Fox opened his mouth, wanting to persuade her further, but seeing Tsunade's determined eyes, he knew her mind was made up. He could only reply.
"Yes. We will make the arrangements immediately."
Sora stood to the side without speaking. He actually wanted to persuade Tsunade to leave too.
Currently, after excluding the wounded, the Konoha ninja in the entire base numbered about one hundred. But most were at the chunin and genin level, and a portion were medical ninja with little combat power.
Given Iwagakure's style, once they confirmed the target, the attack would inevitably be as heavy as bedrock.
The scout who escaped would definitely report the situation here to Iwagakure's 'East Dead Man' and other high ranking officials, especially since Tsunade was present at this base.
But Tsunade's decision was more a matter of helplessness than stubbornness.
The risks of relocation were indeed great, especially for these wounded soldiers. Holding out and waiting for reinforcements was currently the safest choice, on the condition that... Iwagakure's next wave of attack wouldn't be too strong, and that reinforcements could arrive in time.
But for the ninja in the camp, if either of these two conditions failed, a fierce, life and death battle would likely be unavoidable.
However, Tsunade, as one of the 'Legendary Sannin' who had experienced the Second Shinobi World War, considered more than just immediate gains and losses.
Even if this decision would cause some losses for the camp's ninja, the attacking Iwagakure forces might not fare well either.
After all, this was within the Land of Fire's borders, not territory where Iwagakure could freely advance and retreat. Moreover, those daring enough to penetrate deep into the heartland to raid a medical camp would definitely be Iwagakure's elite combatants.
If they could intercept and kill this elite force here, the impact on the entire Fire-Earth front line would be significant, far more valuable than a local loss.
...
Over the next two days, the atmosphere in the camp became noticeably much more tense.
Defensive works were reinforced. Patrol shifts and numbers were increased. Everyone's nerves were on edge.
Sora could feel a sense of oppressive foreboding, like a coming storm, enveloping the entire base. But he felt no pressure himself. With his strength, he could escape even if he couldn't win.
But although Tsunade appeared calm on the surface, due to her Hemophobia, her status as a top tier combatant was filled with uncertainty when facing bloody battles.
On the third day, just before dawn, at the darkest moment before daybreak.
The warning barrier at the camp's perimeter emitted a sharp alarm sound.
"Enemy attack. A large number of enemies approaching."
The entire camp was instantly roused. Combat personnel quickly took their positions.
Sora, Fox, Night Owl, and Grey Wolf were the first to arrive at the defensive works at the camp's front line.
They saw dozens of shadowy figures appearing in the distant forest, rapidly approaching the camp. They wore uniform Iwagakure ninja attire, their movements carrying a steady and powerful aura.
The person at the front was extremely tall and burly, even a head taller than an ordinary person, with long black hair and a rough face.
Just standing there, he gave off an unshakable, mountain like oppressive feeling.
Seeing this person, Fox's face instantly turned extremely grim. He uttered a name in a dry voice.
"Kitsuchi... It's actually him leading the team."
Sora's gaze also turned grave.
Kitsuchi. The son of the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki. The future Fourth Tsuchikage Kurotsuchi's father. Iwagakure's top elite jonin. Famous for his powerful Earth Release abilities and superhuman strength taijutsu. His strength approached the Kage level indefinitely.
'This is troublesome...' Sora thought to himself.
'It's actually a powerhouse of this level coming. It seems Iwagakure is determined to either destroy this medical base, or capture Tsunade.'
Kitsuchi stood at the very front of the Iwagakure formation. His eyes directly locked onto the largest tent in the center of the camp. He slowly spoke.
"Princess Tsunade. I have long heard of your great name."
Tsunade walked out from the main command tent. Shizune followed closely behind, her face showing a hint of nervousness.
Tsunade's expression was normal. She looked coldly at Kitsuchi.
"Kitsuchi. Your Iwagakure's reach is too long. You are not welcome here."
"Hmph. In wartime, there's no such thing as welcome or not welcome."
"Princess Tsunade. Your medical ninjutsu has saved too many Konoha ninja. For us in Iwagakure, this is not good news. Today, either you come with us, or... this base has no need to exist."
Kitsuchi chuckled lowly. The threat in his words was unconcealed.
"Just based on you?"
Tsunade snorted coldly. She crossed her arms, appearing calm and composed. But Sora, standing behind and to her side, knew Tsunade was just putting on a strong front.
"It seems we cannot reach an agreement." Kitsuchi stopped wasting words. He waved his large hand. "Take action. Try to capture Tsunade alive."
"Kill."
Dozens of elite Iwagakure ninja who had crossed the front line battlefield surged forward like a tide. Various Earth Release ninjutsu instantly erupted.
"Earth Release. Earth Spear."
"Earth Release. Rock Rods."
Countless stone spears and stone rods attacked the Konoha defensive works.
"Defend."
Fox shouted loudly. Squad C Five and the other Konoha ninja staying behind immediately fought back fiercely.
Kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags crisscrossed in the air. The light of ninjutsu constantly flashed. The battle entered a white hot stage from the very beginning.
Tsunade also did not hesitate. Although she could not see blood, her super strength and combat experience were still terrifying.
She charged directly into the enemy formation. Every punch and kick contained the power to split mountains and crack stones. Ordinary Iwagakure ninja simply did not dare to take them head on. They were often sent flying by her single punch, with broken tendons and bones, losing their fighting ability.
However, she deliberately avoided directly causing bloody scenes, mostly focusing on knocking unconscious or repelling enemies.
Sora and the others strictly followed mission requirements, always guarding around Tsunade, helping her clear enemies from the flanks and rear.
Sora did not use the Azure Dragon Fruit's abilities, only using taijutsu and basic ninja tools, performing in an ordinary manner.
In the initial stage of the battle, relying on Tsunade's formidable strength and the Konoha ninja's desperate resistance, the Konoha side barely managed to withstand Iwagakure's offensive.
However, as the battle continued, casualties inevitably appeared.
A Konoha ninja had his thigh pierced by an Earth Spear. Blood instantly dyed his trouser leg red. He let out a shrill scream.
The smell of blood began to permeate the air.
'Tsk. This is troublesome.'
Sora glanced secretly at Tsunade. Indeed, Tsunade's movements became visibly stiff and sluggish.
Her face began to pale. Her breathing also became rapid.
When an Iwagakure ninja was sent flying by her punch, crashing onto a rock and splattering a spray of blood, her body shuddered violently. Her offensive instantly stalled. Her eyes revealed unconcealable fear and disgust.
"Lady Tsunade."
Shizune cried out anxiously, hurriedly stepping forward to support her.
"I... am fine..."
Tsunade said, forcing herself to hold on, but her voice already carried a tremble.
Fox also noticed Tsunade's abnormality. Although he didn't understand the specific reason, he immediately gave the order.
"Contract the defense line. Protect Lady Tsunade and withdraw."
'It really did act up. Hemophobia on this kind of battlefield is practically a fatal weakness.'
Sora sighed inwardly. Immediately afterward, he also gathered around Tsunade, fighting while retreating, contracting towards the interior of the camp.
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