Takigakure remained neutral, taking neither Konoha's, Kumogakure's, nor Iwagakure's side. Since they were "invaders" entering the Land of Waterfalls, they would restrain themselves to some extent. Under such circumstances, even ordinary Takigakure villagers began wearing the Waterfall Ninja forehead protectors.
Oguri Hayashi did not stir up trouble, but he was not afraid of it either. If they dared harm anyone from Takigakure, he would not mind fighting them.
However, both sides exercised considerable restraint. Iwagakure's army spread out to the left and right. After several clashes with Kumogakure in the Land of Waterfalls, Iwagakure's forces crossed straight through the Land of Waterfalls and headed for the Land of Iron.
So far, both villages had been exceedingly restrained.
The Land of Iron was an important source of iron. The iron-plated laboratory Oguri Hayashi had designated for Orochimaru had been commissioned in the Land of Iron. Yet even after Iwagakure's ninja arrived there, Kumogakure's ninja did not put up fierce resistance. They merely sent out reconnaissance ninja to monitor Iwagakure's army, while Iwagakure continued advancing until it reached the Land of Fields.
The Land of Fields still was not the main battlefield. The area was covered in soil, which remained extremely disadvantageous for Kumogakure.
Thus, the battlefield kept retreating until it reached terrain highly favorable for Lightning Release and highly unfavorable for Stone Shinobi—the Land of Hot Water.
The Land of Hot Water had such abundant hot springs that a single swing of a hoe might uncover a spring. Its underground water resources were exceptionally plentiful, and it had ponds and lakes of every size. It was an extremely convenient place for both Lightning Release and Water Release. Using Lightning Release where there was water would undoubtedly greatly increase its power.
Thus, the ninja of the two nations began their war in