The attack came without warning.
White Zetsu suddenly surrounded the entire camp.
Their numbers had already reached three or four thousand.
The camp had only a little over a thousand shinobi stationed there. Even that number had been reduced by more than a hundred when some were attacked from the side by their own "comrades." By the time Shikaku, Ao, and the others emerged from the central tent, all they saw was billowing black smoke and curtains drenched in scarlet.
"Everyone, watch your positions. Don't wander off, and don't bunch up! All units, take up Formation B and hold the line. Whatever you do, don't—"
Shikaku immediately realized how dangerous the attack was and gave clear orders without hesitation. But before he could finish speaking—
"Whoosh!"
"Shadow Imitation Technique!"
Suddenly—
A Konoha shinobi charged at Shikaku from the left side of the tent.
Halfway there—
His White Zetsu appearance came into view.
Just as he drew near—
Fortunately, Shikamaru reacted quickly and immediately used the Shadow Imitation Technique.
"Whoosh!"
"Thud!"
As the White Zetsu was successfully bound—
Ao, who had come out alongside them, struck without hesitation.
He gathered chakra—
And slammed his right palm into the White Zetsu's abdomen.
"Smack!"
The body flew backward—
And crashed heavily onto the ground.
After a couple of feeble struggles, it went still.
"Are you all right, Dad?"
"I'm fine! Lord Ao, Lady Samui, Lord Fuyi, please organize your shinobi into defensive positions at once. These white enemies aren't especially strong individually, but they seem to have excellent concealment and transformation abilities. Make sure to establish defensive lines, and don't let anyone get too close to anyone else. Tell every shinobi to hold out against this first wave!"
"Understood!"
"Don't worry, Lord Shikaku!"
"We'll take care of it!"
The Kage had entrusted these