In a dense forest along the Fire Country border, the ninja of Sunagakure were hard at work, setting up a network of traps and ambushes designed to annihilate Konoha's incoming vanguard. This operation was vital for Sunagakure—they were determined to deliver a crippling blow to Konoha.
The Sand shinobi began by stringing countless iron wire traps between the trees. At first glance, they looked harmless, almost invisible. But any contact would instantly trigger sharpened hooks capable of piercing through flesh and bone, inflicting serious injury.
Next, they buried numerous explosive tags beneath the forest floor, concealing them under thick layers of grass. One misstep, one careless footfall, and the trap would detonate, unleashing devastating damage on anyone caught within.
Finally, the Sand ninja split into squads, hiding at strategic points throughout the forest. Their plan was to spring a deadly ambush on Konoha's advance units, annihilating the forward team and showcasing Sunagakure's strength and resolve.
Inside the Sand village, not everyone agreed with this strategy. Some, like Yokura, voiced concerns about the wisdom of Roza's large-scale assault. Such a move could result in catastrophic losses for Sunagakure.
Yet Roza's fervent speech swayed the elders and the entire Sand contingent.
"Konoha and Sunagakure have clashed under various Kages countless times. History is messy—right and wrong are hard to define. But what I've observed," Roza said, voice ringing with conviction, "is that the strength of a village is determined on the battlefield. Only by seizing Konoha's fertile land can a village rise to dominate the ninja world!
"The First, Second, and Third Hokage all struggled and fell on these very battlefields. Why do people endlessly talk about the First being crushed by Madara as if Konoha is entitled to this land, and we Sand are doomed whenever we face them?
"Look at our approach here—we infiltrated unnoticed, the locals welcomed us, and the land itself seems to favor us. How can one or two raids suddenly turn this place into Sunagakure's grave?
"Our forces number five thousand, compared to Konoha's two thousand advance units. The advantage is ours!"
Roza's words were bold, full of fire. Every elder nodded in agreement. Yokura, seeing Roza had secured total approval, had no choice but to comply and remained behind to coordinate support.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Ran led his squad through the thick forest toward the frontlines. As a Sharingan wielder, his perception was extraordinary, able to notice details invisible to ordinary eyes.
Suddenly, Ran stopped, crouching slightly, senses alert. His Sharingan swept the forest like razor-sharp blades, scanning every shadow, every rustle of leaves. A flicker of caution passed through his eyes.
"Enemies nearby," he whispered.
The members of the Uchiha Special Operations Squad froze immediately, exchanging subtle glances. Ran and his team made eye contact, then quickly formed hand seals in unison.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
Flames ignited in their mouths, coalescing into a raging inferno. A fiery tornado surged forward, a wall of scorching heat that engulfed everything in its path. The intense heat warped the air around them.
"Magnet Release: Golden Sand!"
With a roar, golden sand erupted from the ground beneath them, shimmering like molten gold. The sand solidified into walls, protecting the Sand ninja from the flames.
BOOM!
The fire collided with the sand walls, exploding in a deafening roar. Yet, under such extreme heat, even golden sand began to melt…
"Impossible…!"
"They're monsters! How can they wield such Fire Release techniques?!"
The Sand ninja in hiding panicked. Their ambush had been completely exposed, and the enemy had struck first.
Though the Sand's Fourth Kazekage, Roza, protected his troops, this was only a temporary reprieve. The Sand ninja were momentarily shielded, but they hadn't counterattacked—either because of Roza's intervention or because the Uchiha's hand seals were blindingly fast.
"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Hymn!"
Ran and his squad wasted no time. Even as some Sand shinobi froze in disbelief, the Uchiha unleashed massive dragon-shaped flames hurtling toward the enemy.
The Sand responded. Under Roza's command, a dozen ninja sprang into action, forming hand seals.
"Wind Release: Cutting Gale!""Water Release: Chaotic Wave Technique!"
In an instant, fire clashed with wind and water techniques.
BOOM!
The collision unleashed catastrophic power. Trees were uprooted, the ground split in jagged cracks, and some of the nearest Sand ninja were thrown backward violently. Dust and smoke filled the air.
When the haze cleared, the battlefield was a scene of devastation. Anyone caught inside would be left battered and bleeding, unless they had extraordinary stamina and chakra control.
Fortunately, the Sand ninja had reacted quickly. A fraction slower, and the Uchiha flames would have swallowed them whole.
"Damn brat!" Roza gritted his teeth. The Konoha advance unit was far more capable than he anticipated.
"But that's fine!" His eyes gleamed with cold fire. "Let's see if they can survive what's coming next!"
Even the elite Konoha vanguard could only do so much—the moment Roza unleashed Magnet Release: Golden Sand Massacre, he knew the casualties among the enemy would be devastating.
"Let the golden sand fade… amidst Sunagakure's fury!"
"Magnet Release: Golden Sand Massacre!"
A ferocious wind swept across the forest, tearing through trees and undergrowth… and the battle for the Fire Country border erupted in full force.