Into the Crowd

Before Konoha Camp, Elder Shinsuke stood ready with a large force of ninja, guarding against any sudden appearance by Stone shinobi.

A Scout Ninja hurried over. "Elder Shinsuke, there's movement at Iwagakure Camp. A large force of ninja has set out and is heading our way."

Elder Shinsuke nodded. "So they've come after all. Notify Orochimaru and the others up ahead to prepare for action. Ideally, we'll deal Iwagakure a crushing blow and leave the Allied Forces unable to covet the Land of Fire again."

"Yes."

At the site of the clash between Sunagakure and Konoha, the Sand Shinobi were already in retreat. Konoha ninja pressed after them, cutting them down from behind. Blood and rainwater had stained Fugaku's clothes pale red.

The rain had washed his two kunai clean, but their cutting edges were nicked and pitted from blocking the Sand Shinobi's attacks.

Explosive kunai and a dense barrage of poisoned weapons flew from the Sand Shinobi's puppets, buying them time to retreat.

Up ahead, Fugaku and the other three led the charge. Chiyo could not hold them off alone. A Konoha shinobi appeared beside Orochimaru.

"Lord Orochimaru, there's movement at Iwagakure Camp. A large force has rushed out and is heading for Konoha Camp."

Orochimaru sneered. "Iwagakure certainly knows how to pick its moment. A little earlier, and the Sand Shinobi would still have had some strength left. A little later, and Sunagakure's forces would have been nearly wiped out."

"The so-called alliance between the Wind Shadow and the Tsuchikage isn't worth the paper it's written on. All either cares about is their own interests," Fugaku said. "These fools can't see past their noses. Sunagakure has suffered another crushing blow. Even if the Wind Shadow leads reinforcements here himself, it won't make much difference.

"Sunagakure's combat strength in