As the Second Shinobi World War had progressed to this point, there was no record of the Third Kazekage personally taking action. He had essentially remained in the rear, directing the battle.
Unlike a veteran Kage like Ōnoki, the world knew only that he was a Magnet Release powerhouse capable of suppressing Shukaku of the Sand. There was no detailed intelligence on him.
Yet for Sunagakure to regard him as the strongest Kazekage in its history, his strength was easy to imagine.
"The Kazekage..."
Sakumo frowned slightly. No Kage of any major shinobi village could be underestimated, much less a Kazekage skilled in Magnet Release.
He was a top-tier close-range assassination ninja. Against ordinary jonin, or puppet masters like Chiyo who were frail themselves, he could utterly overwhelm them.
But he would struggle greatly against users of wide-range Kekkei Genkai such as Lava Release or Explosion Release. Magnet Release, in particular, was a natural counter to him.
Still, that was no excuse for him to retreat.
Trusting Shikaku's judgment, Sakumo said in a low voice, "I'll be responsible for stopping the Kazekage. You eliminate the puppet forces as quickly as possible."
"It would be unwise to use our weakness against the enemy's strength."
Shikaku shook his head, his gaze darkening slightly. "In my view, we should be the ones holding back the Kazekage. Only you, Lord Sakumo, can wipe out the puppet forces in the shortest possible time!"
"You all..."
Sakumo's gaze swept over everyone present. Most of them wore young faces.
Konoha was fighting on three fronts. The Land of Grass and the Land of Rain were under the greatest pressure, and Tsunade had to travel back and forth between the two sides to deal with Chiyo's poison. Combat strength here was extremely scarce.
Aside from himself, there were