Hanzō's Surprise
September 1, Year 37 of Konoha. The Battle of Falling Rain Bridge.
Just as the Third Kazekage and Hanzō, leader of the Rain Ninja, were locked in fierce combat, Konoha and the Sand Ninja each received secret reports about the battle at Cloud-Breaking Pass...
From Konoha's perspective, there was no need to say more—this clearly looked like the Sand Ninja trying to stab them in the back... and they seemed awfully desperate!
The battle ahead had not even begun, yet the force sent to cut off their retreat had arrived first?
Were they trying to sever their reinforcements?
After a brief discussion, Orochimaru and the others all suspected that the Sand Ninja and Rain Ninja were joining forces and putting on an act for them. They immediately took advantage of the fact that the mid-ranking ninja likely still did not know what was happening and launched a surprise attack on the Sand Ninja's rear...
Faced with Konoha's attack, the Sand Ninja could only strike back!
Although the Third Kazekage understood the truth the moment he saw the secret letter, he had no way to explain himself—he could hardly apologize to Konoha at a time like this and say it was all a misunderstanding, could he?
Besides, Konoha and the Land of Fire had originally been the Sand Ninja's next targets anyway!
Thus, the two sides turned their weapons on each other before Falling Rain Bridge.
At the same time, both sides waited for further news...
If Cloud-Breaking Pass fell, Orochimaru would have no choice but to retreat, lest Konoha's main force be swallowed up.
On the other hand, if Cloud-Breaking Pass repelled the enemy, there would be plenty of room for negotiation.
Others might not know, but Orochimaru certainly did. The defensive force at Cloud-Breaking Pass was far