Naruto: The Wind Calamity

Hoka asked, "Why don't we fool them by pretending to write messages? After all, we have their memories."

Shin shook his head and said, "That won't work. It has already been a few hours since we captured them. Since no message was sent during this time, they'll suspect that something has happened to them. They'll be cautious about any new messages they receive, especially considering that they know Konoha is the one who attacked."

Hoka sighed, "That's a shame."

Illumi warned, "Hoka, don't underestimate our enemies. Even though we have several secret techniques which have no good counter, our enemies are aware of what they can do. They will always consider it while planning. If you blindly believed in the secret techniques, the enemy might use them to lure you into a trap instead!"

Hoka's expression became serious. He replied, "I understand."

Fujin looked at Shin and asked, "Did you mark the positions of the enemy bases on the map?"

Shin nodded and handed Fujin a map. As Fujin observed the map, Shin said, "I also marked the other locations they used as their hidden bases earlier along with some of the locations these two thought suitable for future bases. It's unlikely for them to use the current and past ones, but some of these could be a possibility. However, they might consider this as well."

Fujin nodded while Renjiro said, "It's fine. We can track them from the clues they leave behind in their current headquarters. However, it won't be that easy."

Konomi agreed, "Yes, they will do everything they can to eliminate the traces. In addition, they will also set up several decoy traces to confuse us."

Illumi added, "There is also another possibility. Since they know we are heading towards them, they could set a trap for us. I know this seems unlikely since they wouldn't want to face Konoha, but that's what they could use to surprise us."

Konomi quickly added, "Actually, I was thinking about the same thing. While they don't have the strength to fight against us, they could ask for reinforcements from Iwagakure."

Fujin chuckled and asked, "And who would Iwagakure send? Unlike the rebels, they will be aware that I'm leading the army. To fight against me, the Tsuchikage might need to move himself, which would be akin to declaring war against Konoha. It's too risky, not something the Tsuchikage would do."

Fujin's words surprised the ones in the tent. However, they quickly realized that Iwagakure truly didn't have anyone else to fight Fujin. Hoka chuckled and said, "We forget how strong you are. Anyway…"

His expression became serious as he looked at the map containing their plans and said, "There is one aspect we didn't consider. If we hit them through the border between Tsuchioka and Kagetani while Kusagakure surrounds Midorani, the rebels could feel trapped and escape to the Land of Earth to seek their protection.

In that case, we can't do anything. If we do, then it'll be tantamount to us declaring war on Iwagakure as you just said. And, this mission will be a failure."

To Hoka's surprise, Fujin simply shook his head and said, "Don't worry, they won't."

In Kusagakure, the council meeting had taken a whole different turn from the reason it was convened. The council members were analyzing how to respond to Fujin's request.

Finally, one council member said, "I don't understand. That day, he said that Konoha would do everything without our help. We are also paying them such ridiculous amounts to get their help. And he still orders us to send our army?"

Another corrected him, "It isn't an order. It is a request and not a binding one. Unlike last time, he hasn't threatened us with anything if we don't agree. Even the hidden danger that the escaped rebels pose isn't a threat as that is something that will happen. It's impossible to kill every last one of them, even if we deploy our army. It'll just be slightly worse if we don't."

Hiroshi agreed, "That is correct. From my point of view, this isn't an excuse for him to pawn some work on us. Instead, it is more about a gesture. Doing this will show that Konoha and Kusa have good relations and can cooperate.

As for what we are paying, forget about it. We aren't paying for them to eliminate the rebels, but to improve our relationship with Fujin. This is an excellent opportunity to do so."

His expression became solemn as he added, "Of course, if this is a trick to cause us some pain or to force us to fight the rebels, then it'll show Fujin's true nature. If that happens, you know what we must do. It is better to suffer a bit now when we know the risks than to pay a painful price when we can't afford it."

Everyone nodded solemnly. They immediately began discussing who to send to Midorino's borders and how many ninjas to send.

Unlike the calm atmosphere in Konoha's camp and Kusagakure's council room, the atmosphere in the rebels' new base was extremely tense.

Shizuma muttered solemnly, "It's been six hours, and there still isn't any message from Reiko or Hisato."

Ganku said sorrowfully, "We have to accept the reality. They were captured or killed by Konoha."

Shizuma nodded and said, "Yes, it's just difficult to accept. How could they be dealt with so easily?"

Ganku had no answer. However, Kagero sighed and passed a scroll to his students. They immediately read it and their eyes widened. Ganku looked at Kagero and exclaimed in surprise, "Konoha was attacked by Sunagakure and Orochimaru? And they won? But, why would they chase after us if they have just been in a battle?"

Kagero said, "Read the latter parts of the scroll."

Ganku and Shizuma followed his instructions. Due to being on the run, their information network wasn't good. As such, they weren't aware of the attack on Konoha until Iwagakure sent them the information.

The eyes of his students widened. They looked at Kagero and said fearfully, "You think that Konoha transferred this entire army, led by the cursed Spectral Swordsman, to eliminate us?"

Kagero nodded and said, "Yes. Even though the reports say that Konoha's losses were low, everyone will be suspicious. They want to make an example out of us to send a message to other hidden villages."

Shizuma and Ganku shivered involuntarily. They were facing unprecedented danger. They had just experienced their second major loss against Kusagakure and now were faced with an incomparably stronger enemy!

Kagero muttered, "This is the worst-case scenario. The reason why I started this rebellion was because of how comfortable Kusagakure has become with being weak. Instead of doing something about it and reviving our glory days, we continue being weak and take pride in our diplomacy.

Unfortunately, things have gone exactly where I didn't want them to. I wouldn't have minded losing my life if Hiroshi did it himself. Even though we lost two battles, Kusagakure had become stronger. However, by asking for Konoha's help, he has become their lackey. Kusagakure will undo the good work they had been doing and be their vassal for decades.

The only way it'll change is if Konoha collapses or becomes weaker. Unfortunately, that won't happen anytime soon with all the talented young blood they keep raising. Just this kid alone will ensure that they'll stay at the top for half a century."

Ganku and Shizuma were lost for words. Neither could find words to comfort their sensei. After a long silence, Ganku said, "If Hiroshi took Konoha's help, then why don't we take Iwagakure's help?"

Kagero immediately shook his head and said, "As much as I'd love to make Konoha and Iwagakure consume each other's strength, neither are that foolish. Onoki won't confront Konoha head-on. Especially not when they have such a strong momentum."

Ganku shook his head and replied, "That's not what I mean. Since defending is useless, why don't we retreat to the Land of Earth and wait till Konoha withdraws their forces? We can take that time to regroup and come back stronger."

Kagero frowned while Shizuma shook his head. Shizuma explained, "I know your strategy sounds good, but you're missing one important aspect. The will of the people."

Ganku looked at Shizuma in confusion when Kagero suddenly spoke, "During all three Great Ninja Wars, Iwagakure attempted to attack Konoha through our country, making it a battleground. Hence, the people in the Land of Grass have a hatred towards Iwagakure.

It decreased with time, but the hate exploded once again when they sent their Jinchuriki to our lands and allowed him to use the Tailed Beast Bomb.

If we retreat to the Land of Earth, we'll forever lose the support of any people we have. Not just that, most of the members of our army will lose their faith in me. Even though we'll be unharmed, our army will crumble. In addition, Kusagakure will be forced to be even more subservient to Konoha!"

Ganku's expression became grim as Shizuma added, "Even if the army stays intact, we'll be subjected to the whims of Iwagakure. They will definitely use us as cannon fodder during the next major war."

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