Meanwhile, at the western border.
The Land of Earth's main force advanced in a vast procession.
Kitsuchi was still at its head.
With a Flying Thunder God Mark etched onto his body, he was more useful charging into battle than hiding in the rear during a war like this.
Beside him walked a tall man wearing a bamboo hat and heavy red armor.
The man's towering build and composed expression alone exerted an overwhelming pressure.
"Kitsuchi, don't worry. With me here, even if Uchiha Sora comes himself, he won't get the better of us!" the red-armored man said calmly.
"Han, with you here, we're sure to defeat Uchiha Sora this time. I'll finally be able to redeem myself in front of my dad!" Kitsuchi said, patting his shoulder.
The man was Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, another of Iwagakure's Jinchūriki.
"Mm."
"Let's go. At our main force's pace, it'll only take half a day to reach Kusagakure's gates!" Kitsuchi said with a wave.
Behind him marched a massive army of ninja, at least five times the number sent on the previous surprise attack!
At the northern border, Takigakure and the Grass Ninja were locked in fierce combat.
The Uchiha Clan had already dispatched three elite squads as reinforcements. Each squad had four members, with a Jonin serving as captain. The three Jonin were Uchiha An, Uchiha Hao, and Uchiha Yi.
The remaining members were all at least as strong as elite Chunin.
Of the three squads, two headed straight to the front lines, while the third took a detour into the Land of Waterfalls, intending to cut off the enemy's supply lines from behind and cripple the Takigakure ninja's offensive.
"Uchiha Yi, Uchiha Hao, take your men to the front. Leave cutting off their supply lines to me!" Uchiha An