Battle of Wits

It was a crossroads where their missions converged. If Sunagakure split off a small unit, it would be left to Hatake Sakumo.

"I'll be counting on you, Senior Hatake."

If Sunagakure's surprise-attack squad chose to harass or ambush Uchiha Yuu, it would be a fatal problem. He could not assume that a group of Chunin could withstand the force of an assault unit. Fortunately, Konoha's White Fang was behind him, covering his flank.

He could boldly formulate his plan, stationing three sensory ninja around the area on top of the original arrangements.

Leading a group of Chunin, he swiftly left the Konoha camp.

After they left, Tsunade watched the direction Uchiha Yuu had gone, her gaze grave. At last, she sighed.

"This mission is extremely dangerous. The Will of Fire is meant to protect them, yet Yuu is the one being sent to stop the enemy ninja."

"I feel that something has gone wrong with the village's Will of Fire."

Following Tsunade's gaze, Orochimaru looked over. His voice carried a trace of hesitation and uncertainty.

"Perhaps I was wrong."

At this stage, Orochimaru had already recognized his mistake. Watching ninja rush forward one after another to sacrifice themselves for the village, he felt that it was his failure as a commander.

No one else knew of their conversation, but both of them had begun to question the village's Will of Fire. Unfortunately, war gave them no time to think. They could only hope that Uchiha Yuu would return safely.

A group of dark figures sped across the Gobi Desert, with Uchiha Yuu leading the way.

Before them lay a desolate grand canyon. Passing through it would bring them into the Land of Wind. The canyon's terrain was treacherous, making it a natural defensive stronghold.

Unfortunately, Konoha's ninja needed time to