Facing 4,000 men with 2,000, Konoha proudly chose an offensive pincer maneuver.
The 1,000 in the central force were responsible for withstanding the Sand Ninja's pressure, while 500 men on each flank were tasked with encircling and wiping them out.
Atop the Iron Sand Cloud, the Third Kazekage saw Danzo standing on the head of the giant summoned beast, Dream Tapir, and relaxed.
The foolish Konoha had been too arrogant, thinking Shimura Danzō alone could stop him.
It would have been different if Hiruzen Sarutobi had come. Other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, Konoha's higher-ups were merely the chickens and dogs that rose with a man's success. Nothing to worry about.
Kawadera Uchiha's battalion was positioned slightly left of the right flank.
The battle lines stretched far and wide, with squads of shinobi spread across a front over a thousand meters long.
Kureya Inuzuka asked from the side, "Kawadera, should I use my Summoning Technique?"
"No," Kawadera Uchiha said. "The initial clash between both sides is a probing phase.
If you reveal your hand first, it means the Sand Ninja will gather intelligence first and make preparations specifically to counter you.
The Splitting Hound is powerful, but it isn't invincible.
Stay calm. Your Splitting Hound is our battalion's trump card. Use it at the most critical moment to turn the tide."
Kureya Inuzuka nodded, understanding his assignment.
Konoha and the Sand Ninja charged forward at the same time.
The Konoha shinobi behind them shouted louder and louder, using their cries to bolster their courage.
Kawadera Uchiha and the three company commanders at the front remained calm.
As they drew close, Kawadera Uchiha relaxed. There were not many puppet masters among his opponents.
Fewer puppets and more Sand Ninja meant Kawadera Uchiha's strongest genjutsu had room to shine.
On the Land of Waves