Orochimaru's gaze toward Uchiha Ryun burned with desire. He wanted this technique too, but unfortunately, he didn't possess the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai. Otherwise, this skill would have been a divine ability for him.
Tsunade noticed Orochimaru's intense stare fixed on Uchiha Ryun and coldly snorted before stepping in front of Ryun. "What, Orochimaru, are you trying to steal my person?"
Orochimaru widened his eyes at this scene and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Then, he glanced sideways at Jiraiya, who was scratching his head, completely oblivious.
Orochimaru felt speechless. Jiraiya was truly foolish. Well, never mind him for now. Orochimaru turned back to Tsunade and said, "No, I'm just interested in Ryun's detection-type ninjutsu. Besides, this is someone Lady Mito personally selected to be your aide. Why would I try to take him?"
"Hmph, you better not!" In Tsunade's heart, Uchiha Ryun was a treasure—dual Kekkei Genkai, skilled in warfare, not greedy for credit, and always considering her interests. He was practically the perfect assistant gifted to her by the heavens!
Uchiha Ryun scratched his head awkwardly. Right now, speaking up or staying silent both felt inappropriate.
Then, Tsunade grabbed Ryun's arm and pulled him to the commander's seat at the head of the office, pushing him into it.
Orochimaru: !!!
Jiraiya: !!!
Nawaki: !!!
Uchiha Ryun: !!!!
Was this a seat he could sit in? This was the position of the supreme commander! Or rather, if they won this battle, most of the credit would go to the supreme commander!
Uchiha Ryun hurriedly tried to stand up, but Tsunade's monstrous strength kept him pinned. His face turned red from exertion, but he couldn't move an inch.
"Lady Tsunade, didn't we agree earlier? I'm just here to assist you. I don't want any credit!" Uchiha Ryun said urgently.
"That was then, this is now! Just now, Jiraiya suggested that the three of us fight Hanzo of the Salamander, and I thought it was a good idea. But that leaves the issue of who will command the troops!" Tsunade said with a smile.
Orochimaru also understood the key point and chuckled. "Indeed, Ryun. Right now, we need a skilled commander to lead the army and defeat the other Rain-nin!"
"Exactly, Ryun. Tsunade says you're a genius in military strategy, so you're the perfect person to lead the troops!" Jiraiya laughed heartily.
Uchiha Ryun froze, then frowned. "Tsunade said who proposed fighting Hanzo of the Salamander?" He even forgot to struggle as he stared at Jiraiya, his eyes filled with suspicion.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. Could it be that this kid…?
Jiraiya, however, was confused. Wasn't this strategy a good one? The three of them were taking on immense pressure!
Tsunade blinked her beautiful eyes, looking at Jiraiya, then at Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun patted Tsunade's arm, and she released her grip. Then, Ryun propped his chin on his hands and asked, "Why do we need to fight him?"
Jiraiya scratched his head. "Because the intel says that apart from Hanzo of the Salamander, the rest of the Rain-nin are just a bunch of ragtag fighters. So…"
"So, the three of you want to hold off the main force while the army cleans up the other ninja, dealing a heavy blow to them?" Uchiha Ryun said coldly.
Orochimaru fell into silent contemplation. He had felt something was off earlier but couldn't pinpoint the issue. But judging from Ryun's demeanor, it seemed he had a better method.
Tsunade listened carefully to Ryun's words, staring at his back in silence.
"Lord Jiraiya, what does Hanzo of the Salamander want? He wants to expand his territory, to demonstrate his strength and power to other nations. If you fight him, losing would be humiliating, and winning would mean he fought three at once. Either way, it boosts his reputation. So why fight?" Ryun said solemnly.
"Then… if we don't fight, how do we resolve this battle?" Jiraiya frowned, believing his approach was already the best.
Uchiha Ryun suddenly locked eyes with Jiraiya. "Lord Jiraiya, if we follow your plan and win, don't forget—Rain Country isn't just our battlefield alone."
"The Iwa-nin and Suna-nin are both watching us. If we strike first and win, those two could swoop in and finish off our weakened forces. Would that count as a victory or a defeat?" Ryun tapped the table rhythmically with his fingers.
Jiraiya immediately fell silent. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed—that was it. Rain Country wasn't their exclusive battlefield. They could easily be taken advantage of. No, based on what they knew about Ōnoki, he would definitely strike!
Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Ryun with admiration.
Tsunade chose this moment to speak up. "Ryun, then how should we fight this battle?"
Uchiha Ryun turned to the map. Rain Country bordered the Land of Earth to the west and the Land of Wind to the south, while the Land of Fire lay to the east. In that case…
"Tomorrow, we march and attack Amegakure, the capital of Rain Country. Lady Tsunade will lead the Senju forces to blockade the eastern gate. Lord Jiraiya will lead troops to blockade the southern gate. Lord Orochimaru will lead troops to blockade the northern gate."
"Every day, we strengthen our defenses and clear the surrounding areas, cutting off their food supply routes. If they send out troops, we retreat. When they withdraw, we blockade again." Ryun's eyes shone.
"What about the western gate?" Jiraiya asked.
Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya strangely, as if seeing him for the first time.
"What does the western gate have to do with us? That side belongs to the Land of Earth. Blockading these three gates is enough! When Rain Country is pushed to desperation, they'll break out from the western gate, and it'll be Ōnoki's problem to deal with the consequences." Orochimaru chuckled.
Tsunade also nodded. "And by doing this, we can preserve the army's strength to the greatest extent while achieving our objectives."
Uchiha Ryun agreed. "War isn't just about the strength of ninja or troops. It's also about resources, national power, weapons, and supplies."
"If we cut off their food supply for two months, they'll either surrender or charge out from the western gate. By then, they'll be like cornered beasts. Even the Land of Earth will have a hard time dealing with a group of starving, desperate people." After saying this, Ryun leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in thought.
Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade all stared at Ryun, making him shudder. He opened his eyes and looked at them. "What? Why are you all staring at me? Tell me if this strategy works or not!"
Orochimaru smiled. "It works, of course it works. But I'm curious, Ryun—where did you learn such exceptional military tactics?"
Tsunade also nodded. "Indeed, Ryun's strategic ability is outstanding. You've turned a battle of numbers into a resource war that favors us!"
Jiraiya was convinced. "Ryun, I yield to you!"
Uchiha Ryun froze. Oh no, he had overdone it. This strategy seemed to be the first of its kind in the ninja world! Damn it, he'd failed to hide his abilities!