Chapter 144

At the front command camp on the Kumogakure battlefield, Mochizuki Hui stood beside the map table, studying the terrain intently.

Standing with him were the head of the Uchiha clan and the former leaders of the Kumogakure front, along with several elite Konoha ninja.

"The Land of Lightning doesn't directly border the Land of Fire. There are several smaller countries in between, and that's where this battle will unfold. 

"Unlike the last war, Kumogakure doesn't need to hold back in case of a surprise attack from Kirigakure, so we'll be facing their full force. 

"If I were the Second Raikage, I would consolidate my forces and launch an all-out assault in a single direction, aiming for a decisive victory through sheer numbers.

"That means our task is clear: we'll need to hold back nearly ten thousand Kumogakure ninja and defeat them here." Mochizuki Hui's finger landed on a specific point on the map—The Land of the Moon, a crucial crossroads for any forces moving from the Land of Lightning into the Land of Fire.

The terrain there was narrow, with ocean on two sides, one side bordering the Land of Lightning, and the other leading into a smaller nation that bordered the Land of Fire. It was the ideal place for Konoha's forces to halt Kumogakure's advance.

Silence filled the room as everyone took in Mochizuki Hui's plan. With only about 2,500 ninja, it seemed near impossible to hold back close to ten thousand enemy shinobi, let alone defeat them.

"Actually, there's no need to be too concerned. While Kumogakure has nearly ten thousand ninja, almost all of them have lightning-based chakra natures, and their ninjutsu relies heavily on Lightning Release techniques," Mochizuki Hui said with a calm smile, breaking the silence. He pointed to another location on the map.

"There's a critical point in the Land of the Moon called Moonfall Mountain. It's a chokepoint in the east-west route through the country and the only way Kumogakure can advance beyond it. The mountain itself is tiered, and the higher ground is on our side. If we occupy it, we'll have the advantage.

"Unlike us, Kumogakure's forces lack versatility in their elemental jutsu. Their attacks focus heavily on single-target strikes, which don't work well for large-scale assaults or defense. Konoha ninja, on the other hand, are balanced in elemental skills, especially in wide-range offensive and defensive jutsu. Even though we're outnumbered, this narrow terrain evens the playing field."

As Mochizuki Hui spoke, everyone's faces brightened with understanding. They saw the advantage this location would offer.

"Then let's act now. Not a moment to waste!" agreed the head of the Uchiha Clan. The others nodded, energized by Hui's assessment and seeing a path to victory in his plan.

"Commander, should we order all units to advance?" one of the elite ninja asked, his tone respectful. 

Despite being only sixteen, Hui had earned his absolute respect, both in strength and wit.

"No, we can't send everyone," Hui replied, shaking his head. 

At their puzzled expressions, he drew two lines across the map, cutting through the sea from the Land of Lightning to the Land of the Moon, close to Konoha's side.

Understanding dawned on their faces as they studied the lines.

"If we send our entire force to Moonfall Mountain, Kumogakure could use the sea routes to land troops directly in the Land of the Moon, flanking us from behind. They wouldn't even need to flank us—cutting off our supply line would be enough to trap us.

"That's why we need to leave behind at least three battalions—three hundred ninja—to set up sentries at these points," Mochizuki Hui said, marking specific locations on the map. 

"These points are key positions; together, they'll give us visibility over the nearby coastline, ensuring Kumogakure can't easily launch a surprise attack by sea."

Lowering his pen, he turned to the elite ninja and issued the order: "Relay the message—Battalions One, Four, and Five will establish coastal sentries. Battalion Six will secure our supply line. The remaining battalions will march to the Land of the Moon and take Moonfall Mountain!"

"Yes, sir!"

With the command given, the 2,000-strong Konoha force moved out, heading toward Moonfall Mountain at top speed. 

Their smaller numbers allowed them to mobilize quickly, unlike Kumogakure, who was still gathering their forces.

After all, word of Kinkaku and Ginkaku's defeat had delayed the Four Kage Summit, and it took time for each village to gather its troops.

By the end of the day, Hui and his forces had reached Moonfall Mountain and taken control of the best defensive positions, awaiting the arrival of Kumogakure's forces.

As for the Land of the Moon itself…

It was, unfortunately, the fate of small nations to suffer in the ninja world's great wars.

 Though they might not want to be caught up in such battles, they had no way to resist and could only become battlegrounds. 

When the dust settled, all that awaited them would be widespread devastation and countless broken lives.

Hui didn't enjoy seeing innocent lands torn apart, but he knew it was an inescapable reality in the ninja world—a harsh, cruel reality.

A day after the Konoha forces had taken up positions on Moonfall Mountain, Kumogakure's forces entered the Land of the Moon.

At their head were the Second Raikage, A, and the Third Raikage, along with many elite ninja. The Kumogakure force numbered over 9,000, including both the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

This was nearly 80% of Kumogakure's available military strength. The remaining 20% stayed behind to secure the Land of Lightning and guard their village.

Though the villages had formed an alliance, trust was fragile in the ninja world. None of them could be certain that one of their allies wouldn't betray them, and the Second Raikage didn't intend to leave Kumogakure vulnerable to an attack from Kirigakure or Iwagakure.

On Moonfall Mountain, Mochizuki Hui sensed the massive concentration of chakra approaching. 

Feeling the enormous energy of the approaching Kumogakure army, his expression grew serious. He turned to the Uchiha Clan head and the others nearby.

"The Kumogakure forces aren't far now."

At his words, their expressions turned grim as they scanned the distant landscape.

They could see nothing unusual, nor could they sense any approaching chakra. 

Even the Hyuga ninja, using their Byakugan, couldn't spot the distant enemy forces. Nevertheless, they nodded, trusting in Mochizuki Hui's instincts.

"Prepare for battle," he said firmly. 

"Since Kumogakure doesn't know we've already taken Moonfall Mountain, we have the element of surprise. Let's set up an ambush and show them what Konoha is made of!"

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