After the order was issued, a Kumogakure shinobi stepped into the room.
"Report!"
The Fourth Raikage, A, nodded and said, "Come in!"
The Kumogakure shinobi walked in carrying a wooden tray. Seeing this, Mabui stepped forward to receive it.
"Thank you for your hard work."
The young male shinobi from Kumogakure blushed when Mabui thanked him. He looked up shyly and stammered, "Y-Yes, Lady Mabui!"
In Kumogakure, Mabui was the intellectual and graceful older sister figure admired by nearly every male shinobi. Many younger ninjas in the village had dreamed about her during their more... impetuous adolescent nights.
As for Samui—she was more of the "cold and stacked" type. A walking contrast to Mabui, admired for entirely different reasons.
Mabui placed the wooden tray on the round table and smiled. "These are the forehead protectors for the Allied Shinobi Forces, designed by Lord Mifune himself. They're ready for distribution."
She continued, "While the cloth straps still follow the color customs of each respective village, the unified symbol '忍' (nin, meaning shinobi) stands as a symbol of our alliance's unified purpose! This is the finished product. Please take a look."
Mifune smiled proudly. "I hope my design meets your expectations. For those of us who once stood on opposing sides to now stand united—this is an honor. As a samurai, being able to fight alongside all of you is something I, Mifune, deeply cherish."
Ōnoki signaled to Akatsuchi, who brought over a forehead protector with a red Iwagakure strap. The elderly Tsuchikage took it in his wrinkled hands, examined it, and chuckled. "You know, sometimes living a long life does have its perks. I never thought I'd wear a forehead protector representing a united shinobi front. Hahaha! Mifune, your design is excellent!"
Gaara smiled softly. "As long as we continue working toward peace, a world without war will become reality. No more senseless conflict... and hatred will no longer consume the shinobi world."
The other Kage and leaders nodded in solemn agreement.
Outside the Headquarters
Kumogakure had been fully converted into a base for the Allied Shinobi Forces. Tents sprawled across the plains, each occupied by shinobi wearing different uniforms—symbols of the Five Great Nations gathered together. Despite their differences, they worked side-by-side in unity.
As the new forehead protectors were distributed, a captain shouted, "Next!"
A Konoha shinobi stepped forward. "Here!"
"I'm from Konohagakure."
The distribution ninja reached into the designated container and pulled out a protector with a green strap—Konoha's customary color—and handed it over.
The Konoha shinobi respectfully took off his own forehead protector, stored it carefully, and donned the new one.
The bold symbol '忍' shone proudly from the plate.
Across the camp, shinobi from all villages were doing the same, changing into the forehead protectors of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Just as the final fittings were being completed, a familiar voice rang out.
"Alright, everyone!" A man approached, arms raised. It was Kankurō. "Allow me to introduce myself—I am Kankurō of Sunagakure, captain of the Surprise Attack Division!"
Sai, who happened to be assigned to this division, lit up and stepped forward with an enthusiastic expression. "Kankurō, should I give you a nickname? Hmm…"
He tapped his chin, clearly deep in thought.
Kankurō blinked in confusion. What's with this Konoha guy and nicknames...?
Nearby, Omoi was sweating bullets. He eyed Kankurō and muttered internally, Are you kidding me? This guy's the captain? Wouldn't it make more sense to send Darui? He's Lord Raikage's right hand—I've seen his strength firsthand. If it were him, I wouldn't worry so much.
Omoi sighed, falling deeper into his usual pit of anxiety.
Across the Camp
Officers in charge of logistics began filing in their reports.
"All forehead protectors have been distributed!"
"Medical supplies inspected and ready!"
"Food stockpiles confirmed and secure!"
...
The affirmations came one after another. Jōnin in charge of the logs checked off each report diligently and required everyone to sign off to confirm accuracy.
Suddenly—oink oink oink!
The sound of pigs grunting startled the inspection officer. He looked down and frowned before shouting angrily, "Where's the shinobi responsible for food storage? Where the hell did he go?!"
An Iwagakure ninja rushed over. "What's wrong?"
The inspection officer pointed at the piglets scurrying around the supply area. "What do you mean 'what's wrong'? The piglets escaped! Get them back—if you can't, slaughter them and let's eat them now!"
The Iwa shinobi furrowed his brows. "Wait a second… why are there live pigs in our rations? I don't recall any livestock being included in military supplies."
Just then, a slender hand reached down and gently scooped up a piglet.
The Iwagakure ninja looked up—startled. It was a kunoichi from Konoha.
He scratched his head. "Excuse me… who are you?"
Shizune smiled as she cradled the piglet in her arms and walked off without answering. A loud voice suddenly echoed from the nearby food supply division.
"Captain's here—everyone assemble!"
The Iwa shinobi blinked in surprise and dashed back to his post.
The inspection Jōnin, meanwhile, had recognized Shizune the moment she appeared and quickly fled before he could get reprimanded.
Shizune stood before the food division, her expression firm. "Everyone, allow me to introduce myself. I am Shizune of Konoha, and I will be your commanding officer from this point forward. This is our first meeting. I look forward to working with you all!"
She held up the piglet. "Now, for my first order—understand this clearly: this pig is not food!"
The Iwa shinobi from earlier flushed red in embarrassment. Everyone turned toward the inspection Jōnin, only to realize the man had already vanished.
At the Intelligence Division
Yamanaka Inoichi stood before his unit. "Everyone, our Intelligence Division is responsible for maintaining communication between all units.
If our link breaks down, messages won't reach their destinations. Reinforcements will be delayed. Intelligence gaps will lead to unnecessary casualties.
That's why I need you all at your sharpest. No mistakes. We must deliver every piece of intel swiftly and accurately to the corresponding units. Understood?"
Everyone stood tall and shouted, "Yes, sir!"
At the Sensory Division
C wore a worried look as he glanced at the approaching battlefield. "I never thought the war we always imagined would one day become so real… right in front of us."
Ao, standing beside him, gave a concerned look. "Is this your first time on the battlefield?"
C nodded. "Yes."
Ao's expression turned serious. "I've long heard that Lord Raikage has two trusted arms—and you're one of them. As the Sensory Division, we're the eyes of the entire army. If we don't perform flawlessly, the whole Allied Force could lose its vision."
He patted C shoulder and added, "Don't dishonor your reputation as Lord Raikage's right hand, Nozomi."
C inhaled deeply. "I understand, Captain Ao! I won't let Lord Raikage down!"
Ao grinned. "Then let me enjoy the luxury of commanding Raikage's support for once. Time for you to carry me!"
C smiled and nodded. "I'll give it everything I've got!"
Ao turned to address the whole division. "Everyone else—same goes for you. Don't shame your villages!"
Everyone in the Sensory Division: "Yes, sir!"
Woooooo!
A low horn echoed across the camp.
It was the signal.
Each captain looked up toward the sky.
The time had come.
The Allied Shinobi Forces were moving out.
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