Chapter 99: The Outbreak of War (Part 3)
When the elites of Sunagakure and Iwagakure were locked in fierce one-on-one battles, the rest of the ninjas weren't just idly cheering or spectating. They too were wielding their weapons, unleashing their jutsu, and fighting with all their might.
Sunagakure's main force of 8,000 faced off against Iwagakure's 7,000-plus ninjas. The numbers were roughly even, and each side leveraged their respective strengths—Wind Release for Sunagakure and Earth Release for Iwagakure. Their tactical approaches also had distinct characteristics. However, keen observers would notice that Sunagakure's forces were gradually gaining the upper hand on the battlefield.
This advantage was largely due to Jinghang's unwavering commitment to Sunagakure's military reforms. The benefits of the four-person combat team structure were becoming increasingly evident on the battlefield.
Although this was a chance encounter, neither side could fully deploy their forces all at once. The fiercest clashes occurred along the "frontline," where the two armies directly engaged each other.
Sunagakure's combat formations were meticulously organized. Three combat-oriented ninjas always took the front, with one medical ninja positioned at the rear. If anyone was injured, the team would immediately withdraw from the fight temporarily, allowing a fresh combat team to replace them. The medical ninja would then provide emergency treatment just behind the frontlines, while the uninjured combat ninjas remained on guard.
Lightly injured ninjas could return to the fight after treatment, while severely injured ones were escorted to the rear by the medical ninja. The combat ninjas would then quickly regroup and rotate back into battle, maintaining a steady offensive.
This strategy had been repeatedly practiced during previous military operations and daily drills. Though it seemed complex, the execution was second nature by now. Moreover, Jinghang had entrusted battlefield command to the experienced Baki, who was more than capable of managing the overall situation.
In contrast, Iwagakure still adhered to the traditional three-person team structure. While they also had medical ninjas, most were stationed far behind the frontlines. Injured ninjas couldn't retreat quickly, leaving lightly injured ones to endure the pain and severely injured ones with little hope of survival.
As time went on, Sunagakure's frontline commander Baki could clearly sense that Iwagakure's casualties far exceeded their own. Coupled with Sunagakure's numerical advantage, it became evident that if this attritional battle continued, victory would undoubtedly belong to Sunagakure. Inwardly, Baki couldn't help but admire Jinghang's foresight. Without these reforms, even a victory would have been a pyrrhic one.