By the time the Yamaji Clan arrived at Kikyo Pass, it was already deep into the night. Although Pakura was far from pleased with Yamaji Ryōko, the Yamaji Clan was still much-needed combat strength for the Kikyo Pass front. As such, Yakura attended the reception together with Ebizō.
Compared to the ostentatious Arakawa Clan, the over-fifty Yamaji Tachibana was dressed in full battle attire. A chilling killing intent radiated from her entire body. Even the usually unruly Yamaji Ryōko showed visible fear toward her mother in this state.
As expected of a clan that once produced a legend like the Third Kazekage.
From afar, Shiraishi could also feel the powerful aura of the Yamaji Clan and could not help but take notice.
Sand control techniques were not particularly rare in Sunagakure, but among the Three Sand Lineage Clans, they were able to integrate other chakra attributes into sand manipulation and eventually evolve them into various forms of Magnet Release. At present, only these three clans possess such capabilities.
Because Shiraishi had already awakened Earth chakra nature, and because Earth-style formation techniques required rapid sand shaping to create constructs and clones, he had begun basic sand control training under Ebizō's guidance.
In theory, combining sand control with the Treasure-Gathering Technique could develop into Magnet Release. However, Shiraishi quickly discovered that practical execution was extremely difficult. Both sand manipulation finesse and magnetic control demanded exceptional precision from the user.
Though both selected metallic materials, the Yamaji Clan and the Ro Clan favored different media. While the Treasure-Gathering Technique could condense metal, it also gathered excessive impurities, making the development of pure Magnet Release extremely difficult.
However, during his sand control training, Shiraishi unexpectedly discovered that his Sand Gathering Technique proficiency was accelerating. This surprised him greatly.
Although the techniques in his glasses system were modified, entirely new techniques, they were not completely disconnected from contemporary ninjutsu theory. In fact, the Sand Gathering Technique could be considered an entirely new developmental path branching from sand control.
Thanks to Sand Gathering's chakra-conversion efficiency, Shiraishi could now perform multiple techniques with ease, no longer suffering the exhaustion he once did.
After exchanging a few polite words, Pakura—following Ebizō's arrangement—assigned the Yamaji Clan to the western front, where they would operate independently.
"Senior Yamaji, thank you for rushing here overnight to provide support."
"Everything we do is for Sunagakure."
Yamaji Tachibana's gaze was resolute. Behind her, the assembled jōnin exuded an air of absolute determination to secure Sunagakure's victory.
Once the others departed, leaving only Ebizō and Shiraishi behind, the old man finally spoke.
"How do you see the war developing from here?"
"If we compare raw strength alone, it will be difficult for us to win. Beyond the disparity in power, Sunagakure's internal structure may have already been thoroughly infiltrated by Konoha."
The rapid breach of the Kikyo Pass defensive line was not solely due to Orochimaru's meticulous planning. It also stemmed from Sunagakure's internal vulnerabilities being exploited. Although Sunagakure had spies within Konoha, their impact in this conflict had been minimal.
While Shiraishi did not know exactly how many infiltrators Konoha had planted, the current situation suggested that Konoha's influence within Sunagakure was extensive—far beyond just one or two agents.
Ebizō felt a headache coming on. "Then what do you suggest?"
"We can fabricate misinformation," Shiraishi replied calmly. "For example, claim that we possess a powerful ninjutsu capable of completely blocking Konoha's sensory system."
Recently, as fragmented memories continued to surface, Shiraishi's access to information increased, and his strategic thinking grew more active.
A technique that could block Konoha's sensory network?
If such a technique truly existed, the entire shinobi world would go mad over it.
Over the following days, Konoha focused primarily on dismantling traps and mechanisms around Kikyo Pass. Although their offensive pace slowed, the pressure on Sunagakure's front lines did not ease in the slightest.
Within Konoha, opinions on Orochimaru's unilateral advance were sharply divided. The hardline faction believed this was the perfect chance to crush Kikyo Pass and force Sunagakure into submission. The moderates warned against pushing Sunagakure too far, lest it drive them fully into alliance with Kirigakure and Iwagakure.
"Sunagakure and Kirigakure are separated by both sea and desert. Even if they ally, coordination would be impossible. As for Iwagakure, Sunagakure is more wary of them than of us."
The hardliners rejected the moderates' concerns. In Danzō's eyes, Sunagakure's situation was not that dangerous. Exploiting the death of the Third Kazekage to seize Kikyo Pass had always been about extracting greater concessions.
Crushing Sunagakure first—and dealing with other villages afterward—was the correct course. Prolonging the conflict would only risk Konoha becoming entangled in multi-front warfare, as in previous Shinobi Wars.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, remained silent throughout the meeting. He understood perfectly what Orochimaru and the hardliners intended. But until Jiraiya provided a clear response, he chose to wait.
"Orochimaru claims he can take Kikyo Pass within a month."
Sarutobi's words plunged the meeting into silence. Just as the hardliners prepared to speak, the old Hokage added calmly:
"Then let us wait and see the results."
If Kikyo Pass could not be taken within a month, further discussion of Sunagakure's fate would be unavoidable. The hardliners could only curse Orochimaru inwardly for setting such a deadline.
"Launch a surprise assault on the Konoha camp?"
At Sunagakure's headquarters, Ebizō convened a special operations meeting with Yamaji Tachibana, Pakura, and others present. During the discussion, Ebizō proposed initiating a proactive strike against Konoha.
"The Yamaji Clan's sand control techniques are ideal for creating large-scale sandstorms. We can reshape the battlefield into terrain favorable for Sunagakure and then counterattack Konoha."
Both Yamaji Tachibana and Pakura were surprised. Even with advantageous terrain, Konoha's overall strength still surpassed Sunagakure's.
"The real target," Ebizō said coldly, "is Konoha's sensory division."
Konoha possessed the strongest sensory capabilities among the Five Great Villages. In warfare, their information transmission speed far exceeded that of others—one of the core pillars of Konoha's strength.
And yet Ebizō intended to strike directly at it.
"We will obtain a very special technique from Kirigakure—one capable of blocking Konoha's sensory network—and use it to carry out assassination operations."
A technique that could block sensory ninjutsu? From Kirigakure?
Seeing the baffled expressions of the jōnin, Ebizō continued solemnly:
"Sunagakure and Kirigakure will coordinate a joint offensive-defense strategy against Konoha. Kirigakure will provide us with their newly developed sensory-blocking technique."
With everything attributed to Kirigakure, and as the fighting at Kikyo Pass intensified, personnel assignments were reorganized. Aside from the Yamaji Clan operating independently, other units were broken up and reshuffled into new squads.
During this redistribution, Shiraishi was promoted to chūnin and assigned as a squad leader.
When he reviewed his first personnel file, the photograph at the top—
a woman dressed in a cheongsam—
made his eyes hurt just looking at it.
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