The encampment where the Stone Ninja were stationed remained much the same as usual.
Some ninja whispered quietly among themselves, some wore expressions of worry, and others prepared to head out for another patrol. Every ninja had their own duties to attend to. In times of war, a ninja was first and foremost a soldier.
On this day, Kitsuchi summoned a vast number of Jonin into the command center, an occurrence that was exceptionally rare. The Stone Ninja could only speculate was something major about to happen?
Inside the central tent, Kitsuchi looked out at the Stone Ninja crowding the space and allowed a small smile to cross his face. "I have good news for everyone. Lord Tsuchikage is leading a reinforcement division toward our position. They will be here shortly."
"The Tsuchikage is coming to support us!" The gathered ninja were stunned, their faces quickly lighting up with joy.
If the Tsuchikage himself was coming, the Stone Ninja's chances of victory would increase exponentially. Currently, because of Tianyuan's presence, the situation on this battlefield had gradually tilted in Konoha's favor, a fact that sat very poorly with the Stone Ninja.
Now, the Tsuchikage was finally arriving.
Ōnoki's prestige within the Hidden Stone Village was immense, matched only by his formidable power. He possessed a fusion of three elemental natures, a power that surpassed even the Kekkei Genkai the Kekkei Tota known as Dust Release.
Dust Release was capable of decomposing all things into their atomic components, possessing terrifying destructive force. Of course, if a certain power reached its absolute limit, even Dust Release might fail to inflict significant damage.
Nevertheless, there was no doubt that Ōnoki was incredibly powerful. Lord Tsuchikage's arrival acted like a calming pill for every Stone Ninja present.
A short while later, Kitsuchi led a group of ninja to welcome Ōnoki.
To their further delight, Ōnoki had brought over a thousand ninja with him. This infusion of strength added a massive weight to their side of the battlefield. Not only were the Stone Ninja previously killed by Tianyuan replaced, but their numbers were significantly bolstered. It could be said that the advantage had once again fallen to the Hidden Stone Village.
Inside a certain tent, two men sat together: Ōnoki and his son, Kitsuchi, who had been the commander of this battlefield until now.
"Father, Kitsuchi has been useless. I failed to secure an advantage in the war against Konoha," Kitsuchi said, addressing Ōnoki. In private, he still referred to him as father.
"Hmph. This isn't your fault. You did well," Ōnoki replied, his eyes narrowing in thought. "This was an accident. No one could have predicted that the brat Tianyuan would possess such staggering power, even to the point of defeating a Tailed Beast."
"How is Rōshi doing?" Ōnoki asked. The Tailed Beast mentioned in the previous reports was the Four-Tails Son Gokū, and that meant Rōshi.
"Father, Rōshi is still recovering. According to the medical ninja, he still needs a period of rest," Kitsuchi quickly answered.
"I see. That means Rōshi is temporarily out of commission." Ōnoki nodded. "Kitsuchi, give me an account of the recent battles."
"Yes, Father." Kitsuchi nodded and proceeded to describe the recent skirmishes on the battlefield and how Konoha had responded.
Ōnoki listened, nodding continuously as the report went on.
"So, you're saying Konoha is currently only engaging us in small-scale conflicts?" Ōnoki asked gravely.
"Yes. Because of Tianyuan, deploying large groups of ninja might simply give him more targets to slaughter, so I have kept our forces dispersed," Kitsuchi explained.
"A safe method, but it won't do much toward actually defeating Konoha," Ōnoki said.
"Father, please enlighten me," Kitsuchi urged.
"Since we Stone Ninja now hold the numerical advantage, we will divide into several routes for a general offensive. We must eliminate the Konoha ninja," Ōnoki said slowly.
"But Father, regarding Tianyuan..." Kitsuchi was worried. That Susanoo power of Tianyuan's was something that surpassed even the Kage-level.
"That is why we wait for Rōshi to recover. Even if Tianyuan can handle one Tailed Beast, can he handle two?" A cold light flickered in Ōnoki's eyes. "When the time comes, I will find an opportunity to trap Tianyuan. As long as we crush Konoha's main force, Tianyuan alone won't be able to turn the tide, no matter how much he struggles."
"Yes, Father." Kitsuchi nodded.
In truth, Ōnoki had no other choice. As long as Tianyuan remained on this battlefield, the Stone Ninja couldn't just keep fighting in small squads forever. If they did, how long would this war drag on? Especially now, when the Hidden Stone Village held the upper hand.
Even if Tianyuan possessed the strength of Madara Uchiha, Ōnoki was confident he could trap him.
Of course, what Tianyuan or even the legendary Madara Uchiha would think of Ōnoki's confidence was another matter entirely. Perhaps Ōnoki simply had no idea just how terrifying that level of power truly was.
Over the following ten days or so, Konoha naturally discovered that a large number of Stone reinforcements had arrived. They assumed the Stone Ninja would launch a large-scale operation immediately. After all, their numbers had increased significantly.
However, to their surprise, the Stone Ninja's behavior remained unchanged. They continued exactly as they had before.
This left Konoha somewhat puzzled. Some ninja even speculated that perhaps Ōnoki was also wary of Tianyuan's strength and didn't dare make a major move.
Tianyuan remained non-committal toward the praise of the Konoha ninja. He neither agreed nor disagreed. He suspected that Ōnoki might be secretly plotting something. As for what that was, he could only wait and react accordingly. With absolute strength as a prerequisite, everything would eventually be revealed.
Inside Konoha's command tent.
"Just what is that Ōnoki thinking?" Hizashi Hyuga mused aloud.
"Isn't this better for us?" Shinku Yuuhi added. "Perhaps Ōnoki truly is intimidated by Tianyuan's power."
"Tianyuan, what do you think?" Hizashi Hyuga turned his gaze toward him.
"What do I think?" Tianyuan looked toward the distance. "Stay ready at all times. Perhaps Ōnoki and the others will be making their move very soon."
Meanwhile, back at the Hidden Stone Village station, Ōnoki gathered his Jonin. He was ready to issue the final arrangements for the war.
After arriving so long ago, Ōnoki was finally ready to act.
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