Arriving at the command tent, he found it packed with people. A large number of Jōnin had gathered there, and Minato, whom he had not seen in a long time, was among them.
Asuma nodded to Minato.
When Orochimaru saw Asuma arrive, he said, "According to the intelligence from Jōnin Minato, the Fourth Kazekage has already left Sunagakure with an elite force. Their target is the front line!"
"Without a doubt, this is a counterattack the Sand Ninja have been preparing for a long time."
"But for us, this is a decisive battle!"
His gaze swept over everyone before settling on Asuma. "Asuma, I want you, Senior Sakumo, and Jōnin Minato to intercept the Fourth Kazekage and delay him for at least two days!"
"Understood!"
Asuma nodded solemnly.
Orochimaru shifted his gaze to Sarutobi Amayo. "Jōnin Amayo, your unit will handle the Sand Ninja reinforcements coming from the Land of Rain. Do not let them pass you under any circumstances or threaten headquarters!"
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"
Sarutobi Amayo accepted the order sternly.
Orochimaru continued issuing orders and making arrangements.
The Sand Ninja had been preparing for this battle for a long time.
They had deployed part of their forces into the Land of Rain, intending to move south from there and bypass Konoha.
The Sand Ninja roaming around within the Land of Fire were also moving toward the battlefield. Clearly, they intended to launch an attack from behind, perhaps even targeting the supplies and medical units, or rescuing Grandmother Chiyo before she could be sent back to Konoha.
As for the Fourth Kazekage and the elite force under his command, Asuma suspected they had never intended to conceal themselves. Their purpose was likely to draw in powerful fighters like himself, Namikaze Minato, and Hatake Sakumo.
That way, the Sand Ninja