The Battle of Kikyo Pass, Part One

In a secluded hideout on Kikyo Mountain, several ninjas dressed in khaki vests and wearing white windproof scarves addressed the man seated in the middle:

"Rasa, we've plundered enough supplies. Shall we retreat now?"

"Why retreat? The Land of Fire has such a wonderful environment; it's so comfortable here. Let's stay here and occupy this land!"

"Kumogakure and Iwagakure have also invaded the Land of Fire. Konoha certainly doesn't have the energy to deal with us, so why rush to retreat?"

Rasa listened to the Jonin's words without offering any opinion.

It was indeed comfortable staying in the Land of Fire. Rasa made outstanding contributions in the battle to repel the Kumogakure and was recognized by many Hidden Sand ninjas.

At the same time, Rasa was a trusted bodyguard of the Third Hokage, mastered the secret Magnet Release ninjutsu, and made great contributions.

Logically speaking, he should be taking office as Kazekage soon, but the two senior advisors insisted on saying that whoever could avenge the Third Kazekage should be supported to become Kazekage, and even said that Pakura, the user of the Scorch Release, also deserved great credit.

This greatly displeased Rasa, who was powerless to do anything about the two highly meritorious advisors. This time, Rasa's operation perfectly disrupted Konoha's western defenses with spies, allowing them to penetrate deep into the Land of Land of Fire.

This was an unprecedented feat in the history of Sunagakure; Rasa broke through Konoha's western defenses and looted a great deal of supplies.

At this point, retreating would allow them to leverage their merits and prestige, without needing the recommendation of the two advisors, and with the support of numerous Jonin, to forcefully contend for the position of Kazekage.

"Knowing when to stop is the best policy. Do you really consider the Land of Fire your home? This kind of environment will only erode the resilience of Hidden Sand."

Rasa said in a deep voice, "Among the many veteran Jonin, Rasa has a very high reputation. The Third Kazekage and his advisors have some dirty dealings. But the Third Kazekage wasn't just sitting around doing nothing when he was alive; he supported a large number of Jonin."

Now that Rasa, as a confidant of the former Kazekage, has stepped forward to coordinate the situation, it aligns with the interests and demands of the Third Kazekage's faction.

Each village has its own internal struggles, and the Hokage and advisor of Konoha are classmates.

The relationship between the Kage and advisors in Sunagakure is not very harmonious. Chiyo is the wife of the First Kazekage and holds a very high position. Subsequent Kage have to show Chiyo respect.

As the nominal leader, the Shadow has two powerful figures above him; no one could stand being the Kazekage.

After Rasa spoke, the Jonin, though each had their own requests, all obediently refrained from objecting.

"So, are we about to retreat?"

A Hidden Sand Jonin asked softly.

"Having entered the Land of Fire, how can we retreat so easily? Advisors Chiyo and Ebizo have not given the order to retreat. We will attempt to break through Kikyo Castle once more, hoping to establish the great achievements of Hidden Sand!"

Based on Rasa's previous words, everyone thought he was preparing to retreat, but unexpectedly, Rasa changed his tune and said he was going to break through Kikyo Castle.

"It is extremely dangerous for us to venture deep into the Land of Fire. We cannot linger here. Without delay, send out the attack signal and prepare to strike!"

Rasa's thoughts were somewhat unpredictable and difficult to fathom. Such an enigmatic leader was precisely what his subordinates revered.

"Hi!" X20

"Has Hidden Sand moved to a different location? Or is there an ambush?"

Naraku led his ninja force, but some questions lingered in his mind. The main force had been marching for most of the day without seeing a single person.

The Naraku clan consisted of three thousand ninjas, divided into two parts: the front part, with two thousand ninjas under Naraku's command, and the rear part, with one thousand ninjas providing support and cover.

Naraku led the Uchiha ninjas ahead, along with over a thousand Konoha Ninja commanded by Hatake Sakumo, totaling two thousand people. Apart from a one-hundred-person team clearing the way, the rest were all led by Naraku and Hatake Sakumo, and they set off from south to north towards Kikyo Mountain.

The western battlefield has gathered most of Konoha's elite forces, and Commander Tsunade's deployment is intended to encircle and annihilate Hidden Sand.

The Konoha Ninja, previously forced into a passive defense due to a lack of personnel, are now launching a counterattack after reinforcements arrive.

Having already thoroughly investigated the Hidden Sand's headquarters, one would expect that even without large-scale battles, they wouldn't be completely without a single soul in Naraku.

"Zensui, vanguard team, have you reported any trace of the enemy yet?"

Naraku couldn't help but ask, and some bad thoughts arose in Naraku mind about this strange situation.

If Naraku were trapped here by Hidden Sand, he would definitely survive. But if the eight hundred elite clansmen he brought were to perish here, then the Uchiha would be truly doomed.

"No, it's another fifteen kilometers ahead to the Kikyo Mountain."

"Alright! Stay alert and prepare for battle."

"Hi!"

The guards around him readily agreed.

Tsunade's plan was to encircle them from three directions. Naraku's Ninjutsu and strength meant he couldn't back down; this wasn't the sea, it was land.

The Uchiha's fighting strength, if not ten per person, is certainly no problem at least three per person.

Whoosh! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The vanguard set off fireworks, with more than a dozen bursting in succession, signaling more than ten squads to call for reinforcements.

"We've really fallen into an ambush?"

Naraku frowned.

Nohara Rin took the bento box from Kushina, her eyes sparkling with joy, and said:

"This is wonderful! I love Kushina- nee's cooking the most!"

Kushina was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant and grinned. Finally, finally someone had recognized his culinary skills.

Kushina pulled Nohara Rin into her arms and kissed her on the forehead.

"What a lovely child! Lin is such a good girl!"

"Oh!"

Watching the affected Kushina embracing her beloved Rin, Obito a smug, cold laugh.

Kushina heard Kushina's cold laughter, Obito a displeased expression, she walked over.

"I, this young lady, have condescended to bring you lunchboxes, and you're quite rude to me? Hmm?"

Kushina said unfriendly, giving a soft "hmm" like a teacher scolding a student.

"I didn't ask you to come! And I'm not hungry!"

Obito turned his head and said arrogantly, but Obito stomach rumbled at the most inopportune moment, clearly indicating that he was starving.

"Well..."

Obito, who had been trying to be tough, was somewhat embarrassed.

Kushina sighed, placed her hands on Obito's shoulders, and said gently:

"Fine, if you like to show off, just finish your meal first. You can't fight a war on an empty stomach, right?"

"I don't need it! I won't accept your charity. I can fight even without food!"

Obito, still defiant, shouted loudly.

"Wow, that's really manly."

Kushina offered a gentle compliment, then Kushina hair fluttering, she continued in a chilling voice, "Did you think I would say that?"

Kushina showed no mercy and punched Obito on the head.

"Shut up and eat! Stamina is a ninja's capital! Honestly, why don't you ever grow up!"

Obito covered his head, still stubbornly arguing incessantly.

Namikaze Minato, Kakashi, and Nohara Rin were already diligently eating their meals nearby.