[Land of Iron wasteland · Noon]
The sun hung high, yet offered not the slightest warmth.
Seventy thousand troops surged across the wasteland like a tide, their footsteps shaking the earth. At the front were Iwagakure's Earth Release units, forming hand seals as they marched and constantly reshaping the terrain to smooth the way for the troops behind them. Sunagakure's puppet units followed close behind, thousands of puppets advancing in perfect formation with the clicking of machinery. Konoha and Kumogakure's main forces occupied the center, Kirigakure's ninja spread out along both flanks, and the Land of Iron's samurai brought up the rear.
Overhead, scout hawks circled, constantly relaying information from the front.
Ōnoki sat in a palanquin made of stone, carried by four Iwagakure jonin. His eyes were closed, making him seem to be resting, but he was actually scanning the ley lines ahead with his sensory abilities, searching for traces of the Ōtsutsuki.
"Lord Tsuchikage." Minato's voice sounded in his ear through a wireless Communication Technique. "We've detected Ōtsutsuki chakra signatures five kilometers ahead. All three are there."
"What's their formation?"
"Kinshiki is in front, Momoshiki behind him, and Urashiki at the rear. They're arranged in a triangle," Minato said. "Urashiki's chakra is much weaker than it was three days ago. It seems he hasn't fully recovered from his injuries."
"Then we'll target Urashiki first." Ōnoki opened his eyes. "Pass down the orders. The first echelon will proceed as planned. Ulquiorra and Grimmjow will handle Kinshiki. Minato and I will handle Momoshiki, with everyone else providing support. Naruto and Sasuke will seize an opening to ambush Urashiki."
"Understood."
Minato cut off the communication and turned to Naruto and Sasuke beside him.
"Are you ready?"
"Ready." Naruto nodded.
Sasuke said nothing, only tightening his grip on Ame no Habakiri at