Jiraiya stood on the observation deck with furrowed brows, watching the undulating waves on the distant plains, feeling increasingly heavy-hearted.
The elite squads of thousands of Hidden Rock ninjas were divided into different groups, systematically using Earth Release to disturb the area ahead.
The collective strength and numbers fully showcased the prowess of the Hidden Rock Village.
When a squad of Hidden Rock ninjas reached their chakra limit, they'd immediately retreat, and another squad would take their place, continuing the cycle.
Compared to the reckless Third Mizukage, Onoki maintained his rationality even in the face of an overwhelming numerical advantage.
However, this rationality also stemmed from the teachings of his teacher—
Don't rush ahead too quickly; accumulate strength and wait until mid-war to seize the spoils from both allies and enemies!
Even though Hidden Rock is formidable, charging in and drawing Konoha's pressure all at once is playing a risky game.
Unlike the Hidden Mist Village, Onoki is the unchallenged Tsuchikage of the Hidden Rock Village; even with a temporary setback, his authority remains unshaken.
Unlike the Third Mizukage, when problems arise in war, internal pressure forces him to rush to the front lines to restore the situation, even if both he and the village are lost in the end, it's unavoidable.
War is fought not only against the enemy and external factors; internal stability and dynamics are decisive factors too.
"Minato, these Hidden Rock ninjas are about to launch a full-scale attack…"
Jiraiya's expression turned grim; after being at the battlefield front line for so long, he gradually realized the gap between Konoha and other Hidden Villages.
Not even considering other Hidden Villages, the sheer manpower and active Jinchuriki presence of the Hidden Rock alone advantage them over Konoha, not to mention the overwhelming pressure from their united forces.
"Jiraiya-sensei, we must hold out, or the battlefront will start collapsing from our side…"
Namikaze Minato took a deep breath, resolutely pulling out his Flying Thunder God Kunai, saying in a deep voice:
"With my Flying Thunder God Jutsu, dealing instant kills to their elite ninjas should be no problem, and even against Jinchuriki, I have ways to handle them, at least drawing their attention for maneuvers…"
"I'll go first, Jiraiya-sensei, use this time to enter Sage Mode and unleash large-scale Immortal Techniques to damage the enemy!"
Jiraiya hesitated, sighing: "Minato, even though you enter Sage Mode quickly, its duration is too short, and besides, your combat style doesn't suit wasting initiative gathering chakra…"
"My Sage Mode can be maintained for a while, but it takes a long time to gather, which is truly frustrating!"
Namikaze Minato shook his head, somewhat helpless.
Indeed, that's the case, but what can be done?
With only these cards in hand, we can only try to play optimally.
At this moment, both Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato felt a complex emotional rise in their hearts.
They both thought Aomi's initiation of the war, burdening Konoha with such pressure was unwise.
Yet, they also felt if Aomi hadn't stirred Konoha into action, by the time such power disparities widened again, the village might face an irreversible deadlock...
At least in the current situation, Namikaze Minato and Jiraiya haven't felt despair; they still attempt to resist.
"Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato commands…"
Aburame Shikuro adjusted his sunglasses, his gaze hidden within his hood, saying calmly:
"According to Lord Aomi's allocation, the Root has assigned one base unit of Tobirama No.2 and three base units of aerial support at the Hidden Rock Battlefield, which can be requested when needed, Mountain Fuu will relay orders to headquarters."
Mountain Fuu coldly nodded: "From headquarters to the Hidden Rock battlefield, the flying unit will take over an hour to arrive, and bombing coordinates need to be specified in advance to avoid friendly fire."
Mountain Fuu looked at the bewildered Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato with a bit of disdain in his eyes.
Within the secret broadcasts of the Root, Mountain Fuu had long heard how Aomi commanded the flying unit in battle.
Using the Genjutsu True Life of the Kurama Clan, paired with the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan, members of the flying unit, directed by Mountain Secret Technique, can see enemy positions comprehensively on the battlefield.
And Aomi's command ensures artillery shells fall precisely on every dense enemy location, meticulously organized.
After the Root Ninjas finished the battle with the Hidden Mist, they felt it was a form of enjoyment, experiencing the art of collective combat...
But these two in front clearly can't achieve that.
"What are Tobirama No.2 and aerial support for?" Jiraiya became wary, pondering in his mind...
Any weapon named "Tobirama" in war must be extraordinary, likely contains some Kinjutsu or inhumane aspects...
Unknowingly, Senju Tobirama's fame not only shines outside the village but is increasingly recognized by the next generations within, all thanks to Aomi's promotion and achievements.
"Can you explain in detail? Please." Namikaze Minato asked Mountain Fuu sincerely.
Jiraiya was startled; are they really about to use the weapons sent by the Root?
If that's the case, after the war is over, the division of military credit might not be so clear...
But then, Jiraiya fell silent.
Compared to military credit and pushing Minato for the Hokage seat, these distant topics still can't bypass the current crisis.