In the Command Headquarters at the Land of Rain camp, Fugaku studied a newly arrived intelligence report.
Uchiha Jin and several squad leaders sat around him, watching him in silence.
"What news came from the village?" a Jonin squad leader asked.
Fugaku passed the report to the others. "The Third Kazekage personally led an army into the Land of Rain. He's stationed on the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain and could attack at any moment.
"But there's no need to panic. The Hokage will arrive in the Land of Rain soon. With him here, we can fight even if the Third Kazekage attacks."
The others read the report in turn.
"With the Hokage in the Land of Rain, we can rest easy. The Third Kazekage is strong, but so is he."
"Looks like they've forgotten the lesson they learned a few days ago. Fugaku just flattened the Sunagakure Camp. Aren't they afraid of taking another beating?"
"The Kazekage is coming in person this time. He won't be so easy to handle. Don't forget we're also fighting on a front in the Land of the Moon. You all know the village's situation.
"We've already had to draw on the Ninja Academy. The students graduating early this time are among the strongest in their year groups.
"They're Konoha's future. If too many of them die, Konoha's plan to recuperate will be set back."
"As long as there's war in the Shinobi World, that can't be avoided. We ran short of Ninja during the First Shinobi World War too.
"Students at the newly founded Ninja Academy graduated at just six years old. Things are much better now.
"Jiraiya and Orochimaru both graduated at six."
"But don't forget, many of the Ninja who graduated early back then had