Driven by money, Konoha's garrison forces were, unsurprisingly, pushed back by the Hidden Sand shinobi all the way to Mount Kikyo, where they could only hastily 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 at least 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 and still unclear on the situation, Orochimaru decided it was best to play it safe.
Hyuga Yunzang nodded. "Yes. The Hyuga Clan will give its all and will not fail your trust, sir."
"Shikaku, send a ninja hawk to notify the Mount Kikyo defenders. They must hold out until reinforcements arrive."
"Although the enemy has superior numbers, they have traveled 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 someone to notify the village. Mobilize Root and ANBU as much as possible to sabotage Hidden Sand's logistics and delay their offensive."
"I will dispatch one thousand shinobi to reinforce Mount Kikyo's defenses as quickly as possible. The Hyuga Clan must also send shinobi to monitor the enemy's movements 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 the front line's supplies."
"The rest of the jonin will follow Shikaku's arrangements and prepare to face Hidden Sand's southern army."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"
The gathered shinobi answered in unison, including Uchiha Ran, who sat at the very end.
Ran had to admit that he deeply admired this arrangement. Everyone knew that Ino–Shika–Cho operated as one.
This setup ensured close coordination between the main camp, reinforcements, and logistics forces, while cleverly splitting the three apart and allowing Orochimaru to truly become the unquestioned authority in the camp.
Shikaku Nara was a smart man. Without the other two present to support him, he definitely would not dare speak loudly against Orochimaru.
Orochimaru paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd again.
"There is one more task. Since we do not know whether this force is their main army, I want to organize a raid first and test their strength."
"Our current intelligence indicates that they are stationed around Little River Mouth in the Land of Rivers. Does anyone wish to take this mission?"
The meeting hall fell silent. Orochimaru's proposal was clearly rather risky.
Little River Mouth was in the heartland of the Land of Rivers. The terrain was complicated and riddled with rivers, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Furthermore, the enemy force's strength was unknown. A rash assault could easily turn into a bitter battle.
As everyone remained silent, Uchiha Ran lowered his head as far as he could.
He knew perfectly well that he had already earned quite a bit of merit recently. Taking another risk on a mission like this was simply not worth it, and it would easily invite jealousy.
Moreover, he knew that Hidden Sand's attack route was Mount Kikyo, a place they had never attacked before. Its terrain was treacherous and its defenses weak, making it an excellent breakthrough point.
But he could only keep that thought to himself. More than half the jonin present were veterans of the Second Shinobi World War. They had ample experience and seniority. When would it ever be his turn to speak?
Just as Uchiha Ran was wondering what to eat for lunch, Orochimaru's magnetic voice rang out again.
"Ran-kun, what do you think? I believe this mission suits a young man like you, one with such a powerful Will of Fire."
Uchiha Ran, who had been thinking about grilled steak, abruptly raised his head and stared at Orochimaru in utter disbelief.
His mind went blank. He had never imagined that he would be singled out.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became interesting as everyone focused their attention on him.
Damn it, I'm only fourteen! I'm still a minor, and you want to send me on 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 down Sun Wukong?!
Uchiha Ran could not help complaining 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 a little beyond my capabilities?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Ran-kun, everyone has seen your recent performance. Your strength and potential are both exceptional. 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 gain experience."
Uchiha Ran gave a bitter smile inwardly, wondering if he had been too high-profile before.
But the risks of this mission were simply too great. If he were surrounded by dozens of enemy jonin, that would be no joke.
After hesitating for a moment, he decided to cautiously voice his own thoughts.
"Lord Orochimaru, I am certainly willing to contribute to the village, but I believe this mission may require more experienced shinobi."
"Also, I have an idea, though I do not know whether I should say it."
"Oh? Let's hear it." Orochimaru looked at him with great interest.
Uchiha Ran took a deep breath and gathered his courage.
"According to the intelligence, Hidden Sand has three routes of attack. If Lord Jiraiya is stationed in the direction of Amegakure, then the most likely target is Mount Kikyo in the northern Land of Rivers."
"Because the southern Hidden Sand army is moving too slowly. Since they launched an undeclared war, they should have used a lightning-fast assault to catch us off guard."
"But Hidden Sand stopped after occupying Little River Mouth. That is highly abnormal. If they were the main force, they should have attacked while we had yet to establish a foothold."
"Instead, they seem to be preparing to defend. If we think about eliminating these Hidden Sand shinobi first, we will be falling for their tactic of luring the tiger away from the mountain."
"So 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 breakthrough point."
"This southern army is merely a feint. Even the Amegakure direction may be the same, nothing more than a target to draw our fire. Once we become locked in a bitter battle here, Hidden Sand will certainly concentrate all its forces to break through Mount Kikyo and advance directly into the Land of Fire."
The meeting hall fell silent. Everyone had been drawn in by Uchiha Ran's words.
Mount Kikyo truly was a vital point in the Land of Rivers. If it were breached, the Land of Fire would indeed be in danger.
But the idea was too bold and too risky. After all, most of those present were veterans of the Second Shinobi World War. They were experienced and highly senior, and they would not readily accept the suggestion of a fourteen-year-old Genin.
"Haha, kid, that's a very good idea, and you're right."
"Unfortunately, what you do not know is that Kikyo City before Mount Kikyo is a major trading city. The daimyos of all three nations would never allow a war to break out there. Hidden Sand would not dare risk the condemnation of the world."
"That's right. Neither the First nor Second Shinobi World War spread there, precisely for that reason."
Several jonin who had experienced the Second Shinobi World War spoke confidently.
Before you continue