Inside Jiraiya's tent at the Leaf's encampment.
Qianyu laid out his analysis.
Jiraiya nodded in agreement. Orochimaru gave an approving hum. "Adequate assessment. And the solution?"
Qianyu continued. "Driving the Cloud ninja completely out of the Land of Hot Water isn't realistic. The disparity in forces is too great. We only have so many men here. Even if Leaf sends more reinforcements, it won't be enough.
"Teacher Orochimaru's grand plan requires splitting Leaf's forces four ways, with a portion still kept in reserve at home. Meanwhile, the Cloud can funnel a continuous stream of shinobi into this country.
"However… we can leverage Lord Jiraiya's and Teacher Orochimaru's reputations. Use them to push the front line forward. Create some breathing room. That way, when the real war starts, retreating back to the Fire Country border isn't our only option."
Jiraiya blinked. "Leverage our reputations?"
Minato looked equally confused.
"Exactly. Reputation." Qianyu's voice was low, serious. "We make a big, loud show of it. Let every Cloud ninja in this country know that two of the Legendary Sannin are here. In the Hidden Hot Water. We scare them. Make them hesitate, make them second-guess every move.
"Then, both of you make a joint appearance. Attack one of their outposts. Hammer home the point that the Land of Hot Water is now a priority for Leaf. They'll assume our main reinforcements have arrived. That a Leaf counter-offensive is beginning.
"That fear… that's what we use to push the line. Just enough to put some distance between the front and the Fire Country border. Give ourselves that room to maneuver.
"But we cannot push too far. Given time, they'll realize Teacher Orochimaru is the only real reinforcement. If we overextend, we won't be able to hold. We'd waste forces and likely get pushed right back to the border. Pointless effort.
"After the push, we dig in. Hold our new position. Stall. Buy time for Teacher Orochimaru's larger strategy to unfold.
"That's the method I see. I don't know if it fits your overall plan, Teacher."
Orochimaru was silent for a long moment. Then a thin, sharp smile touched his lips. "Your 'method' is already a fully formed plan of action. Mature. Pragmatic.
"As you said, a direct confrontation to push the line is impossible given our strength disparity. My initial thought was for Jiraiya and I to conduct targeted raids on Cloud patrols. Stabilize the current stalemate, then look for an opening.
"Your approach is more aggressive. But if it succeeds, the gains are substantial. And it provides far more flexibility for subsequent operations.
"I am inclined to adopt your plan, Qianyu. Jiraiya. Your thoughts?"
Jiraiya rubbed his chin, thinking. "It's risky… but feasible. If we're doing this, we need to hit a specific outpost. All known Cloud positions are marked on the sand table. Which one, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru didn't hesitate. His hand darted to the sand table, plucking a flag representing a Cloud stronghold. "If we are to announce our presence and instill true fear, we must choose the hardest target. Anything less won't achieve the desired psychological effect."
Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly. "The Hidden Hot Water Village itself?"
Minato's head snapped up, alarm flashing in his eyes. "Lord Orochimaru! Teacher! That's far too reckless! The Hidden Hot Water isn't just occupied by Cloud ninja. The local Hot Water shinobi are there too! They haven't openly engaged us yet. If we attack the village directly, we'll force their hand! They'll have no choice but to fight! The situation would become even worse for us!"
Orochimaru ignored him.
A soft, derisive snort came from Qianyu's direction.
Minato's brow furrowed. He turned. "Qianyu. What's so funny?"
Qianyu tilted his head, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. "Nothing. Just admiring the strategic depth. Why stop there? Maybe we should try to ally with the Hidden Hot Water first. Stage a coup from within. Take out the Cloud garrison over tea. Wouldn't that be better?"
Jiraiya winced, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Minato. The Hidden Hot Water allowed Cloud forces to be garrisoned inside their village. That act itself is a declaration against Leaf. To achieve the 'shock and awe' effect Qianyu described, their village is the optimal target.
"Besides, waiting for the Hot Water ninja to eventually join the fight on their own terms is worse. A surprise assault now, when they least expect it, is preferable.
"If we succeed, we eliminate the Cloud's largest forward base in this country. The Hot Water village would be too terrified to host Cloud forces again. Their own shinobi would think twice before engaging Leaf.
"It's risky, yes. But the potential reward is immense. This is a covert strike. Intelligence suggests the garrison—both Cloud and Hot Water—is light on Jōnin. Mostly Chūnin and Genin. With myself and Orochimaru leading, success is highly probable.
"We aren't trying to conquer and hold the village. We achieve the demonstration, the psychological blow, and we extract. That's mission success."
Minato still looked troubled. He understood the logic. But he also knew this plan, Qianyu's plan, would inevitably lead to casualties. Possibly significant ones.
In his time here, Minato had bonded with the Leaf shinobi holding the line. They were comrades. The thought of them being wounded, of them dying… it sat heavy in his gut.
But the decision wasn't his to make.
Jiraiya turned back to Orochimaru. "The Hidden Hot Water it is. Orochimaru, I'm ceding operational command to you. Every shinobi here, myself included, follows your orders."
Orochimaru gave a curt nod. "Then gather every available man. Now. This is a lightning raid. Speed is everything. If they learn of my presence before we strike, the impact is halved, and their defenses will solidify."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."
Jiraiya and a still-concerned Minato left the tent to mobilize the forces.
Qianyu moved to follow, but Orochimaru's voice stopped him. "Stay, Qianyu. This was your conception. You will assist me in finalizing the operational details."