Chapter 286: Kazekage Ninja- - 75: Nara Shikaku
Twenty-five days had flown by since Konoha’s occupation of Amegakure. In that time, every major force across the continent had been in constant motion. Ninja and supplies moved back and forth with such intensity that even the most ordinary citizens could sense the storm of war brewing over the entire shinobi world.
Konoha’s Eastern Army—twelve thousand strong—had completed its muster. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally took command, stationing his forces along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water. The sprawling encampment stretched for over ten miles.
Hiruzen Sarutobi divided his army into ten divisions, each with its own camp. He led the central division himself, establishing the main headquarters. For communications, he appointed the young prodigy Inoichi Yamanaka as chief liaison officer. Using the Yamanaka clan’s unique sensory ninjutsu, Inoichi connected his clan members embedded in each division, allowing the entire force to move as a single, coordinated organism.
But this campaign was different. Instead of relying on seasoned veterans like Torikaze Akimichi or Shichō Aburame, Hiruzen boldly promoted a new generation of postwar leaders to the forefront: Minato Namikaze, Hiashi Hyūga, Hizashi Hyūga, Shibi Aburame, Tsume Inuzuka, Chōza Akimichi, Shikaku Nara, Ibiki Morino, Might Duy... The average age of the command staff was under twenty-five, filling the entire army with youthful energy and sharp ambition.
Now, inside the central command tent, the division leaders gathered around a sand table as Hiruzen Sarutobi outlined his strategy.
"For this campaign against Sunagakure, we’ll be following the tactics of Sakumo Hatake from the Second Great Ninja War. We’ll pass through the Land of Hot Water, skirt the eastern edge of the Yellow Buddha Desert, and launch a surprise attack on Lishi Fortress. Once we secure it, we’ll use the fortress as a forward base and supply hub, push across the desert, and strike directly at Sunagakure itself! You’re all the brightest of Konoha’s new generation. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, don’t hold back—let’s hear them."
Hiruzen smiled, his gaze sweeping over the young leaders.
"Lishi Fortress is just a minor outpost. Taking it shouldn’t be a problem. The real challenge is Sunagakure’s defense system," Shikaku Nara said quietly, stroking his chin.
"Shikaku, elaborate," Hiruzen encouraged, eager to hear the insight of the Nara clan’s renowned strategist.
"According to our intel, three years ago, Kazekage Jinghang invested heavily in constructing a new defense system for Sunagakure. It was completed a year ago, but we know little about how it actually works. What we do know is that it relies on large-scale puppet techniques—an entire army of puppets.
It wasn’t until last year, when Sunagakure suffered internal strife and over a thousand Amegakure ninja attacked from the outskirts, that we got our first real look. We don’t have the full battle details, but the Northern Army’s reports from Amegakure say only thirty percent of those attackers made it out alive. That kind of power can’t be underestimated."
Hiruzen frowned, but didn’t interrupt—he simply gestured for Shikaku to continue.