My Journey as Fourth Kazekage

The Land of Fire, at the edge of the sprawling Yoshino River forest.

Just before nightfall, the Sunagakure ninjas arrived, adhering closely to Rasa's meticulous plan.

In the distance, the dense forest gave way to a boundless, open plain. This vast expanse was the location where Rasa intended to mount their defense against the approaching Konoha forces over the next seven days.

For the Sunagakure ninjas, masters of Wind Release techniques, the dense canopy of the forest posed a challenge. It stifled their jutsu, weakening its power. However, an open plain such as this offered the ideal terrain to unleash their full potential.

"Alright, this is it!" Rasa commanded, his voice firm. "Sensory ninjas, monitor the surroundings for any sign of movement. Everyone else, set up camp, light a fire, and prepare meals. Get some rest tonight; the days ahead will be grueling."

The group quickly set to work.

They scavenged the forest's edge for materials to establish a functional campsite. Each ninja carried just enough military rations to last seven days, as Rasa's strategy revolved around a swift victory. Their storage scrolls contained only weapons and essential tools, leaving little room for additional provisions.

Fortunately, the forest teemed with wildlife, and the Yoshino River provided ample water. Soon, the camp was bustling with activity. Tents sprouted under the cover of trees, and the aroma of cooking food wafted through the air, lifting the spirits of the gathered warriors.

At the heart of the camp, inside the largest tent marked as the Kazekage's, Rasa convened a strategy meeting with Pakura, Michikawa, and an ANBU ninja named Yura, who had been dispatched by Baki to take orders directly from Rasa.

Once everyone was seated, Michikawa spoke, his tone laced with concern.

"The Konoha ninjas seem unusually slow to respond. So far, we've received no reports of their movements."

This anomaly sparked unease in the group. Rasa's strategy had accounted for the distance between the two nations and the speed at which Konoha could mobilize once they learned of the invasion.

By their calculations, the Konoha ninjas should have been tailing them by now, possibly even arriving at the plains within hours. Yet there was no intelligence to confirm such activity.

"It's strange," Michikawa continued, frowning. "Given Konoha's usual efficiency, their lack of response is troubling."

Rasa leaned forward, his expression impassive but his golden eyes glinting with thought. The stillness of the Konoha forces hinted at either a hidden danger or an unexpected delay.

For now, the group could only wait and prepare, knowing the calm before the storm would soon give way to a fierce and unforgiving battle.

Rasa turned his gaze toward Yura and asked, "Does the Anbu have any new intelligence?" 

Yura nodded and responded promptly, "Kazekage-sama, our agents in Konoha report that the village has begun mobilizing its forces. However, oddly enough, when the message came through, there were no signs of large groups of Konoha ninjas leaving the village." 

A heavy silence fell over the tent. This revelation only deepened their confusion. 

Rasa furrowed his brow slightly, but after a moment, his expression relaxed. He understood the larger picture. "Isn't this a good thing for us?" he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Sunagakure isn't aiming for an all-out war with Konoha. The slower they move, the higher our chances of success in the end." 

Pakura and Michikawa exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. 

Rasa continued, shifting the conversation. "Where are Baki and Elder Ebizō now?" 

Yura's eyes lit up with excitement as he reported, "We just received intelligence that the Anbu leader and Elder Ebizō have split up. Under the cover of night, they've successfully infiltrated the Land of Fire's border. Meanwhile, our stationed forces in the fourteen strategic cities have begun their movements as planned." 

A smirk crossed Rasa's face. "Good. Everything is proceeding smoothly." 

After a brief moment of satisfaction, his sharp gaze shifted to Pakura and Michikawa. 

"This is a defining moment for Sunagakure," he declared. "If we succeed, we will finally break free from the Daimyo's control, and our village will take a major step toward true strength and independence!" 

"Yes!" 

Pakura and Michikawa responded in unison, their voices filled with unwavering determination. 

Rasa gave a satisfied nod. "Alright. Since Konoha is giving us extra time, let's not squander it. Get some rest—tomorrow, we begin the real battle!" 

---

Konoha Ninja Village

Under the Night Sky

Minato Namikaze rushed back to Konoha, accompanied by his three teammates—Shibi Aburame, Chōza Akimichi, and Tsume Inuzuka.

Though Minato had already mastered the Flying Thunder God technique, his proficiency was still lacking, and his chakra reserves were depleted. As a result, he was unable to use it effectively for rapid long-distance travel.

Hokage Building

Inside the dimly lit chamber, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Elder Council awaited Minato's arrival. Their expressions were grave.

Without wasting time, the Hokage issued simple but urgent orders.

Minato listened attentively before nodding. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I'll leave immediately!"

Hiruzen, noticing the exhaustion in Minato's face, frowned slightly. "Minato, you should rest, even if just for a little while. Also, take a moment to check on Kushina and Kakashi."

Minato hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze flickering with emotion. But in the end, he shook his head firmly.

"There's no need, Hokage-sama. Since Sunagakure has the audacity to invade the Land of Fire, as a shinobi of Konoha, it is my duty to drive them out."

Hiruzen sighed deeply, knowing Minato's determination was unwavering.

"Very well," he relented. "You've done well, Minato. I've already contacted Jiraiya—he'll be arriving soon to assist you."

Minato's face brightened slightly. "That's great. Having Jiraiya-sama with us gives me even more confidence!"

Upon reaching Konoha's gate, Minato spotted a familiar face—a burly shinobi from the Akimichi Clan.

"Dōtō! It's been a while!" Minato greeted.

Dōtō Akimichi grinned. "Yeah, Minato! And Big Brother Chōza, looks like we finally get to fight together again!"

"Yeah!" Chōza agreed, patting his younger clanmate on the back.

Minato nodded. "Let's move out. Dōtō, fill me in on the details of the intelligence along the way."

With that command, nearly five hundred Konoha ninjas departed, slipping into the night, moving swiftly toward the Land of Fire's border.

As they traveled through the dense forest, Dōtō began relaying critical intelligence.

"This invasion from Sunagakure is… quite strange," he said cautiously.

Minato's sharp blue eyes narrowed. "Strange?"

The others also turned their attention toward Dōtō, sensing something amiss.

Dōtō continued. "Yes. According to our spies in Sunagakure, their movements have been highly irregular. We haven't seen any large-scale mobilization of supplies."

That revelation sent a ripple of unease through the group.

"Wait," Chōza interjected, frowning. "That doesn't make sense. Even for shinobi, proper logistics are necessary for war. Food, weapons, medical supplies—without them, an army can't sustain itself on the battlefield."

Minato's mind raced, processing the implications. "So, you're saying Sunagakure doesn't plan on fighting for long?"

"That's the strangest part," Dōtō said grimly. "Although there hasn't been a significant movement of supplies, our reports confirm that Sunagakure has deployed at least two thousand ninjas."

"!!!"

"What?!"

Gasps erupted from the group.

Sunagakure's entire shinobi force was estimated to be around that number in total. If they had deployed all their forces, it raised an even bigger question—how did they intend to sustain such a large army without proper supplies?

"This doesn't add up," Shibi Aburame muttered from behind his dark sunglasses, his voice quiet but thoughtful. "Deploying so many troops without logistical support is tactically unsound. What is Sunagakure planning?"

"That's not even the most bizarre part," Dōtō added, his tone growing heavier. "Our intelligence suggests that, so far, only about three hundred of Sunagakure's ninjas have actually been spotted within the Land of Fire."

A tense silence followed.

Minato and his squad exchanged uncertain glances.

"…Three hundred?" Tsume Inuzuka blurted out in disbelief, gripping the fur of her massive ninja dog. "You're telling me they sent two thousand shinobi, but only three hundred have entered the Land of Fire? Where the hell are the rest of them?"

"Hey," Chōza said suddenly, his brow furrowing. "Could Sunagakure have lost their minds and decided to start a war with Kumogakure and Iwagakure simultaneously?"

The idea was outrageous, but the sheer inconsistency of Sunagakure's movements made it impossible to dismiss outright.

Minato, however, remained silent, his mind working through the possibilities. His blue eyes darkened with thought.

"If that were true, it would actually be to Konoha's advantage. If Sunagakure spreads itself too thin, it'll be easier for us to counter them."

But even as he spoke, something about the situation felt off.