"What're you trying to say, Shikaku?" Choza, the new head of the Akimichi clan, asked his friend directly.
"He's saying that there's a high likelihood that Kumo and Iwa will join forces, or at the very least coordinate their attacks. After Katsuro's performance, and with so many other strong Shinobi in our army, both of them have realised trying to win against us separately won't work. The only chance they stand is to join forces," Jiraiya assessed. For all the man's jokes, innuendos and sometimes childishness, he was still a Sannin, and a very intelligent Shinobi.
"Exactly as Lord Jiraiya said," Shikaku confirmed.
"But there is good news, we were wondering what Iwa were doing against us here. They were being unusually passive and reserved. Now we know, with such a large investment it is impossible for them to have fielded a significant force here. Lord Sarutobi, I propose we significantly ramp up our efforts to deal with this army and aid our forces led by Katsuro now on the other side." He continued.
Hiruzen subtly noted the use of 'Lord Sarutobi' as opposed to 'Lord Hokage', and sighed internally again.
I can't win here, can I?
"But, if such a large army is after Konoha, and they join forces with Kumo like Shikaku said, won't our comrades be in danger even with Katsuro?" Jiraiya asked.
"Yes, that makes sense." Inoichi nodded, "But like Shikaku said this is a perfect opportunity for us to deal with this weaker Iwa force and stop them from aiding that large army no matter how unlikely."
"Inoichi is right, it is likely Onoki will not order the force we face to assist him as it will mean we will go as well, making Konoha's odds better. But this is the perfect opportunity for us to deal with Iwa a blow here and besides I should add Lord Katsuro sent a message to assure us that everything is handled even if Iwa will take drastic measures." Shikaku said in his usually lazy tone.
"Yes, I received it from our Yamanaka relays. He spoke of how the army was exhausted from constant fighting and how the next battle will be completely different. He spoke of an overwhelming victory. But he also said that after we have dealt with our fight, we should come to aid him, but he doubts we will arrive in time regardless."
"But, I should add, like Katsuro also said, I suspect that Onoki will attack pretty soon. Waiting is not to his advantage, even if reinforcements can arrive, it will mean that we can also support Katsuro, and that outcome is far worse for them considering our forces, especially with our Suna front wrapping up. I predict that Onoki is merely waiting for negotiations to conclude and for the Raikage to return to a battle ready state - I hear Katsuro did quite the number on him." Shikaku said after Inoichi jumped in briefly.
"Yeah, that makes sense! I trust in Katsuro! Let's handle the fight here first, from how it sounds we won't be able to reach them anyway!" Jiraiya said enthusiastically.
"Then in that case, we will do as suggested. We will attack Iwa with our full strength, and reinforce our comrades fighting against Kumo and Iwa."
Everyone nodded at the Hokage's words.
The plan makes sense, but I can't help but feel his words even from so far away are being taken much more seriously than mine right here. I'll have to win back as much respect as I can for my legacy… But still, it looks like my time as Hokage is up, it's plain to see. But… even if I have to step down… what if someone else is Hokage? That boy, Minato, his achievements and strength are undeniable. They call him the Yellow Flash of the Leaf now, and is even named as an SS Rank Shinobi on the Bingo Book alongside his master.
Envy briefly washed over the Hokage as he thought of how Minato was stolen from him, but he shook his head to focus once again.
But, his dream was to become Hokage… yes, that's it, I just need to proceed with my original plan. Even if Katsuro's influence will make things difficult, a civilian ninja surely cannot deny the more experienced and only Hokage, can he?
Hiruzen smiled, perhaps there was some hope after all.
A few days later
At the Kumo front…
For a few days, the Stone and the Cloud both stayed in their retreat, refusing to attack. Katsuro's suspicion of the Stone and Cloud allying began to feel more realistic as each day passed, and he saw it as a possible reason for the sudden extended pause at the Kumo front.
While support from the Iwa and Suna front was expected, Katsuro had a feeling that the Konoha shinobi already present at the Kumo front would have to fight the majority of the next battle themselves like he told Shikaku.
And he was right…
—
During the few days of pause, Onoki had reached out to the Third Raikage's camp with messengers. He was mainly trying to find out if the Raikage still lived, he would be the only real force in that camp who could help them.
The messenger Onoki had sent, a Jonin, who had come with raised hands and a sign of surrender was invited into the Kumo camp to speak to the Raikage. But even still, he was sweating bullets among all those enemies, even as an experienced Jonin. It felt like he had walked straight into the tiger's den.
Soon he came into the main tent, and released a sight gasp as he was the large muscular man before him covered in bandages as he sat. Even as injured as he was, the Raikage still had a presence about him.
His guards stood warily in front of him, ready to strike the Jonin down at a moment's notice. The Raikage was in his weakest state after all, it was questionable if he would even be able to dodge a few shuriken. The relative weakness of Kumo's medical shinobi, in comparison to Konoha's, truly showed here. But fortunately, the Raikage's physique was tenacious and his vitality impressive - it was unknown if this was as a result of the Lightning Chakra Mode, or perhaps the reason he could use it at all.
The Jonin continued to grow more nervous but as no one spoke, he began his message, "L-Lord Raikage. The Tsuchikage, invites you to meet with him at a neutral location. He suggests a temporary alliance to deal with Senju Katsuro."
To his surprise the Raikage started laughing, sounding like he was doing so through immense pain. "HAAHAHAHAA- that Onoki, just as I would expect from that Fence Sitter. Has he realised now that Katsuro is not an easy opponent? But, I guess it's time for Iwa to suffer as we did. I do not forget your third party attack on us, it was shameful and cowardly! You kill my men like that and expect to work together in the next moment!?!"
The Kumo shinobi began to reach for their weapons, just waiting for the order.
The Raikage's rage made the Jonin realise this was going horribly wrong, but he remembered something Onoki had told him, "T-the Tsuchikage wishes to inform you that Senju Katsuro is a user of the Wood Style, like the First Hokage."
The revelation made the Raikage pause, as did all the other Kumo shinobi. "Wood Style…?"
The room was clearly shocked, in disbelief of what seemed to be another layer of power to what looked like an untouchable opponent. The Raikage was deep in thought, "I see, the Wood Style… that does change things…"
As the Raikage murmured, the Jonin took the opportunity, "Lord Onoki hopes that an alliance will deal with Senju Katsuro, and prevent that resurgence of a God of Shinobi."
The Raikage, hearing these words, pondered some more. His subordinates turned towards him, slightly awaiting his order, "Tell that Onoki I will meet with him… but it will be on the edge of our camp at noon tomorrow, he should only bring a small force, of less than 50 Shinobi. We shall do the same. If he does not agree with this, then he can forget it."
Was this a way for the Raikage to maintain his power and image, to show he wasn't bowing to Onoki? Or was it simply assuring his safety considering his heavily injured state? No one could be too sure, but it was clear a meeting was scheduled - one with the goal of killing a giant.
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