At least, Shōji really felt what it means to be physically and mentally exhausted.
In the past ten days, he has not been able to truly rest on any day. Every day has been a battle of varying intensity. More than two hundred Konoha Ninja died under his blade. Yes, this Konoha Ninja was clearly killed. The number of was the same as the number of people who were killed after being ambushed by Root, but in that battle Shōji could do it very easily, without even feeling the slightest fatigue.
However, in this confrontation, Shōji was exhausted. The reason was very simple. This was not a one-time confrontation. The most important thing was that it was different from the swarm of battles ordered by that idiot Danzo. In the battle plan formulated by Shikaku, Konoha Ninja could adopt the best pulling tactics for every collision!
Unless Shōji is willing to spend Mangekyō Sharingan's Dōjutsu Power to directly push everything with Susanoo, otherwise, in the battle in normal mode, Shōji is just an ordinary Kage Level in the final analysis and Jōnin can still pose a certain degree of threat to Shōji. With a tacit understanding of the combination, it may not be impossible to hurt Shōji if Shōji relaxes a little.
You must remember that this is not an online game from the past life. With obvious levels and equipment, the opponent cannot cause any damage at all. Ninjas are still human after all, and they all have high attack and low defense. Shōji will still be in this category without turning on Susanoo.
Talking about absolute injury-free victory is a joke.
The tactics are correct, the number of people is sufficient, but the mental exhaustion reaches a certain level, there is a certain probability that Shōji will be injured or even killed. Theoretically, Genin still has a probability of killing Kage Level, even if the probability is one in 100,000, or one in a million, but there is a probability.
There is no ninja that can't be killed by Kunai.
As long as you are still a creature within the category of 'human'.
"Lord Shōji, all Konoha Ninja have been confirmed to be killed, but a signal for help has been sent from the 12 o'clock position!"
At the side, Iwagakure Ninja, who had just cleaned up the battlefield and was covered in blood, dodged and came directly to Shōji's side, and those were the words of the report again.
'well... '
Shōji couldn't help but sighed secretly in his heart, but on the surface he still said with a touch of determination, "Well, I understand, you immediately clean up the battlefield here, I will rush over to support first, and be sure to give priority to sending the wounded back to the stronghold in time!"
"Yes, Lord Shōji!"
That one Iwagakure Ninja also suddenly lowered his head and responded.
Increased frequency and intensity of combat.
Shōji can no longer truly protect his subordinates, and the intense mental consumption makes Shōji sometimes prone to focusing on one thing at the expense of the other. Konoha Ninja fights with a very tacit understanding.
Even if all the members are really wiped out by Shōji, the Iwagakure Ninjas he leads will still suffer casualties, not to mention the Iwagakure Ninjas fighting in other areas. In order to ensure control of the areas around the stronghold, these Iwagakure Ninjas must disperse according to a certain configuration, not necessarily fighting.
But at least the stability of information collection channels must be ensured.
Therefore, these areas cannot be given away. Therefore, in the past ten days, after the number of casualties on the Konoha side first exceeded a thousand, within two days, the number of casualties on the Iwagakure Ninja side also reached four digits, and the proportion of those who died in battle was also close to half. However, this is not the most cruel thing.
The most uncomfortable thing for the Iwagakure Ninja side is that reinforcements have arrived from the Konoha side. The initial estimate is that the number is between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
In other words, while the number of combatable people on the Iwagakure Ninja side is decreasing, the combat power of the Konoha side is increasing instead of decreasing. The combat pressure on both wings is also increasing. Now the comparison of the combat power between the enemy and ourselves is, It's almost a one to two ratio. To put it bluntly, the force Konoha now dispatches to Western Front is capable of destroying Iwagakure Ninja's frontline troops.
Kitsuchi and Shōji, who originally planned to visit for a while, really came up with the idea of withdrawing their troops when Konoha's reinforcements arrived. Third Tsuchikage, who was in charge of the overall situation in the village, was also considering whether to end the war in a decent way.
If we really wait until the casualties further increase, we will really be unable to retreat even if we want to. However, when the war has entered a fierce battle and our own side is suppressed, if Iwagakure Ninja wants to retreat, we must make some necessary preparations in advance. It does not mean that we can just retreat.
It is different from the previous strong attack.
This time the dominance fell into the hands of Konoha.
If they want to retreat, they must determine the overall plan, especially the choice of route. Just like the garrison led by Gekko Zen'yoku in Mount Wuyuan Base before, without the timely support of Jiraiya, they will really be defeated by The troops led by Shōji and Akatsuchi destroyed at least half of their combat strength. Now it is the same for Iwagakure Ninja. They still have nearly eight or nine thousand combatable troops. It is not like Iwagakure Ninja can retreat easily.
At least they have to wait until the retreat route is completely guaranteed before they can really choose to withdraw their troops. What's more, Kitsuchi and Shōji still have a trace of luck in their hearts, that is, Kumo Ninja is a powerful force. Then launch a strong attack to attract the attention of the Konoha side, which will greatly reduce the pressure on their side. Then the Mount Wuyuan Base obtained does not need to be spit out, and there is no need to go further, as long as it can be stable and manage this line of defense.
For up to five years, Iwagakure could ensure that its tentacles completely penetrated into Land of Fire. However, contrary to expectations, Kumogakure still did not make any big moves. The so-called "defeat" Konoha's garrison in Land of Hot Springs can only deceive a fool to seize Hot Springs Mountain Outpost, but anyone with a normal mind can see that it is the tacit understanding between Konoha and Kumogakure!
Shōji really doesn't understand. Is Kumogakure so satisfied with the corpses of Hot Springs Mountain Outpost and Hizashi Hyuga? Or is Konoha really generous enough to hand over Hyuga Hiashi's body to Kumogakure?
Shōji is confused, and there is currently no information channel to learn that although Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hyuga Clan were not really stupid enough to hand over Hyuga Hiashi, they still used a pair of real Byakugan to get Kumogakure for the time being!
Now that Fourth Raikage has been greatly satisfied because of his greed. He has suppressed his restless war heart for the time being, followed the advice of his top staff officer, stayed put, and chose to sit back and watch the fight between Konoha and Iwagakure!
To be honest, Konoha is driven by interests, Iwagakure is driven by hatred, and Fourth Raikage really has a reason to attack the two great ninja villages. Whether it is joining forces with the winner and beating up the lost dog, or supporting the loser of the previous hand and attacking the stronger side together, there are pros and cons, and more depends on the independent decision-making of this Fourth Raikage.
Under such a situation, the Iwagakure Ninja side, which had been unable to wait for the Kumo Ninja side to launch a pincer attack and mistakenly underestimated the different attitudes and actions of Konoha and Kumo Ninja, fell into a very dangerous situation. With the arrival of the second batch of Konoha reinforcements, the pressure on both wings increased again.
The troop withdrawal plan that had only been in the deliberation stage before must now be put on the table immediately.
Land of Fire, Mount Wuyuan Base.
"The order from Lord Tsuchikage came. According to the news from Anbu's investigation, Kumogakure and Konoha did not engage in any battle in Land of Hot Springs on the east side. It was Konoha Ninja who took the initiative to withdraw from Hot Springs Mountain Outpost, Kumo Ninja also officially entered Hot Springs Mountain Outpost three days ago without any effort. Although there were indeed corresponding military forward pressure actions, they basically stayed within a safe range. If it was not expected wrong, Konoha must have paid a further price to stabilize Kumo Ninja."
"And the Kumo Ninja side also intends to use our hands to weaken Konoha and achieve its intention of weakening us. Therefore, Lord Tsuchikage means to give up Mount Wuyuan Base immediately., all personnel retreated back to the territory of Land of Grass, still using Kannabi Bridge as the logistics center, shortening the supply route, reducing the defense pressure, and re-building a defense line to block the attack of Konoha!"
Kitsuchi stood in the main control room, leaned over slightly, punched the Land of Grass area marked on the map placed on the table with his right hand, and said in a slightly helpless tone.
The war has reached this point. To be honest, the Iwagakure Ninja side is a little aggrieved. Judging from the pre-war situation, even if the Iwagakure Ninja side retreats from Mount Wuyuan Base, but as long as the stability of Land of Grass can be ensured, First Shinobi World War and the others Iwagakure Ninja will still make a lot of profits. It can definitely be said to be a successful military operation.
But judging from the current situation alone, being forced to retreat, and paying a heavy price of more than a thousand casualties in the past ten days, is really difficult for Kitsuchi and Shōji to accept, especially Shōji, who had previously planned to borrow money This time, Konohagakure will be severely damaged, at least his vitality will be severely damaged. Then Iwagakure Ninja and Kumo Ninja can each take a piece of fat from Land of Fire, further weakening Konoha's war potential!
It would be best to use the Kumo Ninja incident to further undermine the internal stability and harmony of Konohagakure, sow discord between major ninja villages and Konoha High Command, and lay an important prerequisite for the complete destruction of Konoha in the future!
However, the fact is that Shōji was given a loud slap in the face. In this series of planned goals, it can be said that none of them have been completed so far. Except for the basic goal of Land of Grass, even if we look at the most direct casualties between the enemy and ourselves, it is really difficult to say how much advantage Iwagakure Ninja has taken.
To put it bluntly, this is a strategic failure.
At least deep down in Shōji's heart, when none of the subsequent planned goals were achieved, it was really difficult to admit that this military operation of his and his team was a success. After using nearly ten thousand troops, as well as himself, Kitsuchi, and In the case of the two Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, Shōji was really unable to accept such a not-so-rich result. If he really acted from his heart, Shōji was really unwilling to withdraw his troops here.
But this is an emotional impulse, and the rational and calm thinking is still admonishing Shōji himself that withdrawing his troops here is the most correct choice. The nearly ten thousand Konoha Ninja army with Konoha heroes in front of him is really not something that they can chew down.
There is even news from the south that Sunagakure seems to be ready to make some moves.
They Iwagakure cannot accept the result of being defeated here.
Once there is a big defeat here, it will bring about an even more cruel chain reaction.
This time, I should regard it as a lesson I have learned. Fortunately, there is still room for change. Even if I really return it, as long as Land of Grass is in hand, they Iwagakure will still be the profit side of this military operation.
The gains are greater than the sacrifices. At most, there is no way to obtain more benefits. When it comes to losses, Konoha still has more people killed in battle than they Iwagakure Ninja.
"Indeed, we are no longer in a stalemate with Konoha here. More and more forces will be deployed on the opposite side. If we evacuate as soon as possible, we can still have a certain degree of dominance!"
Shōji took a deep breath and said with a serious expression.
There are currently only 3,500 or 3,500 intact troops left in the front line. The rest have either died in battle or suffered varying degrees of injuries and have lost their combat capabilities. Although Land of Grass still has nearly 2,000 troops who can serve as cover. and response personnel, but compared with the combat strength of Konoha on the opposite side, the gap is actually quite large. If we don't take the initiative to retreat while the main channel is still in our own hands, the situation behind will only become more and more difficult.
At that time, I am afraid that my own Lord Third will personally lead the troops to come to support, and in that case, it will easily cause a chain reaction. God knows whether Sunagakure and Kumogakure will take this opportunity to do something!
These two major ninja villages can be said to be their Iwagakure's new and old hatreds.
It is not impossible to launch a pincer attack from one south to the other at the same time. In order to ensure that such a bad result does not occur, by retreating earlier, they can gain more room for maneuver.
Until this moment.
Shōji, who has been in this world for nearly three years, finally realized why Shinobi World War and Five Great Nations were beaten to death three times in Original Work. Even though they have managed to survive, none of them has been seriously injured, so much so that they have slipped from Five Great Nations's position, or even been destroyed. It is really because of the mutual involvement between Five Great Nations that it is serious. It is said that since First Hokage and Uchiha Madara "passed away" one after another, no other ninja village above Shinobi World can truly fight one against two, as strong as Konoha The reason why E was able to win the past three Shinobi World War battles was not really about fighting multiple ninja villages at once. At most, it was a round-robin battle, or an additional battle with the partial army of another ninja village.
'I am still a little too naive... '
Shōji sighed secretly deep in his heart. This means that he thinks too highly of himself, and he also thinks too low of the enemy. The strength of Konoha and Kumogakure must still be higher than what he expected, and his own Ninja Village His strength and his own strength have not really reached the point where he can determine the world, especially his own strength, which is still somewhat insufficient when facing Jiraiya, who is the real ceiling of Kage Level.
"Well, Shōji is right. The evacuation must be started immediately and cannot be delayed. I am determined, Akatsuchi, that you will be responsible for leading the first batch of evacuation personnel. Together with Arai, you will give priority to covering the wounded and the logistics and medical personnel will retreat back to. In the Kannabi Bridge area, Shōji, you will serve as a cover for the two wings and lead the main force to ensure the safety of the retreat route. Hansang, I would like you to stay with me in Mount Wuyuan Base as the last line of defense to temporarily resist a wave of pursuit attacks that Konohagakure is likely to come!"
Kitsuchi nodded, and issued the orders in their respective retreat plans with very clear thinking. The retreat of ninjas is the same as that of an ordinary army. It is impossible to say that all members of the swarm retreat together, it must be orderly!
Not to mention too many, if some people are not left behind, it will be difficult for the wounded, logistics and medical personnel to safely escape from this combat area.
"Yeah, I understand!"
"Yeah!"
Akatsuchi, Arai, and Han also responded simultaneously to Responded.
However, Shōji frowned slightly and did not answer directly. Instead, he said, "Kitsuchi, you should cover the two wings. I will be the rear guard and intercept the incoming Konoha pursuit force with Han Sang!"
After taking the initiative to ask for a break, this does not mean that Shōji is so arrogant that he thinks he will definitely win over Kitsuchi. If the two of them really want to fight, it can only be said that Shōji will win more. It is difficult to really say who will definitely beat who. Even though Kitsuchi does not seem to have any blood inheritance or special abilities, Kitsuchi The power of is obvious to all. In the past year or so, Shōji has competed with his own son Tsuchikage. Therefore, Shōji knows the strength of Kitsuchi very well. The reason why he took the initiative to ask for help is ultimately the result of 'inertial thinking'.
I still feel that my family's position in Iwagakure is not strong enough and it has not been fully integrated into Iwagakure. I hope to show off as much as possible to gain more recognition and support from Iwagakure Ninja, especially For Kitsuchi, a senior Iwagakure executive who admires and values their Uchiha Clan very much, Shōji would rather be seriously injured than see anything happen to Kitsuchi.
This is a basic principle issue, at least in Shōji's view, this is how it should be.
"No, Shōji, the two-wing cover task is still left to you. Don't refuse. You have done enough on the front line during this period. Leave it to me and Han Sang after the break. After it is confirmed that the large forces have retreated, you can come back to support me and Han Sang."
Kitsuchi can somewhat detect some of Shōji's psychological thoughts.
And the more this happens, the more Kitsuchi has to take the initiative to take some responsibilities. This is what he should do as a commander.
This is a decided decision that can be clearly heard.
Shōji opened his mouth, and then he could only nodded silently and said, "Yes, I understand, Kitsuchi!"
But at the same time, I also made up my mind to cover the wounded and the logistics personnel to evacuate as soon as possible, and then turn over to respond to Kitsuchi in the shortest possible time. Even if I think about it in a utilitarian way, this son of Tsuchikage must not make any mistakes in this battlefield!
"Yeah!"
Hear the answer from Shōji.
Kitsuchi also showed a faint smile on his face.
"Then let's all make final preparations, and wish you good luck in martial arts!"
"Yes!"