Seeing everyone turn their eyes toward him,
Master of Open Stratagems said unhurriedly,
"The disparity in strength is a fact plain for everyone to see."
Everyone's expression dimmed.
But then Master of Open Stratagems changed tack and continued with great confidence,
"But... we can't underestimate our own role, either."
"How could we let the Third Catastrophe's mighty reputation be disgraced in our hands?"
"We may indeed be weaker than the Grass Ninja members, but don't forget, we still have the special items the Village Chief gave us."
As he spoke, Master of Open Stratagems reached into his pocket and produced an enormous war drum.
He pointed to the war drum and said,
"This is the Cowhide War Drum. Striking it grants three buffs to every member of the same faction."
"Since the buffs have a limited duration, and the situation on the battlefield was unclear earlier, I didn't use this powerful item."
"Right now, we can't worry about all that. Let's raise everyone's strength a notch first."
"If... we combine that with my tactical arrangements, pinning down the enemy's main force shouldn't be difficult!"
Everyone stared fixedly at the ordinary-looking war drum before them.
Someone said unhappily,
"You had such a powerful item and only brought it out now? You're really something."
Someone immediately retorted,
"If you had an unbeatable trump card, would you play it early? Do you even think before you speak?"
Others were already impatient.
"Enough talk. Hurry up and use it! I want to see what buffs it can give us."
The smile on Master of Open Stratagems' face faded slightly.
Bringing out the Cowhide War Drum was undoubtedly just a move to stabilize "morale."
He clearly remembered the instructions the Village Chief had given him along with the drum.
The Cowhide War Drum's ability to