Land of Wind, at the designated assembly point codenamed "Withered Oasis."
This was a rare miracle amid the vast Sea of Sand. A pool of clear spring water had nourished a small patch of tenacious vegetation.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Figures came racing in from all directions, ultimately converging at this oasis.
"First Squad, Hyuga Shigetoku, mission complete! Three outposts in the target area, sixty enemy combatants eliminated. All have been cleared! Twelve of our men suffered light injuries, three were seriously wounded!"
"Second Squad, Inuzuka Gaku, mission complete! Fifty-six enemies eliminated. Eight of our men suffered light injuries, two were seriously wounded!"
"Third Squad..."
The captains of twenty squads reported their results one after another to the temporary commander, Shikaku Nara.
Every report represented the complete eradication of Hidden Sand Village's defenses in one area.
In just a few hours, Konoha had torn apart the border defense line that Sunagakure had spent decades constructing with unstoppable force!
Two thousand elite shinobi against scattered, unprepared outpost guards was nothing less than a one-sided slaughter.
The final casualty ratio was appallingly low.
On Konoha's side, only some had been injured. Not a single person had died.
"Very good."
After hearing all the reports, Shikaku Nara nodded in satisfaction.
"The first phase of the plan has been completed perfectly."
"Pass down the order. The Logistics Department will begin setting up the camp immediately! The medical unit will treat the wounded! All combat personnel are to rest in place and recover their Chakra!"
"Yes!"
The orders were swiftly relayed.
However, a new problem soon arose.
The Land of Wind's environment was far harsher than they had imagined.
The shinobi of the Logistics Department used every ounce of effort they had just to barely erect the frame of a single tent.
Yet before they could