Chapter 188: The Outbreak of War
Chapter 188: The Outbreak of War
As night fell, Konoha managed to assemble a force of three thousand ninja, marching toward the Land of Rain.
The presence of small nations proved valuable during this time.
These small countries served as buffer zones amidst the great powers, absorbing the initial impact of conflicts and sparing the larger nations' populations from suffering the direct consequences of war.
Konoha's massive mobilization did not escape the notice of the spies embedded within both Konoha and the Land of Fire.
Thus, the war between Sunagakure and Konoha erupted abruptly.
It resembled an overinflated balloon nearing its breaking point. Rather than allowing it to burst, a release valve was opened, discharging the accumulated tension.
Dressed in their battle gear, Tonari and Orochimaru led the front of the column.
The speed with which Konoha organized a three-thousand-strong force spoke volumes about the village's strength and deep reserves.
This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi made it clear that the prominent clans could no longer remain bystanders. He deployed them directly onto the battlefield.
Among the three thousand troops, nearly one-third consisted of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans—a force of close to a thousand.
This thousand-strong force, though primarily composed of genin, still represented a considerable strength.
The Uchiha Clan's genin were mostly unawakened Sharingan users, while all members of the Hyuga Clan had Byakugan. Unlike the Sharingan, there was no awakening process required for the Byakugan.
Observing the gathered forces, Tonari realized the true might of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, as their power wasn't solely derived from their clan members.
For instance, nearly half of the thousand troops associated with the two clans weren't direct clan members but belonged to auxiliary families allied with the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
This extensive network of alliances was a legacy from the Warring States Period, when great clans often incorporated smaller families. After the founding of Konoha, these auxiliaries integrated into the village under the banner of their larger clans.
Within the thousand-strong force, the direct members of the Hyuga Clan numbered around two hundred, while the Uchiha Clan had just over one hundred members. Among them, fewer than fifty had awakened their Sharingan, and most had only achieved the single-tomoe state.
Even so, Sharingan wielders held unique status within the Uchiha Clan.
This demonstrated the complexity and influence of these clans within Konoha's power structure.
Both clans had more than just numerical strength. For instance, leading the Uchiha contingent was Uchiha Fugaku, a figure Tonari had encountered before, alongside other notable members such as Uchiha Yoshinari, who had unlocked the three-tomoe Sharingan.
The Hyuga Clan sent several upper-tier members as well, including the twin prodigies, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi.
Despite being born only seconds apart, Hiashi was designated the heir as the elder twin, while Hizashi was relegated to the Branch Family and subjected to the Caged Bird Seal.
This harsh division underscored the rigid hierarchy within the Hyuga Clan.
Tonari admired the clans' cooperation during this critical time, even as he noted their contrasting dynamics.
Apart from the clan members, the force also included civilian-born ninjas and other clan-affiliated forces, with a total of about 2,500 genin, over 400 chunin, and less than 100 jonin.
These jonin, primarily drawn from the clans, were the backbone of the army.
Tonari walked among the ranks, exchanging nods with familiar faces, including his old teammate Yoshinari and other veteran ninjas.
The medical corps played a crucial role, especially given Sunagakure's expertise in poison. Konoha had learned from the Second Shinobi World War that a strong medical system was invaluable.
This expedition included one hundred medical-nin, all under Tonari's leadership, operating independently of Orochimaru's command structure.
As Konoha's de facto Medical Corps leader, Tonari's authority and reputation were unparalleled, further solidified by his innovations in the field of medical ninjutsu.
Walking over to where Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi were gathered, Tonari greeted them warmly.
"I didn't expect you three to be sent out too. Looks like the old man wants to see you get some real-world experience," Tonari teased, his gaze lingering on Shikaku.
Shikaku sighed, sensing the familiar mischief in Tonari's tone.
"I knew you wouldn't miss a chance to poke fun. What do you want, Tonari?"
Smirking, Tonari leaned closer. "Remember, Shikaku, Yoshino is waiting for you at home. You'd better make it back alive."
The mention of Yoshino caused Shikaku to pause, his expression sobering.
The battlefield spared no one, and even for seasoned ninjas like them, survival wasn't guaranteed.
"I know. You should do the same. My mother's been complaining you haven't visited for a while. After this mission, come by for dinner," Shikaku said.
Tonari blinked in surprise before breaking into a bright smile.
"Deal. I've missed Aunt Shikimi's cooking anyway."
As the group laughed, Choza clapped Tonari on the shoulder. "If you're buying barbecue after this, count me in!"
"Fine, fine," Tonari relented, knowing he couldn't refuse.
The camaraderie lifted spirits, a moment of lightness amidst the looming storm.
Over three days, the army advanced to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain. Here, they established a strategic base camp, fully aware that the Sunagakure forces had already mobilized on the other side of the Land of Rain.
Despite the difficult situation, Konoha relied on the Land of Rain as a buffer. While this caused hardship for the Rain's civilians, it was a calculated necessity for Konoha's survival.
By the time the camp was operational, Orochimaru had demonstrated his exceptional leadership, coordinating defensive measures, patrols, traps, and communication systems with precision.
In the command tent, Orochimaru convened the first wartime meeting to outline strategy and inspire the troops.
However, the meeting was abruptly interrupted when a wounded scout burst into the tent, gasping out his report:
"Sunagakure… forces… are advancing!"
The atmosphere in the tent turned icy as the weight of those words settled over the commanders.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed coldly as he issued his orders.
"Tonari, delegate treatment to the medical team. Conserve your chakra. The first clash will be brutal, and we'll need every ounce of strength."
Tonari hesitated but ultimately nodded, his expression grim.
"Yes, Sensei."
The gears of war had begun to turn.
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