The afternoon sun blazed overhead.
At Konoha's base in the Land of Earth, Uzumaki Kuming and the commanders of the Surprise Attack Force gathered in the conference room to discuss their next moves. Kirigakure in the Land of Water had suddenly attacked the Land of Wind's border, disrupting Kuming's original plans. Their initial arrangements had been thrown completely off course.
According to Kuming's original plan, Konoha would join forces with the Land of Wind and force Iwagakure to agree to a truce within a month. Then they would be free to focus their efforts on the war against the Land of Lightning. Kuming had also considered the possibility that the Land of Water might make a move, so Hiruzen Sarutobi had strengthened their defenses in that direction when assigning personnel.
However, Kuming hadn't anticipated how decisively the Land of Water would act. Not long after word spread that Konoha had allied with Sunagakure, Kirigakure made its move, leaving Konoha with far fewer forces. Their plan to force Iwagakure into a truce in short order had completely fallen through.
"Send word: only leave enough combat personnel at this base to guard it. The Medical Corps, Barrier Team, logistics troops, and other noncombat personnel should withdraw into the Land of Wind."
"Establish a new base along the border to serve as the rear headquarters and transfer point for this front."
"Send out reconnaissance units to hide in the Land of Earth. Any information about the movements of Stone Ninja forces must be sent to me immediately. If you spot a Tailed Beast, report it at once."
"Fukuyama, I'll leave the work of establishing a base in the rear to you. Also, request reinforcements from the Third Hokage. We're preparing to open a third front here."
"We've already wiped out some of Iwagakure's