"This is really strange!"
Koharu Utatane frowned as she studied the Wind-Lightning Alliance’s camp on the sand table.
"Twenty thousand troops—imagine the massive daily supply consumption. Yet they’re just sitting there, not advancing or retreating, not fighting or negotiating. What exactly are they planning?"
"Nothing strange about it."
Homura Mitokado carefully examined the sand table and pointed with his finger.
"Everyone, look—the location where the Suna and Kumo ninja chose to establish camp is actually quite strategic. First, this is an open area with no mountains or trees around, no visual obstructions. As long as they maintain proper vigilance, even if our forces launch sneak attacks or harassment, it won’t have much effect.
Second, the camp backs against a small river, making water access convenient. Its position borders the two main roads in and out of Konoha, effectively choking Konoha’s throat.
Third, and most importantly, the alliance has twenty thousand troops, but the two villages’ ninja have different ninjutsu characteristics, different tactical habits, and different command structures. Jinghang and A must spend time integrating their forces, or they’ll end up fighting a chaotic battle."
"Huh, by your logic, isn’t now the perfect time to attack the enemy?"
Koharu Utatane turned to look at Homura Mitokado.
"Theoretically, yes, but..."
Homura Mitokado shook his head.
Koharu Utatane asked.
"It’s not just the enemy that’s in disarray—we are too. We also need to integrate our forces."
The speaker was Danzō. Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn’t delivered a killing blow, only stripping him of his ANBU commander position, but still letting him handle intelligence work with the title of village elder advisor, retaining his right to participate in decision-making discussions.
Regarding Hiruzen Sarutobi’s action to reorganize the various army ninja, Danzō raised no objections. For such an inevitable measure, Danzō knew that as someone bearing guilt, opposition would be useless. Besides, the current priority was repelling the enemy—power struggles could be set aside for now.
After all, Danzō’s ultimate goal was power, not completely burying the village.
"Both sides are adjusting. Next, we’ll enter a relatively stable confrontation phase. If anyone has strategies to defeat the enemy, please share them."
Hiruzen Sarutobi first set the tone for this operational meeting.
The first to speak was Minato Namikaze. As one of the few bright spots in the Eastern Army, he’d been promoted by Hiruzen Sarutobi to the decision-making level and appointed commander of Konoha’s vanguard forces.
"Our advantages are fighting on home ground, familiar terrain, complete defensive systems and early warning detection networks, and no need to worry about logistics. Also... we have two Tailed Beast jinchūriki.
The Wind-Lightning Alliance’s advantage is numbers. Now that Kumogakure ninja have joined, their count of Kage-level and near-Kage-level experts has nearly doubled. In terms of pure combat power, they’re now on par with us."
"Minato, you’re being too modest. If we don’t consider the Tailed Beast factor, we’re at a disadvantage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stated his view quite objectively.
"The upcoming battle is a decisive fight concerning our village’s survival. We must achieve victory. Given the current situation, taking the initiative is clearly inappropriate. This kind of strategic stalemate might become the norm, possibly lasting a very long time. I hope everyone prepares mentally for a prolonged struggle."
"A short-term stalemate is naturally no problem. We can use this time to reorganize our forces, improve equipment, and prepare. But how long is this ’long time’? One month? Three months? Half a year? A year? Two years? We still need a long-term strategy to defeat the enemy, or this war could drag on forever."
Homura Mitokado said.
"What long-term strategy do you have?"
Danzō asked with barely raised eyelids.
"We must have an external force break this deadlock."
Homura Mitokado gave his answer.
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow.
"You mean Iwagakure or Kirigakure?"
"Exactly. Whether Sunagakure or Kumogakure, at least half their active forces have been drawn to fight us Konoha. If a third-party force intervenes now, the Wind-Lightning Alliance will inevitably collapse."
Homura Mitokado said confidently.
"I’m afraid it’s not that easy. Kirigakure has practiced isolationism for years, not participating in mainland conflicts. And Iwagakure..."
Mentioning this, Koharu Utatane couldn’t help grinding her teeth. The failure of the three-pronged Suna attack strategy was partly due to Iwagakure’s Western Army not materializing. If Iwagakure had followed the plan and inserted ten thousand ninja into Sunagakure’s west, the one under siege now might be Sunagakure instead of Konoha.
Homura Mitokado shook his head.
"Kirigakure’s so-called isolationism is just accumulating strength for bigger ambitions. As long as the price is right, they’ll definitely stick their foot in the continental struggle.
Homura Mitokado paused briefly.
"The Western Army’s failure to deploy was largely due to Fourth TsuchikageMurasaki’s sudden death and Son Gokū’s rampage—that was an unexpected incident. Now Kitsuchi has become Iwagakure’s new leader. He’s someone who understands stakes. If we Konoha
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
"Then I’ll trouble you to make the trip."
"For Konoha, I’d die without turning back."
Homura Mitokado bowed solemnly.
"Who’ll go to Kirigakure?"
Koharu Utatane stood up.
"Years ago, I dealt with Kirigakure’s Elder Master. Even if we can’t reach cooperation, I’m sure they won’t make things difficult for me."
"Elder Koharu is naturally suitable. You should be careful of Yagura Karatachi—he seems simple but is actually very shrewd. Don’t be deceived by his appearance. Even if you can’t get them to Konoha, you must not let them side with Sunagakure."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
"Naturally. But for this trip, I’d like the Hokage to assign me a capable deputy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was puzzled.
"If I’m not mistaken, Sunagakure and Kumogakure will definitely send people to contact Kirigakure too. There’ll inevitably be some competition."
"Mm, reasonable. Who do you think is suitable?"
Hearing the name Koharu Utatane mentioned, Danzō’s body trembled slightly.
"Fugaku Uchiha once accompanied Sakumo Hatake on a visit to Kirigakure and assisted the Fourth Mizukage in quelling the Yeming Rebellion. Now that Sakumo is dead but Fugaku remains, with this connection, our hopes of winning Kirigakure are much greater."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered briefly.
Before Danzō could voice opposition, Hiruzen Sarutobi made the final decision.
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