The Sunagakure Ninja Forces advanced smoothly. Although enemy resistance gradually stiffened as they pushed deeper, Chiyo and the others considered that normal. However disjointed the enemy's coordination might be, it was bound to improve once their defensive perimeter shrank.
Kagami Uchiha had also guessed that too smooth an advance might still arouse suspicion, so he adjusted his defenses according to the enemy's marching speed and combat strength. The Sunagakure ninja never noticed.
After two weeks, the Sunagakure Ninja Forces had reached the heart of the Land of Rivers, only a step away from the strategically vital River Country Castle. This was where Kagami Uchiha had chosen to fight the decisive battle. If the enemy captured it, Sunagakure Ninja Village would break free of its predicament entirely, gaining a foothold from which it could advance or retreat. He knew Chiyo would never give it up.
Just as Kagami Uchiha had expected, Chiyo had no reason to pass up this strategic stronghold. Intelligence on the Konoha ninja's current defenses told her where their priorities lay. To her, their present advantage could still slip away if they failed to capture River Country Castle. With the castle in their hands, however, everything would be different.
Both sides independently regarded this as the site of their decisive battle. Chiyo was eager, while Kagami Uchiha looked grave. Their different circumstances shaped their different moods, but regardless, the day of battle drew steadily closer.
When Kagami Uchiha learned that the Sunagakure Ninja Forces had reached the vicinity of River Country Castle, he felt a little relieved. The enemy had stepped into the pit. All that remained was to bury them in it.
"Now is the time to fight the enemy to the death. I know many of you have felt frustration and anger over our retreat these