Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Sand Shinobi Camp

In the tent, the Third Kazekage sat with a group of Sand Shinobi executives and Jōnin, discussing the latest developments. 

Sand Shinobi's Anbu had successfully gathered intelligence on Konoha's reinforcements. The report confirmed that Namikaze Minato was leading a contingent toward Kikyo Castle.

Though Namikaze Minato was an outstanding shinobi and a likely candidate to become Konoha's next White Fang, the Third Kazekage remained confident. 

Based on their collected intelligence, Sand Village's Magnet Style seemed to be the most effective counter to Minato's techniques.

"The situation in Konoha has been unusual recently," the Third Kazekage said, addressing the room. "They're likely preparing for a decisive battle. This time, they won't abandon Kikyo Castle as they did in the past."

He relayed the latest findings from Sand Shinobi's Anbu to the group before turning to a Jōnin. "What's Bunpuku condition?"

The Jōnin answered promptly, "He's stable for now, with no signs of losing control. However, his energy reserves are limited."

A sealing squad had been assigned to assist Bunpuku, but so far, their services had not been needed.

The Third Kazekage nodded. "Good. Ensure that Bunpuku is well taken care of. We need him to last through this war. It's clear that a decisive battle is approaching, but Orochimaru isn't foolish. He knows we have two Magnet Style users here and will likely have Minato avoid direct confrontation."

Chiyo spoke up, her voice calm yet resolute. "I'll summon the logistics team and adjust the transportation routes if necessary. It might cause some delays, but as long as we capture Kikyo Castle, it'll be worth it."

The Third Kazekage agreed. "Elder Chiyo is right. Once Kikyo Castle is ours, Sand Village will emerge as the biggest victor of this war. We will solidify our position as the strongest among the Five Great Ninja Villages."

His confidence wasn't without reason. The primary obstacle to Sand Village's development was resources, but Kikyo Castle, located deep in the Land of Fire, offered immense strategic and economic value. 

Securing it would grant Sand Shinobi access to abundant resources and wealth, multiplying the village's annual gains. This, in turn, would expand the number of ninjas, the size of the village, and its overall strength.

"Elder Chiyo, how are the puppet master troops preparing?"

Chiyo nodded. "Kazekage-sama, everything is in order. All combatants have been equipped with the latest poisons. These are entirely new and different from what we've used in the past. Even if that Katsuyu girl were at Kikyo Castle, it would take her a long time to neutralize this poison—if she could at all. And as of now, she's busy on the battlefield in the Land of Hot Springs."

This preparation wasn't accidental. The new poison had been a long-term project under Chiyo's supervision, kept secret from their enemies. 

Konoha would expect Sand Shinobi to rely on their older toxins, leaving them unprepared for this new weapon. Even antidotes designed for previous poisons would be useless.

"In that case, proceed with preparations," the Third Kazekage ordered. "Distribute the military supplies to all combat units and prepare for the decisive battle against Konoha!"

A heavy, tense atmosphere hung over the camp as the weight of the upcoming battle pressed on everyone. 

Only a few Jōnin in the camp were privy to Orochimaru's plans, but even among them, the strength of Sand Shinobi Village was a source of both pride and trepidation. 

For the rest, the ominous rumors circulating within the camp cast a shadow of unease over their hearts.

Even Namikaze Minato Is Worried!

Although Orochimaru had prepared numerous Summoning beasts to assist in the battle, Namikaze Minato, as a contractor of Mount Myōboku, was well aware of the drawbacks of the Summoning Technique. 

After prolonged use, the summoned beasts' energy would wane, and they would eventually retreat from the battlefield.

The situation in Kikyo Castle was far more perilous than Minato had anticipated. With Konoha already having lost over a hundred shinobi in previous skirmishes, he felt an urgent need to inform the village of their dire circumstances. 

If possible, he hoped reinforcements could be sent. However, before Minato could act, Orochimaru tasked him with disrupting Sand Shinobi's rear lines, leaving no time to send a report. 

Reluctantly, Minato abandoned the idea.

Both Konoha and Sand Shinobi were gearing up for the final, decisive battle. 

Sand Shinobi Village aimed to capture Kikyo Castle to solidify their territorial gains in the war, while Orochimaru sought to use Sand Shinobi as a stepping stone to achieve a strategic victory with minimal support and manpower. 

With both sides pushing toward their goals, the inevitability of a major clash loomed large.

Konoha's reconnaissance team soon detected Sand Shinobi's movements and reported the developments to Orochimaru. As the tension mounted, the Konoha forces in Kikyo Castle prepared themselves.

Orochimaru, speaking to the communication frog left by Minato, gave his order:

"Go and tell Minato-kun that it's time to act."

"Understood," the communication frog replied, vanishing in a puff of smoke as it used the Summoning Technique to reach Minato.

With Minato's assignment in motion, Orochimaru turned to the assembled Jōnin in his camp. His lips curled into a cold smile.

"Everyone, let's move out. This time, we'll teach Sand Shinobi a lesson they won't forget."

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama," the Jōnin responded in unison.

The battlefield, a plain on the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire, was a scarred wasteland. 

Once covered in dense forest, the area had been reduced to barren land in the earlier stages of the war. It would take years, perhaps decades, for the land to recover.

Sand Shinobi would undoubtedly try to pass through this area, but Orochimaru had no intention of letting them succeed so easily. 

While Kikyo Castle's defenses could deter shinobi, they were no match for a Tailed Beast Bomb. A single attack from their Jinchūriki could obliterate the castle's formidable walls.

When the two forces finally met on the battlefield, they stood nearly a kilometer apart. Sand Shinobi made no attempt to flank or ambush Konoha. 

The Third Kazekage, leading the Sand forces, knew such tactics would be futile. Konoha's rear guard was too resilient to be disrupted effectively.

Sand Shinobi's greatest advantage in the war was their One-Tail Jinchūriki, Bunpuku.

"Of the three Sannin, Orochimaru is by far the most difficult to deal with," the Third Kazekage muttered as he observed Orochimaru's figure in the distance. 

Despite Konoha's small numbers, they had managed to hold off the Sand Shinobi army for so long, even forcing them to commit their Jinchūriki.

The Third Kazekage suspected that Orochimaru still had untapped strength left, even after Konoha's defensive efforts. He sighed, then turned to his subordinates.

"This time, Konoha will lose. Tell Bunpuku to prepare."

…

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