Tsukimi could feel the eyes of the heads of the clans as they observed their group from far away.
Even the chunin and jonin who knew about Sakumo were surprised to learn that he was their teacher.
They were envious of them, not only for their good looks but also for having such a competent ninja as their guide.
...
Three days had passed since the meeting. All the preparations to move out were done.
The three disciples of the current Hokage were the first ones to leave with their forces. They moved in the direction of Amegakure at an extremely fast pace.
Sakumo also taught the kids during these three days. He had been personally guiding Tsukimi in his swordsmanship.
He was shocked to see how much he improved in these three days. Tsukimi was not acting this time.
He had never learned the basics of swordsmanship to a high level, so he used this opportunity to hone his skills.
In his spars against Sakumo, they fought purely using basic swordsmanship. They did not use any flashy moves or powerful jutsus.
Seeing his talent, Sakumo was further motivated to teach his students to the best of his abilities.
He did not ignore the girls. At first, he was conflicted about what he should teach them because they did not seem to use swords, but the girls told him they wanted to learn basic swordsmanship as well.
The reason they gave him was that they wanted to learn everything that could help their dear one.
What they told him was half true. They also did not want to waste their time on something they had already learned.
Thinking of this, they decided to focus all their time on swordsmanship. At least they were learning something new instead of nothing at all.
The girls were very nimble and as talented as Tsukimi in swordsmanship. They were easily able to grasp the basics in these three days.
But most of it was due to their vast battle experience.
Sakumo did not wait long after Tsunade's departure and led his own group to march in the direction of Sunagakure.
They traveled for days before they arrived at their destination. Along the way, they stopped several times to rest and regain their stamina.
Sakumo made sure that all the ninjas were at their peak during the charge. He did not want anyone to die before they reached the battlefield.
"We have finally arrived."
Seeing the open battlefield, which would be the site of their confrontation with Sunagakure, Sakumo mumbled under his breath.
"We will rest here for a while before we make our move."
...
On the Sunagakure side,
In the main tent, all the higher-ups of the village were gathered along with the current Kazekage.
Suddenly, a ninja entered the room and kneeled on the ground. Taking out a scroll from a seal, he passed it to the Kazekage.
"Kazekage-sama, they have arrived. Our scouting ninjas have found that they have split their forces. The three disciples of the current Hokage are leading the other group toward Amegakure."
Hearing the report, a sharp glint flashed through the Kazekage's eyes, and he dismissed the ninja with a wave of his hand.
As the ninja walked out of the camp, Chiyo turned toward the Kazekage and exclaimed with a smile on her face.
"It looks like the Konoha ninja took the bait. Not only did they send the three powerful students toward Amegakure, but they also sent three powerful clans along with them!"
The Kazekage also grinned as he looked at the report on the table. He thought that Hiruzen was underestimating Sunagakure by the way he dispersed his forces.
"Chiyo, I want you to use your new poison and infect as many ninjas as you can. The more you kill, the better.
You will be paving the way for your children to assassinate the two ninjas from Konoha.
Even though they sent a small force, you should not underestimate them."
Hearing his orders, Chiyo nodded with a serious expression. There was a sharp glint in her eyes.
The Kazekage was definitely pleased with her determination and loyalty to the village.
"The rest of you will act according to the plan we have devised."
"Move your forces and get ready to act. We will finally clash against the strongest hidden village in the world!"
The Kazekage exclaimed, and the rest nodded before leaving the camp.
Chiyo walked to where all the ninjas from their village were gathered. She walked around, gazing through the rows of ninjas standing in front of her.
She gave a short speech to boost their morale, as they were facing the strongest village in a frontal assault. She had to reduce the psychological pressure on the ninjas' minds.
After finishing her speech, she led the charge to the front lines.
...
Sakumo received the report regarding the approach of the Sunagakure ninjas from the other side.
His expression turned serious as he stood up.
"Get ready to charge! We shall show them why we are still the strongest village."
Hearing those words, the ninjas under his command, except for three, felt their blood pumping as they prepared to charge.
They did not notice that three little ninjas slipped away from the formation.