Chapter 177: The Value of Speed in War!
"Hmph."
Senju Tobirama merely grunted at the scene before him. It was clear that Team 7 had just been through a major battle.
Though it seemed like a one-sided rout, the toll it took was substantial.
Especially considering Raijin's role, he was bound to be the main force in this ambush.
The Land of Whirlpools did indeed need rescue, but a few hours' wait should be bearable.
Even if they couldn't wait, they had to. Senju Tobirama wouldn't send his village's ninjas into battle exhausted.
If something unexpected happened to Uchiha Raijin because of this...
How the Uchiha clan would react wasn't even a concern for Senju Tobirama.
His own granddaughter might smash his desk first.
"Not bad, are these the Hozuki clan's Ninja Swords?"
Senju Tobirama eyed the six Ninja Swords scattered on the ground, then glanced at the Thunder Sword Fang on Raijin's back and asked him.
"Yes."
Raijin nodded in confirmation.
"Well then, I'll take these six Ninja Swords with me."
Senju Tobirama nodded at Raijin.
A Ninja Sword is just a sword if it's not used.
So, Senju Tobirama planned to take these Ninja Swords to the front lines.
As for Raijin taking the Thunder Sword Kiba?
It made sense. After all, all seven Ninja Swords were seized by Team 7.
There was nothing to discuss about Raijin taking one.
The Thunder Sword Fang's properties also suited Raijin well.
Not only that, but Senju Tobirama still wanted to ask for Raijin's opinion.
Raijin glanced at his teammates.
Seeing that none of them wanted anything, he said to Senju Tobirama.
"Alright."
"Good, then rest up and adjust your condition before you go to support the Land of Whirlpools."
Senju Tobirama nodded at Raijin.
"Alright, and you take care to rest as well."
Raijin nodded in response.
Upon hearing this, Senju Tobirama said nothing more. He sealed the six Ninja Swords into scrolls and then vanished from the spot.
"Come."
Tsunade took Raijin by the hand to one side, letting Raijin lie down on her lap.
Her hands glowed with a bright green light, massaging Raijin's temples.
"Sleep now."
A deep sense of fatigue rose, and Raijin slowly fell asleep in Tsunade's arms.
...
In the eastern part of the Land of Whirlpools.
"What?! Retreat?! Why are we retreating?"
Dou unable to believe it, looked at his teacher with a red face and shouted loudly.
The progress of Kirigakure in the Land of Whirlpools couldn't be described as rapid, but it was smooth sailing nonetheless.
The Uzumaki were indeed strong, but Kaguya was also formidable, and with the help of the Yuki clan and the Hozuki family, the Uzumaki were no match.
Now, with just a little more progress, just two or three more days, they could take down the entire Uzumaki.
But at this moment, the village suddenly ordered a retreat. Had the ninjas fighting on this land died in vain these past days?!
Dou couldn't understand it.
"Konohagakure has already reacted. The Kirigakure Anbu suffered heavy losses in the Land of Waves. Hozuki Takuya may have died in the Land of Waves. If we continue, we will face support from Konohagakure."
Kimura Keiichi said to Dou, as the advisor to the Mizukage of Kirigakure and the overall commander of the Land of Whirlpools battlefield.
Keiichi had to consider not only the benefits of continuing the fight but also the pressure they would face if they did.
Clearly, the village's decision was correct.
Even without considering how many reinforcements the Land of Waves would send, if the Land of Whirlpools chose a strategic retreat now and met up with the Konohagakure ninjas who were on their way here...
Kirigakure would face the Konohagakure reinforcements head-on after a prolonged tug-of-war with the Uzumaki clan's ninjas.
Wars aren't fought like this. From now on, switching from offense to defense, at least they could take the initiative.
"Are you saying... Takuya died in the Land of Waves?"
As Keiichi's words fell, a voice followed.
Hozuki Isshin looked at Kimura Keiichi in disbelief and asked softly.
The voice was calm, but if one listened carefully, they could detect a tremble in it.
"Isshin, calm down. Kirigakure has suffered such a great loss in the Land of Waves, and it won't end like this. Whether it's your brother's vengeance or the hatred of the Kirigakure Anbu, Kirigakure will settle accounts with Konohagakure one by one. But before that, we must remain calm," Kimura Keiichi said to Hozuki Isshin.
Although the Hozuki clan suffered heavy losses in the Land of Waves, as the family of the former Mizukage, their family's foundation was still very deep.
Kirigakure now needed the power of the Hozuki clan.
"Rest assured, I won't act rashly."
Hozuki Isshin nodded at the words, bowing his head slightly, allowing two tears to fall to the ground.
Oh, Konohagakure...!
Dou and Yuki both looked at Hozuki Isshin, pursed their lips, wanting to say something, but in the end, they remained silent.
War is like that; no one can guarantee the safety of their loved ones, friends, or even themselves in battle.
"If there are no objections, then let's proceed."
Keiichi spoke softly to the three ninjas before him.
"No objections."
The three replied in unison.
Dou was indeed reluctant, but that didn't mean he was foolish.
Kirigakure had suffered heavy losses in the Land of Waves, and Konohagakure would certainly not miss this golden opportunity.
In the upcoming course of the war, Kirigakure was bound to become Konohagakure's breakthrough point.
Although Konohagakure was currently facing a four-front war, winning the final victory was extremely difficult.
However, fully retracting the battle lines and concentrating forces to create a breakthrough on the battlefield to alleviate pressure on the other three fronts was something Konohagakure must do, and the only thing they could do.
Now that Kirigakure had become this breakthrough point, continuing a frontal assault would undoubtedly be the most foolish decision.
It would be better to retreat directly, back to the Land of Water, and fight at the border.
On one hand, it would leave Kirigakure's ninjas with no way out, forced to fight to the death.
On the other hand, the sea between the Land of Whirlpools and the Land of Water would be the most suitable battlefield for Kirigakure's ninjas.
Additionally, it would allow for the concentration of all forces, turning the war into a simple offensive and defensive battle.
This would leave Konohagakure with no chance for trickery.
As long as the war is prolonged, Konohagakure will inevitably be unable to keep its forces concentrated on the Land of Water battlefield.
The other three great hidden villages would not give Konohagakure such an opportunity.
Therefore, retreating now is the best strategy.
...
In the Land of Waves, about three or four hours later, Raijin opened his eyes and walked to the seaside, washing his face with seawater.
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