Shikaku continued explaining his calculations, "If Orochimaru hadn't fought you in the second round, then they might have attacked us with just the two of them. Even more so if Jiraiya-sama wasn't in the village.
However, Orochimaru's attack warned us about their possible plans, which made us call Jiraiya-sama back. In addition, they became aware of your real strength. Now they know that they'll have to deal with you, Jiraiya-sama and Hokage-sama. So, it is very unlikely that they'll attack without involving a third or perhaps even a fourth rank S ninja."
He paused and glanced at Hiruzen before continuing, "My initial thought was that they might recruit Akatsuki's help. However, he has received intel that Orochimaru is no longer involved with Akatsuki. Or rather, he betrayed them. So, that isn't a threat for now.
However, considering how unexpectedly Akuro appeared, it won't be too strange if they find someone like him. In fact, they might even ally with him considering that he attacked Root in the past. Regardless of who it is, they will make some arrangements."
Fujin nodded and said, "I see. Yeah, that makes sense. They'll be outnumbered if they're attacking the village. So they will want to compensate quantity with quality. I guess my job will be to deal with this unknown factor."
A smirk appeared on Shikaku's face as he answered, "Once again, no."
Fujin raised an eyebrow but there was no change in Shikaku's expression. Seeing Shikaku enjoying the suspense, Fujin let out a sigh and muttered, "You should've said that you're going to talk in riddles for so long. I'd have brought some Ramen along."
Shikaku chuckled and explained, "As he said earlier, Orochimaru will make plans to counter you. Whoever they recruit will have a way to either counter or restrict you. At the very least, that ninja will keep you occupied during the duration of the battle. That'll put a major dent in our counterattacking capabilities.
So, unless there is no choice, you'll stay clear of any other rank S ninja who show up. Instead, Guy will be the one to deal with them. He'll open the Sixth or the Seventh Inner Gate depending on the enemy and kill them before they realize what is happening. Once the enemy is dead, Guy will be escorted to a safe place by a couple of Anbu squads and their retreat will be covered by Kakashi. I'll assign a couple of Elite Jounins as well to cover his retreat in case Kakashi is occupied."
Shikaku continued, "While Guy is dealing with them and Hokage-sama and Jiraiya-sama keep the Kazekage and Orochimaru occupied, you'll focus on cleaning up the weaker enemies.
As you know, we must not only win this battle but also do so with minimal losses. If our losses are high, then it'll give an opportunity to other villages to become adventurous, especially if our losses exceed Kumo's losses. Your job will be to ensure that this doesn't happen by cutting down the enemies swiftly."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Actually, I had been thinking of this role for you ever since we received intel about Sunagakure's possible betrayal. Your performance in the Land of Lightning made me even more sure.
Cut down as many of their elites as you can before they even get a chance to go on the attack. It'll not only free up our forces to help others but also put the Kazekage and Orochimaru under pressure to win their battles quickly which could result in them making a mistake."
Fujin thought for a bit before replying, "That seems easy enough. Alright, I'll focus on killing as many as I can as soon as the battle begins."
Hiruzen sighed internally in relief that Fujin hadn't asked to fight against the stronger fighters. As a rank S ninja, he knew very well how rare the opportunity to battle against rank S ninjas was. So, he had expected Fujin to insist on fighting at least one.
Shikaku replied, "Good. Even though your role is to cut down enemy numbers, you'll also have to pay attention to other events. One big variable is Gaara. If they plan to attack us, they'll likely set One Tail loose during the final round and use the distraction to attack us.
Kakashi will be the one responsible for keeping One Tail under control with his Sharingan. However, if he isn't able to control him or is blocked by others, you may have to change your target to restrain Shukaku with the Four Symbols Seal.
It'll be a similar case with Guy's fights. In case his opponent is able to somehow withstand his Eight Inner Gates technique and overwhelm him, you'll have to assist him. I won't give any more specific orders, just act depending on what you think will be the best during the battle."
Fujin nodded. Shikaku explained a few more things to Fujin, taking his feedback on some to see if he could get more perspectives. They discussed for nearly an hour before Fujin left the office.
As he returned to his house, Fujin thought, 'I didn't expect Shikaku to go with such a plan. Considering our numerical advantage, slowing the enemy down and then overwhelming them with numbers is the most natural strategy. Of course, the enemy would think of that as well and will instead look for a quick victory.
However, Shikaku has gone with the opposite strategy. A quick and clean victory. It'll catch the enemy off guard. That said…'
A weird expression appeared on Fujin's face as he realized, 'I'll have to kill dozens, possibly over a hundred Suna ninjas once again… It seems like that village is fated to suffer at my hands.'
For a moment, even Fujin felt pity for Suna ninjas. Of course, it was just for a moment. After all, they were the aggressors this time. Fujin couldn't be blamed if they were willingly running to their deaths.
Fujin returned to his house and entered the basement. He was greeted by a surprising sight. All forty of his Shadow Clones had a wide smile plastered on their faces. The clones saw him as well and said, "It's done."
At the next moment, all the Shadow Clones dispelled themselves, giving a few headaches to Fujin. However, Fujin completely ignored the headaches as a glint appeared in his eyes and a smile lit up his face. He exclaimed, "Marvellous!"
In Shikaku's office, Shikaku said, "Told you, you were worried for nothing."
Hiruzen nodded and said, "Yes, thankfully."
Shikaku's expression became serious. He asked, "Even though I planned for their attack, what are your plans for after the battle is over? If Sunagakure attacks us, it'll destroy the agreement we reached during the Third Great Ninja War. Such a violation will force us to retaliate as we'll be seen as weak if we don't, which will give ideas to our other allies. However, fighting Sunagakure in the desert will be too costly."
Hiruzen sighed and massaged his forehead. He said, "Yes, it will be a big diplomatic issue and be very complicated to deal with. Our alliance with Sunagakure and the civil war in Kirigakure are the two main reasons why the next Great War hasn't started yet.
That said, it's too soon to say for sure. It'll depend on how the battle ends. If the Kazekage is killed, then we could use the ninjas we detain to broker a new contract and install a Kazekage who'll be subservient towards us. If not, then it'll get more troublesome."
Shikaku nodded. He thought for a bit and muttered, "I suppose we could always send Fujin to a long vacation in the Land of Wind if they decide to continue the hostilities."
Hiruzen chuckled, recalling the mess Fujin created a few years ago and replied, "That might work. Perhaps they might start begging to start the negotiations in a few weeks."
The two continued calling other ninjas who'd play an important role in the battle and the discussions continued until late in the day. By midnight, all of them were aware of their role.
The next day, in a secluded region in the Land of River, a secret meeting was taking place. A simple table had been set up, with a chair on either side of the table. On one side sat Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin and the Leader of Otogakure. Behind him were Kimimaro and the Sound Four. On the other side was Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage. Behind him were four of the strongest Anbu in Sunagakure. The discussion between these two powerful ninjas would decide whether the world would witness the first official war between two Great Villages since the end of the Third Great Ninja War!
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