The Second Expedition
The front-line camp of the Land of Demons.
A ninja in charge of data analysis added after Ishikawa's speech, "We have compiled statistics on the Ghost Legion's attack directions over the past ten days. Although they will test the defenses from different angles, their main force has always been concentrated in the direction of this canyon."
If they truly had no restrictions on their movements, they should have already dispersed their forces, bypassed the canyon from other directions, and directly attacked the heart of the Land of Demons.
Taiichi nodded thoughtfully. "In other words, the Ghost Legion cannot stray too far from the Moryo's true form."
"That's exactly right." Kitsuchi continued, his rough fingers tapping the central area of the oval on the map. "According to intelligence reports, the Ghost Legion's operational boundaries are roughly a radius of about 120 kilometers, centered on the Moryo."
A brief silence fell over the tent.
This discovery is significant. It means that the Ghost Legion is not expanding indefinitely, and that the Moryo's control over the Legion is limited by distance.
This also explains why the enemy was willing to attack the canyon at any cost. While allowing the Ghost Legion to disperse would certainly cause greater destruction, it would also free up the Rock Ninja army. If they then launched a direct assault, the Moryo themselves would be in serious trouble. "No wonder they're so determined to get here," a Jonin murmured. "It's not that they don't want to go around, it's that they can't."
Taiichi's gaze swept across the map. "If this deduction holds true, then our defenses have a clearer meaning. As long as we hold this pass, we can confine the Ghost Legion to the border region and prevent them from spreading throughout the entire Ninja World."
"But the problem is," Ishikawa frowned, "Can we hold out? Although Taiichi has stabilized the defenses, the soldiers' and ninjas' stamina and Chakra are limited. And the Ghost Legion —they are tireless."
This question silenced everyone once again.
Indeed, even with Taiichi's addition, the defense line is only "temporarily stable."
The Ghost Legion is countless in number, and each time they are repelled, it is only through Taiichi's burst of power that they can briefly repel the Ghost Legion and give the defenders a chance to catch their breath.
The defenders are trading their lives and Chakra for time, but it remains to be seen which side time is on.
"We need reinforcements," Kitsuchi said in a deep voice, "More reinforcements."
As if in response to his call, Konoha's reinforcements arrived the day after the meeting.
Moreover, the scale far exceeded expectations.
Even Taiichi was surprised when the winding column appeared on the east side of the canyon. It wasn't the expected advance team of a few hundred people, but a regular army of two thousand!
At the front of the group, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his battle suit, Earth Flow briskly at the very front.
"The Third Kazekage Lord?" Taiichi stepped forward, unable to hide his surprise. "Why are you personally leading the team?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, patted Taiichi on the shoulder, and said, "What, you think this old man should retire and stay home to tend to his flowers and birds? Minato has completely taken control of the village. I'm just sitting at home doing nothing anyway, so I might as well get out and stretch my legs."
That being said, Taiichi understood that the Third Kazekage's personal involvement meant that Konoha was taking this incident at the highest level.
Two thousand Konoha Ninja —this is almost the maximum mobile force Konoha can mobilize without affecting its homeland defenses.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrival triggered a chain reaction. Konoha Ninja quickly took over parts of the defense zone. Their fighting style was completely different from Iwagakure's, focusing more on teamwork and tactical flexibility.
With the addition of Konoha, the pressure on the defensive line was greatly reduced.
What pleased Taiichi even more was that there were many familiar faces in the Konoha team. Kakashi, Might Guy, Yūhi Kurenai, Asuma, and other members of the younger generation were all there, and they all came forward to greet Taiichi when they saw him.
"Taiichi" Might Guy, as passionate as ever, gave a thumbs-up, his teeth flashing, "I knew you'd be here! Let's burn with youthful energy and kick those monsters away!"
Kakashi, with a deadpan expression, pulled him away. "Gai, be quiet. Taiichi, what's the situation at the front?"
Taiichi briefly explained the current situation, and when he mentioned the Ghost Legion's limited range of activity, Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "So, as long as we hold this place, we can keep them all in the Land of Demons?"
"That's theoretically true," Taiichi. "But that's on the condition that the Moryo itself doesn't move. If it moves forward, the Ghost Legion's area of operation will also move accordingly."
The day after Konoha arrived, the Sunagakure forces also arrived.
Kitsuchi and Taiichi personally went to the camp gate to greet them.
The Sunagakure's force numbered approximately eight hundred, personally led by Elder Chiyo.
Although this Sunagakure elder, who had experienced three Ninja World Wars, was advanced in years, her eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's. She was dressed in the traditional Sunagakure elder's attire, followed by a team of elite Sand Village Ninja, among whom were many familiar faces, including Sunagakure Jonin such as Baki and Yura.
"Young man from the Kitsuchi, it's been a long time. You've become quite capable of handling things on your own." Chiyo said with an air of mature wisdom as she looked at the approaching Kitsuchi.
Kitsuchi didn't mind and gave a slight bow. "Elder Chiyo, you've finally arrived. You must have had a long journey."
Chiyo waved her hand, turning her gaze to Taiichi. Her earlier composure vanished, replaced by a complex expression. "Taichi Matsushita, Konoha actually sent you too. Are you the leader this time?"
"You flatter me, Senior," Taiichi replied politely. "The leader this time is Lord Third Kazekage; he is currently commanding the battle at the front lines."
"Oh!" Chiyo gazed at the still-smoke-filled battlefield in the distance, her voice low and deep, "So it was the Third Hokage? Konoha really has a wealth of talent!"
Her words were profound. In the Third Shinobi World War, Sunagakure was the defeated party, suffering heavy losses and a sharp decline in its international standing. This time, responding to the Land of Demons' request for help was both a matter of morality and a strategic choice for Sunagakure to rebuild its image.
In contrast, Konoha the old Hokage who can leave the village at will, the new Hokage who controls the overall situation within the village, and a pillar of stability like Taichi Matsushita. It's truly enviable.
The addition of the Sunagakure and Konoha troops immediately strengthened the defensive line.
Over the next few days, reinforcements arrived one after another.
The Kumogakure dispatched a force of 1,500 men, led by Dodai. Upon arriving at the Camp, this strategist of the Cloud Village immediately began studying the terrain map and enemy situation reports, and proposed several joint tactics against the Ghost Legion.
The Kirigakure was even led by the Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura, with a force of one thousand. Although Yagura was short in stature, no one dared to underestimate this Perfect Jinchuriki.
His arrival prompted Taiichi look. The Mizukage seemed to be in better condition than he remembered; his eyes were clear, and his demeanor was composed, showing no signs of being manipulated as in the original work.
"Could it be that Obito and Black Zetsu didn't attack Mist Village, or... the plan has changed?" Taiichi wondered to himself.
Finally, scattered units from various small ninja villages arrived. Grass Village, Waterfall Village, and Hot Springs Village —although each village only sent teams ranging from a few dozen to a hundred people, the total number gathered was nearly a thousand.
Thus, the first allied Allied Shinobi Forces formed by the Five Great Nations was officially established. Konoha had 2,000 soldiers, Iwagakure 1,500, Sunagakure 800, Cloud Village 1,500, Mist Village 1,000, and with the troops from other smaller ninja villages, the total strength approached 7,000, and they were known as the "10,000-strong Allied Forces."
The Allied Forces headquarters was located in a fortified cave behind the canyon. Representatives from the Five Great Nations were gathered together, but the atmosphere was somewhat delicate.
Not long ago, many of these people were fighting each other on the battlefield.
The grudges between Iwagakure and Konoha, Cloud Village and Iwagakure, Sunagakure and Konoha —years of conflict cannot be erased by a simple ceasefire agreement.
"Then, regarding the issue of command—" Dodai spoke first, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "Cloud Village believes that the Allied Forces' Commander-in-Chief should be the most capable person. I recommend Lord Raikage."
"The Raikage didn't personally go to the front lines," Chiyo retorted slowly. "I believe the commander-in-chief should be chosen from among the on-site Commander. Sunagakure recommended Lord Kitsuchi; he arrived first and is familiar with the situation."
Karatachi Yagura said calmly, "Mist Village believes that Konoha decision should be based on the size of the forces. Konoha has deployed the most troops, so it should take the lead."
Hiruzen Sarutobi on his pipe, his expression obscured by the swirling smoke, said, "Command is no child's play. It requires consideration not only of troop strength, but also of the grasp of the battle situation and the ability to coordinate various units—"
The meeting reached a stalemate. Each village had its own considerations and demands, and none were willing to give in easily.
Taiichi attended the meeting as one of Konoha's representatives, but he remained silent for most of the time. This kind of political maneuvering was not his forte; he was more concerned with how to deal with the Moryo.
The debate lasted for an hour, and finally an agreement was reached after Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed a compromise: the Third Hokage would serve as the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces, but a joint staff of the Five Great Nations would be established under him, and all major decisions would need to be discussed and approved by the staff.
This arrangement saved face for all parties. Konoha gained nominal command authority, but actual power was dispersed. Major powers like Iwagakure and Cloud Village had veto power in the general staff, and representatives from smaller ninja villages were also present.
"Now, let's discuss the battle strategy." Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention back to the main topic. "According to current intelligence, the Ghost Legion's activities are limited by distance, and the main body of the Moryo is located on the border of the Land of Swamps. What do you all think is the best course of action?"
Dodai spoke first, "I believe we should take the initiative. The Allied Forces are now well-equipped and can easily organize an elite force to strike directly at the source of the Moryo. As long as we eliminate the source, the Ghost Legion will collapse without a fight."
"I agree," Kitsuchi nodded. "We tried before, but failed due to insufficient troops. Now, with the support of the Allied Forces, the success rate will be much higher."
Chiyo, however, objected. "I believe we should be cautious. The immortality of the Moryo has not yet been broken; a hasty attack may only increase casualties. It would be better to strengthen our defenses and gradually wear down the Ghost Legion."
"Consumption?" Yagura countered. "Elder Chiyo, as you saw, those Puppet can reassemble shortly after being destroyed."
We are fighting an infinite number of enemies with limited Chakra and stamina. The longer this drags on, the worse it will be for us.
The meeting descended into debate once again. The offensive and defensive factions each held their own views, and neither could convince the other.
Taiichi listened quietly until both sides had finished presenting their viewpoints, then slowly spoke, "I support taking the initiative."
All eyes were on him.
"There are three reasons," Taiichi said, holding up a finger. "First, as the Mizukage said, delay is disadvantageous to us. The Ghost Legion is tireless, while our manpower, Chakra, and resources are limited."
"Secondly, the location of the Moryo's true form has been determined. If we miss this opportunity, it will be difficult to find it again once it moves or hides."
"Third," Taiichi's gaze swept across everyone present, "And most importantly, we need to verify a hypothesis."
"What conjecture?" Kitsuchi asked.
"What exactly is the nature of the 'immortality' of the Moryo?" Taiichi voice, "Ancient legends are, after all, just legends. We cannot completely believe the claim that they are 'unkillable' until we witness it with our own eyes. Perhaps their so-called 'immortality' simply means they have strong regenerative abilities, or that they require specific conditions to be killed."
He paused, then continued, "The Allied Forces have assembled the Ninja World's elite fighting force; this is the best opportunity to verify this hypothesis. If even we can't kill it, then we can consider other options. But if we can kill it—this disaster can end sooner."
Taiichi's words silenced the tent. Everyone was considering the pros and cons of the proposal.
Ultimately, Hiruzen Sarutobi made his decision. "Taiichi is right. We are ninjas, and we should solve problems the way ninjas should. We cannot give up easily before trying all possibilities. I propose that we organize a second decapitation operation."
The vote was four to one. Only Chiyo voted against it, but she respected the majority's decision.
A battle plan was quickly formulated: Taiichi would lead the main attack, and each ninja village would select elites to form Strike Force, with the total number of personnel controlled to a thousand.
The main force of the Allied Forces launched Feint from the front to contain the Ghost Legion.
Just as the plan was about to be finalized, a discordant voice arose.
He was an official from the Land of Demons, attending the meeting as an observer. The middle-aged official stood up, his face somewhat pale but his tone firm. "My lords, please forgive my bluntness—according to our country's records over the past thousand years, Moryo truly cannot be killed by conventional means."
The only effective sealing method requires the power of Shrine Maiden. Why not invite the Shrine Maiden to come and seal it directly?
The tent fell silent. Everyone looked at the official with complicated expressions.
Dodai coughed. "Sir, we understand your concerns. But the Shrine Maiden is still seriously injured, and the Shrine Maiden Palace needs her to oversee things. Moreover," he paused, lowering his voice, "If we rely on the Shrine Maiden for everything, what use is our Allied Shinobi Forces?"
These words are blunt, even somewhat harsh, but they express the sentiments of many.
As a neutral country, the Land of Demons possesses the unique power to seal away the Demon King, which to some extent undermines the authority of the ninja villages in the Ninja World.
If this crisis is ultimately resolved by the Shrine Maiden, wouldn't that prove that ninjas are inferior to Shrine Maiden? Where would that leave the reputation of the Five Great Nations?
The official was about to say something, but Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped him by raising his hand.
"We will consider your suggestion," the Third Hokage said gently but firmly. "But for now, the Allied Forces' battle plan has been finalized. Please trust that the combined strength of the Ninja World is sufficient to meet any challenge."
The official opened his mouth, but ultimately slumped down. He understood that in the face of the will of a great power, the voice of a small country was weak.