You Wouldn't Be Planning a Decapitation Strike, Would You?

Northwestern front of the Land of Fire, border camp.

The fierce wind swept yellow sand into the sky, mercilessly battering the sturdy wooden barricades.

The air was thick with a suffocating sense of slaughter and the earthy stench of dust.

Inside the commander's tent.

Jiraiya braced both hands against the broad tactical map, his usually carefree face now hard as iron.

The tent flap was violently thrown open.

A Konoha ANBU with two short blades strapped to his back rushed in, covered in sand and dust.

He dropped heavily to one knee, his voice hoarse and urgent.

"Lord Jiraiya!"

"The Land of Earth has issued its final ultimatum!"

The ANBU abruptly raised his head, his eyes beneath the mask unable to conceal his humiliation.

"The Hidden Rock Village envoy declared that we have half an hour to hand over the jinchūriki of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails!"

"And cede five mineral veins along the northwestern border as compensation!"

"If they receive no response within half an hour, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, will personally lead over ten thousand Hidden Rock Village elites in a full advance to flatten our camp!"

Oppression.

An overwhelming oppression spread through the tent.

A glint of icy killing intent flashed through Jiraiya's eyes.

That old dog Ōnoki's way of profiteering from disaster was truly ugly.

There had never been any clues about the Tailed Beasts. The enemy had clearly decided that Konoha was trapped in a one-against-four crisis and wanted to tear a huge chunk of flesh straight off the Land of Fire!

"Wishful thinking."

Jiraiya straightened up and rapidly formed hand seals. His steady command rang through the tent.

"Notify the entire army!"

"All medical units are to withdraw to the second line of defense."

"The Explosive Tag arrays are to enter activation status!"

"No matter