Restraint Under Border Fire and Flames at the Kazekage's Headquarters

The explosion's shockwave kicked up scorching waves of sand that battered the Temporary Command Post's tents with dull thuds.

The air, thick with the smell of scorched earth, made their throats tighten.

Shikaku Nara stood at the entrance of a tent, the night wind stirring his tied-back hair. He merely watched the distant blaze, not yet fully extinguished. In its glow, his trademark laziness seemed unfathomably profound.

"Commander-in-Chief!" The Jonin reporting to him stepped forward, fury nearly bursting from his voice. "The watchtower has been destroyed, and three Chunin were killed on the spot! This is an outright declaration of war! We must strike back!"

More ninja gathered around, every face filled with humiliation and fighting spirit.

Konoha's ninja had never been attacked like this on their own doorstep.

Shikaku did not answer immediately.

He turned and slowly walked back into the tent, stopping before a massive military map. The red arrows representing Sunagakure's main force were like poisoned stingers driven deep into the Land of Fire's territory.

"Has the damage assessment been submitted?" His voice was level, without a trace of emotion.

A ninja in charge of intelligence immediately stepped forward and spoke rapidly. "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief: the enemy used Miniature Chakra Cannons mounted on the Puppet Corps. Their range is five kilometers, with C-Rank power. Their sole target was our foremost No. 3 Watchtower. They fired one coordinated volley, and there has been no movement since."

"One coordinated volley." Shikaku repeated it, lightly tapping the map with his fingers. "They only hit the watchtower, not the camp. They stopped after firing and waited for our response."

He raised his head and surveyed the emotionally charged commanders in the tent.

"Everyone, this is not war. This is provocation."

"But they killed our people!" the first Jonin roared unwillingly.