, have everyone spread out. Be careful of Ōnoki's Dust Release and the Tailed Beast."

Pakura nodded. "Grandma Chiyo, I understand."

Since being captured alive by Yichen, Pakura has become much more composed, has fewer unrealistic fantasies, and acts more down-to-earth.

Chiyo was quite pleased with the changes in Pakura.

In fact, Chiyo supported Rasa's actions over the years, and under Rasa's policies, the strength of the Sunagakure was indeed increasing.

It's not just about high-end combat power, but also the overall strength of the Sunagakure.

Rasa not only seized power from the original high-ranking officials, but also shattered the monopoly of the major ninja clans in Sunagakure on certain ninjutsu and secret techniques.

Now, civilians in Sunagakure and ninjas from Genin and lower) families have far more opportunities to acquire ninjutsu than before.

Rasa certainly possessed the courage to match his ambition.

However, Chiyo was still very worried about this surprise attack on the Iwa Ninja Army.

Before long, the Sunagakure arrived in front of the Iwa ninja's new defensive line.

Looking at the mountainous area, Chiyo thought for a moment and said, "Pakura, unleash Area of Effect Ninjutsu immediately. Don't let the main force get in."

Pakura was somewhat surprised and asked, "Why?"

Chiyo's actions were indeed unusual. Under normal circumstances, the role of a Kage Level warrior would definitely be greater than that of an army of two or three thousand men.

Therefore, in large-scale battles like this, it is essential to preserve the Chakra of Kage-level experts ninjas. This is because if the battle goes against them and the army wants to retreat, they must rely on the large-scale ninjutsu of Kage Level Area of Effect Ninjutsu to hold the rear.

Furthermore, if the Iwa ninja really has a backup plan and Ōnoki suddenly appears, then Pakura and Chiyo will have to deal with him. In a battle of this level, it's always good to conserve some Chakra.

Chiyo didn't explain, saying, "Let's do this for now, and explain after the war."

Pakura nodded, walked up to the army, and began to Hand Seals to unleash ninjutsu.

The Iwa ninja, naturally, also noticed Pakura's actions and quickly began to respond.

"Scorch Release - Sea of Flames." As Pakura Hand Seals, a vast sea of Scorch Release flames swept towards the location of the Iwa Ninja Army.

The Iwa ninja unleashed a group ninjutsu. Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall rose from the ground, and Water Release covered the sea of Scorch Release ninjutsu.

With an army of three thousand, including many Ninjutsu Ninja, Pakura's first wave of attacks was easily stopped by the combined forces of the Iwa ninja.

Pakura wanted to Hand Seals a second time and unleash another Area of Effect Ninjutsu.

This time, she was confident she could directly break through the Iwa Ninja Army. Because of the previous attack, she had already figured out the Iwa ninja Ninjutsu Ninja formation.

With her Kage Level strength and the power of her Scorch Release Bloodline Limit, once she pinpoints her location, there's no way the Iwa ninja can stop her.

The Iwa ninja's formation was too scattered, and their ninjutsu-based ninjas didn't have the same level of mobility as Pakura alone.

But just then, Chiyo suddenly called out to her, "Pakura, come back."

Pakura was taken aback, but still obediently returned to the Sand Ninja Army.

When she returned, Pakura was still a little confused, but she soon found out why.

Because a very small figure appeared in the sky behind the Iwa Ninja Army: Ōnoki.

Chiyo sighed. As expected, the Iwa ninja were still focusing their defenses on the Sunagakure.

Chiyo asked the Sensory Ninja beside her, "Have you sensed the location of the Iwa ninja reinforcements?"

The Sensory Ninja replied, "The Iwa ninja have no reinforcements; it seems the Third Tsuchikage only brought a few people with him."

Chiyo frowned, a very bad feeling suddenly welling up in her heart.

The Iwa ninja repeatedly surprised her, making her feel increasingly threatened.

Ōnoki's strength surpasses both her and Pakura's; it's possible for him to hold off both of them alone. With a few more troops, they could stop the Sunagakure.

Iwagakure has developed rapidly in the past two years; it's impossible that they can't even muster two or three thousand ninjas.

But the Iwa ninja did not do that.

Did Ōnoki really think he could bridge the gap between two Kage and Ninja Army all by himself?

Things had gone awry, and Chiyo hesitated to step forward. She turned to the messenger ninja beside her and said, "Pass down the order: the army is to retreat."

Ōnoki's expression was also very unpleasant. He was waiting here, hoping to launch an offensive against the Sunagakure just like he had against Konoha back then, but he didn't expect the Sunagakure to be so cautious.

Despite having a clear advantage, instead of attacking, they sent Pakura to put pressure on the Iwa ninja, and now they're even retreating.

Taking a deep breath, Ōnoki instead gave the order to attack.

Meanwhile, within the Sand Ninja Army, Rōshi drew upon the power of the Four-Tails Son Goku, Roshi, and directly entered Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.

Meanwhile, Kawakita, who was beside Roshi, also charged towards the Sunagakure.

Led by three powerful ninja with Kage-level Combatant, the Iwa ninja launched an attack.

Chiyo's expression changed drastically as the Sand Ninja Army retreated.

She didn't look at Roshi. She recognized the Four-Tails Jinchuriki and wasn't surprised; he was just a Jinchuriki, and his abilities were limited.

What caused her expression to change drastically was Kawakita, who was standing next to Roshi.

Kage Level, no doubt about it. He may have only recently been promoted, but he is definitely Kage Level.

Another Kage Level Iwa ninja.

This was Iwa ninja's backup plan; Chiyo didn't know how Iwa ninja dealt with the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

But the Iwa ninja have deployed Three Kage-level fighters here at once; they're clearly planning to wipe out this Sunagakure army.

As Pakura retreated, she asked Chiyo, "Grandma Chiyo, do we have a chance of winning?"

Chiyo shook her head and said, "If we replace Ōnoki with Ikura, we still have a chance of winning."

"But Dust Release is invincible; apart from the Kazekage's Absolute Defense, we simply can't stop it. Two against three, we have no chance of winning."

Pakura gritted his teeth and said, "I'll unleash a wide-range Scorch Release into the Iwa Ninja Army. Otherwise, if we retreat like this, we'll definitely suffer heavy losses."

That's the truth. Among the five thousand Sunagakure, there are quite a few Genin and lower. Could these ninja outrun Iwa Ninja Army led by Three Kage-level ninja?

At that time, the number of Sunagakure who die in battle will be at least two or three thousand.

Chiyo shouted, "Foolish! Your life isn't your own. Sacrificing yourself for some Genin and lower might seem like a heroic act, but you're undoubtedly disregarding the safety of Sunagakure!"

Pakura gritted her teeth and remained silent, choosing to retreat with Chiyo.