Night fell, and the Land of Rain grew quiet again. The Scout Ninja teams sent out earlier returned one after another.
Among them was the reconnaissance team led by Yamanaka Keichi.
At Command Headquarters, the captains of several reconnaissance teams submitted everything they had learned.
Yamanaka Keichi summarized the intelligence. "Sunagakure is indeed pulling back its forces, and the defenses around its camp are tighter than ever.
"One of the Sand Shinobi Senior Officials is always on duty to handle emergencies. Fugaku's attack has clearly left Sunagakure on edge.
"Many Sand Shinobi have developed an instinctive fear of Fugaku."
The Third Hokage smiled. "In that case, the sooner we act, the better. Once we settle matters in the Land of Rain, we can focus on the Land of the Moon.
"Pass the order. Assemble at five tomorrow morning and distribute supplies. We march on the Sunagakure Camp at six.
"This time, I intend to push into the Land of Wind itself and force the Wind Shadow to sign a compensation agreement."
Fugaku glanced at the Third Hokage in surprise. Only now did the man show the presence he ought to have had all along: sharp, commanding, and ready to lead.
The Jonin squad leaders in Command Headquarters were fired up. "This time, we'll make sure Sunagakure never dares send troops against Konoha again."
"Right. We'll crush them so thoroughly that the war in the Land of Rain will haunt their dreams."
"I'll deal with the Third Kazekage myself. Fugaku will keep Chiyo occupied, while the rest of you tie down the captains of the Sunagakure Camp's squads," the Third Hokage said.
The squad leaders left Command Headquarters one after another and spread through the camp, carrying the orders from tent to tent.
Fugaku and Uchiha Jin made a circuit of