Mortals, Are You Looking for Me?

The three exchanged glances, then stepped forward one after another and cupped their fists in greeting.

Darui spoke first. "Third Hokage, the forces from the Cloud, Sand, and Stone have all arrived. Command of the Allied Forces is yours."

Baki and Kitsuchi also cupped their fists, with no objections.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly rose.

He looked at the commanders of the three nations before him, then thought of the expeditionary force of Konoha Ninja behind him. A warmth he could not quite explain surged through his chest.

He had been Hokage for decades, holding the fort in Konoha. It had been far too long since he had set foot on a battlefield.

The Five Great Nations joining forces, ten thousand troops, banners blotting out the sun and horns sounding across the land... The sight felt strangely unfamiliar, yet long missed.

He drew deeply on his pipe.

"According to our intelligence, Akatsuki's headquarters is hidden in the Land of Rain."

His voice was measured, carrying the steadiness of a veteran commander.

"With this many people, we can search the area inch by inch."

"Find every member of Akatsuki. Don't let a single one escape."

"Yes!" the ninja of every nation answered in unison inside the command tent.

Darui folded his arms and spoke with rare seriousness. "The reports say Akatsuki is made up of missing-nin from different nations, every one of them S-Rank. A head-on fight would cost us lives. We should surround them first, then tighten the net until they're forced out."

Baki nodded. "Sunagakure can seal off the west and cut off their retreat."

Kitsuchi said in a deep voice, "Iwagakure will cover the east and north. We won't leave a single road out of the village open."

"Good." Hiruzen Sarutobi took a pull on his pipe. "Then it's settled.