The Konoha reinforcement forces had finally arrived at the frontline of the Land of Rain.
"Hahaha! The brothers are here!"
"Now that you're here, we can finally relax…"
"Oh? So it's Orochimaru and the others."
After receiving the report from the scout ninja, Senju Senra led several high-ranking commanders to personally welcome the reinforcements.
"Welcome."
Senju Senra, whose face had been tense for days, finally showed a faint smile upon seeing Yoru and the others approaching.
Inside the Command Tent
After exchanging brief greetings, the reinforcements were quickly assigned their stations.
"Come, please."
Senju Senra led Yoru, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and several tactical advisors into the main tent.
He spread out a map on the table and spoke seriously:
"This is the map of the Land of Rain we've managed to refine. Some areas are still not very detailed, but let's discuss our next strategy."
Current Situation
"First, let me explain the situation."
His expression grew solemn.
"Not far from us, there is a forward base of the Rain Village."
Then he pointed toward the directions of Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
"According to intelligence, both Sunagakure and Iwagakure have already entered the borders of the Land of Rain. They are currently confronting the Rain ninjas."
He paused, then continued:
"Before you arrived, I considered dividing our forces into two parts."
"One part remains here as the main command center. The other will be stationed here—"
He pointed to a location on the map.
"This position allows us to monitor the Rain ninjas and also serves as a buffer zone."
Jiraiya's Confusion
Tsunade and Orochimaru studied the map thoughtfully.
Meanwhile—
Jiraiya…
Didn't understand anything at all.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
Damn it… I have to say something, or that brat Yoru will look down on me!
"Ahem! Ahem!"
Jiraiya cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Brother Senra, how many ninja troops do you have left?"
Troop Numbers
Before he could continue, Yoru suddenly spoke:
"How many troops do we currently have?"
Senju Senra glanced at him, his expression heavy.
"1,200 in total… but only about 1,000 are combat-ready."
"What?!" Tsunade's eyes widened.
"The report to Konoha said 1,500!"
Senra's face tightened with pain.
"That was when the report was sent. Three hundred died from infection… the remaining two hundred are too severely injured to fight."
Tsunade's expression darkened.
Again… because of the lack of medical ninjas…
Yoru gently patted her shoulder.
Yoru's Strategy
"Then I suggest dividing the forces into three parts."
"Two parts follow your arrangement, Brother Senra."
"As for the third…"
Yoru pointed toward the direction of Sunagakure.
"We must guard here."
Senju Senra's eyes flickered.
Jiraiya Gets Shut Down
"What?!" Jiraiya shouted.
"Yoru, are you saying the Sand ninjas might attack us? That's impossible! The Rain ninjas are blocking them! They can't get through—HAHAHA!"
He laughed loudly, even throwing Yoru a mocking glance.
But soon—
He noticed everyone staring at him like he was an idiot.
His laughter slowly died.
Yoru Explains
Senju Senra asked seriously:
"Yoru… what do you mean?"
Yoru smiled confidently.
"On the surface, yes—the Sand ninjas are blocked."
"But what if the Rain ninjas let them pass?"
He paused, then continued:
"The Rain Village is fighting three great nations at once."
"If they fight head-on, they will definitely lose."
"So the only way they survive—"
"Is by manipulating the three nations into fighting each other."
"Only then does the Land of Rain have a chance."
Jiraiya was completely confused.
Wait… that actually makes sense?
Damn it! Why is this brat stealing my spotlight again?!
Detailed Plan
Yoru ignored him and continued:
"Deploy large numbers of scout ninjas along possible Sand routes."
"Then—"
He pointed to a key location.
"Station around 300 ninjas here."
"If the Sand Village attacks, they can delay them."
Conflict: Sacrifice
"WHAT?!" Jiraiya slammed the table.
"Isn't that sending them to die?!"
Yoru glanced at him coldly.
"War always involves sacrifice."
"If you don't understand that—"
"Why are you even here?"
Jiraiya froze.
Lowered his head.
Said nothing.
Next Phase
Yoru continued:
"The remaining forces should launch coordinated attacks against the Rain Village."
"But slowly."
"If we push too fast, the Rain Village will focus all their strength on us—"
"And hand victory to the Sand."
Supply Problem
Senju Senra asked:
"What about food?"
"They can't carry enough supplies. We can't support them."
"If they rely only on soldier pills, they'll starve."
Dark Decision
A cold light flashed in Yoru's eyes.
"Then we take food locally."
❗ Jiraiya's Outburst
"What?!" Jiraiya roared.
"That means stealing from civilians!"
"I refuse! Why drag innocent people into war?!"
Yoru vs Jiraiya (INTENSE)
Yoru grabbed Jiraiya by the collar and pulled him close.
"THIS IS WAR!"
"You don't understand what war is?!"
Everyone watched in silence.
Yoru continued, furious:
"Our goal is only one thing—"
"VICTORY!"
"Either we die—"
"Or they do!"
"Innocent?"
"In war—there is NO such thing as innocence!"
Jiraiya trembled, breathing heavily.
Eyes red.
Final Decision
"Enough, Jiraiya."
Senju Senra separated them.
"Yoru is right."
"Our goal… is victory."
He turned to the advisors:
"Follow Yoru's plan."
"Inform all unit commanders."
"Yes, Lord Senra!"
Aftermath
Yoru glanced at the silent Jiraiya and left with Tsunade.
Orochimaru remained behind, looking at Jiraiya.
In a hoarse voice, he said:
"Yoru is right."
"This… is war."
His eyes seemed distant—like recalling something.
Jiraiya's Breakdown
Jiraiya suddenly rushed out of the tent.
"AAAAAHHH!!"
He shouted toward the sky.
At this moment—
He hated war more than ever.
And longed for peace like never before.
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