Storm the Ninja Village!
Since the God of Ninja, Senju Hashirama, established the Ninja Village System, although small villages like Amegakure had been destroyed, none of the Five Great Ninja Villages had ever been breached.
Menma listened intently to the report, his eyes following the pointer's movement on the sand table, occasionally nodding slightly.
This strategic thinking was clear and decisive, perfectly suited to the Land of Stars' current characteristics of having elite but numerically insufficient troops.
Utilizing the Sea of Death as a natural barrier and leveraging their own elite forces' mobility and combat superiority to keep the enemy outside their borders was the best choice.
'Kyu-chan absorbing the Ten-Tails will take at least a few more days, and she absolutely must not be disturbed during this time,' Menma thought to himself.
He vaguely remembered that in the original work, after Gaara was captured, it took the Gedo Statue one or three days to absorb the One-Tail.
Despite the disparity in troop numbers between the enemy and themselves, the expressions on the faces of the Land of Stars' higher-ups present showed little worry.
Whether it was the newly joined Uchiha and Hyuga members, or those who had long followed Menma like Kanon and Goda, their eyes burned instead with a desire for battle and a yearning for merit.
This nascent nation needed a resounding victory to announce its power to the entire Ninja World!
Subsequently, the meeting moved into the discussion phase.
Kanon proposed suggestions from administrative and internal affairs perspectives: "I concur with the General Staff's proactive attack strategy. Simultaneously, we should use this war opportunity to further strengthen internal control and purification. Those remnants of the former five countries' noble factions, as well as potential opponents dissatisfied with the new policies, are likely to cause trouble during wartime. I recommend authorizing the Anbu and Police Force to conduct a thorough internal investigation and reorganization, ensuring absolute stability in the rear during the war."
Hikari raised a more far-reaching and concerning issue: "The strategy is good, but we must consider the possibility of the war expanding."
Her finger pointed to the Land of Stars' eastern border on the sand table: "The Land of Earth's Iwagakure's attitude is ambiguous. Some time ago, they groundlessly accused our Ninja of crossing the border to attack their outposts. Although we firmly denied it and conducted proportional counterattacks, the potential threat on the eastern front constantly exists."
Then, Hikari's gaze turned to Shisui and Hizashi sitting opposite her, her tone emphasized: "Furthermore, there is Konoha of the Land of Fire. They have a traditional alliance with Sunagakure. Once the war reaches a stalemate, or if Sunagakure pays a sufficient price to request aid, the possibility of Konoha joining the war is not nonexistent. We must prepare for the worst-case scenario-"
"That is, the pressure of fighting on two, or even three fronts simultaneously… the western front against the Land of Wind, and the eastern front against the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire!"
The shadow of multi-front warfare made the atmosphere in the meeting room tense up again.
This was indeed a heavy burden difficult for a nascent nation like the Land of Stars to bear.
Menma listened calmly to everyone's analysis and concerns. Only after all voices fell silent did he slowly speak. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an authoritative decisiveness that instantly attracted everyone's attention:
"The concern about multi-front warfare is reasonable. However, everyone can rest assured, this war will not last long."
His gaze swept over everyone: "I will end it in the fastest way possible."
Menma stood up, walked to the sand table, and began issuing the final combat orders:
"I command: The Star Ninja Army shall immediately form four standing Army Divisions!"
"Each Army Division shall comprise twelve squads. Each squad shall consist of three standard teams, with a standard team having four members."
"First Army Division, commanded by Uchiha Hikari! Responsible for the main attack direction on the Sea of Death front line. Must consolidate and expand the forward defense line, pinning down the main Sunagakure's force in the Sea of Death!"
"Second Army Division, commanded by Hyuga Hizashi! Assist Hikari, coordinate operations with the First Army Division."
"Third Army Division, commanded by Natsuhi! Responsible for defense on the eastern front. Strengthen vigilance at all passes and outposts along the border with the Land of Earth and the Land of Birds, strictly guarding against possible moves by Iwagakure."
"Fourth Army Division, commanded by Kanon! Serve as the reserve and logistics support division. Responsible for garrisoning major cities, strategic material transportation and allocation, full-line medical support, and other crucial tasks. Simultaneously, the internal purification work shall be executed by you, coordinating the Anbu and Police Force!"
"Police Force, expand the Special Police Force to cooperate with the Fourth Army Division in handling internal security and logistics tasks in major cities, serving as a mobile reserve force to support the front lines when necessary."
Order after order landed like solid rock, clear and definite.
The structure of the Four Army Divisions and the Special Police Force not only considered each commander's abilities and specialties but also balanced the various factions to some extent.
The First, Second, and Third Army Division primarily consisted of standing Ninja, the Fourth Army Division encompassed police, logistics, medical, and administrative support forces, leaning towards auxiliary and logistical transport organization, while the Special Police Force was composed of elite ordinary personnel, with core backbone being Uchiha and Hyuga Ninjas, handling internal security while also serving as a rapid reaction force.
"Yes, Sir!" The four named individuals responded in unison, their eyes flashing with determined light.
With Menma's orders issued, the Land of Stars' nascent war machine began operating at an unprecedented high efficiency.
Benefiting from the modern administrative and logistical system Menma had established earlier, distinct from traditional Ninja Villages, orders were rapidly disseminated throughout the country via new scientific communication Ninja tools.
Reserves of food and supplies from various provinces… weapons, Ninja tools, soldier pills, and other strategic materials produced by various arsenals were continuously gathered towards the capital via the initially established railway network, then sent to the western front by specialized transport units.
The mobilization efficiency of the Star Ninja was even more astonishing.
Since its formation, the Star Ninja Army had adopted a modular organization with the 'squad' as the largest combat unit, with daily training and missions often based on this.
Now, over a dozen squads quickly assembled to form higher-level [Army Division] operational clusters. Coordination and linking between teams and squads did not show significant chaos.
Squads of Ninja clad in dark blue Star Ninja's uniforms, organized into teams and squads, converged like streams into rivers, silently and swiftly heading to the western front via railway and rapid marching.
A stern and murderous yet high-spirited atmosphere enveloped the entire Land of Stars.
...
That evening, Star City, Uzumaki Residence.
After the long and tense military conference, Menma and Hikari returned home.
Minato and Kushina were already waiting in the living room, their faces showing obvious concern.
"Menma, Hikari, how is the situation?" Kushina asked eagerly. Despite being in Edo Tensei bodies, the worry in her eyes was no different from when she was alive.
Menma sat on the sofa and explained the general strategic deployment to his parents.
"...That's the basic situation. Kyu-chan's absorption of the Ten-Tails isn't complete yet, estimated to take another two or three days. The Ten-Tails' resistance is stronger than expected, and I'm worried its original owner might come looking. So, during this time, I must stay near Kyu-chan as much as possible to ensure the absorption process isn't interfered with."
He looked at Hikari, his gaze filled with trust and instruction: "Therefore, frontline command of the Sea of Death is fully entrusted to Hikari. Hizashi is experienced and can serve as deputy, assisting her in stabilizing the front line."
Then, Menma looked at Minato: "Dad, Hikari is on the front line, Kanon is handling rear command, logistics coordination, intelligence summarization, and coordination with the provinces, but we still need someone who can command respect and is good at coordination to hold the fort. I hope you can stay in the Star City, responsible for overseeing the overall situation."
Minato listened seriously to his son's arrangements, analyzing calmly: "Your arrangements are reasonable. Hikari's strength is undeniable, but she truly lacks experience commanding large-scale troop formations. Having the steady Hizashi, who has experienced two Great Ninja Wars, assisting her can compensate for this shortcoming and avoid rash advances."
He changed the subject, mentioning the eastern front: "However, regarding Iwagakure on the eastern front, is it safe to have Natsuhi in charge? I heard from Kanon before that Natsuhi is a former Hoshigakure's Jonin, her strength is acceptable, but Iwagakure's Onoki is cunning..."
Menma nodded, taking over the conversation: "Natsuhi's ability is trustworthy. Moreover, the Third Army Division is mostly composed of former Hoshigakure's Ninja, and they are familiar with the eastern border terrain, making them more suitable for defensive operations."
Natsuhi and his husband, Hotarubi, had once stolen the meteorite to prevent the harm its training caused to Hoshigakure. When the contemporary Hoshikage, Yosei discovered them, he didn't punish them but entrusted them with important tasks, letting them live under assumed names for years, and took the opportunity to ban meteorite training. It wasn't until the start of the Naruto's original storyline, when Akahoshi and others assassinated Yosei and restarted meteorite training, that Natsuhi became active again, trying to steal the meteorite to stop its training.
Later came the storyline with Naruto and his team's arrival.
This was also one reason Menma trusted the couple.
He sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Dad, you know my ideal. I want to break the Ninja Clans' monopoly on Chakra and Ninjutsu resources, giving everyone the opportunity to become stronger, no longer bound by bloodline and origin. But nurturing a new generation of civilian Ninjas takes time, and what we lack most is time."
"At this stage, most of the usable talent I have still comes from various Ninja Clans. Among the four appointed Army Division's commanders this time, only Natsuhi comes from a small village. I also want to promote civilian Ninja, but... we still need to wait."
Minato nodded understandingly, stepped forward, and gently patted his son's shoulder.
"I understand your difficulties. Breaking down old barriers and establishing a new order was never something achieved overnight. You've already done very well."
His eyes gradually turned sharp: "Don't worry, leave the Star City and the major rear areas to me. Logistics coordination, intelligence analysis, internal coordination… I will do my best with Kanon and the others."
"As for the internal situation..." Minato's tone suddenly turned cold, carrying a hint of killing intent: "If anyone dares to cause trouble internally during the war, or even launch a rebellion, regardless of their identity or background, I, Namikaze Minato, will absolutely not show mercy!"
At this moment, he was no longer the Konoha's [Yellow Flash] who always has a gentle smile, but the [Yellow Flash] famed for his speed during the Third Great Ninja War, who struck fear into the enemy's heart!
…
Northwest Land of Wind, south of the Sea of Death.
The scorching wind whipped up sand grains, stinging the face with a slight pain.
A force of over two hundred Sunagakure's Ninjas was using the undulating sand dunes as cover, quickly and stealthily flanking to the east side of the battle line.
Their goal was to bypass the Star Ninja's main defense line in the Sea of Death, infiltrate the Land of Stars' territory, then disperse into small units to conduct devastating destruction of key facilities like railways, bridges, and warehouses there, thereby alleviating the immense pressure on the main front.
Leading this surprise attack force were Sunagakure's elite Jonin, Yura and Fugi.
The team included ten Special Jonin, fifty Chunin, and the rest were experienced Genin, many of whom had participated in the Third Great Ninja War years ago, making it an elite force.
"Pick up the pace! We must cross this area before sunset!" Yura urged in a low voice. His eyes scanned the seemingly endless sea of sand around them, but he felt vaguely uneasy.
This desert was too quiet, and apart from the wind, almost no other sounds could be heard.
However, just as the troops reached a relatively flat sandy area, a sudden change occurred!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh-!
"Enemy attack-!!"
The shrill alarm had just sounded when it was drowned out by deafening explosions and the roar of Ninjutsu!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The previously calm sand suddenly erupted!
Over a dozen figures clad in dark blue Star Ninja's uniforms burst forth from beneath the sand layer!
They seemed to have merged with the yellow sand, only revealing their fangs at the moment of attack.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Violent air currents whipped up a sandstorm, obscuring vision!
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
Earth dragons emerging from underground spat out countless sand and stones, impacting the Sunagakure's formation like cannonballs!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Fireballs carrying scorching high temperatures devoured panicked Sunagakure's Ninja!
What made the Sunagakure's Ninja even more terrified was that many Star Ninja held a kind of 'kunai gun' they had never seen before, with a strange design!
These weapons could shoot kunai tied with explosive tags with extreme speed and accuracy. The kunai would explode violently upon hitting the ground or a target, causing devastating casualties within the dense Sunagakure's Ninja Ranks.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Ah!"
"Damn Star Ninja!"
"It's an ambush! Break through!"
"Damn it! The intelligence was leaked! There's a spy..."
Just one sudden ambush, and this two-hundred-strong Sunagakure's Ninja Force suffered nearly fifty percent casualties!
Screams, explosions, and the clash of Ninjutsu mingled together. The originally orderly formation instantly fell into chaos.
"Don't panic! Assemble! Earth Release Users, create cover!" Fugi shouted hoarsely, barely managing to gather the remaining, shell-shocked Sunagakure's Ninjas together with Yura.
Back to back, they hastily used Earth Release to raise a few low earthen walls as temporary barriers.
However, when they calmed down slightly and saw the situation on the surrounding sand dunes, a deeper chill rose from the depths of their hearts.
The Star Ninja surrounding them numbered only twelve!
Twelve people, ambushing and crippling their two-hundred-strong force?!
"They only have twelve people! Charge out! Kill them!" Yura was both shocked and furious. A feeling of being humiliated surged within him as he issued the sharp order, attempting to force a breakthrough using their numerical advantage.
The surviving Sunagakure's Ninja also had red eyes. Amidst various roars and shouts, they erupted with their final ferocity.
Invisible blades formed by Wind Release: Wind Cutter whistled out, densely packed rock spears condensed by Earth Release: Rock Lodestone were thrown, puppeteers controlled ferocious-looking puppets that pounced forward, and some Ninjas skilled in poison released purple poison mist, attempting to spread across the battlefield.
"Beware of poison gas! All personnel, put on gas masks!" A calm, slightly young voice rang out.
The one giving the order was a young man with handsome, delicate features and pale skin. He had white, medium-length hair, a Star Ninja's forehead protector around his neck adorned with two red dots, and most strikingly, his pure white eyes.
He was the leader of this Star Ninja's ambush team, Kimimaro.
He was the first to put on the standard gas mask, simultaneously issuing the final order to his teammates behind him: "Annihilate them all!"
As soon as the words fell, Kimimaro's figure transformed into a white lightning bolt, taking the lead charging out of the simple cover and charging into the chaotic Sunagakure's Ninja Ranks!
His arms instantly drew two pale white bone blades… the Kekkei Genkai of the Kaguya Clan, Shikotsumyaku!
Close behind him were three equally young Star Ninja.
Haku's face was gentle and beautiful, his hands forming hand seals as cold Ice Release Chakra rapidly condensed.
Yukimi's few small freckles seemed eager, her brown medium-length hair flying as she jumped. Her body began to blur during the charge, as if merging into the air.
Neji wore the newly acquired Star Ninja's forehead protector around his neck, his forehead completely unblemished. His pure Byakugan was already active, veins bulging around his eyes, clearly seeing every enemy's Chakra Flow and movements on the battlefield.
The other Star Ninja's team members also acted quickly.
Some skilled in Taijutsu, propelled by the leg assist modules of their Chakra Kinetic Armor, burst forth with astonishing speed, closely following Kimimaro and the others into the enemy formation for close-quarters combat.
Others quickly distanced themselves, either forming hand seals to perform Ninjutsu or raising kunai guns for precise mid-to-long-range fire suppression.
The deep blue Chakra Kinetic Armor on their bodies gleamed with a metallic luster under the sunlight, the energy circuits at the joints glowing faintly, providing powerful protection and power support.