"The Sunagakure passage stretches for ten kilometers, cutting straight through the southwestern mountain range," one of the legion commanders proposed. "If we're going to plant explosive tags, I suggest placing them at both ends of the tunnel. That way, we'll have enough time to withdraw safely."
The speaker was a middle-aged shinobi named Nagayama Shukuji, a man in his forties. Those of his generation—survivors of the Second Great Ninja War—were veterans tempered by fire, possessing both formidable skill and hard-earned experience. It was no accident that Orochimaru had assigned such seasoned figures to Shimizu; their presence was meant to steady him, to lend weight where youth might falter.
"I agree," another voice followed. "We should deploy explosive tags at both entrances simultaneously. As for troop distribution, I recommend assigning two legions to the entrance on the Land of Fire's side, and one legion to the entrance within the Land of Rivers. According to our latest reconnaissance, Sunagakure's defenses on that side are relatively weak."
This second speaker was Harada, a jōnin in his thirties, likewise a veteran of the previous war. Even before their forces had made camp, he had already dispatched reconnaissance teams to gather intelligence—his preparations meticulous, his caution evident.
Shimizu listened, then asked abruptly, "How long do you think it took Sunagakure to dig this tunnel?"
Nagayama considered for a moment before answering, "It hasn't been many years since the war ended, and they likely began this project afterward. So… no more than two years."
"Possibly even less," he added. "This area is far from the Land of Wind's interior."
"Which means their excavation capability is impressive," Shimizu concluded quietly.
He lifted his gaze, his expression sharpening. "If we only destroy the two ends, and the central section remains intact… then with their efficiency, they could reopen the passage in a matter of weeks."
"In that case, we wouldn't truly be cutting off their supply line—only slowing their advance."
"And once they're on guard, a second surprise attack will be far more difficult."
"Commander Uzuki makes a fair point," Harada agreed.
"Please, just call me Shimizu," he said, waving off the formal address.
"Very well," Harada replied without hesitation.
"So your plan is to place explosive tags throughout the entire tunnel?" Nagayama asked, frowning slightly.
"Yes. That's the only way to guarantee success."
Nagayama fell silent for a moment before speaking again, his tone heavy. "The tunnel is ten kilometers long. Even at top speed, laying explosive tags along its entire length would take at least twenty minutes before we could withdraw. And if we divide our forces further…" He didn't finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear enough.
It was impossible.
Originally, placing explosives at the entrances had been a feasible strategy: strike swiftly, catch the enemy off guard, set the charges before any organized resistance could form, and retreat before the situation escalated.
But Shimizu's plan changed everything.
If they were to lay explosive tags along the entire passage, then the Konoha forces stationed at the entrance would inevitably be drawn into a direct confrontation. That delay alone would give Sunagakure ample time to react—more than enough to encircle them completely.
And then… how would they escape?
Worse still, intelligence had already confirmed that the enemy forces stationed at the Land of Fire entrance numbered no fewer than two thousand. In a head-on clash, Konoha's side held no clear advantage.
Shimizu drew in a deep breath, his voice steady as he spoke.
"We concentrate all our forces and strike the entrance on the Land of Fire side."
He paused, then continued, "Break through their defenses and open a path for me. You'll hold the entrance while I move inside."
"I'll place the explosive tags throughout the entire tunnel, seal off the far exit, and return as quickly as possible."
"If it's just me… ten minutes will be enough."
"What?! Shimizu, you—"
"That's far too dangerous!"
Voices erupted at once, disbelief and alarm rippling through the ranks.
Shimizu did not waver.
"If I don't return within ten minutes," he said calmly, "you are to seal this entrance and withdraw immediately. Do not allow Sunagakure to enter and dismantle the explosive tags I've placed. If they do, everything we've done will be for nothing."
A heavy silence followed.
Finally, Nagayama spoke again, his gaze fixed on Shimizu. "If it comes to that… are you planning to exit from the other side?"
"Yes… there's no other way."
"But the far side is guarded by Sunagakure as well," Harada warned, his brow tightening. "If you charge out like that—"
"No," Shimizu cut in, calm but resolute. "As long as I'm fast enough, they won't even notice me before I'm gone."
He paused, already piecing together the enemy's response in his mind.
"Their communication relies on those hawks. By the time the forces on this side confirm our movements and dispatch birds to relay the information…" He glanced toward the towering mountain range, its jagged peaks cutting into the sky. "Even hawks won't cross that distance instantly."
"That delay… is my opportunity."
In the end, Shimizu persuaded them.
From the standpoint of mission success, his plan was undeniably more effective—more decisive.
But once he stepped alone into that tunnel, there would be no turning back.
He would have no retreat.
And within that long, suffocating passage, even with lighting, visibility would be limited, the oppressive darkness and narrow space hindering his speed at every step. Yet he would have only ten minutes—ten minutes balanced on the knife-edge between life and death—to lay every explosive tag and escape.
Could he do it?
He closed his eyes for a brief moment.
Yes.
He had to.
Speed was his greatest pride—his defining strength.
Even the legendary Sannin could not match him in that regard.
"Beyond this point," Nagayama murmured, scanning their surroundings, "we'll be entering Sunagakure's surveillance range."
From here on, the enemy had layered the terrain with detection barriers and watch posts. A silent approach was no longer an option.
"Then we prepare for a direct assault," Shimizu said, his voice steady as he tightened his grip on the scroll tucked against his chest.
It was no ordinary scroll.
Within it were nine sealed compartments, containing nearly a million explosive tags.
Enough to erase the tunnel from existence.
"Harada's unit will remain on the perimeter, ready to support us at any moment."
Nagayama lifted his gaze, his tone sharpening as he continued issuing orders.
"The tunnel entrance lies at the deepest point of this Sunagakure stronghold. The assault team will strike first and break open a path. The ninjutsu unit will provide disruption and destruction, while the defense unit secures the flanks and rear."
He turned his attention to Shimizu.
"Shimizu, you'll stay with the ninjutsu unit. Minimize your own engagement—conserve your chakra. Once we escort you to the tunnel entrance, we'll hold the line there for ten minutes."
Shimizu nodded. "Understood."
Nagayama glanced at the sky, gauging the fading light. "It's almost time…"
They had synchronized their assault with Orochimaru. At precisely four in the morning on January 20th, both forces would strike their respective targets simultaneously, leaving Sunagakure no time to reinforce or relay warnings between fronts.
Orochimaru's side should be beginning their attack as well…
I wonder if everything is going smoothly for him.
The thought flickered through Shimizu's mind—only to be dismissed with a quiet, self-deprecating smile.
Why worry about him? I can barely afford to think about myself.
He exhaled slowly, casting aside every stray thought, every hesitation.
Then, with quiet resolve, he gave the order—
"Move."
The battle erupted in an instant.
...
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