"Using the materials available in the Land of Whirlpools, we've converted everything into finished weapons: 5,000 Rocket Launchers."
"Manufacturing the Weasel Tanks was more difficult. We only have 300 combat-ready tanks."
"All of the Daimyo's Troops can use Chakra Gloves, but we haven't successfully developed weapons that work with them yet."
They had more than enough strength to deal with the forces of the Land of the Moon. Uzumaki Shori nodded in satisfaction.
He took out a map showing the border between the Land of Whirlpools and the Land of the Moon, then pointed out three routes that led straight to the enemy capital.
"First, deploy troops at these three locations. Then we wait for the envoy. Whether we fight or make peace will depend on what the Land of the Moon decides."
"That's all for now. Everyone go back and prepare, then head to the border and stand by."
Uzumaki Keimei hurried over, panting as he spoke.
Uzumaki Shori returned home, put on his armor, and closed his eyes to think. He hoped the news would be good.
"Stay on your guard. The Land of the Moon is just ahead." Uzumaki Sasuke led the group, alert for danger along the road.
"Report, Lord Sasuke. We've spotted people from the Land of the Moon up ahead."
After crossing the border into the Land of the Moon, a Sensory Ninja detected soldiers on patrol.
"There's no need to be nervous. We're heading for the capital of the Land of the Moon anyway. Perhaps their soldiers will escort us to see their king."
Uzumaki Sasuke stepped forward to greet the soldiers from the Land of the Moon.
When they spotted him, the soldiers shouted,
"Stop! Don't move."
"Don't be nervous. We're envoys from the Land of Whirlpools, here to meet with your king."
Uzumaki Sasuke spread his hands to show he meant no harm.
The soldiers from the Land of the Moon quickly signaled one of their comrades to go inform their captain.
"In that case, come with us. I'll take you to my superior."
The squad captain looked at the envoys from the Land of Whirlpools. He had heard that the king had detained their merchant caravan, so the report was probably true.
"Come with us. I'll take you to the capital."
Inside the royal palace of the Land of the Moon, King Yuanyue wiped the sweat from his brow and spoke to Shabadaba of Tsukigakure.
"We seized a merchant caravan from the Land of Whirlpools. They won't retaliate against us, will they? They fought Kirigakure, and they didn't seem to suffer many losses."
"From what the intelligence says, we can't beat them at all, can we?"
Shabadaba smiled as he examined the Ketsuryūgan. The Land of Lightning really was generous. Such a powerful Kekkei Genkai had now been implanted in his palm.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to worry. With the ninja and troops of the Land of the Moon, we can hold out against them for a month."
"We have the Land of Lightning behind us. Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan reaffirmed their alliance at the Daimyo's inauguration ceremony."
"To avoid worsening their relationship with Konoha, they need an excuse to send troops against the Uzumaki Clan. If we fight for a few days, then we can send a letter asking the Land of Lightning for help."
"The Land of Lightning will naturally send troops to help us deal with the Land of Whirlpools. We'll have plenty to eat with the Land of Lightning backing us."
The king held the towel he had used to wipe away his sweat, but he couldn't stop laughing.
A soldier hurried in and reported,
"Your Majesty, an envoy from the Land of Whirlpools has arrived to see you."
The king grew nervous again and quickly asked Shabadaba,
"What should we do? The people from the Land of Whirlpools are here."
"Your Majesty, there's no need to be afraid. Offend them badly. That way, they'll return home and send troops to attack us," Shabadaba suggested.
"Show them in," the king decided.
Uzumaki Sasuke walked in with a smile.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, King of the Land of the Moon. I'm an envoy from the Land of Whirlpools."
"I've come to discuss your country's handling of our merchant caravan. Could there have been some misunderstanding?"
The king put down his towel and shook his hand, speaking hurriedly.
"Oh, my!"
"How could this be such a coincidence? The Land of the Moon's confidential intelligence was leaked, and your merchant caravan just happened to be nearby."
"It's really hard to explain. How about you give us a little more time? We'll definitely get to the bottom of it."
"Shabadaba, see him out."
After speaking, the king returned to his throne and enjoyed the grapes a maid offered him.
Uzumaki Sasuke hadn't even had a chance to speak before the king had him escorted out of the hall.
It seemed the Land of the Moon had never intended to negotiate.
Shabadaba came over and stared at Uzumaki Sasuke.
"Still haven't figured it out?"
"The Land of the Moon simply wants to bully the Land of Whirlpools. Tomorrow, we'll gather our troops at the border."
Uzumaki Sasuke glanced at Shabadaba, surprised by the Land of the Moon's arrogance.
He turned and left the king's hall.
Shabadaba also turned to go back inside. He had done well this time. What reward would the Land of Lightning give him? He couldn't wait to find out.
Captain Uzumaki Sasuke turned to his subordinates and said,
"I'll stay in the Land of the Moon and look for a chance to rescue the merchant caravan. You go back to the Land of Whirlpools and report. It looks like war between our countries is unavoidable."
The others received their orders and quickly returned to the Land of Whirlpools.
By then, the army of the Land of Whirlpools had already assembled at the border.
Uzumaki Shori looked at the troops and ninja training in the open space around him. They had clearly been together for a long time, and their coordination was steadily improving.
A Genin hurried over to report,
"Lord Uzukage, the envoy to the Land of the Moon has returned."
"Good. Tell them to head to the conference room, and call everyone together for a meeting."
As he spoke, Uzumaki Shori went to the conference table.
Several Chunin walked up angrily.
"Lord Uzukage, the Land of the Moon is far too arrogant. They began gathering troops as soon as we left. They're clearly planning to fight us."
Uzumaki Ashina clenched his fist and slammed it onto the table.
"We're not afraid of them. If they want to fight, then let's fight."
"The Land of the Moon is acting strangely. They clearly have the Land of Lightning backing them. If we fight, we should hit them so hard they can't respond."
Uzumaki Shori pointed to the map showing both countries.
"First, we'll split into three groups and advance, forcing the enemy to divide their forces into three. When we encounter their resistance..."
"Use the Rocket Launchers to attack them and slow their advance. Of course, it would be even better if the Rocket Launchers could wipe them out."
"Once the attack is over, turn toward my position immediately. We'll regroup and charge straight for their capital."
"Uzumaki Jiro will take the route on the left, Uzumaki Ashina the route on the right, and I'll take the middle."
"This time, we'll coordinate with the tanks and charge forward. We'll seize the Land of the Moon as quickly as possible."
Uzumaki Shori looked around at everyone and thrust his clenched fist forward.
"We will win this battle!"
Everyone present fixed their eyes on the Uzukage and shouted,
"We will win this battle!"
Then everyone left the conference room and headed for their respective units.
Uzumaki Shori sat atop a Weasel Tank.
"Boom, boom!"
The Weasel Tank's engine rumbled to life.
Uzushio Ninja had taken their places atop every tank. This was the first time the army and ninja had fought together.
The Weasel Tanks began to accelerate.
They raced across the border of the Land of Whirlpools and into the Land of the Moon.
The Uzushio Ninja riding on top gripped the handrails.
Before you continue