The shock and excitement brought by the completion of the Gundam had not yet subsided among the Sunagakure high command when the pressing reality of their situation pulled them back into the realm of calm strategic planning. Inside the Kazekage's office, the atmosphere was once again solemn and focused. Fourth Kazekage Rasa, Elder Chiyo, Ebizō, and the core staff officers were gathered around a massive map of the Land of Wind and the surrounding sea. Sayo, now the undeniable pivot of this operation, was also present.
The blue expanse of the Land of Water dominated the right side of the parchment—a jagged cluster of islands protected by the natural fortress of the ocean.
"Sayo," Rasa began, his finger pointing at a large island southwest of the Land of Water's main island. "The Hidden Mist's defense system is notoriously tight. Their main island is perpetually shrouded in thick fog and high-level barriers. It is guarded by their most ruthless ninja families. A direct assault, even with the power of the Gundam, carries immense risk. It would be easy to find yourself surrounded in a territory where we have zero intelligence."
Ebizō stroked his beard, his eyes narrow. "Exactly. We need a target that is significant enough to wound the Hidden Mist deeply, but not so devastating that it triggers a suicidal, all-out war. We need a target with strategic and economic value, something they cannot afford to lose, but something we can actually hit."
Elder Chiyo's sharp gaze swept over the map, finally resting on an archipelago along the southeastern coast. "Here. The Hidden Mist's second-largest territory: Nagi Island. It is their vital fishing center, a source of rare metals for their ninja tools, and the primary supply base for their southern maritime fleet. If we cripple this location, their economy and naval reach will take a massive hit. Crucially, it is far from their main village headquarters. Their response time will be slower, yet the importance of the site will force them back to the negotiating table."
Sayo scrutinized the map. In his mind, he wasn't just looking at islands; he was looking at a Resource Node with a specific security vulnerability. Combining the Gundam's capabilities with the ultra-long-range sensing provided by the Natural Energy Core, a bold and highly efficient "Surgical Strike" formed in his mind.
"I agree with Elder Chiyo's choice," Sayo said, his voice ringing with a new level of confidence. "To break their will, we must execute a plan that bypasses their traditional defenses entirely."
Sayo stepped closer to the table, his eyes shining. "The strategy is as follows:"
"First, covert infiltration. I will depart immediately, utilizing the Gundam's flight capabilities and sensing range to avoid their coastal patrols. I will move secretly to the eastern coastline to rendezvous with Senior Pakura. This stage must be kept strictly confidential. If the Mist detects a high-energy signature leaving the village, the element of surprise is lost."
"Second, a two-person strike team. Pakura-senpai's Scorch Release is a devastating weapon against massed troops and infrastructure. Her high-thermal output is the perfect complement to the Gundam's physical power. The two of us are sufficient for a high-speed mission."
"Third, the cross-sea lightning strike." Sayo's finger tapped firmly on Nagi Island. "Under the cover of night, I will pilot the Gundam and fly across the sea with Pakura. The Gundam's endurance allows us to bypass their outer perimeter warnings. We won't be sailing; we will be attacking from an angle they haven't reinforced: the sky."
"Fourth, precise crippling of the infrastructure. We do not seek to occupy the island. We only seek maximum destruction. I will use the Gundam to demolish their coastal batteries, port facilities, and anchored warships. Pakura-senpai will focus on suppressing their garrison. We deliver the blow and leave before their main reinforcements can even initialize their departure."
"Fifth, forced negotiations. Once we return to the coast, Baki-san will set sail again. He will throw the news of the island's destruction directly into the faces of the Mist negotiators. They must understand that Sunagakure now possesses the reach to bring the flames of war right to their doorstep."
Sayo's voice was calm, articulating the high-risk, high-reward plan with the cold logic of an architect. He was treating the invasion of a Great Nation as a "Force Multiplier" problem.
Silence fell across the office as the veterans processed the sheer audacity of the plan.
Rasa stared sharply at Sayo. "How confident are you? If you are discovered over open water, or if the machine fails you in the middle of the ocean, there is no rescue coming for you and Pakura."
"The Gundam is at peak optimization, and the energy output from the core is stable," Sayo's tone was as immovable as the stone walls of the village. "My sensing ability is enough to preemptively avoid their patrols. As for confidence... there is no 100% certainty in war. But I trust the machine, I trust Pakura-senpai, and I believe this is the only way to save our village from being slowly bled dry."
He looked at Rasa, repeating the mantra that had won their duel in the desert. "Peace exists only when sought through struggle."
Rasa was silent for several seconds, then finally nodded heavily. "Good. Proceed. Sunagakure will provide every ounce of logistical support you require."
"I will send the message to Pakura immediately," Chiyo added, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "She will be ready for you. The rest is in your hands, Sayo."
"And I will ensure Baki is prepared to strike with words the moment you strike with iron," Ebizō said.
With the strategy determined, the machinery of the Hidden Sand began to turn with a new, aggressive purpose. Sayo wasted no time. After a brief, quiet farewell to his father, he left the village under the cover of dusk.
He didn't summon the Gundam yet; instead, he relied on his Natural Energy-boosted physique and Wind Release to transform into a silent gust of wind, heading straight for the eastern coastline. His silhouette vanished into the blowing sand, carrying the hopes of a nation and a steel giant capable of rewriting history.
The sharp sword was about to be unsheathed, and the Hidden Mist was about to learn the cost of threatening the Sand.
Plz Drop Some Power Stones.
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