A Plan

"Attack the supply route? But there's no essential route from the Land of Fire to the camp. While the road conditions aren't great, there aren't any easily damaged sections like bridges or canyons. The possibility of an attack on the supply route seems low!"

A jonin with Jonin at Shikaku, whose eyes were as big as a bull's, exuding an extremely intimidating aura.

"Goto is right. The likelihood of the Sand Ninja attacking the supply lines is not high, especially considering it's a large-scale attack. Small-scale attacks are quite frequent."

Shikaku nodded in agreement with Goshima's rebuttal.

"You mean the Sand Ninja are planning to attack Black Tail Mountain?"

Orochimaru's cold, hoarse voice is a unique trademark that others cannot and do not want to imitate.

Jiraiya had quieted down at some point, freeing Orochimaru from his commotion. Orochimaru's sharp gaze fell on Shikaku, clearly indicating that Jiraiya's antics hadn't affected his focus on the meeting.

Black Tail Mountain, aside from the large army currently stationed there, is the second most important location for Konoha in the Land of Rain; it is where the granary is located.

An army marches on its stomach.

Whether it's a war between ordinary people or a war between ninjas, both require a large amount of money and supplies.

Given that the front-line camp constantly shifted its location as the battle situation changed, most of the provisions transported from the Land of Fire were stockpiled at the crucial Black Tail Mountain before being transferred to the front-line camp. It can be said that Black Tail Mountain was the lifeline of Konoha's army in the Land of Rain.

However, since it is a vital lifeline, we naturally put a lot of effort into protecting it.

"Black Tail Mountain is garrisoned by two thousand men, and Senior Makita is also there. Even if the Sand Ninja mobilizes elite troops, it will definitely not be an easy task to take down Black Tail Mountain."

Before Shikaku could answer Orochimaru's question, a short, clean-shaven Jonin sitting on the seat raised a rather Jonin objection.

As he himself said, the defenses of Black Tail Mountain were impregnable. With a force composed of elite middle Genin ninjas, and several renowned masters led by Makita Kiyotaka in command, taking Black Tail Mountain would be an extremely difficult task.

Makita Kiyotaka was one of the geniuses of the same generation as Sakumo. Although Sakumo stole the limelight from his peers, he was still a formidable talent. Otherwise, Sakumo would not have entrusted the vital Black Tail Mountain grain depot to him with such confidence.

"Black Tail Mountain is behind us. It won't be easy for the Sand Ninja to send the main force there without our knowledge." Goto stroked his beard, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Indeed, it's feasible for a small force to cross our lines, but how can we prevent the massive Chakra fluctuations from attracting attention when there are hundreds or even thousands of people?"

"The Sand Village ninja wouldn't be that crazy..."

"... It's too risky. Even if the Sand Ninja can send their army to the Black Tail Mountain, with their limited manpower, there's no way they can capture it..."

The Jonin started talking, and began a heated debate about the theory that the Sand Ninja had attacked the Black Tail Mountain grain depot.

However, most opinions suggest that the Sand Ninja would not likely attack Black Tail Mountain, but aside from Shikaku's suggestion, it's hard to imagine what the Sand Ninja would do with their troops.

The debate stalled at this inconclusive point, unable to reach a reasonable conclusion.

"Knock knock."

The long wooden table trembled twice, and a thin ripple could be seen spreading across the tea in the cup.

Sakumo lightly tapped the table with his fingers; his iron-gray fingers, hard as iron, made a loud sound as they landed on the wooden table, instantly silencing the noisy argument inside the tent.

"Shikaku, please continue."

Sakumo abruptly cut off the argument, firstly because he understood that it would be difficult to reach a reliable conclusion in a short time, and secondly because he could tell that Shikaku seemed to have more to say.

"Ahem, I think the focus of your discussion is somewhat biased."

With a penchant for making outrageous statements, Shikaku revealed his sharp edge, directly challenging the Jonin who had just been arguing.

"Kid, you've got some nerve!"

"If you don't give me a satisfactory answer, even if you're from the Nara clan, I'll beat your ass into eight pieces."

The good-tempered Jonin would observe with indifference, while the short-tempered ones would directly threaten them.

"You've all been talking for a while now, repeatedly arguing that the Sand Village is incapable of conquering Black Tail Mountain. But the topic of this meeting isn't what the Sand Village can do, but what they might do! Don't confuse the two."

"Discussing whether the Sand Ninja can conquer Black Tail Mountain is utterly foolish. If they're willing to pay the price, is it really impossible for the Sand Ninja to take down a mountain stronghold? For one thing, the Sand Ninja's Jinchuriki haven't even appeared yet! If they were to deploy their Jinchuriki on the battlefield..."

Shikaku took a breath, giving everyone some time to sort out their thoughts.

"Sunagakure is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Although its overall strength may be inferior to that of Konoha, it is not difficult to make up for that gap in a war. Otherwise, why would Sunagakure launch a war against us? At least from Sunagakure's perspective, they are confident in their own strength or plans."

"Therefore, I suggest that you gentlemen not consider whether the Sand Village has the ability to do it, but whether it is worthwhile for them to do it. I believe that methods are fixed, but people are flexible. As long as you think about it, there are very few things you cannot do."

Shikaku's face radiated immense confidence, showing no fear even when facing Jonin.

"Getting back to the main point, if Black Tail Mountain falls and all our supplies are destroyed or looted, what will become of us?"

He posed a rhetorical question to the assembled Jonin.

"With the fall of Blacktail Mountain... we estimate that we will have no choice but to abandon the Land of Rain's territory and retreat back to the village. This war will be considered a loss for us." Shinobu Goshima spoke his mind without hesitation, revealing his answer after only a moment's thought.

Then silence fell.

There were no fools present, nor were there any spies feigning madness. Shikaku had practically crushed his ideas and stuffed them Chunin the minds of the Chunin. If they still didn't understand, then they weren't qualified to sit here and discuss matters.

"If the Sand Ninja captures Black Tail Mountain, it will be as if we have lost everything in the Land of Rain... Shikaku, is this what you wanted to say?"

"Sakumo asked softly."

"That's right. I personally believe that the Sand Ninja's unusual actions are all aimed at finding another way to win this war, and Black Tail Mountain is undoubtedly the best choice, there is no other option. If I were the commander of the Sand Ninja, then Black Tail Mountain would be my target. However, the problem lies in the means. What you gentlemen said before makes enough sense. Black Tail Mountain is not so easy to conquer. I don't know yet how the Sand Ninja will do it."