Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Building.
A stone castle with an architectural style completely different from Konoha's.
The Land of Earth was filled with towering mountains, much of its territory covered in rock formations, and its resources were extremely unevenly distributed. Coupled with poor transportation, the Land of Earth's development had always been very slow.
On top of that, the village lacked high-end combat power. Its two jinchūriki had both left due to conflicts with Ōnoki, forcing Iwagakure to lie low ever since the Second Shinobi World War. Fortunately, after years of development, several geniuses had emerged among the younger generation. If they could seize some strategic resources amid the conflicts between the other great nations, the Land of Earth's strength would rise rapidly!
It seemed that this opportunity had arrived. Ōnoki set down the intelligence report in his hand and fell into thought.
Iwagakure was not as well-funded as Konoha. Every decision had to be made with the utmost caution, because they could not afford to lose.
The latest intelligence reported that Sunagakure had fallen into a disadvantageous position in its battle against Konoha and suffered heavy casualties. To prevent Konoha from advancing further, Sunagakure had dispatched a large number of ninja to the frontlines against Konoha.
Part of the forces guarding the border between Sunagakure and Iwagakure had likewise been redeployed. If they gathered an elite force now to launch a surprise attack on Sunagakure, seize supplies, and withdraw swiftly, they would surely catch them off guard. The chance of success was practically one hundred percent.
Having made up his mind, Ōnoki issued the order to attack Sunagakure. Kitsuchi would lead the army, while younger-generation talents such as Higashi, Mahiru, Kakkō, and Daiseki were all drafted. Only through the crucible of war could these young geniuses truly grow!
Thirty ninja battalions,