Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand

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"This time, our mission is to set up an ambush in Area Four." Shuuki Akasago pointed to a small red dot on the map.

"This is a stronghold of Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) located in the mountains of Yoshizawa. According to intelligence, over two hundred Mist shinobi are stationed there. At 4 o'clock, the main forces of Konoha will launch a full-scale attack on them. The battle is expected to last about two hours. As for our Sunagakure (Hidden Sand Village) forces..." Shuuki Akasago pointed to another part of the map.

"Our mission is to cut off their retreat!"

The three young shinobi listened attentively while applying tactical face paint. This paint, a new product from the Hourglass Group, was a practical little tool. It served both as camouflage and as an insect repellent. Sunagakure had purchased a batch for the teams participating in the operation, with each member receiving one.

"This time, we are not the main players. Area Four is not the optimal retreat route for the enemy, so theoretically, we shouldn't encounter large groups of fleeing enemies. However, we must remain vigilant. If we come across small groups, we eliminate them. If larger groups retreat through our defense zone, we hold them off. Furō!"

"Yes!" Furō responded immediately.

"This signal flare is for you. If the enemy numbers exceed four, launch the flare. Within twenty minutes, at least six combat squads will arrive to support us. Understood?"

"Understood!" The three replied firmly.

"One last reminder: even if we are facing 50 or 100 enemies, as long as even one member of Team 21 is still standing, we must hold out for twenty minutes!"

"Yes!" The three responded with determination.

"Check your gear!"

"All set!"

"All set!"

"All set!"

"Synchronize watches!"

Four watches were placed together, all showing the time as 3:12 PM.

"Move out!"

With Shuuki Akasago's command, four figures quickly disappeared into the vast darkness of the night.

"According to our intelligence, the group of rogue Mist ninja entrenched in Yoshizawa Mountain numbers around 260. Most of them are remnants of the militant faction from Kirigakure who fled after losing internal power struggles. There are also a few wandering shinobi and rogue ninja from other villages. They operate under the banner of a 'Kirigakure rogue ninja group,' and they are currently the largest rogue Mist faction within the Land of Rivers. And their leader is..."

Danzo Shimura signaled his subordinate to switch the slide. The screen immediately displayed the portrait of a young shinobi: a long, thin face, thick eyebrows, uneven eyes, a mustache, and a few pockmarks on his face. Around his neck hung a Kirigakure forehead protector with a slash mark through it.

"Renman Shimizu, 27 years old, is the leader of this faction. He was once one of the four disciples under the Master of Kirigakure, ranking third among them. He was also a leader of the militant faction in Kirigakure, holding the position of 'Junior Master.' He is proficient in Water Release techniques and skilled in kenjutsu. His strength is formidable."

"'Junior Master'? That's a high-ranking position. How did he end up here?" Jinghang asked, puzzled.

"It is said that he repeatedly made radical public statements in the village, advocating for aggressive invasions of the mainland to secure Kirigakure's interests beyond the islands. He organized a militant faction within the village, gaining significant influence, and often openly contradicted the Mizukage and the Master. After a failed attempt to stage an armed coup, he and several core members were exiled. Two years ago, he fled to this location and seized control of this mountain. Many of his former followers even crossed the sea to join him. He has repeatedly organized terrorist activities in Konoha, Yugakure (Hidden Hot Springs Village), and other locations. After the last incident where Nawaki was harmed, he even claimed responsibility for it..."

"Bang!" Hiruzen Sarutobi slammed the table, his face filled with anger.

"This is no militant faction; they are outright rebels! Terrorists! Danzo, just get to the battle plan."

"Understood!" Danzo signaled for another slide change. The screen now displayed a strategic map marked with red and blue forces.

"For this operation, I have chosen a strategy of 'encircling three sides and leaving one open.' We will launch attacks from the eastern, southern, and northern parts of Yoshizawa Mountain. If any one of these attacks succeeds, we will quickly expand horizontally to open up other attack routes, forcing the enemy westward—toward the rear of the mountain, where our Sunagakure allies have set up a trap. By attacking from both front and rear, we will annihilate the enemy entirely!"

"Good. Now, let's hear the specifics."

"Yes. The operation will begin at 4 AM tonight. The eastern force will be led by Elite Jonin Shōchō Aburame, commanding 300 shinobi. They are already in position at Old Rabbit Ridge. The southern force will be led by Uchiha Sōgyaku from Konoha's Police Force. His 300 elite troops will directly assault Yoshizawa Mountain. The northern force will be led by Elite Jonin Sakumo Hatake, commanding 200 elite shinobi. They will scale the cliff from the northern side to directly attack the enemy's headquarters. As for the western side, where the trap is set, Minister Rasa from Sunagakure will provide the details."

"Excellent! A lion uses its full strength even to catch a rabbit. I am very satisfied with this plan," Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded approvingly. "But as for Sakumo Hatake..."

Jinghang couldn't help but voice his concern. This was the same man who had been captured at the Lishi Fortress, where the once-proud 'White Fang of Konoha' had been utterly humiliated. Although he had been exchanged back to Konoha after the alliance between Sunagakure and Konoha, Jinghang worried that Sakumo might falter at a critical moment.

"Lord Kazekage, there is no need to worry. Truly exceptional shinobi will redeem themselves on the battlefield," Hiruzen replied confidently.

"Lord Hokage, you have a point," Jinghang conceded reluctantly. After all, the Hokage had the final say.

"Rasa, please present your plan as well."

"Understood," Rasa stepped forward, taking the pointer from Danzo and signaling for another slide change.

"The terrain of the rear mountain is quite unique. It consists mostly of fish-scale-like mountain ridges, with dense vegetation and numerous branching paths. If the enemy splits up to flee, it will be difficult to intercept them effectively. Small-scale ambushes would be insufficient, while large-scale troop deployments would waste resources and risk exposure. Therefore, I propose a method called 'chain defense.'"

"'Chain defense'?" The room was filled with puzzled murmurs.

"Please look at this map," Rasa continued calmly. "In this fish-scale-like mountain range, I have distributed over 100 combat squads, totaling nearly 400 Sunagakure shinobi, across the ambush points marked on the map. This essentially covers the entire area. No matter which direction the enemy tries to escape, they will encounter one of our ambush points. Once engaged, within a short time, the enemy will face attacks from at least six to ten of our combat squads. Additionally, traps will be set between the gaps of these squads, creating layers of resistance to dismantle the enemy's forces step by step. I believe this will allow us to eliminate most of their combatants."

"Even so, I think some enemies may still escape," Danzo interjected in his usual grim tone. Rasa remained composed and continued.

"That's why I have stationed a heavy force of 200 shinobi at the Seven Passes. With this, I believe we can ensure no one escapes."

"Good!" Jinghang was the first to applaud, followed by Hiruzen Sarutobi and other Konoha strategists nodding in agreement. Jinghang even overheard Hiruzen whispering to Koharu Utatane that this tactic was brilliant and that they should request a battle log from Sunagakure for future reference. Only Danzo sat silently, his face dark.

I knew that old fox was up to something, Jinghang thought.

As the overall commander of this operation, Danzo had divided the tasks in a way that initially seemed fair. But when Jinghang and Rasa examined the map, they realized the western side was a massive gap. It was clear that Danzo had set up a trap! The forces attacking the frontlines might face danger, but they had the advantage of overwhelming numbers. Meanwhile, the western forces would face desperate enemies fighting for their lives—a much tougher challenge.

Fortunately, Jinghang was a seasoned warrior. After conducting a field survey with Rasa, they devised this innovative tactic. (Jinghang's past life as a loyal fan of Italian football and its chain defense strategy also played a role.)

As the command room quieted down, Jinghang stood up and declared, "The battle is about to begin. I have no further instructions, but I will say this: whoever brings me Renman Shimizu's head will receive a personal reward of 200,000 ryo!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to choke on his pipe, coughing for a long time before finally speaking. "Konoha will match that... 200,000 ryo."