Right; I apologize for both this double post and the long wait.
For those in the Konoha/Kumo alliance; For the sake of the roleplay, you will start on the border side of Konoha.
The land was famous throughout the shinobi world for housing large pools of water, hot and comfortable enough to bathe in. Now, though, the lands water was mixed with noxious chemicals of war, the blood of both innocent and guilty and the tears of the lost and forgotten. The Second Shinobi World War, as it was coming to be called, had swept through the world and left this country as one of the most decisive points. Neither side in this alliance was willing to give up in this on going conflict.
When the United Shinobi Villages; Made up of Kirigakure, Sunagakure and Iwagakure had finally managed to unite a coherent force, Konohagakure and Kumogakure rushed together in an effort to break them apart. This did not go according to plan. Konoha and Kumo forces were thrown about, shinobi from either sides now forced to stay along side their tentative allies as the Allied Shinobi Army presses themselves down day after day on the border of Konohagakure.
In the United Shinobi Alliance's headquarters, those of importance could be found plotting the next move in this battle and then, their next move in the war. The commander of this army being Date Masamune, Iwagakure Jounin. Given the special and temporary, a fact stressed at times, rank of General. He was one of four shinobi to gain this rank in this Alliance, for good reason too. Date was infamous for his brutality on the battlefield, both towards his enemies and those fighting alongside him. The term kunai fodder was often directly shouted at his subordinates.
The man, Date Masamune, is most recognizable for wearing elaborate armor into battle and for favoring kenjutsu to defeat his opponents. Some suggesting he was raised by samurai or the like as a boy. Though, these thoughts tend to take back seat when watching the monster of a man enter the battlefield. Regardless of using his deadly kenjutsu or his quick styled katon, the man is both feared and hailed throughout Iwagakure for his prowess.
"Konoha has dug themselves in, from the forest to the southern ridge." The General commented, looking over the paper. "Though, there's a clear gap here," He said, jabbing a finger at the map.
"There's a significant drop in shinobi in this region of the forest than the others. This is where the next assault will be." He declared over the other higher ranking shinobi. Without another word; The General set out of the poorly crafted Earth Fort to oversee the soon to be battle.
Hours after the orders were given, shinobi from all the villages were gathered and sent to this woodland region among the border. Between the two sides where shinobi could be seen, either taking cover or preparing Ninjutsu a massive open field of bodies, blood and scorch marks littered the landscape. A grim reminder of what battle had in store, even in a sparsely defended portion of land such as this.
A shinobi from Kirigakure was the first to speak up; "They send us to absorb the god damn brute of the blows. Wouldn't the stronger and more capable Jounin be better suited?! Why send us to die?!" He voiced his complaints loudly, others cheering him on as they looked over the field of death.
On the opposite side of this battlefield, shinobi from Kumogakure and Konoha were readying themselves. Vastly out numbered, their single saving grace was preparation. One of the few shinobi left that they could call commander was of the infamous Nara lineage. Technically a bastard, he was gifted with their intelligence nonetheless. Traps set, underground and hollowed out tunnels filled with oil prepared.
Doton elemental users already began to set up quick bunkers or mounds of earth to elevate themselves on. This would not be a strip of land easily one. No, they would make them work for it.
"Do not retreat! Do not forget the mission and purpose of this war! You fight for your Nation, your village!" A Kirigakure shinobi shouted, brutally, as he marched in front of the front line of shinobi. With a final grunt and war cry, he shoved his arm high in the air to boost morale
During this exchange; Yūkimaru Kaguya glanced at the worrying Jounin and Chuunin around him. Pathetic, he thought. Most shinobi should welcome the facts of life, those undeniable truths. One of which is that death is coming no matter what. You cannot avoid it. To him, dying on the battlefield was infinitely better than being an elderly man and passing in sleep. He wanted to die in the ways of his people.
With the war cries set in; The shinobi from United Alliance getting their blood flowing as they readied themselves for what seemed like a quick and bloody battle.
OOC: Right; Just the quick opener. Sorry if it's lacking in detail or seems more like a story right now. As things progress, I assure you it won't seem like that set up. Before the official charge and start to the battle, I would appreciate it if everyone interested in still role playing could get a quick post or two in on their were-abouts prior to the battle just so we all have a good since of things.
Thank you for your patience and I once more apologize for the long wait. Hopefully we can get in a quicker paced groove.