Withdrawal

Ōnoki was unwilling to withdraw from the Land of Rain. Over the past few years, Iwagakure had lost thousands of shinobi there.

The gains had been negligible. They had lost men and gained next to nothing.

Several of Iwagakure's senior officials had died in battle, all of them battle-hardened elites.

But priorities had to be weighed. Defending the Land of Earth mattered more than invading the Land of Fire.

The Third Kazekage was just as unwilling to retreat. Sunagakure had spent a year maneuvering to reach this point.

Once Iwagakure withdrew, they would be back where they started. Sunagakure would face Konoha alone, and both sides would suffer grievous losses.

With the invasion of the Land of Fire thwarted and the Wind, Earth, and Fire Countries all suffering heavy losses, a period of recovery seemed likely.

Who knew how many years it would be before Sunagakure and Iwagakure joined forces again?

That night, at Konoha Camp's Command Headquarters.

An intelligence officer hurried in. "Lord Hokage, urgent intelligence."

The Third Hokage nodded and took the report. As he read it, a smile crept onto his face.

"Lord Hokage, what's the good news?" Elder Shinsuke asked.

The Third Hokage laughed. "Kumogakure has mobilized and is advancing straight toward the Land of Earth. The Tsuchikage has no choice but to withdraw. Once Iwagakure pulls out, the Allied Forces will fall apart without a fight.

"Every side has suffered heavy losses. If the Kazekage insists on pressing on, he'll only sacrifice the last of Sunagakure's Ninja Corps."

Everyone nodded. With Kumogakure entering the war, Konoha could finally breathe easier. If the fighting dragged on, Konoha's Great Families would be the first to collapse.

The meeting ended early, but none of them let down their guard. Patrols inside and outside the camp were tighter than