26 Air Strike
Dominating the skies was superior strategy in past conflicts. After all, being able to strike from above while remaining out of reach is a formidable advantage in warfare.
Tobirama pondered this truth inwardly, recalling the significance of aerial prowess in previous battles. He couldn't help but think of Ōnoki, one of the few ninjas with the ability to fly.
With determination, Tobirama issued orders to the assembled Konoha Jōnin and Hoshi ninjas:
"Tomorrow night, During the Hour of the Wolf, 43 of you Hoshi-nins will carry one Konoha Jōnin each. Your mission is to fly over Suna's position, bombard them with Explosive Tags, and obliterate their facilities!"
Konoha had an ample supply of Explosive Tags, procured and manufactured in haste to ensure victory in the ongoing conflict.
"Furthermore," Tobirama continued, turning to address the Konoha ninjas, "Your duty extends beyond bombing the Suna ninjas. You must also ensure the safety of the Hoshi-nins. They are now part of Konoha, and I won't tolerate any unnecessary casualties among them!"
He emphasized the importance of protecting both the Hoshi-nins and themselves, his expression grave and determined.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" came the resolute response from the assembled ninjas.
The jōnins selected for this aerial raid were all seasoned veterans, with several among them well-known throughout Konoha.
"Excellent! Now, rest up and prepare for the operation during the Hour of the Wolf. I expect nothing less than the enemy's utter terror at our attack!"
With his orders given, Tobirama watched as the ninjas swiftly dispersed to make necessary preparations, their footsteps echoing through the sprawling Konoha camp.
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"Damn it! We've lost too many comrades in our village. What's with this guerrilla warfare? They don't even value our lives!"
"Shh, keep your voice down! Do you want to get us all sent to the front lines as fodder by the elders?"
In a Hidden Sand Village camp bustling with activity, several Suna jōnin huddled around a campfire, their expressions grim. Unable to sleep due to the recent defeat on the front lines, they sought solace in conversation.
One jōnin's seditious remarks were swiftly hushed by his companions, wary of the detrimental impact on morale if such sentiments spread.
"I can't believe Elder Chiyo's strategy was dismantled by Konoha in one fell swoop. How did they know our plan? This guerrilla warfare is futile. We can't even mount effective sneak attacks. And when we do, Konoha's right on our tails..."
A dejected Suna ninja complained from his seat on the ground.
"In my opinion, we should face Konoha head-on! We're not inferior to them in strength! These elder-planned schemes have only wasted our forces and left us unable to engage them directly..."
"Don't fret. Here's some news for you. My brother, who guards the elders, told me that Elder Chiyo's seeking aid from Iwa. If Iwa joins us, we might still turn the tide in this war!"
A Suna jōnin sporting an eyepatch divulged insider information to his comrades.
"But why haven't we seen any sign of support from Iwa yet?" one asked, puzzled.
"Well, I heard from my brother that the Tsuchikage has been making unreasonable demands. But Elder Chiyo's not backing down," the eyepatch-wearing ninja revealed with a sly grin.
His revelation left the other Suna ninjas with furrowed brows. If Iwa supported them, they stood to gain. If Konoha didn't attack, they stood to gain. So why did they start this war with Konoha in the first place?
"Enough of that. It's not our concern. The elders will handle it. Let's focus on what we'll eat tomorrow morning," one jōnin interjected, steering the conversation away from politics.
As the discussion waned, the Suna ninjas prepared to return to their tents for rest, their minds heavy with uncertainty.
"Hey, look up! What are those birds?" exclaimed several genin on lookout duty, pointing to the sky.
Curious, the Suna ninjas raised their gazes.
A swarm of purpled-winged creatures, unlike any they'd seen before, soared overhead. Alongside them fluttered pieces of paper, descending rapidly with kunai attached.
Alarmed, the jōnin's voices rose in panic:
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"There are Explosive Tags in the sky!"
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