The faint sound of distant campfires filled the air as Iroh leaned over the table in the center of the command tent. The map, worn from constant handling, was marked with notes and scrawls detailing the terrain, enemy movements, and Hima defensive positions. The tent itself was quiet except for the murmurs of Riku and Arata, who stood by his side, waiting for Iroh to begin.
Iroh straightened, brushing soot-streaked hands against his armor, and let his sharp gaze sweep over the room. The victory earlier had been narrow, and the weight of what came next was heavy.
"Status report," Iroh said, his voice low but firm.
Riku was the first to speak, her tone measured but tinged with urgency. "Our casualties were minimal, but several of our younger ninjas sustained injuries. We've set up a rotation for the medics, but supplies are running thin. If the Shimura press us, we'll be at a disadvantage in terms of readiness."
Iroh nodded grimly. "And the morale of the troops?"
Arata, standing stiffly at attention, responded this time. "High for now. The younger ones are encouraged by the victory. They think it means we're unstoppable."
A dry chuckle escaped Iroh, though it lacked warmth. "Overconfidence after a single battle. Typical." He placed both hands on the table, leaning into the map. His voice hardened. "Let me be clear. We won today because the Shimura underestimated us. They thought we were disorganized, weak."
He tapped the marked location of the battlefield from earlier that day. "They charged recklessly into our traps. We exploited their arrogance, herding their vanguard into the chokepoints we prepared. They paid the price for their impatience. But we cannot expect them to repeat that mistake."
Riku tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "You're saying they'll adapt?"
"Without a doubt," Iroh replied. "The Shimura are not fools. Their next attack will be measured. They'll expect us to rely on speed and fire tactics again. And we…" His gaze swept over the room. "We're stretched too thin. Our numbers are low, and many of our fighters are untested. In a prolonged clash, they could break."
Silence settled in the room, heavy and foreboding. The reality of their situation was undeniable. Despite the skill of their Jonin, the Hima clan's forces were small compared to the Shimura's relentless waves.
"What do you suggest, then?" Riku asked, her voice calm but serious.
Iroh straightened, crossing his arms over his chest. "We don't fight them head-on. If the Shimura press us with their numbers, we'll crumble. Instead, we use their size against them. Guerrilla strikes, calculated traps, and constant disruption. They'll bleed from a thousand cuts until they falter."
Arata hesitated, his brow furrowing. "But what if they bring reinforcements? If they outflank us, we—"
A flicker of irritation crossed Iroh's face, though his tone remained steady. "If they outflank us, they'll expect us to retreat. Instead, we strike at their rear supply lines. Without food or rest, even their strongest fighters will falter. If we're disciplined, we can make them overextend and crush them when they're vulnerable."
Riku glanced at Arata, silently signaling for him to hold his tongue. Turning back to Iroh, she asked, "And the plan for the next engagement? Do we draw them into another ambush?"
Iroh's fingers drummed against the edge of the table. "Not yet. They'll expect another trap. Instead, we'll fortify the center and bait their strongest units. Once they commit, we'll break them apart with flanking maneuvers and pick off their commanders. If we isolate their chain of command, the rest will scatter."
The air in the tent remained tense, but both Riku and Arata nodded, absorbing the instructions.
Just as Iroh was about to dismiss the meeting, the flap of the tent was pulled open abruptly. A Hima ninja, his armor still streaked with ash from the battlefield, rushed in, his expression pale.
"Commander Iroh!" the ninja said, bowing quickly. "We've just received a report from the northern scouts."
Iroh's eyes narrowed. "Speak."
The ninja swallowed, his voice tight. "More than 100 Kaguya clan ninjas have been spotted heading south, straight toward us. They're about three days out."
The tent fell silent again, this time colder and heavier.
Arata's face drained of color. "One hundred of them?"
Riku's jaw tightened, but she kept her composure. "If they join the Shimura, we'll be surrounded. We can't fight on two fronts."
The ninja nodded. "That's what we feared. Shall we begin evacuating the camp?"
But before anyone could spiral further into panic, Iroh held up a hand, his expression calm and unwavering.
"No need," he said simply.
The ninja blinked in confusion. "But, sir—"
Iroh cut him off, his voice firm but steady. "The Hima clan head is here. Akio will handle them."
The room stilled again, but this time the tension ebbed, replaced by a cautious confidence.
"You mean…" Arata started, his voice barely above a whisper.
Iroh's gaze flicked to him, sharp and resolute. "Akio alone can deal with the Kaguya clan. He's not just our leader for his title. You've seen what he can do. Let him remind the Kaguya why they should stay out of this war."
The younger ninja's breath steadied, though the weight of iroh's words still lingered in the air.
"We'll focus on the Shimura," Iroh continued. "Akio will take care of the north. If the Kaguya try to interfere, they'll regret it."
The reassurance in Iroh's voice was enough to ease the lingering tension in the tent. Riku gave a small nod, her expression firming.
"Understood," she said. "We'll continue fortifying the defenses here and prepare for the next Shimura move."
Iroh's eyes softened for a moment as he looked at his commanders. "Stay sharp. We've won one battle, but this is far from over. Our strength lies in discipline and trust. The Shimura—and anyone else who dares cross us—will learn that soon enough."
With that, the meeting was adjourned. As the commanders filed out to relay orders, Iroh remained behind, staring down at the map once more. He allowed himself a brief exhale, the flicker of a grin appearing across his lips.
The Kaguya clan wouldn't know what hit them.