Dan Katō served as the commander of the western front for a period of time during the later stages of the Second Shinobi World War, and had a considerable understanding of the surrounding mountains, geography, local customs, and resource distribution.
This is the knowledge that one must master to become an excellent military commander.
"However, this will inevitably disperse our forces, and we must be wary of the Suna concentrating its forces to break through a certain point."
Tsunade lifted her smooth chin and examined her closely.
"This relates to what we need to do next."
Dan Katō smiled confidently.
His incredibly strong Mental Power gave him extremely precise calculation and memory abilities, allowing the team to quickly become a sophisticated machine in his hands.
They may rarely use any extraordinary or risky tactics on the battlefield to gamble on a great victory, but they are as steady as Mount Tai, advancing step by step, making it difficult for the enemy to make a move.
"To prevent Suna from concentrating its forces to break through, we must hold back their main force. I have sent Meikyō and two elite reconnaissance teams to scout the battlefield. We must find out the location of Suna's main forces and intelligence on their high-ranking combat personnel."
Dan Katō stared intently at the map.
Uchiha Meikyō's mission is related to the first battle between Konoha and Suna, and will have a great impact on the morale of both sides and the future development of the situation.
"Very good. Based on the current situation, we can rule out this area. Hizashi, what about your side?"
On the back of a small hill, a group of nine people were squatting on the ground, having a small meeting.
This is a temporary action team composed of three elite reconnaissance squads led by Jonin.
"Although we didn't find the enemy directly here, we still managed to find some clues using the Byakugan. I think Mr. Inuzuka Clan should be able to track the enemy by scent."
Hizashi Hyuga reached out and drew a circle on the map he had drawn on the ground with a twig.
Of the nine-person team, Jonin: besides Meikyō, there was Hizashi Hyuga and a person named Ise Niinami, who was about thirty years old. It was probably Tsunade and Kato Dan wanted to send an experienced and thoughtful Jonin to fill in any gaps in their knowledge.
During the previous march, Meikyō could sense that Ise Niinami Tsunade a great deal of respect for Tsunade in her words and actions. In addition to her excellent Sensory Ninjutsu, she also possessed excellent Water Style and Earth Style abilities. If nothing unexpected happened, she was very likely a member of a branch of the Senju Clan.
"Then, I suggest that my squad and Inuzuka Clan Chunin first, because we have more combat experience and are better able to deal with danger. Hizashi Jonin use his Byakugan to observe and avoid falling into the enemy's trap. Meikyō Jonin is Lady Tsunade's disciple and has mastered excellent Medical Ninjutsu. He should be in the rear and ready to provide support."
Ise Niinami pushed up her Glasses and said calmly.
His idea of team composition was actually quite reasonable. The reason he planned to have his team take the lead was because he believed that Meikyō and the others were too young. Even though they had become Jonin, they were still somewhat lacking in experience and strength.
"No, Ise Jonin, our team of three has been working together for many years. We can best utilize our combat capabilities when we are together. Let us take the lead."
Meikyō still refused.
To be honest, he is the strongest one and can handle more situations better.
Of course, you can't say these offensive things directly; you have to find a more tactful way to say them.
"According to the Medical Ninja regulations set by Lady Tsunade, Medical Ninja must never be the ones charging at the forefront of battle. If they die, they must be the last one to die in the squad. Meikyō Jonin, I will not let a Medical Ninja charge ahead of me."
Ise Niinami calmly shook her head and said.
He doesn't deny that Meikyō, as Jonin, certainly possesses Jonin -level combat abilities, but he still views him more as Medical Ninja.
"Ise Jonin, as Uchiha, I have no reason to watch my comrades charge ahead of me! Besides, I'm not just Medical Ninja."
Uchiha Meikyō's words left Ise Niinami unsure how to refute them.
Indeed, everyone knows what kind of people the Uchiha Clan Senju.
"Meikyō Jonin right. There is no reason for the Hyuga Clan's ninjas to lag behind others."
Hizashi Hyuga agreed with Meikyō's words.
Before his son Neji was branded with the Caged Bird, he had a good relationship with his brothers, Hiashi and Hyuga Hiashi.
With his elder brother Hyuga Hiashi as the clan head, the other Main Family wouldn't provoke Hizashi Hyuga too much. Even now, he still feels a strong sense of identification with the Hyuga Clan.
At least he wouldn't want the Hyuga Clan to be outshone by the Uchiha Clan, which is also a powerful clan.
Ise Niinami was somewhat helpless.
These talented young men from wealthy families are all troublesome characters.
"Then let's do it this way. Our three squads will maintain the original personnel configuration in order to maximize our combat capabilities. At the same time, the three squads will form an inverted triangle formation. The Meikyō Squad will track the enemy's position on the left front, the Hizashi Squad will use the Byakugan to observe on the right front, and my squad will stay in the rear, ready to provide support at any time."
Ise Niinami could only plan to take better care of the others in the upcoming battles.
Following Hizashi Hyuga's directions, the nine people quickly arrived at the place where he had discovered the trail.
"This is it. Although the enemy has concealed their movements very well, the Byakugan can still see the traces hidden under the sand."
Hizashi Hyuga quickly reconstructed the traces left by the enemy.
Inuzuka Ryo twitched his nose, searching for any suspicious scent.
"Follow me in this direction!"
Inuzuka Ryo suddenly found a dead branch that looked like it had been broken off by the enemy while they were on their way. He perked up and called out to it.
"Everyone, move out!"
The nine people immediately set off in the formation they had planned beforehand.
More than half an hour later.
"The smell is getting stronger!"
Inuzuka Ryo and Tetsu Maru lay prone on the ground, relentlessly tracking the increasingly distinct scent.
"I've spotted their makeshift base about a kilometer ahead! There are probably around twenty of them!"
Hizashi Hyuga's eyes bulged with veins as he scanned a spot in front of him.
"Very good, keep going!"
Ise Niinami decisively issued the order.
The group followed Hizashi Hyuga and slowly approached the base.