Let the Fourth Raikage See for Himself Whether He Can Accept the Cost

Inside the meeting room.

After Hagoromo what her master had said, Yu Yi raised an eyebrow.

The Kumogakure, or rather, the current Fourth Raikage, remains as fierce and direct as ever.

Moreover, considering the situation of issuing a direct warning to Yugakure and then decisively assembling a ninja force to prepare for an exercise.

The think tank of Kumogakure is no ordinary organization.

As Konoha's chief strategist, Shikaku naturally understood the meaning behind these actions.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, not because the other Jonin didn't express their opinions.

Rather, it was Shikaku, Konoha's chief strategist.

He had already demonstrated his unique strategic acumen during Second Shinobi World War and Third Shinobi World War.

"Hiruzen Hokage." Shikaku pondered for a long time before bowing to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"No need for that, Shikaku. Just state your proposal." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, gesturing for Shikaku to come up on stage.

Having received the signal, Shikaku walked directly forward to a huge map of the Shinobi World hanging next to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He lightly tapped his finger on the direction of the Land of Hot Water, leaned slightly to the side, and spoke calmly to Hiruzen Sarutobi and the group Jonin:

"Hiruzen Hokage, the actions of the Kumogakure Village have already revealed their intentions."

"What they want now is not war, but to hold a knife to the throat of Yugakure, forcing them to break their Konoha Yugakure."

"However, given that Yugakure has already requested substantial security guarantees from Konoha and the Land of Fire."

"Therefore, my strategy is to use resilience to overcome steel, and to employ multiple deployments to create a network to bind the mines."

"Tell me more about it," Hiruzen Sarutobi his index finger lightly on the table.

"Yes, our village will send a senior, highly skilled Special Jōnin, Mastery in defense and barriers, to form Joint Defense Department."

Shikaku's fingertips traced a line

"Together with the Jonin of Yugakure, we will build a defensive system."

"Make sure that every tentacle of the Kumogakure Yugakure is caught in the mesh of the net, unable to advance an inch."

After speaking, Shikaku paused briefly to ensure all the Jonin present could hear him clearly before placing his palm on the other side of the map.

Above that lies the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.

"We also need to deploy troops to the border, but... it's just a show for Raikage."

"As for the personnel involved in this exercise, we can send colleagues who are proficient in powerful techniques."

"At the same time, the Anbu need to be deployed to 'clean up' the Land of Hot Water Springs. How many people from Kumogakure have been sent infiltrated?"

"We need to capture them all without exception, handing them over alive to the daimyo of the Land of Hot Water, and sending the dead back to them."

"Let the Fourth Raikage experience it for himself and see if he can accept this price."

Shikaku speaking, he stopped.

This was his first phase of plan.

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes, tapping the table as he carefully considered Shikaku's plan.

Sitting next to Might Guy and Kakashi, Hagoromo twitched his lips. He had a feeling that Shikaku's choice of performers was...

There's definitely one of them!

However, it must be said that Shikaku did indeed consider things very carefully.

Although it was Konoha that sent personnel to the border for the exercises, in reality, it didn't take much effort at all.

On the contrary, after a series of actions, Konoha could even ask Yugakure for money.

After all, this was already explicitly mentioned in the previous alliance between Yugakure and Konoha.

If Konoha needs to send ninjas, Yugakure will be responsible for providing them with money and supplies.

As for the final cleaning, the method was to hand over the captured people to the daimyo of the Land of Hot Water.

That's even better; it's true that the person was captured by Konoha.

However, we only accepted the commission, and the hostages are currently with the daimyo of the Land of Hot Water.

If you have the ability, go ask the daimyo of the Land of Hot Water.

Don't think you can just do whatever you want with a small country's daimyo. Just Jiraiya the Land of Rice Fields.

It took Hiruzen of careful handling before the Land of Rice Fields finally relented.

In the Shinobi World, it is small ninja villages that can disappear at will, not Daimyo's Court.

After all, rebuilding the ninja village would require the support of the country's daimyo.

"Good, do you have any suggestions for Shikaku's plan?"

After saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the group of Jonin.

Clearly, this meant that Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed to the plan, allowing those who had complaints to voice them first.

The meeting room was completely silent.

Hagoromo Yi rested her chin on her hand, looking at Shikaku on the stage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at where his disciple was and said directly, "Hagoromo, what are your thoughts?"

Feeling the gazes from all directions, Hagoromo was somewhat speechless.

My master is trying to trick me!

"Ahem, Shikaku- senpai, I remember the Raikage has a rather impulsive and direct personality, so these plans should make him hesitate."

"But should we prepare more insurance?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction; this was his plan.

Shikaku's plan was good, but it was missing one thing.

The rivalry between major powers is more about courting allies.

And the Land of Lightning has... well, it should be said that Konoha 'Land of Lightning natural geographical location allows another great power, the Land of Earth, to be located there.

They also have their eyes on Konoha.

Shikaku nodded; what Hagoromo said was indeed correct.

"Hiruzen Hokage, then I'll need you to have the Kazekage send a message to Kumogakure."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and remarked with a sigh, "Yes, after all, Sunagakure is an ally of Konoha."

"When Konoha's allies are attacked, even the sands of Sunagakure can blind the Raikage."

Well, that's what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Hagoromo naturally found out as well, that her master was a cunning old fox.

I had already thought it through a long time ago.

He just wanted to make himself known and gain some recognition.

The next meeting was where Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shikaku, and some of their advisors began to plan the operation.

Following the meeting, it was confirmed that Namiashi Raidō and Genma Shiranui would lead a team to Yugakure to jointly establish Joint Defense Department.

After all Namiashi Raidō and Genma Shiranui had served as bodyguards for the Fourth Hokage.

The two of them leading the team were both impressive and unobtrusive.

The border exercises were also confirmed.

The team was led by Kakashi, Might Guy, and other well-known Jonin, or Hagoromo Jonin have recently gained popularity.

All that is needed is to form a training force of one thousand ninjas, who must be able to be mobilized quickly and possess high combat strength.

After all, even though it was just an exercise, it was necessary to give Kumogakure a clear message: Konoha does not advocate war, but it is not afraid of trouble either.

After the meeting, Hagoromo, Kakashi, and Might Guy walked out of the Hokage Building.

"Hagoromo, I get to see your youthful and vibrant side again!"

Might Guy grinned, gave a thumbs-up, and shouted.

"Ah, thank you, Senior Kai."

Hagoromo responded listlessly, as he really wasn't keen on carrying out this mission.

Showing off is nothing compared to the practical benefits of training disciples and receiving rewards.