Ōnoki handed the envelope to Kitsuchi, his eyes filled with affection. "Kitsuchi, go. As my son, Ōnoki of Both Scales, you are destined to bear heavy responsibilities in the future." Ōnoki patted Kitsuchi's shoulder and smiled.
He had high hopes for his son, and also hoped that he would not lose his fighting spirit because of a temporary setback.
Kitsuchi nodded, solemnly accepted the envelope, bowed deeply to Ōnoki, and then walked out of the building towards the village entrance. This time, his mission was very important. First, the attack on Kumogakure was imminent; perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow, who could say for sure?
Secondly, if he goes to Konoha now, Konoha's attitude is unclear, and he is very likely to be ridiculed and insulted. However, he cannot back down because of this. The safety of tens of thousands of villagers depends on this negotiation.
Thirdly, his father, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, is currently at his limit. Having just experienced a major battle, he is unable to exert his usual strength. If the two sides fight to the later stages and the Kage of both villages have to take to the field, there is a high probability that his father will die.
For both public and private reasons, Kitsuchi had to win this negotiation. His eyes were filled with determination. Even if he was trampled on the ground, he would endure it for his father and for the villagers.
Ōnoki stood at the window, looking in the direction where Kitsuchi had left, and couldn't help but sigh. He originally admired the strength of individuals and villages, believing that as long as everyone was united, there was nothing that could not be overcome. He had no interest in such schemes and tricks.
However, the sight of the giant Buddha and the Tailed Beast instantly dampened his enthusiasm. Shaking his head, Ōnoki shakily got up and went down to tell the villagers about the next defense plan.
With their current strength, Kumogakure would have to pay a price to invade. If they don't have the intention to destroy the village and send out Jinchūriki and Kage, Ōnoki is confident that he can achieve a 1:1.5 ratio of casualties. If Kumogakure will have to pay at least 10,000 ninjas!
Ōnoki came downstairs, straightening his back once more. "Gentlemen," he said, "Kitsuchi has gone to fetch reinforcements, but we can't leave everything to others. We must fight back ourselves!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the ninjas immediately perked up. "Please, Lord Tsuchikage, lead us to counter the ambitions of the Kumogakure Village villains and protect the safety of Iwagakure!"
Ōnoki nodded. "We are now at a critical juncture, so I urge everyone to unite and work together to overcome this Ōnoki time. Thank you!"
"Han, you will lead three thousand Iwagakure Iwagakure to the death. If necessary, you can completely unseal the Five-Tails. The first battle is extremely important; taking it down is half the battle!" Ōnoki looked at Han with a serious expression.
Han nodded. "Understood, Lord Tsuchikage!" He had just woken up and was still sore all over, wanting to rest, but time was of the essence. He had no time to rest; for the sake of the village, he had to immediately don his armor and go to war.
Ōnoki nodded, then looked at the other ninjas. "The remaining five thousand ninjas will stay with me and hold the Central Army. If anything changes at the front, we'll send the entire army in! We'll beat them while they're down."
"From now on, everyone eat Military Ration Pill and extract Chakra. We'll depart in one hour. Make sure you have enough Chakra!" Ōnoki's thinking was very clear, and he arranged everything in an orderly manner.
The ninjas present all wore serious expressions, filled with fighting spirit; the dungeon had begun, and the message was clear. "The Iwagakure Remains."
They rested on the spot, including Ōnoki, and began to extract Chakra. There was no time to sleep; every moment was precious, and they had to recover most of their Chakra before they arrived!
One hour later
Han opened his eyes and roared, "Three thousand ninjas, follow me on this expedition! Iwagakure is still here! Make those foolish and reckless Kumogakure barbarians pay the price!" As he spoke, Han circulated his Chakra, and five tails fluttered behind him.
Seeing this, the three thousand Iwagakure Ninja were instantly filled with fighting spirit. They followed Han to the front line, the border between Raito and Ichigo. Ōnoki slowly opened his eyes. This battle determined the morale of the Iwagakure Ninja and also marked the beginning of this war.
If the Han army fights well, they will be able to hold out longer, and Kitsuchi will be able to successfully bring reinforcements, making their side much safer. If they lose the first battle, then they should prepare for a desperate fight.
Ōnoki's eyes were filled with solemnity and reluctance. He continued to recover his Chakra. The Central Army could recover for at least another hour, and then they could join the vanguard and play a greater role!
Yugito had just entered the Land of Iron to request passage, Mifune hesitated slightly, but seeing that the ninjas behind her had kept quiet, he let them pass. However, he made up his mind that he would never act as a notary for the Kumogakure again.
This is utterly pointless, two-faced, and quick to attack without warning. Who can stand that? If Mifune were to act as a notary again, wouldn't that be like throwing his face into the ground and trampling on it?
He shook his head, sighing deeply. When would this endless fighting in the Ninja World ever end? Suddenly, a scene flashed through his mind: a while ago, a giant Buddha statue rose from the ground, and countless ninjas and common people began to worship it.
In the end, however, all of this turned into a sigh.
Yugito's expression was serious, and her marching was disciplined. Despite her young age, she was second to none when it came to leading troops in battle!
"Report! Han, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki of Iwagakure, is waiting for our army on the high mountains on the border of Raito!" The scout returned and bowed to Yugito.
Yugito pinched her chin, deep in thought. She quickly understood Ōnoki's intention: this was the first and decisive battle, a battle that would decide the fate of the world!
"Forced march! Everyone prepare for a forced march now. Iwagakure has already reacted and begun to deploy its defenses. Now is the time to strike while they're weakened and finish them off. The entire army is moving out!" A hint of madness flashed in Yugito's eyes.
What military leader isn't a bit crazy? At this moment, both the Iwagakure Ninja and the Cloud Ninja were filled with fighting spirit. If they couldn't beat Konoha, they could still beat a bunch of lowly bastards!
Thus, the Yugito had already encountered the Han in less than half an hour.
Yugito waved her right hand, signaling everyone to stop. She had a few words to say to the Five-Tails Jinchūriki opposite her.
"Is that Han Five-Tails Jinchūriki of Iwagakure?" she asked with a smile.
"That's right, the bastards of Kumogakure, it's your grandpa Han. You must be Kumogakure from Yugito, tsk tsk, such a pretty girl being used to lead troops, is Kumogakure out of talent?" Han mocked.
"I've also heard that in order to make you adapt to being the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, the Kumogakure subjected you to inhuman torture from a young age, which is why you are where you are today. How can you be so despicable as to willingly serve the Kumogakure?" Han said these words in front of everyone.
Yugito gritted his teeth and said, "Don't spout nonsense here! I, Yugito, was Kumogakure man of the Cloud Village and will die a ghost of the Kumogakure. I have no right to let you talk nonsense in front of the enemy!" With that, he condensed Fire Mouse Jade, and ten blue Fire Mouse Jade rushed towards the Han on the mountaintop.
Han's smile vanished. He raised his right hand and shouted, "Steam Cannon!" As soon as he finished speaking, steam surged from his armor and shot towards each Fire Mouse Jade with the precision of a cannonball.
The Fire Mouse Jade and the Steam Cannon collided and instantly vanished into nothingness. This test, seemingly evenly matched, actually showed that Han, though arriving later, gained the upper hand.
"Matatabi, do you have a way?" Yugito gritted her teeth; she wanted to make Han pay the price.
Matatabi shook his head. "Yugito's opponent is also Jinchūriki, and Jinchūriki of Kokuō who controls Boil Release. It will be difficult to win, but it's not impossible."