Chapter 52: Massive Offensive
"Kawakaze, your guess is correct," Orochimaru said.
"The Amegakure Ninja are retreating, avoiding direct confrontation with us. There are eyes everywhere, so at most, they'll set up some traps. They have no intention of attacking us directly."
He paused, sipping his sake. "It seems they won't make another move unless we force their hand. For now, this counts as a minor victory."
Orochimaru appeared to be in a rare good mood, having even brought a few pots of sake. Inside a small earthen room in the camp, he drank with Kawakaze and the others, their voices echoing softly in the confined space.
"Their goal is to stall us, not to defeat us," Orochimaru continued.
"As long as we create the appearance of a major offensive, the Amegakure Ninja will suspect a trap. But, regardless, we'll have to push forward."
Kawakaze gave a knowing smile. "Orochimaru, it seems you deliberately left some of their scouts alive."
Orochimaru smirked and took another sip. "It's just a minor strategy. You're giving me too much credit."
Though young, only in his twenties, Orochimaru was already a formidable tactician. Kawakaze's praise seemed to amuse him, and he drank a bit more than usual.
"A major battle is on the horizon," Kawakaze warned as he finished his sake. "You two must stay within my range of perception. If anything happens, the Flying Thunder God Technique will ensure your safety."
"Yes, Sensei/Big Brother," the two younger shinobi replied in unison. They obediently nibbled on the fruits and vegetables Orochimaru had brought, nodding to Kawakaze's instructions.