Iwagakure Strikes

Sunagakure's strategy of taking the initiative, crossing the Land of Rivers, and pointing its forces toward the Land of Fire was like a stone stirring a thousand waves. It completely threw the Ninja World into turmoil and drew the covetous eyes of greedy onlookers. Just as Elder Chiyo led Sunagakure's main force through the Land of Rivers with unstoppable momentum, steadily squeezing Konoha's defensive lines, terrible news from the northwest crashed into the Kazekage's office like a bucket of ice water.

"Report! Urgent military intelligence! Iwagakure Jonin Kitsuchi has led an elite force across our northern border and into our territory! Several northern border outposts have fallen, and Iwagakure Shinobi are advancing deeper into our homeland!"

The messenger ninja panted heavily, his voice trembling with fear as he presented a bloodstained intelligence scroll.

Fourth Kazekage Rasa abruptly rose from his seat, snatched up the scroll, and his expression grew darker the further he read. At last, he slammed a fist down on the desk!

"Ōnoki... you old fox!" he practically ground out through clenched teeth.

He had thought that launching the first attack would redirect the conflict and let him seize gains while Konoha struggled to cope. Yet he had never imagined Hidden Rock Village would react so swiftly and viciously! They had actually taken advantage of the weakness within his country and sent troops through the northwestern desert to strike directly at Sunagakure's heart! This move of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao not only severely threatened Sunagakure's homeland, but was also a naked provocation against the authority of its newly appointed Kazekage!

He could not let Hidden Rock Village run rampant within their territory! Otherwise, the morale of the front-line forces would inevitably waver, and their entire strategy would collapse!

Rasa forced himself to calm down as his mind