The sunset was blood-red, staining the entire wasteland crimson.
The air was thick with the acrid smell of lingering chakra from the clash of ninjutsu, mingled with scorched earth and blood. The first defensive line was barely recognizable. Several enormous breaches had been blasted through the once-sturdy earthen walls, fragments of Sunagakure's puppets lay scattered everywhere, and Iwagakure's Earth Release barriers were riddled with cracks.
The wounded were carried to the rear in an endless stream. Medical ninjas worked ceaselessly in makeshift tents, and Tsunade's voice rang out from inside from time to time, issuing orders and curses.
Ōnoki stood outside the temporary command post, leaning on his cane, his aged face expressionless. But inwardly, he was nowhere near as calm as he appeared-the three thousand White Zetsu were only the appetizer. The real main course was the Ōtsutsuki trio. And in just one probing exchange, the allied forces had already lost more than two thousand people.
"Lord Tsuchikage." Minato's voice came from behind him. "The casualty figures are in."
"Go ahead."
"Two thousand one hundred and thirty-seven dead, five thousand four hundred and sixty-two seriously wounded, and countless minor injuries. The first defensive line needs to be rebuilt completely, and the second needs reinforcement." Minato's voice was steady, but Ōnoki could hear the weight he was holding back. "Also, Lord A and Granny Chiyo were seriously wounded. They're receiving treatment."
"Those Ōtsutsuki..." Ōnoki turned around. "Have you analyzed their abilities?"
"We have a preliminary assessment." Minato unrolled a scroll. "Kinshiki Otsutsuki specializes in taijutsu and weapon transformation. He can turn parts of his body into various weapons, and he can also materialize chakra as weapons. His body automatically absorbs chakra attacks, so ordinary ninjutsu is ineffective against him. It takes physical attacks or power beyond the normal limits to