Facing Sunagakure's massive troop mobilization, Konoha naturally did not sit back and wait for death.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, swiftly made his decision. He appointed his eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, as the frontline commander and sent him with an elite force to the front between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers to face Sunagakure's impending assault.
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew well that this attack from Sunagakure differed from those of the past. Whether it was the forces personally mobilized by the Third Kazekage or the overwhelming combat power that included Bunpuku, the One-Tail jinchuriki, everything indicated that this battle would be extraordinarily difficult.
As the Hokage's son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke had received rigorous ninjutsu training since childhood.
His reputation within the village was no less illustrious than his father Sarutobi Hiruzen's had been in his youth. He was also exceptionally gifted in ninjutsu, particularly skilled at combining Fire Release and Wind Release.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had complete faith in Shinnosuke and hoped he would stabilize the situation at the front and contain Sunagakure's fierce offensive.
Konoha responded with remarkable speed.
In addition to Sarutobi Shinnosuke leading the army, the major ninja clans also answered the call and sent support.
The Hyuga Clan dispatched Hizashi Hyuga to represent the clan's strength at the front. Elite members of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans also prepared to head for the battlefield with the support of the Hokage and the Feudal Lord.
Their strategy prioritized defense, relying on coordination between clan ninja and tactical ingenuity to withstand Sunagakure's attack.
Before departing, Sarutobi Shinnosuke convened an emergency strategy meeting, gathering representatives of each clan and frontline ninja captains to discuss countermeasures.
Young heirs of the new generation, such as Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi, also performed admirably at the meeting, putting