Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the battlefield, reconnaissance squads from both sides had already clashed multiple times.
Akihito had dispatched over a dozen intel teams in succession; Kumogakure had done much the same.
Konoha Camp — Command Tent
Akihito and the key commanders gathered once more.
"We won't get anywhere by continuing to probe like this."
"Why not strike first?"
After days of restraint, someone finally voiced what many were thinking.
The meeting had barely begun when a proposal to launch a proactive attack was raised.
Fresh from the Third Great Ninja War, both Konoha and Kumogakure shinobi were seasoned veterans.
Their defenses were nearly airtight—there was no room for surprise attacks.
Though only two days had passed, supplies were already being consumed at a steady rate.
The Land of Frost was closer to the Land of Lightning. Even if they defeated the three thousand troops under Yugito's command, Kumogakure could quickly send reinforcements.
A prolonged stalemate favored Kumo.
Akihito had no intention of dragging this out.
Resting a hand on his sword hilt, he swept his gaze across the room.
"I propose deploying an elite strike team for a frontal assault on Kumogakure."
"Who will follow me into battle?"
The moment he finished, Uchiha Masato, Uchiha Tetsuya, Uchiha Yashiro, and others stepped forward.
"We are willing to follow Clan Head!"
As soon as the Uchiha declared their intent, Hyūga Hiashi also rose.
"I, Hyūga Hiashi, will personally lead the vanguard."
Akihito smiled faintly and nodded.
Since departure, Hiashi had kept close to him.
If word of this reached Konoha's higher-ups, they would likely have another headache.
What surprised Akihito slightly was that after Hiashi spoke, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza also stood up.
Akihito cast Shikaku a meaningful glance.
The future genius strategist of Konoha truly lived up to his reputation.
He had sensed potential and chosen to invest early.
Bold—and perceptive.
Akihito welcomed the goodwill of Ino–Shika–Chō.
If he aimed to compete for the Hokage seat in the future, support from Konoha's clans would be indispensable.
Though not as influential as the Uchiha or Hyūga, Ino–Shika–Chō still carried significant weight.
Though choosing a frontal engagement, Akihito still devised a layered strategy.
"Tonight, Hyūga Hiashi will lead an elite unit in a feigned assault on Kumogakure's main camp."
"I will personally command the main force in ambush near their perimeter, waiting for the right moment."
"Ino–Shika–Chō will lead a third unit to provide support."
"The rest will hold position and secure the camp against counterattacks."
Rising with sword in hand, Akihito issued his orders with commanding presence.
The arrangement was carefully considered.
Konoha's main force should not be exposed upfront.
Thus Hiashi would draw them out, while Akihito maintained control of the overall battlefield, ready to deliver a decisive strike.
The Hyūga were balanced in offense and defense.
Ino–Shika–Chō, though not suited for frontal combat, excelled in coordination and support.
The plan maximized each clan's strengths.
None objected.
Kumogakure Camp — Command Tent
"Still no success infiltrating Konoha's camp?"
"That Uchiha Akihito may be young, but he's capable."
Yugito rubbed her tired eyes.
"I'm turning in for a short rest."
"You take over here."
"Tonight, I'll personally lead a raid on Konoha's camp."
"I want to see that Uchiha brat for myself."
After two days of probing, Yugito's patience was wearing thin.
Initially, she had dismissed Akihito as overrated.
But in two days of exchanges, she had found no openings.
If opportunity wouldn't present itself—
She would create it.
Kumogakure's style was famously aggressive.
If subtlety failed, go direct.
If direct failed, go harder.
At worst, overwhelming force would crush all schemes.
Yugito was a perfect jinchūriki, in harmony with the Two-Tails.
She did not fear the Sharingan's supposed control over tailed beasts.
Moreover, Akihito was renowned for Fire Release—not genjutsu on the level of "Wicked Eye Fugaku" or "Shisui of the Body Flicker."
Play with fire in front of me?
I'll show you why flames burn red.
Her confidence in fire control was absolute.
After all—
The Two-Tails, Matatabi, was a blazing cat demon.
Nightfall
Both sides withdrew their scouting teams.
But this was merely the calm before the storm.
Under cover of darkness, Hyūga Hiashi led the advance unit straight to the gates of Kumogakure's camp.
"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"
Dozens of Hyūga struck in unison, blasting apart the outer defensive structures.
"Enemy attack!"
"Stay alert!"
Kumo's camp fell briefly into chaos.
Yugito, resting moments before, was jolted awake.
Still groggy and irritated, she stormed into the command tent like a gale.
She had planned to launch a night raid on Konoha.
Instead, Akihito had come knocking first.
"All units, prepare to engage!"
After assigning two elite jōnin to guard the base, Yugito quietly assembled a strike squad.
She intended to circle around and strike from the rear.
Meanwhile, Hiashi continued creating disturbances at the camp's perimeter.
Yet Kumogakure did not rush out in retaliation.
Instead, they tightened their defenses and held position.
Akihito immediately sensed something amiss.
Given Kumogakure's usual style, they would counterattack instantly.
Choosing to turtle up instead?
Suspicious.
He ordered his scouts to intensify surveillance.
Soon, they reported movement—
Yugito, leading a large force, was attempting a flanking maneuver.
Understanding the situation, Akihito's lips curved into a faint smile.
Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Yugito Nii—
It seems we're fated to meet head-on at last.
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