Chapter 218 - 8: A Hero Among Thousands (Part 3)
Since ancient times, retreating in the art of war has been a profound and complex discipline. How to retreat? In what manner? How to preserve as much of the fighting force as possible? These questions require strategies tailored to the time and terrain. A poorly executed retreat can easily devolve into a rout, leaving those fleeing at the mercy of pursuing forces.
One of the most effective methods is to sacrifice part of the force—to form a rearguard.
The Third Raikage chose this very method, but his approach was extreme: he would serve as the rearguard alone.
The Kumogakure shinobi protested fervently.
"Lord Raikage, you mustn’t! Even with your unparalleled physique, you cannot withstand the onslaught of ten thousand shinobi! And without you, who will control the Eight-Tails? Let us hold off the Iwagakure forces while you return to the village!"
The Third Raikage let out a hearty laugh and replied, "You fools, don’t you see? This has been Iwagakure’s trap from the very beginning. If we retreat, their ten thousand shinobi will give chase, turning our withdrawal into a chaotic rout. At that point, none of our five thousand shinobi will survive. I must stay behind as bait to hold them here."
He continued, his tone grave, "The village doesn’t have many shinobi left to defend it. Dodai is under immense pressure. You must return to help him hold the line and secure the Eight-Tails until Kouichi returns. His mastery of the Iron Armor Seal is now sufficient to restrain the beast. But he’s still stationed at the Lightning-Fire border and will need at least seven days to return to the village. If the village holds out for seven days, there’s still hope."
The Kumogakure shinobi tried to persuade him further, but the Third Raikage’s expression darkened.
"There’s no time for this nonsense! Do you want to see Kumogakure reduced to rubble? Go! All of you, leave!"
Without looking back, the Third Raikage strode out of the command tent. As he lifted the flap, he paused and said, "This was my mistake for being too reckless. I will bear all the consequences myself. After my death, Kouichi shall succeed me as Raikage."
With that, he marched resolutely toward Zheyian Gorge.