Sarutobi Hiruzen wiped the sweat from his palms and took a deep breath.
The fate of the battlefield against Kirigakure might well be decided today.
If tonight's surprise attack succeeded, the shadow of Kirigakure's constant harassment would be swept away for good, and Kirigakure itself would be left with flagging morale.
But if tonight's operation failed, Konoha would lose the initiative on this battlefield entirely and be forced back to Mount Kikyo, near the border of the Land of Fire. If their losses were severe, it could even decide the outcome of the entire war.
Having made this decision, Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally couldn't help feeling nervous.
This was the first time in his life he had acted so rashly.
After spending most of his life playing it safe, he had finally made a bold choice.
Watching the faint glow of fire coming from the Kirigakure tents in the distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen signaled the ninjas behind him to hold their breath, then quietly asked the Hyuga Ninja beside him:
"Can you see what's happening inside the Kirigakure tents?"
The Hyuga Ninja's forehead bore no Caged Bird Seal, and his Byakugan had no blind spots. He could easily see everything inside the tents.
"Lord Hokage, there's nothing unusual inside the tents. Aside from the ninjas on their usual patrols, the rest seem to have gone to sleep."
To avoid losing too many people if the operation failed, Sarutobi Hiruzen had deliberately left the brothers Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga back at Konoha's camp. He had brought only some Hyuga Ninjas and members of the Sarutobi Clan with him.
But to ensure they could scout the camp thoroughly, Hiashi had still sent out a ninja from the Main House.
Hearing the Hyuga Ninja's report about the Kirigakure camp, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly.
"Wait