Chapter 17: Ch 17. On the eve of the raid: Deployment
The army, accompanied by a team led by Dodai, had arrived in the Land of Hot Springs. For this type of conflict and war, obtaining permission from the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Springs was unnecessary. The disparity in power between the two nations' ninjas was glaring. Small countries like this typically relied on rogue ninjas or minor clans, which were no match for the might of a force like theirs.
Camps and war fronts were established facing the Land of Fire, hosting an army of approximately 6,000 ninjas. Among them, 10% were Jonin, 60% were Chunin, and the remainder consisted of Genin, logistical staff, and support ninjas.
For now, only ninjas were deployed. The regular army of the Daimyō had not been dispatched, as their involvement would be of little use until the border was breached and the ninjas had secured a foothold in enemy territory. Most importantly, this was not considered an actual war.
Among the approximately 60 Jonin, three stood out as elite Jonin, including Toroi, a master of Magnet Release. Unlike the Magnet Release techniques of Sunagakure in the Land of Wind, which specialized in controlling sand and fine metals, Toroi's abilities focused on launching and manipulating larger metal weapons for close to mid-range combat.
These ninjas were assigned general missions such as patrolling the borders, managing logistics, and handling other operational tasks. While occasional skirmishes might arise between patrolling teams, these conflicts rarely escalated into full-scale invasions, as the current situation did not demand large-scale aggression.
At that moment, the Third Raikage's deep, commanding voice resonated before the elite team, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. "Remember," he began, his tone heavy with resolve, "the world is watching, even if they don't know it yet. We succeed here, and Kumogakure will prove its strength and, eventually, prosper."
With those words, the team set out, to their destination; the Land of Uzumaki.
The waves gently lapped against the hull of the ship as a team of 30 Jonin, including Ay, gathered to discuss their strategy. At the helm of their mission was Dodai, an Elite Jonin whose leadership was unquestioned. Alongside him were two other notable Elite Jonins Marui, a master of Storm Release and a famous ninja in his own right, and Razor, a specialist in Lightning Chakra Mode and Water Style.
Both Marui and Razor had honed their skills in Water Style, understanding that many potential battles would likely unfold in aquatic environments. Their expertise in water-based techniques would be crucial, ensuring the team was prepared for whatever came their way in the unpredictable terrain of the Land of Uzumaki and around it.
In the meeting room, Dodai stood before the gathered team, briefing them on the key details about the Uzumaki Clan.
"When Konoha was established, Uzumaki Ashina was the leader of the Uzumaki Clan," Dodai began, his voice steady and authoritative. "His daughter, Uzumaki Mito, was married into the Senju Clan even before the founding of Konoha. The current leader and Daimyo of the Uzumaki Clan is Ashina's nephew, Kyo Uzumaki."
He paused for a moment, ensuring everyone absorbed the information before continuing. "After the establishment of Konoha, the Uzumaki Clan became renowned for their sealing techniques. They earned the reputation of being the clan capable of easily taking down Tailed Beasts with their advanced sealing methods."
The room was silent as the implications of Dodai's words settled in. The Uzumaki Clan's formidable skills and influence in the ninja world were well known, and for a ninja, any mission would not be taken lightly.
"Except for their contact with the Senju clan, the Uzumaki have lived peacefully in the Land of Uzumaki for a few hundred years," Dodai continued. "They've had no conflict recently and maintain a population of around 1,000 people. However, from what we know, only around 300 are ninjas."
Ay, sitting at the table, scoffed after hearing this. He leaned forward, his tone sharp with skepticism. "300 ninjas, from a clan with a bloodline of 1,000 people? Have they really grown so used to peace? Do they think Uzumaki Mito, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, will be able to help them in this dire situation? They're gravely mistaken if they believe their past will shield them now."