Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Offense involves large-scale, joint Earth Release ninjutsu. Once activated, the scene is as terrifying as one could imagine. As for defense...

When the Earth Release Corps works together, it doesn't take long for them to transform several positions into formidable military fortresses. These fortifications resemble a hedgehog bristling with spikes—impossible to attack without incurring injury.

The fortifications are continuously built, and upon seeing these defenses on the battlefield, any motivation to attack dissipates.

Additionally, Konoha and the Sand Village are at a disadvantage. Neither possesses many ninjas proficient in Lightning Release, creating an awkward situation in the war.

Facing the Rock Village, the Cloud Village has a significant advantage since their forces specialize in Lightning Release. Lightning Release easily penetrates fortifications created by Earth Release and other defensive techniques.

While the Cloud Village manages well, Konoha and the Sand Village struggle.

Konoha fares slightly better, having a few ninjas skilled in Lightning Release. The Sand Village, however, is in a dire predicament.

Aside from their renowned Puppet Corps, the Sand Village has a failed Wind Corps that squandered resources without yielding results. Even if the Wind Corps had succeeded, it would still be ineffective against the Rock Village's Earth Corps.

No matter how strong the wind is, it remains powerless against solid fortifications.

Ninjas proficient in Wind Release are helpless. Those skilled in Fire and Water Release are similarly ineffective.

After a brief pause, Mitokado Homura said, "We could form a squad specializing in Lightning Release, but it would have limited impact on the battlefield."

"Huh..."

The Third Hokage rubbed his temple, feeling a headache forming. "What about the Sand Village?"

"Uh..." Mitokado Homura hesitated before replying, "They might be testing new puppets?"

Recently, Chiyo had been absent from headquarters, dedicating her time to experimenting with puppets. As a master puppeteer, she gained much inspiration after dismantling several of Shinki's puppets and had been tirelessly designing new creations.

The Rock Village's defensive positions seemed like the perfect testing ground.

This explanation, however, offered no real solutions.

Seeing the Third Hokage's pained expression, Mitokado Homura hesitated before suggesting, "Hiruzen, if we want to gain an advantage, we may have to take some risks. Attacking the Rock Village's fortifications head-on isn't feasible. Perhaps flanking is the only option."

Breaking through the Rock Village's defenses wasn't impossible, but it required specific conditions. For instance, having someone like the Third Raikage, with unmatched Lightning Release and physical prowess, or a large number of ninjas skilled in both Lightning Release and taijutsu to launch a coordinated assault.

Another possibility was using a ninja proficient in the Flying Thunder God Technique, such as Namikaze Minato or the late Senju Tobirama. Against such techniques, no amount of fortifications could hold. Minato could bypass defenses, eliminate key targets, and retreat before retaliation.

"How about I return to the village?"

Although the war effort was half-hearted, Konoha couldn't afford complacency. They needed to contribute visibly to maintain their allies' trust and reassure the villagers. Unlike the Sand Village, Konoha couldn't afford to slack off.

Mitokado Homura's unspoken suggestion was clear to the Third Hokage: return to the village to seek reinforcements.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Homura."

If not for the dire situation, the Third Hokage would avoid this step, but Kitsuchi's defenses were impenetrable. The Rock Village's message was clear: If you dare, attack head-on. We'll be waiting.

That night, Mitokado Homura led a small team of guards back to the village.

Upon arriving, he wasted no time reporting to Tsunade and seeking out Shinki.

Shinki was already aware of Homura's return, his puppets having detected the movement before Homura even reached the village gates. Still, Shinki didn't expect Homura to seek him out so quickly.

Seated on a sofa, Mitokado Homura appeared uncomfortable, his hands resting awkwardly on his knees. Though he had resolved to request help, the moment still felt uneasy.

Clearing his throat, Homura began, "Shinki, although this is presumptuous, I must ask—given the stalemate in the Land of Grass, does the village have any strategies to break it?"

Skipping unnecessary details, he went straight to the point, confident Shinki was well-informed.

"Senior, are you saying you've failed to break the deadlock?" Shinki, as head of the Anbu, was undoubtedly aware of the situation in the Land of Grass. Much of the intelligence from the front lines came through his network.

"Yes," Homura admitted. "The situation has stalled, and we need assistance to move forward."

Though awkward at first, once the words were spoken, Homura felt a sense of relief. Better to face some embarrassment now than allow the front lines to stagnate any further.