As they made their way back, Senju Tōka had to remain in the defense line of Iwagakure Ninja Village due to her worsening injuries. Although she borrowed some medicines from the Iwagakure Ninja Village, the treatment wasn't sufficient ro fully heal her. The medical capabilities in both Konoha and Iwa ninjas were still in their early stages, and neither could provide the care Tōka truly needed.
During this period, they received reports from Iwagakure scouts. The riots in the Land of Fields had mostly subsided. The crazed Silver Horn not only destroyed all the grains, supplies, and resources in the storage fields, but he also caused massive collateral damage across the Land of Rice Field, leading to countless unintended losses.
"Now, the Land of Lightning will have no choice but to retreat," Fumori Masaki said to the others. "Despite the troubles caused by Silver Horn and Tōka-sama's serious injuries, the chaos he created had unintended benefits. By cutting off their supplies and causing suffering in the Land of Rice Field, the Kumogakure has taken a significant hit."
"The Land of Rice Field deserved it," Senju Risa replied angrily, her gaze fixed on the unconscious Senju Tōka. "If they hadn't lent their support, we wouldn't have been forced into such risky missions, and Tōka-sama wouldn't have suffered these injuries. "
Masaki countered, "For the Land of Rice Field, this punishment is sufficient. We shouldn't hold a grudge against them. Our focus should be on ending this war with the least loss and most gain."
"Masaki, why do you think this situationis a good thing?" Hyuga Kei said, puzzled by Masaki's perspective, sensing that it went beyond the Land of Rice Field losses.
"The Land of Rice Field has always maintained a natural stance, trying to avoid offending anyone. But now thanks to the Land of Lightning's actions- intentional or not- they've made an enemy of them," masaki explained. "This could work in our favor. If we approach the Land of Rice Field diplomatically, they may be more inclined to ally with us against the Land of Lightning."
"Form an alliance with the Land of Rice Field?" The others exchanged glances, unsure why they would seek an alliance with a country that had just been involved in such a mess.
"I believe the war should be fought with the least losses and the most strategic gain," Masaki continued. "Although the Land of Rice Field's behavior was problematic, the priority now is to conclude the war efficiently. Aligning with them could provide us with crucial support, while the Land of Lightning faces isolation and under even greater pressure."
The group fell silent, contemplating Masaki's words. His logic was hard to refute. Despite their personal grievances, they recognized the potential benefits of such an alliance.
"Tōka-sama's injury is a result of this mission, but Silver Horn is the true culprit," Masaki said firmly. "Regardless of the outcome of this war or peace talks, Silver Horn must be dealt with."
Masaki was not one to shift blame unnecessary. He believed in holding the true culprit accountable, and in this case, that was Silver Horn.
"I will present this suggestion to the teacher upon our return," Masaki continued. "For now, we wait for the retreat of the Land of Lightning. Raikage's rage is likely to be immense." Masaki added.
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Indeed, Raikage was furious but he managed to stay composed, unwilling to show weakness. He kept himself awake with Thunder Release Chakra, maintaining his dignity during a critical combat meeting. The atmosphere in the room was tense, with Raikage's body occasionally sparking with lightning as his anger simmered. Those present felt a chill, sensing the Raikage's wrath.
Ai was livid. With all the food supplies destroyed, there were no follow-up provisions. The food stored in the city could sustain the ninjas, but what about the tens of thousands of samurai? Should they be sent home? If so they might as well send the entire Kumo Ninja force back as well. How could they hope to fight against the combined Ninja and samurai troops of the Land of Fire with just their ninjas?
"What on earth was Ginkaku thinking?" Ai demanded, glaring at Kinkaku. The trust he had placed in Silver Horn to guard the supplies now seemed like a grave error. Ai turned to reporting Kumo ninja. "What about our troops there?"
"Yes, what's the status of our troops?" Da,the future Third Raikage asked, concerned about his relative Sora, who had been stationed there. Kinkaku also seemed anxious, worried about his brother Ginkaku.
The Kumo Ninja, visibly uneasy, reported, "I'm sorry to report that our troops were nearly wiped out. Only Silver Horn and few others survived, and.... Sora..." The ninja hesitated before continuing, "According to the survivors, she was taken by Konoha ninjas."
Ai's heart sank, but he didn't relax. The fact that Sora was captured and not killed suggested she was valuable, and the initiative was now with Konoha. Concerned about his disciple and family member. Meanwhile Da's worst fear was somewhat alleviated- Sora was alive not dead- he keep repeatedly telling himself. He hope Konoha ninjas moral good enough to not touch his cousin. Thinking about Warring States stories about what happened to female ninjas. That's why in the Warring States the number of female ninjas is very small.
"What exactly happened? Were the attackers exceptionally strong?" Ai pressed for details. Still struggling to comprehend how such a catastrophic failure occurred with Silver Horn on guard.
"Yes, they were formidable," the Kumo Ninja admitted. "But the real issue was that Ginkaku-sama was severely injured by them. In his madness, he unleashed the Nine-Tails' power, causing widespread destruction."
"What? Ginkaku was injured? How badly?" Kinkaku's eyes widened in fury. "Who did this? I will make them pay!"
"Ginkaku-sama lost an arm and suffered severe burns, but other than that, he's only unconscious," the Kumo Ninja replied. Kinkaku slammed his fist into the ground in frustration, demanding to know who was responsible for his brother's injuries.
"It was Fumori Masaki." The Kumo Ninja said quietly.
"Fumori... the disciple of the First and Second Hokage?" Kinkaku growled, his teeth clenched. "Very well, I'll remember him. I'll kill him on the battlefield!"
Kinkaku's desire for revenge was intense, driven by the deep bond he shared with his brother Ginkaku. Kinkaku's hatred for Fumori Masaki was now firmly rooted.
"Ai, I want to lead an attack!" Kinkaku shouted at Ai, his eyes blazing with fury.
Ai did not respond immediately. Instead, he had the Kumo Ninja explain the entire situation. When he learned that Silver Horn had neglected his duty and might have even allowed the enemy in intentionally due to his carelessness, Ai was enraged. "Enough Kinkaku, your brother's negligence has put us in a disastrous position. Sora was captured, and our supplies were destroyed. We're already at a disadvantage, and you want to attack now? Your recklessness would only give the enemy opportunity!"
"Reckless? My brother lost an arm! Do you expect me to stand by and do nothing?" Kinkaku retorted, refusing to back down.
"I'll give you a change for revenge, but not now. We need to prepare for a retreat first," Ai said, barely containing his anger. Kinkaku had immense influence in Kumogakure, Ai couldn't outright refuse him, but continuing the fight now would only lead to greater losses due to lack supplies.
Kinkaku didn't press further, but he made it clear that he wouldn't let this slide. He planned to rally the pro-war faction to pressure Ai into launching an attack on Konoha, despite the dire situation.
Ai was growing increasingly weary of Kinkaku defiance. After the meeting, he walked with Da, his other disciple, to the camp to discuss their next moves. Along the way, Ai sighed and said, "Da, I made a mistake. You suggested that we station younger ninjas to guard the supplies, but I trusted Silver Horn instead. Now we're paying the price."
Da, after a moment of silence, replied, "We can't change the past, sensei. We must focus on overcoming the current challenges."
"You're right. Don't worry, I'll find a way to rescue Sora ," Ai promised, understanding the deep concern Da felt for his captured apprentice.
Da nodded, praying silently that Sora would return safely from Konoha.