Seeing the Mist Ninja's single-file snake formation being pincered by the two wings of the Shinobi Army, the three Kazekage and his advisors could not share the excitement of Sunagakure's higher-ups. They were like mute men swallowing bitter herbs, unable to voice their suffering.
Victory had seemed within reach, yet at the crucial moment, the Shinobi Army Pakura had left behind had ruined everything. What had originally been an act now had to become a genuine fight to the death. No one knew how long this battle would last or how many casualties it would cost... What worried the three of them even more was that after this, Kirigakure would surely believe they had used underhanded means and broken their agreement. If the other side exposed their previous scheme in anger, it would become a shocking scandal. Even without Pakura's threat, the three of their positions of power would be shaken.
Yet, looking at the higher-ups around them, all excited as if they had been pumped full of stimulants, how could the three call for a halt against everyone's wishes at a time like this? If they truly dared to do that, they would probably die even faster. As for the matter of staging a performance, they absolutely could not reveal a word of it. Sunagakure's ninja were completely different from the brainwashed Mist Ninja; without explaining the reason clearly, they would not obey.
"Kazekage-sama, the floodwaters have receded. Quickly order the central army to charge! This time, we must wipe out every last Mist Ninja here!" Another high-ranking official eagerly reminded him, as though victory were already before them.
Rasa's face was hesitant as he looked toward the two advisors. He no longer knew what to do and could only seek help from his two fellow conspirators.
"Cough, cough..."