Naruto: Reshaping the Shinobi World with Sasori

Chapter 144 Almost got raided

Chapter 144 We Almost Had Our Base Raided (Second Update)

Hiruzen Sarutobi has been looking quite well lately.

Although he was on the front lines, the war with Sunagakure had largely taken care of him.

By obtaining a batch of Sunagakure's medicinal resources through Minato, and with the loss of their unpredictable tactical designs, even in small-scale battles, Konoha's forces demonstrated a combat level superior to Sunagakure's in direct confrontations.

The situation is very stable.

He used the battlefield as a temporary office, constantly handling intelligence matters on the other two border fronts.

Compared to their battles with Sunagakure, the village's clashes with Iwagakure and Kumogakure were far more intense.

This also meant that although Hiruzen Sarutobi was in a good mood recently, he still harbored some concerns.

One day, the leadership of the Konoha army gathered again to discuss the series of harassment and offensive operations launched by Sunagakure.

But they talked more about the other two battlefields in the village.

Although they had been on guard against the possibility of large-scale plans or offensives by the Sunagakure army, it seemed that the situation was at least under control for the time being.

"Hokage-sama—I feel that compared to the initial aggressive advance of Sunagakure towards our Land of Fire, something is a little off now."

Shikaku pinched his chin and frowned.

"How so?"

Sarutobi looked up.

"Don't you guys think Sunagakure is a bit too quiet right now? I mean, although their attacks on our borders have never stopped, they're just harassing us and have no intention of fighting us to the death. As soon as our forces show an advantage on the battlefield, they immediately withdraw. It feels like they're just stalling for time rather than really wanting to fight us."

"This is a significant drop in fighting spirit compared to what Sunagakure displayed in the first battle—"

Shikaku pondered.

"Heh—I think—that Arai from Sunagakure has already realized that if they don't prepare some tricks in advance, they will have a hard time winning in a direct confrontation with Konoha. It's not that he doesn't want to fight, it's just that he has no other options."

One of the high-ranking officials laughed and said, "Moreover, their medical resources are now in our hands, and even if Sunagakure were to transport them again, it would still take some time."

"I think Shikaku is right—judging from their series of tactical deployments and arrangements before our great battle with Sunagakure, they achieved remarkable results and had a significant impact on us. This shows that even if the current situation on the battlefield is unfavorable to them—if the enemy truly wanted to fight us, their performance shouldn't be what it is now—"

"Minato said."

What are you thinking?

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Shikaku.

"I suspect that Sunagakure is likely maintaining contact with Iwagakure or Kumogakure in secret. Their goal is not to actually wage war against us, but rather to use the situation here to tie down some of our village's forces, thereby causing us to lose ground on the other two battlefields. Or perhaps, they are waiting."

Shikaku said in a deep voice, "When something happens on our front lines where we are fighting against Kumogakure or Iwagakure, we will have to mobilize some of our forces here to provide support—that would give them an opportunity."

"But—as the attackers, even if their purpose is just harassment to wear down our troops, they will definitely suffer greater losses in the long run."

"No matter how you look at it, it's not worth it."

Shikaku couldn't understand it.

But he had a feeling, based on the fact that Sunagakure had severely damaged Konoha in the first battle.

The enemy's commander-in-chief is definitely not simple.

There must be a reason behind doing this.

"The fact that you can think of so many things shows that you've grown up too—Shikaku."

Hiruzen Sarutobi praised, "Tactical deployment and battlefield strategy are certainly very important, but sometimes, due to the constraints of the battlefield situation, it is not advisable to rely on tactics to gain an advantage every time."

Ultimately, the village's military strength is the key factor.

As he finished speaking, Sarutobi's gaze turned somewhat cold.

His very existence is a deterrent to Sunagakure.

"Kazuto—send the remaining medicine to the other two fronts."

Sarutobi gave the order.

"Yes."

The former nodded.

They have already experienced the effects of the new drug from Sunagakure.

Truly outstanding.

It can no longer be described as a simple medical resource; it is now a full-fledged military supply.

Compared to the situation on the front lines, the other two armies fighting against Iwagakure and Kumogakure should need this kind of assistance even more.

As everyone was talking, a subordinate rushed in anxiously, "Hokage-sama, our village has been attacked by Sunagakure!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately changed color.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had just been smiling, felt his heart skip a beat.

It's important to understand that being infiltrated into the heart of the territory and attacked a village is a far more dangerous situation than being invaded on the border.

"When did this happen?"

Sarutobi's breath hitched, and he said seriously.

How could a Sand Village force suddenly appear?

They even ran all the way to my doorstep?

The subordinate hurriedly recounted the intelligence in detail.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt somewhat relieved.

The attack from Sunagakure wasn't particularly strong—the village managed to withstand it and launch an effective counterattack and pursuit.

While they are capable of infiltrating the Land of Fire to carry out such missions, the number of people involved is limited due to the secrecy of the operation.

But this move sent chills down everyone's spines.

"The fleeing Sunagakure is currently being pursued by the forces led by Fugaku Uchiha—the enemy is fleeing towards the border."

"I see."

Sarutobi nodded without hesitation and immediately looked at Minato.

"Minato, Shikaku, you two take men to intercept the enemy's escape route and make sure to wipe out all the Sunagakure members."

"Yes."

This sudden news immediately soured the previously relaxed atmosphere in the tent.

"Sunagakure!"

A Konoha Jonin clenched his fist.

His expression was angry.

The loose lines on Sarutobi's face wrinkled up again.

The good complexion that had been nurtured for a while was suddenly—disappeared.

Using the border conflict as cover to infiltrate the Land of Fire's territory—

They also anticipated that Konoha would send troops ahead of time to the border fronts to defend.

Not only will the village's military defenses be weak, but the patrol personnel throughout the entire Land of Fire will be severely insufficient, and the level of vigilance will be seriously weakened.

This allowed the Sunagakure raiding squad to successfully infiltrate the vicinity of the village.

"What a brilliant scheme!"

Sarutobi's face was tense.

How exactly does Arai's head grow?

They're too cunning!

Although it was a close call, the incident still leaves one feeling somewhat frightened.

If Sunagakure were to succeed—resulting in the deaths of many villagers—the situation would become extremely serious.

Although the defense was successfully maintained this time, most civilians were still affected.

Pointing east while attacking west—deceiving the audience.

Recalling Shikaku's statement, Sarutobi couldn't help but wonder, was this the true intention of Sunagakure?

If word gets out that the village was attacked, it will certainly let hostile forces know that Konoha's current defenses are very weak.

Today it's Sunagakure, but what about tomorrow?