Konoha's Counterattack

Morning!

The Konoha ninja, fully equipped and ready to depart, gathered together in small groups, discussing last night's battle.

"I really can't take it anymore. Those brutes from Kumogakure launched three consecutive sneak attacks last night!"

"They came at us again and again, over and over!"

"Are they determined not to live to see today? They're nothing but rabid animals!"

"Exactly. If we keep being this passive, I won't have the face to see Lord Hokage again!"

"Dongzhi, you've been following Senior Mokume Kotō these past few days. Do you have any new information? Give us a hint!"

"This battle has been absolutely suffocating!"

Among the foremost ninja, Dongzhi had been silently resting with his eyes closed. Upon hearing the question, he replied calmly without even lifting his eyelids.

"There is new information, but it isn't convenient for me to say!"

He paused, then opened his eyes and looked at Jiraiya, Mokume Kotō, Danzo, and the others as they slowly approached. In a low voice, he said, "Lord Jiraiya will announce our next strategic deployment shortly. Just wait patiently!"

After saying that, he shut his mouth. No matter how his fellow ninja questioned him, he refused to say another word.

Before long, Jiraiya and the others approached, drawing everyone's attention.

He first swept his gaze over the assembled ranks. Once he confirmed their numbers, his eyes filled with sorrow and anger.

Last night, the Kumogakure ninja had gone mad, attacking the camp three times in a row and causing heavy casualties.

Although Konoha's counterattacks had left the Kumogakure ninja in terrible shape as well, it was still utterly infuriating to him.

Right now, he only wanted to lead the remaining people out of this land as quickly as possible, then strike back fiercely before Konoha's reinforcements arrived.

"Everyone!"

"The Kumogakure