After a moment of thought, Sakumo Hatake shook his head and said:
"I still don't know what the Third Kazekage is planning. Even though this isn't his usual style, it's true that he hasn't attacked any of these villages. However, we still need to stay cautious. We should inspect these villages to prevent any spies from being planted and attacking us from behind once the war starts."
It's important to remember that a spy's job isn't just to gather intelligence; it's also about sowing discord. If a lot of spies manage to infiltrate the villages in the Land of Fire and manipulate the uninformed villagers, it could create a huge problem.
"Dealing with spies is a task better suited for the ANBU," Takuya remarked. "What we need to focus on is the main force of the Sand Village's army."
He had no interest in dealing with spies; his primary concern was the Sand Village's large army, while other matters were secondary.
"In any case, the fact that the enemy hasn't attacked nearby villages is good news for us. I propose that we advance thirty more miles and then set up camp. Once we drive the Sand Village forces out, we can consider relocating the base again. What do you think, Sakumo-senpai?"
"Me?"
Sakumo pointed at himself, stunned for a few seconds before letting out a hearty laugh:
"Haha, you decide that, there's no need to ask me. I'm just a team captain."
What do you mean "just a team captain"? Could you be a little more serious?
It seemed that once someone experienced heartbreak, they began to see everything differently. Sakumo was like that, and Takuya understood it well.
If it weren't for Tsunade, he wouldn't be here worrying about these things. Wouldn't it be better to just be an ordinary Jonin?
No worries, just carry out assigned tasks. Finish a mission, then rest. When it's time for fun, enjoy it.
Unlike now, where he had to be concerned about everything. Luckily, there was still Nara Shikashige to handle all the logistic work, otherwise Takuya would have been driven crazy. Handling logistical work was definitely not his specialty.
"Alright then, let's move forward thirty miles and set up camp."
The army advanced thirty miles and started building their base near the border outpost. They needed to have the camp ready before the second wave of reinforcements arrived.
With only a thousand men, they wouldn't be able to stand against the Sand Village's forces. Due to fighting on two fronts, Konoha couldn't immediately deploy thousands of shinobi and had to send them in waves.
"Understood!"
Sarutobi Ji dutifully followed Takuya's orders, even though he didn't entirely trust him. Still, Takuya had Tsunade's support, and even Sakumo and Shikashige had no objections, so what could he do?
Just follow orders—as long as he wasn't the one taking the blame if something went wrong.
The two patrol teams clashed constantly, each trying to secure advantageous positions and set up ambushes. The invisible battle had just begun.
Building a camp wasn't difficult for shinobi—materials were gathered on-site, and with Earth Release techniques, the perimeter wall was completed within just a few hours.
In a makeshift tent used as a command post, Takuya turned to Sakumo and said:
"Senpai, the enemies around the perimeter are yours to deal with."
If you don't want to lead, then go find trouble with the enemies. When it came to combat strategy, Takuya wasn't exceptional, but he did know who to use and how to use them.
No need to overthink it—just take advantage of Sakumo, this powerhouse, and make the most of him.
After all, Sakumo was the man who had once instilled fear into the Sand Village not long ago. He was the perfect choice for leading the efforts to clear out the enemy—his effectiveness would undoubtedly be top-notch.
"No problem, leave it to me. I guarantee no enemy will get near the camp."
Sakumo gripped his White Fang short blade tightly and got serious.
Takuya had him clean up the enemies, and Sakumo had no objections. This was exactly what a team leader was supposed to do, as long as it didn't involve getting entangled in politics.
Takuya assigned ten Jonin squads to Sakumo. How they operated and where they attacked was now up to Sakumo.
You're really good at assigning people to tasks, huh?
Weren't you supposed to be the quiet commander?
Why are you dumping so many people on me?
Sakumo was speechless, but he didn't refuse. After resting for a bit, he led his team out of the camp.
If I can't command, no problem. I just need to know that you can, that you're reliable. Then I'll leave it all to you.
With a successful hand-off, Takuya smiled.
"The rest is up to you, senpai. I'm heading out to scout the enemy and the terrain."
Without hesitation, he left all the remaining tasks to Nara Shikashige before disappearing.
"I..."
Staring at the now-empty command post, Shikashige was dumbfounded, his old face filled with astonishment.
What is this?
You've got to be kidding me!!!
Sakumo got sent off, and Takuya ran away—no chance to return the favor. Now, Shikashige was left sitting in the command post, blinking in confusion.
With Sakumo out handling what he did best, Takuya gone, all the responsibilities Takuya had shouldered now fell on him, and there was no avoiding it.
"That sneaky brat!" Shikashige chuckled after a while.
But by then, Takuya was already gone, wandering around the camp humming a tune.
You want me to carry the banner?
Not happening.
Takuya knew what he was good at and didn't want to do what he wasn't skilled at. Mishandling things wouldn't just be embarrassing—it could turn into a major problem.
For Tsunade's sake, Takuya didn't want any slip-ups in this war, nor did he want it to reach a point where he had to single-handedly take over the entire battle.
His approach was simply to bulldoze through—not that he'd ever say it aloud.
He knew that his way of thinking was dangerous and that nobody would agree with it. Even though Sakumo and Shikashige tried to keep a distance from the conflict, they'd definitely jump in if Takuya said they should directly bulldoze through.
It wasn't that they didn't trust Takuya—they just didn't want him to do anything reckless.