Benbo'erba Turned Out to Be Me

Driven by money, Konoha's garrison forces were, without surprise, beaten back by the Hidden Sand shinobi until they could only make an emergency retreat to Mount Kikyo and establish a defensive line.

Of course, news of this had not yet reached Konoha.

Konoha's outpost in the Land of Rivers was in the south, over six hundred kilometers from Mount Kikyo. Even the fastest reinforcements would need ten days to get there.

"Yunzang, keep an eye on the Hidden Sand forces attacking our outpost. Make sure they don't launch a surprise attack."

Having just arrived at the front lines and still unclear on the situation, Orochimaru decided to play it safe.

Hyuga Yunzang nodded. "Yes. The Hyuga Clan will give its all and will not disappoint you, my lord."

"Shikaku, send ninja hawks to notify the Mount Kikyo garrison. They must hold their ground until reinforcements arrive."

"Although the enemy has a numerical advantage, they have marched a long way and must be exhausted. I hope our forces can wait at ease for the weary enemy and use the terrain to their advantage."

"Then send word to the village. Mobilize Root and ANBU as much as possible to disrupt Hidden Sand's logistics and slow their advance."

"I will dispatch a thousand shinobi to reinforce Mount Kikyo's defenses as quickly as possible. The Hyuga Clan will also send shinobi to monitor the enemy around Mount Kikyo at all times and relay intelligence promptly."

"Inoichi Yamanaka will lead this reinforcement force and strengthen the Mount Kikyo defensive line as soon as possible."

"Choza Akimichi will be responsible for logistical support and ensure supplies reach the front lines."

"The other Jonin will follow Shikaku's arrangements and prepare to face Hidden Sand's southern army."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"

The shinobi all answered in unison. Even Uchiha Lan, seated at the very end, was no exception.

It had to be said, even Uchiha Lan admired this arrangement.

Everyone knew that Ino–Shika–Cho operated as one.

This arrangement ensured close coordination between the main camp, the reinforcements, and the logistics corps, while cleverly separating the three of them and making Orochimaru the undisputed authority in the camp.

Shikaku Nara was a smart man. Without the other two present to support him, he definitely would not dare raise his voice against Orochimaru.

Orochimaru paused, his gaze sweeping across the room again.

"There is one more task. Since we don't know whether this force is their main army, I want to organize a surprise attack first and test their strength."

"Our scouts have confirmed that they are camped around Little River Mouth in the Land of Rivers. Does anyone wish to take this mission?"

Silence filled the meeting hall. Orochimaru's proposal was clearly rather risky.

The Little River Mouth region was deep within the Land of Rivers. The terrain was complex and riddled with waterways, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Furthermore, the enemy's strength was unknown. A rash attack could lead to a hard-fought battle.

While everyone remained silent, Uchiha Lan lowered his head as far as he could.

He knew full well that he had already earned quite a few merits recently. Taking another risk on a mission like this was simply not worth it, and it could easily invite jealousy.

Besides, he knew that Hidden Sand's true direction of attack was Mount Kikyo, a place they had never attacked before. Its terrain was treacherous and its defenses weak, making it an excellent point for a breakthrough.

But he could only keep that thought to himself. More than half of the Jonin present were veterans of the Second Shinobi World War, experienced and well-established. It was not his place to speak.

Just as Uchiha Lan was wondering what to eat for lunch, Orochimaru's magnetic voice rang out again.

"Lan-kun, what do you think? I believe this mission suits a young man like you, one with such a powerful Will of Fire."

Uchiha Lan, who had been thinking about grilled steak, abruptly raised his head and stared at Orochimaru in disbelief.

His mind went blank. He had never expected to be called out.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became interesting as everyone's attention focused on him.

What the hell? I'm only fourteen! I'm still a minor, and you want me to take a day trip into a dragon's den and tiger's lair!

Even if they aren't Hidden Sand's main force, they definitely have around a thousand men. You want me to go? Isn't that like sending Benbo'erba and Babo'erben to take out Sun Wukong?

Uchiha Lan could not help grumbling inwardly.

He took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calmer.

"Lord Orochimaru, I... I was only a Genin not long ago. Isn't a mission like this somewhat beyond my capabilities?"

Orochimaru smiled faintly, a trace of amusement in his eyes.

"Lan-kun, everyone has seen your recent performance. Your strength and potential are both outstanding. I believe you are capable of handling this mission."

"Besides, this operation does not require a direct confrontation. We are merely testing their strength. It will be an excellent opportunity for you to train."

Uchiha Lan gave a bitter smile inwardly, wondering if he had been too high-profile before.

But this mission was simply too dangerous. If he were surrounded by several dozen enemy Jonin, that would be no joke.

He hesitated before deciding to cautiously offer his thoughts.

"Lord Orochimaru, I am indeed willing to serve the village, but I believe this mission may require more experienced shinobi."

"Also, I have an idea, though I don't know whether I should say it."

"Oh? Let's hear it." Orochimaru looked at him with interest.

Uchiha Lan took a deep breath and gathered his courage.

"According to the intelligence, Hidden Sand has three directions of attack. If Lord Jiraiya is stationed toward Amegakure, then the most likely target is Mount Kikyo in the northern Land of Rivers."

"Because Hidden Sand's southern army is moving too slowly. Since they attacked without a declaration of war, they should have used a blitzkrieg-style assault to catch us off guard."

"But after occupying Little River Mouth, Hidden Sand stopped. That is highly abnormal. If they were the main force, they should have attacked while we had yet to establish a foothold."

"Instead, they are showing signs of preparing for defense. If we try to eliminate this group of Hidden Sand shinobi first, we will fall for their scheme to lure the tiger away from the mountain."

"Therefore, I can conclude right now that Hidden Sand's main target is Mount Kikyo. Its terrain is treacherous and its defenses weak, making it an excellent point for a breakthrough."

"And this southern army is merely a decoy. Even the Amegakure direction may be the same, nothing more than bait to draw our firepower. Once we are bogged down in a bitter fight here, Hidden Sand will surely concentrate all its forces to break through Mount Kikyo and advance directly into the Land of Fire."

The meeting hall fell silent. Everyone's attention had been drawn to Uchiha Lan's words.

Mount Kikyo was indeed a vital point in the Land of Rivers. If it were breached, the Land of Fire would truly be in danger.

But the idea was too bold and too risky. Most of those present were veterans of the Second Shinobi World War, experienced and highly senior. They would not easily accept the suggestion of a fourteen-year-old Genin.

"Haha, kid, that's a good idea, and you're right."

"Unfortunately, what you don't know is that Kikyo City, before Mount Kikyo, is a major trading city. The daimyo of all three nations would never permit war to break out there. Hidden Sand could not possibly risk the condemnation of the world."

"That's right. Neither the First nor Second Shinobi World War spread there, precisely because of that."

Several Jonin who had lived through the Second Shinobi World War spoke up confidently.