The air in the Hokage's office was thick with tension. The grim faces around the table reflected the dire straits in which the allied forces of Konoha and Suna found themselves.

Hokage Minato Namikaze sat at the head, his usually bright eyes clouded with worry. Beside him were his most trusted advisors: Tsunade, Danzo, Hiashi, and Shikaku. Rasa, the Kazekage of Suna, sat opposite him, flanked by Baki and his son, Kankuro.

Minato broke the silence. "We are facing defeat after defeat. Kumo's new weapon, 'artillery' as they call it, is unlike anything we've ever encountered. We need a solution, and we need it now."

Rasa nodded solemnly. "Our forces are on the back foot. Every time we think we've made progress, their artillery strikes us down."

Danzo leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "We need to understand this weapon better. Our intelligence is lacking. What exactly are we dealing with?"

Shikaku spoke up, his mind racing with strategies. "From what we've gathered, it's a type of long-range projectile weapon, capable of devastating our formations before we can even get close. The technology is unprecedented, and if the Raikage starts exporting it to his allies, our situation will become even more dire."

Tsunade frowned. "We can't sustain these losses. Our medical units are overwhelmed, and we're losing more shinobi than we can replace."

Hiashi added, "We need to find a way to neutralize their artillery. Direct confrontation isn't working. We must think outside the box."

Minato nodded. "Agreed. We can't continue like this. Any suggestions on how we can counter this new threat?"

Baki, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "We need to lure their artillery units out of Kumo. If we can draw them into the open, we might have a chance to sabotage them."

Kankuro added, "We can use our Anbu teams. They're trained for infiltration and sabotage. If we can get them behind enemy lines, they might be able to take out the artillery units."

Danzo's eyes gleamed with approval. "A sound plan. We must fall back to our fortifications, create a layered defense all the way to Konoha and Suna. This will force them to move their artillery units, and that's when our Anbu teams strike."

Rasa nodded. "It's a risky plan, but we have no other options. We must halt all offensive operations and focus on fortifying our defenses. Once the Anbu teams have infiltrated and done their job, we can launch a counterattack."

Shikaku looked thoughtful. "We'll need to coordinate our efforts carefully. Timing will be crucial. We must ensure our reserves are ready to move as soon as the Anbu teams give the signal."

Tsunade sighed. "It's a gamble, but with no trump card up our sleeves, it's all we can do."

Minato stood up, his resolve firm. "Then it's settled. We'll begin preparations immediately. Rasa, Baki, Kankuro, thank you for your cooperation. Let's show Kumo that we won't be defeated so easily."

The room echoed with murmurs of agreement as the leaders and advisors began to lay out the details of their risky yet necessary plan. The fate of their villages depended on it.

As the meeting adjourned, the leaders quickly set their plans into motion. Orders were sent out, and the shinobi of Konoha and Suna prepared for a strategic retreat, fortifying their positions and readying their defenses. Anbu teams were briefed on their mission, the gravity of their task weighing heavily on their shoulders.

Minato and Rasa stood on the balcony of the Hokage's office, looking out over the village.

Minato turned to Rasa. "This plan... it's a long shot."

Rasa nodded. "But it's the best shot we've got. We'll make it work. For our people."

Minato's eyes hardened with determination. "For our people."

In the days that followed, the allied forces executed their plan with precision. Shinobi worked tirelessly to fortify their positions, creating a layered defense that stretched all the way to Konoha and Suna. Anbu units trained endlessly, preparing teams to slip behind enemy lines under the cover of darkness, their mission clear: sabotage the enemy's artillery and halt their operations.

As the infantry of Kumo and it's allies began to move, drawn out by the strategic retreat of their foes, the Anbu teams moved into position. The tension was palpable as they prepared to strike, knowing that the success of the plan—and the future of their villages—rested on their shoulders.

The stage was set. The fate of Konoha and Suna hung in the balance, poised on the edge of a knife. All that remained was to see if their gamble would pay off, or if they would fall to the overwhelming power of Kumo's new weapon.

Naruto made his way through the winding halls of the Hokage's residence, his footsteps echoing on the wooden floors. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of anxiety and confusion swirling in his mind. His father had summoned him unexpectedly, and Naruto couldn't help but wonder why. Was it about his training? Had he done something wrong?

As he reached the door to Minato's office, he hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Then, he pushed it open. Inside, he saw Minato, seated behind his desk, deep in conversation with Asuma Sarutobi, one of Konoha's veteran Jonin. They seemed serious, and Naruto's stomach churned with uncertainty.

Minato glanced up and noticed his son. "Ah, Naruto. Come in."

Naruto stepped inside, his eyes shifting between Minato and Asuma, unsure of what to expect. Minato gestured toward Asuma. "Naruto, this is Asuma Sarutobi. He's going to be important for you to get to know."

Asuma gave Naruto a nod and a brief, assessing glance, but said nothing.

"Wait here for a moment, Naruto," Minato added. "I just need to finish discussing something with Asuma."

Naruto stood awkwardly near the doorway as Minato and Asuma exchanged quiet words, their voices too low for him to make out. He strained to hear, but before long, Asuma gave a final nod and left the room, casting Naruto a quick look before he disappeared down the hall.

Minato turned his full attention to Naruto. His usual warmth seemed shadowed by something more serious today. "Naruto," he began, "I'm glad you're here. There's something important we need to talk about."

Naruto felt his chest tighten. His father's tone sent a shiver down his spine. "What is it, Dad?"

Minato didn't waste time. "You're going to be deployed to the frontlines, Naruto. We're short on time, and I need you ready to serve."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat. "Wait… what?" He stared at his father, not quite understanding. "Deployed? You mean… to fight?"

Minato nodded, his blue eyes steady. "Yes. You'll be attached to Asuma Sarutobi's brigade. The situation at the front is deteriorating, and we need all available shinobi. That includes you."

Naruto felt like the ground was slipping out from under him. His mouth went dry. "But… but I'm not ready," he stammered. "I haven't finished my training! I'm not strong enough yet!"

Minato leaned forward, his expression firm but not unkind. "I understand how you feel, Naruto. But we don't have the luxury of waiting until you feel ready. We're being pushed back on multiple fronts, and we need every card we can play."

Naruto shook his head, trying to process the information. "But I can't just—"

"You won't be thrown into battle immediately," Minato interrupted. "For now, you'll be stationed at the rear. You'll have time to prepare, to train further. You'll be working closely with someone who can help you."

Naruto blinked. "Who?"

"Gaara of the Sand," Minato said, watching his son's reaction closely. "The Kazekage's son. He's a jinchuriki like you. I've arranged for him to help you prepare. He's already had experience in battle, and as someone who understands the challenges you'll face with the Nine-Tails, I believe he's the best person to assist you."

Naruto's mind raced. Gaara? The guy from Suna? He had heard about Gaara—rumors of his brutal strength and his cold demeanor. He had met him once, but they barely spoke. The idea of training with him made Naruto's stomach twist even further. "I don't know if… I mean, I'm still not sure…"

Minato stood up, walking around his desk until he was standing right in front of Naruto. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. "Naruto, I trust you. You've trained hard, and I know you're capable. This war is going to be difficult, no question about it. But you have the strength to make a difference. All I ask is that you do your best."

Naruto looked up at his father, his heart still heavy with doubt. "But what if I mess up? What if I let everyone down?"

"You won't," Minato said softly. "Because you'll keep pushing forward. And no matter what happens, I believe in you."

Naruto swallowed, feeling the weight of his father's words sink in. He nodded slowly, though the fear still clung to him. "I'll… I'll try."

Minato smiled, though there was a sadness behind it. "That's all I ask."

Naruto was dismissed, and as he left the office, his mind raced with thoughts of the war, of Gaara, and of the enormous expectations suddenly placed on his shoulders. He had always wanted to prove himself, to show his father that he wasn't inadequate—but now, the reality of what that meant terrified him.

As he walked through the corridors of the Hokage's residence, the weight of the responsibility pressed down on him harder than ever. War was coming, and he was going to be in the middle of it. Ready or not.

The canvas of the tent rustled in the wind, barely muffling the sounds of soldiers moving outside. Inside, however, the air was thick with tension. Darui stood near the center of the room, his arms crossed, his gaze steady as he listened to the Raikage, Ay, speak with the collected generals around the large table. Maps and documents were scattered across its surface, illuminated by the dim light of hanging lanterns. The mood was triumphant, but Darui couldn't shake the feeling that it was too soon to celebrate.

Ay leaned over the table, his large hands gripping the edges with palpable energy. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "We've dealt them a crushing blow. Konoha and Suna are reeling, their defenses in shambles," Ay began, his voice booming with confidence. "The artillery worked better than we imagined. We hit their supply lines, fortifications—everything. Now, we give chase. We don't give them a moment to regroup."

The generals nodded in agreement, some muttering their approval. One of them, an older man with graying hair and a scar across his cheek, spoke up. "The enemy's on the run, Raikage-sama, but we should assume they've begun constructing defenses. Especially along the route to Konoha. They'll be waiting for us to march straight into their traps."

Ay shook his head, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Let them try. Our artillery will smash through whatever defenses Konoha throws at us. We've seen what it can do. They won't be able to hold us off with just makeshift barricades and a few desperate counterattacks."

Darui, standing a little behind Ay, furrowed his brow. He knew Ay's confidence well, but he also knew that overconfidence had its dangers. He stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Raikage-sama, I understand your eagerness, but we can't rush in without knowing exactly what we're up against. Konoha's defenses are more than just physical barriers. They've got experience—strategists who know how to use the terrain to their advantage. It's possible they're leading us into a deeper trap."

Ay straightened up and turned to Darui, his expression unbothered. "You're not wrong, Darui. But we can't afford to sit around waiting, either. Time is on their side if we let them regroup. We push forward, and the artillery comes with us. Shell their defenses before they even know we're coming. We'll overwhelm them with power. That's how Kumo wins."

Another general, a younger man with sharp eyes, chimed in. "If we keep the artillery just behind the main force, we can hit their defenses hard before our troops even engage. It's risky, but if we push at the right moment, we'll crush them under firepower."

Darui's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't convinced. It was too aggressive, too reckless. But he also knew that Kumo's strength had always been in boldness. Ay was the embodiment of that philosophy—strike hard, strike fast, and never let the enemy catch their breath. Still, he couldn't shake the unease.

"We need to be careful not to overextend ourselves," Darui said, his voice thoughtful. "If we push too fast without scouting properly, we could walk right into a counteroffensive. Konoha's tricky like that."

Ay clapped a hand on Darui's shoulder, grinning. "That's why I need you with me, Darui. You keep us grounded. But trust me on this one—we've got the upper hand. We just need to press it. Besides, we're not just relying on the artillery. The main force will be there, ready to exploit any openings we make. We're not backing off now."

Darui nodded, though doubt still gnawed at him. "I'll trust your judgment, Raikage-sama. But we'll need to be quick on our feet if something goes wrong."

One of the generals spoke up, a gruff man with a deep voice. "Should we deploy our jinchuriki to the forefront? Bee and Yugito could tear through whatever resistance we encounter."

Ay shook his head immediately, a rare seriousness crossing his features. "No. Not yet. We hold the advantage in this sector without them. I've already made preparations to deploy Bee and Yugito elsewhere—along with a strong contingent from the National Guard."

The generals exchanged glances, surprised. Darui frowned. "Another sector?"

Ay's grin returned, mischievous and brimming with confidence. "Yes. Konoha's not the only target. We're opening up a new front soon, one they won't see coming."

"Where?" Darui asked, his tone sharper now, his curiosity piqued.

Ay leaned over the map, his finger tracing along the borders, stopping as it reached the far west. "The Land of Wind."

Darui's eyes widened slightly, and a murmur spread through the tent. "You plan to strike directly into Suna?"

Ay nodded, his expression deadly serious. "Exactly. Konoha's busy trying to hold us back. They think their allies will keep us contained. But when we hit Suna from the rear, their entire defense will collapse. We'll stretch them thin, break their lines, and make sure both Konoha and Suna are scrambling just to survive."

Darui felt a chill run down his spine. The plan was bold—almost insane. But with the new artillery and the jinchuriki being deployed to a fresh front, it might just work. If they could break Suna's defenses, Konoha would have no choice but to pull back to defend its ally. The thought of taking the fight directly into the heart of their enemies was exhilarating, but Darui couldn't shake the feeling that they were teetering on the edge of something much bigger than they had prepared for.

Ay clapped his hands together, the sound echoing in the tense air. "We fix Konoha in place with constant shelling and probing attacks. Keep them guessing, keep them pinned. Meanwhile, we strike at the Land of Wind and deliver a blow they won't recover from."

Darui nodded, his mind already spinning with the logistics and strategy they would need to pull this off. "Understood. But we'll need to be careful. If Konoha catches wind of this…"

"They won't," Ay said, his confidence unshakable. "By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late. Kumo will stand at the top."

The room fell into silence as the weight of Ay's words sank in. Darui's doubts remained, but he knew there was no turning back now. The Raikage had set the course. Now, they had to see it through.

As the meeting broke up, Darui caught Ay's eye one last time. "I hope you're right about this, Raikage-sama."

Ay grinned, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "We'll see soon enough, Darui. The storm is coming, and Kumo will be the one to command it."

Sasuke crouched in the dusty trench, his eyes scanning the horizon. The 35th Light Brigade, now part of the 5th Allied Corps, had seen better days. The once cohesive unit was now a mix of Konoha and Suna forces, brought together by necessity rather than choice. Around him, soldiers moved with purpose, reinforcing defenses and preparing for the next inevitable assault.

Shisui dropped down beside him, his expression a mixture of fatigue and determination. "How are you holding up, Sasuke?"

Sasuke sighed, his eyes never leaving the horizon. "I hate this, Shisui. We're on the defensive, retreating. The enemy's gained the initiative. It doesn't sit right with me."

Shisui nodded, his gaze following Sasuke's. "I know what you mean. It's not easy being on the back foot. But we've been in worse spots before, and we always find a way."

Sasuke's grip tightened on the hilt of his katana. "It's different this time. They're pressing us hard, and our lines are stretched thin. I can't help but feel like we're just waiting for the inevitable."

Shisui placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Look, Sasuke, I understand your frustration. We're all feeling it. But we have to trust in our leaders and our comrades. We still have a chance to turn this around."

Sasuke glanced at Shisui, doubt in his eyes. "Do you really believe that? Or are you just saying it to keep me from losing hope?"

Shisui's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Honestly, I'm not sure. This war has taken a toll on all of us. But if we give up now, then all the sacrifices we've made will be for nothing. We have to hold on to whatever hope we can find."

Sasuke frowned, his mind racing with possibilities. "It feels like we're in the dark, just waiting for something to change. There must be more to this."

Shisui hesitated. "All we can do is follow orders and do our best. We're not privy to all the plans. But you can bet the Hokage and the Kazekage are working on something."

Unbeknownst to Shisui, in secret and away from the knowledge of all but the Hokage and his inner circle, the Konoha-Suna alliance was relying on an elite group of shinobi to turn the tide for them in one daring action. This operation, if successful, could shift the balance of power back in their favor.

Sasuke clenched his fist, frustration boiling over. "I just wish we had more information. Sitting here, waiting to get killed by their new weapons, it feels like we're powerless."

Shisui squeezed Sasuke's shoulder reassuringly. "I get it, Sasuke. But right now, our job is to hold this line and protect our comrades. Trust in the Hokage and the plan. They wouldn't risk everything on this unless they believed it could work."

Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "You're right, Shisui. We have to do our part and hope that this... whatever this is, works. But it doesn't make the waiting any easier."

Shisui chuckled softly. "No, it doesn't. But remember, Sasuke, we're shinobi. We've faced impossible odds before, and we'll do it again. Just keep your head up and stay focused."

Sasuke nodded, a flicker of determination reigniting in his eyes. "Right, Shisui. I'll do my best."

As they sat in the trench, the sounds of the bustling camp around them, both men found a renewed sense of resolve. They knew the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they also knew that giving up was not an option. They would hold the line, and they would fight for their future, no matter the cost.

The night was shrouded in silence as an elite ANBU squad moved through the dense forest towards their target, their dog tags proudly displaying the symbol of the hidden leaf village.

The moonlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, casting shadows that danced eerily around them. Every step was calculated, every breath measured. This mission was critical: they had to disable Kumo's artillery in an attempt to turn the tide of the war. Failure was not an option.

Kakashi, masked and vigilant, led the squad with the practiced ease of a seasoned leader. His Sharingan flickered, scanning for any signs of danger. Beside him, Hinata moved with the grace of a phantom, her Byakugan activated, scanning the area for enemy chakra signatures. Her eyes, capable of seeing through the dark and detecting traps, were essential for the success of this mission.

"We're close," Kakashi whispered, barely audible over the rustling leaves. "Everyone, remember your positions and stay silent."

The squad nodded in unison, their faces hidden behind masks, expressions unreadable but resolve unmistakable. Each member knew their role, their part in the intricate dance of stealth and precision that would follow.

As they neared the edge of the forest, Hinata raised her hand, signaling a halt. She focused her Byakugan, scanning the clearing ahead. "Two sentries at the entrance," she whispered. "Another four patrolling the perimeter. There are eight artillery pieces, each with a crew of three."

Kakashi nodded, considering their options. "We'll need to take out the sentries and patrols first. Silent kills only. Once the perimeter is secure, we move to the guns."

The squad dispersed, each member melting into the shadows, becoming one with the night. Kakashi and Hinata took the lead, approaching the sentries with the silent, deadly precision of experienced hunters.

In a synchronized move, they struck, silencing the sentries before they could even register the attack.

Hinata's arrows flew with lethal accuracy, taking down the patrolling guards with minimal noise. The squad moved in a fluid, practiced rhythm, each member playing their part in a deadly ballet. Within minutes, the perimeter was secure.

"We're clear," Kakashi signaled. "Move to the guns."

The squad advanced, moving through the camp with practiced stealth. The artillery pieces loomed ahead, monstrous silhouettes against the dark sky. Each gun was manned by a small crew, unaware of the silent death that approached them.

Kakashi split the squad into teams, each assigned to a specific gun. Hinata's team was tasked with the two nearest the treeline, her Byakugan ensuring they avoided any traps or alarms.

Hinata raised her hand as they approached the first gun. Signaling her squadmate, Ryo, she pointed out the locations of the three shinobi seated around the gun.

Two of them were asleep. Readying an arrow for the one that was awake, Hinata took a deep breath and let fly, downing the man in her signature fashion: a shot to the neck. In a moment her squadmates were upon the two sleeping men, putting them to rest for good.

The group moved swiftly, placing explosive tags on the gun, ensuring they would be rendered useless.

The shinobi manning the next gun were all active, but attacking in sync with her teammates, Hinata was able to kill them without alerting anyone.

As Hinata approached the third gun in her section, she paused, her eyes narrowing. "Kakashi-sensei," she whispered through the communicator, "I see something unusual. There's a higher concentration of chakra in this area. It might be a trap."

Kakashi's voice crackled in her ear. "Proceed with caution. If it's a trap, we need to disarm it."

"Yes sir, but it will take a minute. I'd advise you check for similar seals in your sector."

"Okay," came Kakashi's voice from the radio. "Carry on."

Hinata nodded, signaling her team to hold back. She moved closer, her Byakugan focusing on the source of the chakra. It was a complex seal, designed to trigger an alarm if tampered with.

Carefully, she began to dismantle it, her fingers moving with the precision of a surgeon.

Minutes ticked by as Hinata worked, the tension palpable. In the distance, searchlights panned the terrain, reminding the team of their perilous situation.

Finally, with a sigh of relief, Hinata disarmed the trap. "It's done," she whispered. "Proceeding to place the explosive tags."

The squad continued their work, moving from gun to gun, disabling and rigging them to explode. Each second felt like an eternity, the weight of the mission pressing down on them. As they placed the last tag, Kakashi signaled for the retreat.

"Now for the hard part. All units, fall back to the rendezvous point," he ordered. "Detonation in five minutes."

The squad began to withdraw, moving quickly but silently. They were almost to the treeline when a shout rang out, piercing the silence.

One of the enemy patrols had discovered a missing sentry.

"Move!" Kakashi barked, his voice low but urgent. "We've been compromised."

The squad broke into a sprint, racing against time as the enemy camp erupted into chaos. Alarms blared, searchlights drove away the darkness of the night and shouts filled the air. Hinata stayed at the rear, her arrows picking off any enemy that got too close.

As they neared the rendezvous point, a barrage of kunai and shuriken flew towards them. One of the ANBU members, a young shinobi named Ryo, cried out as a kunai embedded itself in his leg. Kakashi and another ANBU member, Sayuri, turned back, covering Ryo as he limped forward.

"Keep moving!" Kakashi ordered, "We've got this."

Hinata paused, her Byakugan scanning the area. More enemy shinobi were closing in. "Kakashi-sensei, we need to hurry. They're coming."

Kakashi nodded, his eyes hard. "Ryo, can you walk?"

Ryo gritted his teeth, pushing himself forward. "I can."

Kakashi turned towards Hinata and the rest of the group. "Cover me, while I retrieve Ryo. We're going to have to hold our ground here."

The team hurried into the dense foliage as Kakashi helped Ryo to his feet. Carefully, Hinata watched from a branch as three enemies approached the pair.

Placing two arrows on her bowstring, she let fly, dropping two of them while the third quickly rushed behind a tree trunk. Up ahead, about a dozen shinobi approached.

[Fire style: Fireball jutsu]

A large fireball shot our from the mouth of Uchiha Hana, one of the ANBU operatives assigned to the mission. The large ball of flames landed in the middle of the group of enemies, setting four of them aflame.

The burning vegetation helped to reveal the positions of more approaching enemies, and the ANBU dealt with them as best as they could.

With Ryo finally retrieved, they continued their retreat, the enemy close behind.

Explosions erupted in the distance as the explosive tags detonated, the sound deafening. The ground shook, and flames lit up the night sky.

"We're almost there," Kakashi urged, pushing the squad forward. "Don't stop!"

Just as they reached the edge of the forest, another barrage of kunai and shuriken rained down on them.

Two more ANBU members, Kaito and Hana, were hit, their bodies falling to the ground. Upon examining their fallen comrades, it was discovered that Kaito was dead.

"Leave me," Hana gasped, her voice pained. She reached for the arrow protruding from her midsection and winced in pain. "Complete the mission."

Kakashi hesitated, but Hinata stepped forward, her voice firm. "We won't leave you behind."

She activated her Byakugan, her eyes focusing on the incoming kunai.

[Eight trigrams: Palm rotation]

With a swift motion, she created a dome of blue rotating chakra, intercepting the projectiles. "Go!" she urged the others. "I'll cover you."

The squad pressed on, reaching the extraction point as weapons and jutsu alike streaked past them. A flare shot into the sky, signaling their location.

"Hold this position and wait for extraction!" Kakashi ordered, placing Ryo against a tree and handing him a weapon. Quickly, he hurried in front of the group and quickly performed a set of hand seals.

[Earth style: Mud wall]

A wall of earth sprung up before him, shielding them from the approaching enemy. "Hinata! Kagawa! watch our flanks!" Kakashi ordered as he prepared to engage a duo of shinobi from Kumo rushing forward to attack him.

The group fought on, barely holding back the enemy's onslaught. A shuriken struck Hinata in the hand, critically affecting her effectiveness with her bow.

Cursing herself for her luck, she switched to a combination of air palms and the defensive eight trigrams techniques, focused on defending herself rather than attacking.

After what seemed like an eternity to them, a rescue team arrived, helping the injured onto the backs of large ink birds.

"How many casualties?" A member of the rescue team, Sai shouted as he helped Hana onto a bird.

"Three." Kakashi responded. Turning back to look for his squad trailing behind him, eyes meet Hinata's. "Come on, Hinata. Time to go."

Hinata nodded, her eyes scanning the area one last time before she joined the others. As the rescue team took off, she glanced back at the burning enemy camp, a sense of grim satisfaction filling her.

She activated her Byakugan, her eyes focusing on the incoming kunai.

As they flew back to Konoha, Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well, Hinata. We couldn't have done it without you."

Hinata nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll keep fighting, for them and for everyone. We won't let their sacrifice be in vain."

Kakashi gave her a rare smile, the bond between them strengthened by the night's events. The war was far from over, but they had taken a crucial step towards victory. And as long as they had each other, they would keep fighting, no matter the cost.