NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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As dawn arrived, the main forces of Sunagakure reached the designated camp, led by the Third Kazekage and Chiyo, along with a clone of Hiruzen.

However, what greeted them was utter devastation—the ground was rugged, filled with lava and broken earth scattered across the battlefield.

The aftermath of the battle was evident in every direction.

Soon, reports started coming in. A kneeling ninja faced the Third Kazekage and spoke grimly,

"Report, Kazekage-sama! Almost all of the Iwa front forces were wiped out during the surprise attack they launched on Suna last night. The casualties amount to nearly 2,000 ninja."

A heavy silence spread through the ranks as the shocking details unraveled.

The ninja continued, "The Iwa forces have also captured Commander Ebizo, along with 50 Jonin, as prisoners."

The Third Kazekage's expression darkened, his face as grim as charcoal. His chakra flared ominously, radiating killing intent.

However, beneath his anger, he was quite impressed.

It seems like the Iwa clone has made significant progress. With this victory, I assume he will firmly establish himself as the Fourth Tsuchikage.

His thoughts turned sharp as he clenched his fists, his voice booming, "How dare they? Ebizo lost to a brat? Truly disgraceful!"

The present Jonin and other ninja wore grim expressions, none daring to utter a single word.

Without hesitation, the Kazekage continued, "Prepare for battle! We will attack the Iwa forces immediately.

After the last battle, they must be exhausted. If we strike now, we can secure a significant advantage."

Chiyo, standing nearby, furrowed her brows and interjected, "Kazekage-sama, shouldn't we prepare tactics before launching an assault on Iwa?"

The Kazekage's piercing gaze turned to Chiyo, his killing intent spilling out in waves.

His voice was cold and domineering. "We will attack now. Is my command clear, Chiyo, or not?"

Chiyo was taken aback. The Kazekage had never spoken to her in such a way before.

But Hiruzen had made up his mind—he would firmly grasp control of the village, and for that, he needed absolute authority.

Without further argument, the Suna forces departed once again to launch their assault.

Meanwhile, in the Iwa camp, after the long night's battle, Yamamoto had ordered his forces to rest immediately.

However, as dawn broke, the troops prepared once more to defend against Suna's attack.

Another significant figure had also arrived at the camp. Inside the main tent, a crucial meeting was taking place.

Standing tall was a battle-hardened ninja—the commander of the Iwa forces who had been handling the defense against attacks from four small villages at the Kusa and Takigakure front.

Following direct orders from the village, he had now brought reinforcements to the Suna front.

Yamamoto rose from his seat and greeted the man, "It's great to see you, Kirihara-dono. Sorry for the trouble, but we must prepare for battle immediately."

Kirihara responded with a calm, unreadable expression. "It's no trouble. Stopping Suna's advance is our top priority."

Yamamoto knew Kirihara's reputation well. He was one of the Elder Council's elite Jonin leaders and a strong candidate for the position of Tsuchikage.

His achievements far surpassed those of the previous Suna front commander, who had been killed in battle against Ebizo. While he was also quite easy to read when talking with him.

As Yamamoto continued to converse, he quickly sensed a hidden malice emanating from Kirihara and the Jonin supporting him.

Yamamoto simply smiled. I already have a brilliant plan prepared. Once the Suna forces attack, I will claim the title of Tsuchikage on the spot.

Soon, he designed the battle formation and also listed the state of the Suna front to Kirihara.

"Kirihara-senpai, we have just won the last battle against the Suna forces and captured Ebizo, but our ninja are exhausted from the battle.

We must rely on you for this fight. I hope you will lead us and set an example of the bravery a Tsuchikage should have," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Kirihara was elated upon hearing Yamamoto's words, realizing that even he considered him capable of becoming Tsuchikage.

The same sentiment spread among the jonin behind him, who subtly lifted their chins, displaying a hint of arrogance and disdain.

Kirihara responded, "Rest assured, Yamamoto. You have already done well in the absence of the commander by taking the lead.

In this battle, I will lead Iwa to victory and also support you as an elder once I become Tsuchikage."

Soon, the forces were divided—the exhausted troops were placed at the back while Kirihara led the main attack force.

Meanwhile, Yamamoto subtly adjusted various positions, pushing more forces from the Elder Council to the front while slightly shifting the Tsuchikage faction behind.

Not even an hour had passed after these arrangements when the Suna forces arrived to launched their attack.

On the battlefield, both sides faced off. The Kazekage roared, "Iwa ninja! Release our comrades, or prepare for another slaughter!"

A wave of killing intent, infused with peak S-rank chakra, erupted from the Kazekage, suppressing everyone present on the field.

The Iwa forces began to cower under the sheer pressure.

At that moment, using the natural energy communication he had developed, the Kazekage sent a mental message to Yamamoto. "How is the preparation?"

Yamamoto replied, "Everything is done. Begin your slaughter. All the forces at the front are collateral damage."

Kirihara, though shaken by the Kazekage's overwhelming chakra, mustered his courage and shouted, "Kazekage! Surrender, and we will release the prisoners! Otherwise, we will never back down! The choice is yours!"

Yamamoto leaned in and spoke softly to Kirihara, "Well done, Kirihara-senpai. This is the courage a village leader must have."

Kirihara chuckled. "You speak well, Yamamoto. Don't worry, I will promote you to Tsuchikage advisor once I become Tsuchikage."

Yamamoto bowed slightly. "Thank you for your consideration."

The Kazekage, however, remained unfazed. "I will give you one last chance, Iwa ninja. Release the prisoners, or prepare to die. Your choice."

Kirihara was not one to back down. He gritted his teeth and replied, "Kazekage, your ninja is in our hands. Will you truly risk his life instead of surrendering?"

At that, the Kazekage let out a deep, mocking laugh. "Are you talking about Ebizo? Hahahaha… Worry not. Chiyo has already freed him from your custody."

As he spoke, a Suna jonin squad was seen darting back to the Suna side, escorting Ebizo to safety.

Kirihara's eyes widened in shock. "H-How… how could they have freed our prisoner?"

Yamamoto responded calmly, "It seems there were spies among us who informed them. But don't worry, Kirihara-senpai—I have already disabled those ninja.

They won't be able to fight for at least three days. However, we must act quickly to stop the Suna forces.

I will take my unit and handle Chiyo and her team, while you must focus on stopping the Kazekage.

Remember, Kirihara-senpai, if you can hold off the Kazekage, you will gain boundless merit. Stopping him will ensure your path to becoming Tsuchikage."

At first, Kirihara was filled with frustration and hesitation, but the moment he heard about the merits of stopping the Kazekage, an intense desire burned within him.

Soon, the battlefield was set, and they parted ways. The war had begun.

"Attack!"

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