Devastating firepower

After spending some time at the grain depot, Ginkaku found life there even duller than he had expected. Fortunately, he could help himself to its provisions without having to be picky as he had in the city. He spent his days drinking and enjoying himself, neglecting even routine guard duties without the slightest concern for what anyone thought.

Unable to stand it any longer, Sora told him, "Lord Ginkaku, you should take the troops out to scout the surrounding area. Lord Raikage said that people from Konoha Ninja Village might raid this place in the next few days."

"Hmph. Let them come. I'm bored here anyway. But once they come, they won't be leaving," Ginkaku replied. Deep down, he probably hoped Konoha Ninja Village would launch a raid, giving him a chance to fight to his heart's content.

"As expected of Lord Ginkaku! No matter who Konoha Shinobi Village sends, they can never defeat Lord Ginkaku, a descendant of the Sage of Six Paths!" a Kumogakure Ninja who idolized him shouted immediately. Spurred on by him, the others cheered as well, voicing their admiration for Ginkaku.

Seeing this, Sora knew she could not persuade Ginkaku. She wasted no more breath and turned to leave the Command Tent. The subordinates following her heard her mutter, "What a piece of work!"

Ginkaku might have been neglecting his duties—or deliberately relaxing security to let the Konoha ninjas infiltrate the Grain Depot—but Sora could not do the same. She continued carrying out guard duties with the troops under her command. With so few people, however, she could not cover everything.

Sora had found no sign of anyone from Konoha Shinobi Village, but she suspected its ninjas might already be near the Grain Depot, undetected simply because she lacked manpower. She had considered trying to