In just one short minute, nearly ten thousand of the Shinobi Alliance Army's original twenty-odd thousand troops had been killed or wounded. Fewer than twenty thousand remained fit to fight, and the explosions were still going. Realizing something was wrong, Gaara, the Third Tsuchikage, and Itachi Uchiha took the lead in breaking out. Only by escaping could they hope to save the survivors.
Gaara shouted, "Everyone, fall back! Move! Remember to bring the people beside you! Hurry!"
With that, Gaara retreated with the people under his protection. Meanwhile, the Third Tsuchikage, Itachi Uchiha, Shizuka Uchiha, and Fugaku Uchiha also activated their Susanoo to protect those around them as they withdrew. Everyone else followed, while ninjas who knew Earth Style guarded their flanks, repeatedly using Earth Wall Flow to block the explosions. With Kurotsuchi and Kitsuchi bringing up the rear, they finally escaped Konan's Explosive Tags.
Konan was about to press their advantage, but Yahiko stopped her. He said calmly, "We've already achieved the intended result. Pursuing them further would be pointless. Save some strength for the battle ahead."
Only then did Konan stop. "What should we do next?" she asked.
Yahiko replied, "Now the real battle begins. Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!"
Yahiko used the Summoning Jutsu, and countless coffins rose from the ground. Seeing so many coffins, Gaara hurried to steady the ninjas who had barely escaped. "Everyone, get ready! The real battle starts now. The enemy is coming!"
The ninjas' discipline was impressive. They quickly regained their composure and went on alert, watching the countless coffins ahead. The lids opened, and ninjas stepped out one after another, charging toward the Shinobi Alliance Army in an endless stream.
Gaara swept his arm forward, and the Shinobi Alliance Army behind him charged as well. The two sides clashed at close quarters