Melee

The Trap Zone came together quickly. Much of what went into it had been taught at the Ninja Academy.

The outermost layer consisted of physical traps mixed with a large number of Explosive Tags. Those would do the most damage; the traps farther back were meant to buy time.

The light drizzle became steady rain, making the early morning even darker.

A Hyuga ninja hurried over. "Lord Orochimaru, the enemy has appeared."

"Pull everyone back. Put some distance between us and the Trap Zone." Orochimaru looked ahead, then turned with a faint smile. "Fugaku, care to come with me to slow the Wind-Earth Allied Forces down?

"We can lure them in and lead them straight into the traps."

Fugaku smiled. Orochimaru was still bothered by their earlier raid on Iwagakure Camp. Fugaku had killed Kurokawa and destroyed the food supplies, leaving Orochimaru with little more than a supporting role.

As the Third Hokage's disciple and one of Konoha's rare talents, Orochimaru had his pride. Naturally, he wanted another chance to measure himself against Fugaku. Fugaku, too, had been prepared to enter the allied forces and slow their advance.

Traps alone might not be enough if something went wrong.

"All right. We can use the chance to gauge the strength of the Land of Wind and Land of Earth's allied forces. Once we know what they're capable of, we can work out how to beat them."

"After Fugaku and I leave, Elder Shinsuke will command the force, with Nara Shikashu assisting him. Keep everyone well clear of the Trap Zone. Once we lead the enemy in, launch a surprise attack and catch them off guard."

Elder Shinsuke nodded. "Be careful, both of you. Don't push your luck."

Fugaku and Orochimaru rushed forward. Hidden paths had been left through the Trap Zone,