Chapter 521: Chapter 521: Cannon Fodder Army – Killing All Around
"I think the enemy will attack from this direction!"
"No, it's definitely coming from the coastline."
"No way, it's over here!"
In the coalition command room, heated arguments broke out as strategists debated possible enemy approaches. The intense discussions between the sharpest minds were exhausting, with even the smallest decisions dragging on endlessly.
Shinki was glad to be spared from these quarrels.
Instead, the burden fell on Nara Shikashin, the coalition's senior strategist, who constantly found himself at odds with a younger generation of tacticians.
Time passed swiftly, and the day of battle arrived.
Across the Land of Earth, ninjas patrolled diligently, scouring their assigned areas for any trace of the enemy. Uchiha Madara had only provided the date and location of the battle, leaving the specifics—such as the direction of attack and exact timing—a mystery.
The coalition had no choice but to cast a wide net, deploying scouts everywhere to track the enemy's movements.
"There are traces of a large enemy force! It's White Zetsu! Lots of them! They're coming from the direction of Takigakure!"
The reconnaissance team in charge of the Takigakure region spotted hordes of White Zetsu emerging from the ground and moving toward the Land of Earth. Overwhelmed, the scouts stammered as they reported their findings.
Fortunately for them, the White Zetsu paid no attention to the scouts. Uchiha Madara didn't care if they were spotted. His plan was simple: unleash the 100,000-strong White Zetsu army to overwhelm the coalition forces. Even if they failed to break through, causing heavy casualties to the enemy was victory enough.
The reconnaissance team relayed the information back to the coalition command via their communication puppets. In the command room, a puppet's eyes flickered as it received the message.
"Everyone, the war is about to begin," someone announced gravely.
The Third Raikage stood up first, ready to lead the cannon fodder unit into battle. Their job wasn't to win but to soften the enemy's advance and buy time for the main forces. The survival rate was grim, but it was clear from the start: the coalition did not expect much from this group of criminals and rogues. If they died, it was their weakness. If they survived, their efforts might redeem their past sins.
"I'm going too," said the Third Kazekage, standing up with determination. He preferred the battlefield over the strategy room.
Yagura followed shortly after, unwilling to sit idly while others fought.
"Ahem, old man..."
Onoki was just about to rise when Tsunade interrupted sharply.
"So, Tsuchikage, you're leaving me to handle everything in the command room, huh?"
Onoki froze, taken aback.
"What?! The other three just left without a word! Why is it an issue when I try to leave?" he grumbled inwardly. But he knew better than to argue with Tsunade.
Shinki chuckled at Onoki's visible frustration. "It's fine. Let him go. We don't need too many people here anyway."
Hearing this, Onoki didn't hesitate. "You're right. Thanks for understanding." And with that, he vanished from the room.
Normally, the Five Kage were meant to remain in the command center, only joining the battle when necessary. But the Third Raikage, impatient and eager for action, had an excuse: he was leading the cannon fodder unit.
The Third Kazekage was a man of few words, preferring action to sitting in a room. Yagura, young and frequently criticized by the older Kage, saw the battlefield as a chance to prove himself.
Tsunade sighed, clearly annoyed. She shot a glare at Shinki, who smirked and left the command room without hesitation. "I trust you'll manage just fine with Orochimaru and the advisors," he said with a wave.
"Or..." Tsunade turned to Orochimaru, ready to negotiate her own escape. But Orochimaru gave her a knowing smirk and shook his head.
"Damn snake!" Tsunade muttered, resigning herself to her post. What's so fascinating about White Zetsu? They're just creepy, lifeless things!
At the border between the Lands of Taki and Earth, Uchiha Madara sat atop a rocky outcrop, observing the battlefield. Black Zetsu stood by his side, his ever-loyal shadow.
Bored, Madara rested his chin on his palm. "It's starting," he murmured as he spotted the advancing cannon fodder unit. "Is this the coalition's vanguard?"
"Yes," Black Zetsu confirmed. "This unit is composed of rogue ninjas and prisoners from various villages, drafted at the suggestion of Hyuga Shinki. Those who survive the battle will have their crimes forgiven."
Madara smirked. "How resourceful. Even criminals have their use."
He found the idea amusing. While these individuals were unlikely to sway the battle, their presence added an intriguing dynamic.
On the battlefield, the Third Raikage led the cannon fodder unit against the approaching White Zetsu army. The sheer number of White Zetsu—tens of thousands—left many in the unit pale with fear. Were it not for the Third Raikage's intimidating presence, some would have already fled.
"Listen up!" the Raikage bellowed. "The enemy is in front of you. Whether you earn your freedom or not depends on your performance here. Fight hard, and you might survive."
He didn't bother with further encouragement. To him, they were expendable. If anyone tried to run, he'd kill them himself.
The cannon fodder, though terrified, took some solace in his next words. "The First and Second Armies are already flanking the enemy. If you're strong enough and lucky, you'll make it out alive."
The possibility of survival gave them hope, just enough to muster their courage for the fight ahead.
The White Zetsu army emerged, a tidal wave of pale figures surging forward. The sight of tens of thousands of White Zetsu charging was overwhelming. Even the bravest among the cannon fodder felt their hearts sink.
The Third Raikage, however, wasted no time. Activating his lightning armor, he charged headlong into the enemy ranks.
Covered in crackling electricity, he became a force of nature, tearing through the White Zetsu like a storm. Bodies flew in every direction as he carved a path through their ranks, unstoppable and untouchable.
Behind him, the cannon fodder followed hesitantly, their fear overshadowed by the Raikage's sheer power.
The battle had begun, and the field was painted in chaos.