50. Deciding On The Plan

Sora presented his analysis in Jiraiya's tent at the Konoha Shinobi camp.

Jiraiya nodded in agreement with Sora's assessment.

Orochimaru, with a hint of satisfaction, spoke up. "The analysis is good, but what about the solution?"

Sora continued: "It is unrealistic to drive the Kumogakure ninjas out of the Land of Hot Water because the combat strength of both sides is too disparate.

Currently, there are only so many Konoha Shinobi who can be stationed here. Even if Konoha sends reinforcements in the future, the number of ninjas deployed will certainly be limited.

Because of Teacher Orochimaru's plan, the Konoha ninjas need to be divided into four groups, and some must remain in Konoha. Meanwhile, Kumogakure can continually send reinforcements to the Land of Hot Water.

However, relying on the reputations of Jiraiya-sama and Orochimaru-sama, we might be able to push the front a little further, buying us some time. This way, when the war begins, we won't be left with the only option of retreating to the Land of Fire."

Jiraiya, puzzled, asked, "Relying on my reputation and Orochimaru's?"

Namikaze Minato, too, was confused about what Sora meant by "reputation."

Sora explained with a serious tone: "Yes, it's about using reputation—to let the ninjas of Kumogakure know that two of the Konoha Sannin have come to Hot Water Village. It's a way to intimidate them into hesitating, making them reluctant to act rashly.

At the same time, Jiraiya-sama and Orochimaru-sama can launch an attack on one of their strongholds, signalling to them that the Land of Hot Water will be a priority for Konoha's garrison efforts.

Once that happens, they should think that Konoha's reinforcements have arrived and that a counterattack from Konoha is imminent. We can then push part of the front away from the border of the Land of Fire and deeper into the Land of Hot Water, gaining some breathing room.

However, we must be careful not to push too far because, over time, they will realize that Konoha's reinforcements consist only of Orochimaru. If we advance too much, we won't be able to hold the line, and our resources will be wasted. It could even force us to retreat to the border of the Land of Fire, rendering all our efforts futile.

Once the front has advanced enough, we can hold our position and await the implementation of Orochimaru-sama's overall plan.

This is the strategy I propose. I'm not sure if it will help, but it's the best solution I can think of."

Orochimaru paused for a moment, considering the proposal, before responding: "Your strategy is quite sound. It's feasible, and we can move forward with it as planned.

As you said, our combat strength is no match for the ninjas of Kumogakure, so advancing the front through direct confrontation is unrealistic.

My original idea was for Jiraiya and me to strike at Kumogakure's ninja forces to stabilize the situation, then look for a breakthrough to push the front line further."

Orochimaru spoke with a faint smile. "Sora, although your method is a bit radical if it succeeds, our gains will be substantial, and it will make our future arrangements much more flexible.

So, I'm inclined to use Sora's plan. Jiraiya, what do you think?"

Jiraiya considered the proposal for a moment before responding. "I think it's feasible. However, for this plan to work, we need to strike one of their strongholds. The strongholds we've identified so far are marked on the sand table. Orochimaru, which one do you suggest we attack?"

Orochimaru pulled a flag representing a Kumogakure stronghold from the sand table and replied decisively, "If we want to make our presence known and instil fear, we should aim for the most challenging target. Otherwise, it won't have the intended effect—what's the point of setting a trap if it can't catch the mouse?"

Jiraiya looked at the flag in Orochimaru's hand and said in surprise, "You're suggesting we attack Yugakure directly?"

Namikaze Minato immediately spoke up, his voice laced with concern. "Orochimaru-sama, Jiraiya-sama, this is far too reckless. Yugakure doesn't just have Kumogakure shinobi stationed there; they also have Jonin. The Yugakure shinobi are already fighting against us directly. If we attack their village, they'll inevitably see it as an act of outright hostility. Won't that make the situation even worse?"

Orochimaru dismissed Minato's concerns without a word while Qianyu chuckled audibly.

Minato frowned at Sora's reaction. "Sora, what's so funny?"

Tilting his head with a faint smirk, Sora replied in an exaggerated tone, "Oh, nothing. I find your idea rather naive. Forming an alliance with Yugakure? That would certainly be ideal. But do you honestly think we can build any trust with them while Kumogakure ninjas are stationed in their village? Wouldn't it be better to remove the Cloud Shinobi from Yugakure entirely?"

Jiraiya interjected awkwardly, trying to bridge the gap between their perspectives. "Minato, if Yugakure has already allowed Kumogakure ninjas to station themselves there, they've effectively declared their hostility toward Konoha. If we want to make an impactful move, Yugakure is indeed the best target.

Rather than waiting for Yugakure shinobi to make the first move against us, it's better to strike preemptively and catch them off guard.

If the attack succeeds, the largest Kumogakure stronghold in the Land of Hot Water will be neutralized, and Yugakure will think twice before allowing Kumogakure forces to station there again. Furthermore, the Jonin themselves will become more cautious about opposing Konoha.

Yes, it's risky, but the potential rewards are immense.

Also, the forces currently stationed in Yugakure aren't particularly formidable. Most of them are Chūnin and Genin. With Orochimaru and me leading the attack, the chances of success are high.

We're not aiming to capture Yugakure entirely—our goal is to make a statement. As long as we achieve that, the mission will be successful."

Despite Jiraiya's reasoning, Namikaze Minato still felt uneasy. He understood the risks involved in Sora's plan, and he knew it would undoubtedly result in casualties. Over the course of his time in the Land of Hit Water, Minato had grown close to his fellow shinobi stationed there. The thought of losing them weighed heavily on his mind.

But the decision wasn't his to make. It rested in the hands of Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

Jiraiya turned to Orochimaru and said, "Then it's settled—Yugakure. Orochimaru, I'm entrusting command to you. All the ninjas stationed here, including myself, will follow your orders."

Orochimaru nodded. "Very well. Gather all the shinobi we can spare. Since this is a sneak attack, speed is essential. If word gets out that I'm in the Land of Hot Water, the effectiveness of the operation will be greatly reduced, and they'll have time to fortify their defences."

"Understood. I'll begin the preparations immediately," Jiraiya replied.

With that, Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato left the tent to organize the attack.

As Sora made to leave as well, Orochimaru stopped him. "Sora, this plan was your idea. Stay and help me work out the details of the battle strategy."

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