"Iwagakure is very close to us. It appears they have at least twenty thousand troops, divided into three groups. Their commanders are Kitsuchi, Akatsuchi, and Kurotsuchi."
After delivering the message, the bloodied Anbu collapsed.
Clearly, he had run back from the frontlines, holding his last breath, solely to deliver this intelligence.
Tearing open the scroll, Uchiha Sogetsu examined the information with an expressionless face, then casually handed it to the others for reference.
"The enemy is divided into three groups, led respectively by the son and granddaughter of Onoki, and one of their disciples. Kurotsuchi serves as the main force, while Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi are the flanks, moving to encircle us. Thoughts?"
"Our current number of ninja is fully comparable to theirs."
Hyuga Hiashi, full of pride, pounded his chest and said, "I think we have nothing to fear. Since they are dividing into three groups, we can divide into three ourselves. I am willing to lead the Hyuga clan members to intercept Akatsuchi. I know him well."
"Exactly. We must not let them set foot in Konoha!"
Jiraiya nodded in agreement. "Hiashi's plan is sound. We can divide into three groups. Our numbers give us the advantage. There's no need to fear them at all."
Uchiha Sogetsu said nothing and turned to Kakashi. "What's your opinion?"
"I've faced off against Deidara from Iwagakure." Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then decided to say it plainly.
"Everyone is underestimating Iwagakure. From what I know, Ōnoki has been preparing for war for a long time. He's already made many of the village's jonin take the 'potion.'"
The people of Konoha weren't surprised by the term 'Potion.'
According to prior intelligence, they all basically knew that this was a power separate from the chakra system.
But whether it was Hiashi Hyuga or anyone else, no one thought that the power of the 'Potion' could surpass the chakra system of the Sage of Six Paths.
"Kakashi, I think you're exaggerating."
Shibi Aburame and Inoichi Yamanaka didn't seem to agree with his opinion.
"What do you think?" Uchiha Sōgetsu asked, glancing to his right at Nara Shikaku, who was serving as a strategist.
"I think we shouldn't split our forces."
After thinking deeply for a long time, Nara Shikaku spoke solemnly. "Iwagakure doesn't have an advantage in numbers to begin with. And now they're dividing their forces proactively. That's highly manipulative. I don't think Ōnoki would be foolish enough to let us pick them off one by one. So, we absolutely cannot split our forces."
"But if we don't split our forces to block them…" Jiraiya couldn't help but worry. "What if they push straight through and reach the heart of our territory? What then?"
"You're all right, but you're overlooking one thing."
Uchiha Sōgetsu acknowledged everyone's opinions and spoke slowly. "War is not child's play, and we cannot be passive. We must turn defense into offense."
"Turn defense into offense?"
Everyone was confused by his words.
Pointing to a certain spot on the map, Uchiha Sōgetsu continued. "If we always defend passively and let Iwagakure lead us by the nose, even if we have the advantage in numbers and terrain, it will be hard to gain strategic initiative. We would instead sink completely into a quagmire, held back by Iwagakure."
"The Fourth Hokage is right. We cannot afford to be passive." Nara Shikaku quickly grasped his meaning and nodded slightly.
"To win this war, we must take the initiative. Besides, the situation with the other ninja villages isn't looking good. We have to break through Iwagakure's blockade as soon as possible."
"So, I think—"
Uchiha Sogetsu pointed with a finger and smiled. "Strategically, we must seize the initiative. To fundamentally turn the tide, we have to strike here."
Everyone froze for a moment, staring at the spot he pointed to. They swallowed hard. "Fourth Hokage, are you... serious?"
It turned out that the place Uchiha Sogetsu pointed to was none other than Iwagakure itself!
"Of course, I'm serious." Uchiha Sogetsu chuckled lightly, looking at the bewildered crowd, teasing in a deliberately relaxed tone. "What? You're all ninja. Surely a little challenge like this won't make you think it's impossible, right?"
"It's not impossible," Jiraiya drew in a sharp breath. "You mean... you want all of us to attack Iwagakure?"
"No. We will split our forces, but we must never let them control us."
Uchiha Sogetsu turned to Nara Shikaku and said calmly, "Nara Shikaku, you will command the Second Division. Hold the frontline and block the Iwagakure army. Under no circumstances, let them break through. As for me, I will lead an elite unit to flank the enemy and strike straight at their heart."
The idea of a flanking strategy wasn't new, but who had ever dared to flank straight into the enemy's stronghold?
This strategy posed an immense challenge both for the defenders and the small squad infiltrating behind enemy lines. One small mistake could lead to total annihilation on both sides.
"If we strike directly into Iwagakure, we will cut off their supply lines."
Uchiha Sogetsu continued, "Then, we wait for the right moment to sabotage Iwagakure. When that happens, their frontline army will have no choice but to turn back and deal with us."
Pointing at the map where Iwagakure's army was advancing, he smiled. "Once they turn back, the blockade will naturally be lifted. We can then join forces with Kumogakure and Kirigakure, gather our strength, and crush Iwagakure locally."
Listening to the strategy, everyone realized that although it was extremely risky, the potential rewards were enormous.
Jiraiya looked at Nara Shikaku, hoping to hear some insight from the strategist.
"This tactic... is bold!"
Nara Shikaku studied the map carefully, thinking for a long while. He drew a deep breath and looked at Uchiha Sogetsu with admiration.
"As expected of the Fourth Hokage. The way he charged into Kumogakure and defeated the Third Raikage alone—I could never have devised such a daring strategy."
Looking at the group, Nara Shikaku spoke solemnly. "The only difficulty in the Fourth Hokage's plan lies in execution. But I believe in the capability of the ninja. Therefore, I see no problem with it!"
Since even the strategists agreed, naturally no one else would object.
Jiraiya said in a deep voice, "I am willing to join your elite squad."
"Heh, even if you didn't say that, you wouldn't be left out," Uchiha Sogetsu replied with a smile.
He then turned to Inoichi and Hyuga Hiashi. "For this mission to infiltrate deep into enemy territory, your two clans will play a crucial role. So I ask that you assign some of your elite members to me."
Hyuga Hiashi and Inoichi exchanged a glance and immediately stood. "We are willing to go with you, Fourth Hokage!"
*******
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