"Everyone, the third exam has begun. The Sunagakure Federation has not detected our movements."
Nara Shikaku monitored the scene via the Uzumaki Trade Association broadcast, clearly observing the exam venue. All Five Kage were present, though interactions were minimal, and each occupied the best seats.
The venue was packed. While some could watch via a computer broadcast, many wealthy and influential figures attended in person.
Salutes, music, and other ceremonial elements showed how much effort the Sunagakure Federation invested in hosting the exam.
"Hah, commendable. This is probably their last Chunin Exam," Onoki remarked with a smile. The Land of Earth keenly felt Sunagakure's rise. Though the two nations' territories touched without direct conflict, Iwagakure had to deploy more border defenses.
Formerly, the Land of Demons or the Land of Bears would never have needed such extensive border deployments.
"And regarding the Land of Rivers' ninja units, our reconnaissance is thorough. Based on the tri-daily food supplies, their numbers have not changed significantly. It seems the Sunagakure Federation has not noticed our actions or responded."
Nara Shikaku displayed a map of the Land of Rivers to the Four Kage.
"We need to quickly seize this Sunagakure encampment. For a long time afterward, they won't be able to deploy reinforcements elsewhere. Controlling this transportation hub cuts off their supply lines to other regions."
The location was a railway transfer town connecting the Land of Rain border and Sunagakure's port. They had to seize it within a day to prevent enemy troop movements.
Shikaku had already infiltrated families of railway workers, ensuring swift control once the town was taken.
After hearing Shikaku's tactical plan, Mei chuckled in praise. "Truly the strategist of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio—thoughtful and thorough."
"You flatter me, Mizukage-sama. This decision came from the entire staff," Shikaku replied humbly.
Onoki and A had no objections. The plan was collectively devised by the strategists of the three ninja villages. Iwagakure's representatives mostly recorded proceedings, with Shikaku and Mabui developing the core tactics.
"Then let's act immediately. Hokage, your thoughts?"
Raikage A scanned the room before fixing her gaze on Tsunade, who rarely spoke.
"I have no objections. Shikaku's tactics are solid. Proceed as planned."
Tsunade, more decisive than A, confirmed the plan and approached Shikaku, patting his shoulder. "Well done, Shikaku."
She could see the dark circles under his eyes, proof of long hours spent devising the strategy. Much of the intelligence came from Shikaku's direction.
However, Tsunade understood Shikaku's cautious nature. Being clever, he considered many angles. Despite recent obedience, he hadn't reacted to her subtle hints. Once he witnessed the battle's scale, his evasiveness would end.
Under the Four Kage's orders, the allied forces mobilized quickly. Weapons like kunai and shuriken were distributed, and logistics prepared. For the first time, the Four Great Ninja Villages united, compelled by higher authority despite past rivalries.
Internal tensions were inevitable, falling to Shikaku to manage. Tsunade and A were hands-off, and Iwagakure's side rarely voiced opinions. Every responsibility, large or small, rested on Shikaku, explaining his weary appearance before battle.
Reconnaissance confirmed the route from Kikyo Castle to the Land of Rivers. With the third Chunin Exam underway, Kage substitutes were in Sunagakure, leaving local ninja somewhat lax.
Forward reconnaissance teams infiltrated Sunagakure swiftly, sending back reports.
"Chief Strategist, Sunagakure's forces show no unusual activity. After receiving their latest supplies, they've started lunch preparations. Intelligence from Hyuga scouts indicates they're watching the third Chunin Exam."
Nearby, Mabui commented, "The Raikage really thinks we'll participate obediently. Shikaku-san, let's proceed with the original plan."
".Agreed. Execute it."
Shikaku hesitated briefly but gave the order, sensing something amiss despite frontline reports.
The attack order reached the Four Kage, and the ninja allied forces encircled the enemy.
If the enemy noticed, they would fight head-on. If not, a surprise assault was possible.
Many ninjas specialized in stealth tactics, notably those from Hidden Mist. However, only the Mizukage and her guard were present.
Iwagakure, Kumo, and Konoha ninjas, following assigned formations, quickly surrounded the encampment.
"Enemies!"
At five hundred meters from the perimeter, Sunagakure ninjas sounded the alarm.
"Haha, these Sand Village fools—have they ever fought in a real war?" a Kumo ninja taunted.
"If the enemy gets this close, all captains in the camp would be torn apart by the Raikage," another thought.
"Sand Village can't hide past failures, even with a new name," another Kumo ninja mocked. Previously, gathering many Sand ninjas forced the Third Raikage to temporarily retreat, enabling Rasa to become the Fourth Raikage. Pathetic. Today, the Sand ninjas would pay.
Despite thousands of Kumo against a few hundred Sand ninjas, the mockery ended abruptly. The enemy camp acted first.
"Charge! Kill them all!"
Many abandoned defensive positions, rushing at the surrounding allied forces.
"Are they insane?"
Frontline squads were shocked but could not wait for orders; attack was inevitable.
"Prepare combined ninjutsu. Eliminate them."
Frontline captains across three directions issued counterattack orders.
"Earth Release: Iron Rock Cannon!"
"Lightning Release: Lightning Arrow!"
Iwa and Kumo used similar techniques, while Konoha relied on combined ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!"
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Two to three dozen frontline ninjas combined their jutsu into a devastating storm, striking the attacking Sunagakure ninjas like a natural disaster.
The allied ninjas saw these suicidal attacks as pure recklessness.
The attacks swept through, yet keen-eyed observers noticed something unusual: smoke rose where Sunagakure ninjas had been.
No corpses, no substitution clones—those hit transformed into smoke. They were all shadow clones.
"Sensor ninjas, check the camp immediately!"
Multiple allied sensor ninjas surveyed the camp, discovering the shocking truth.
"Those were all shadow clones. Only two remain inside the camp. No one else!"
Empty!?
Frontline captains felt a chill. Why deploy hundreds of shadow clones undetected, then charge the encirclement?
"Alert the rear command—we've been tricked."
Before the Konoha captain could finish, a red barrier appeared in the sky over five kilometers away.
"Too late."
Most allied ninjas realized they were now surrounded. The barrier several hundred meters high formed a cage around them.
"Hahaha, Lord Shukaku finally shows himself!"
A sharp laugh echoed. Suddenly, inside the Sunagakure camp appeared a massive tanuki, and beside it, an equally tall red fox.
The fox's nine long tails, like a symbol of catastrophe, stirred violent winds.
Thud!
Allied ninjas swallowed nervously. The two tailed beasts—a One-Tail and the Nine-Tails—were now encircled.
Allied ninjas suddenly realized just how brave—or foolish—they had been.
(End of Chapter)