War

When he received the team roster, he guessed the Third Hokage's plans.

Shuichi had previously learned in detail about Konoha's war mechanics. Reconnaissance ninjas were naturally of paramount importance, and usually only a few teams would be assigned one. However, their team had a total of three ninjas, including strategic resources like the Byakugan.

During the Second Great Ninja War, Hyuga clan members of Chunin Hyuga and above were paired with teammates of relatively high combat strength to ensure the safety of reconnaissance. However, such a configuration still posed a great risk in gathering intelligence on the front lines.

"I am generally aware of your abilities. Now, I will describe my own abilities in detail."

This squad can be considered Konoha's top reconnaissance squad. Hyuga Akiha's Byakugan is responsible for close to medium range observation, and can also judge the strength of the enemy from the intensity of their chakra before the battle. Aburame Shihei's insects can be responsible for mid to long range reconnaissance and tracking.

Shuichi's Super Beast Imitation Drawing and Summoning Snake can transmit commands to ensure communication when the three are separated, and also grants the entire team the Flight ability.

"We'll likely be assigned the most challenging reconnaissance mission, very close to the enemy's core area. But don't worry, I have plenty of ways to survive. Besides flying, I can also use Summoning Technique to teleport, so even if we're surrounded, I'll have a way to escape."

This was the Third Hokage's scheme. Shuichi had too many tricks up his sleeve. With him around, the Byakugan could be placed at the forefront for reconnaissance. Previously, Konoha had never had Jonin of doing that.

Furthermore, since he and Orochimaru used the same Summoning Scroll, the intelligence obtained by this team could be communicated to the highest commander at the front line immediately. The strategic significance of this was irreplaceable, equivalent to directly illuminating the fog of war around the enemy's base in a real-time strategy game, thereby gaining complete initiative.

The three then arranged tactics and teamwork according to their own abilities. Hyuga Akiha is now almost 16 years old. These past few years have been a period of rapid physical development for ninjas, so her Byakugan's detection range has greatly increased, covering an area of about one kilometer in radius.

Aburame Shihei's insects can also sense the enemy's chakra intensity, but with his Byakugan, his main task is to track enemies from a distance and provide support in battle.

In terms of combat, Hyuga Akiha specializes in close combat, while her insect control technique allows her to provide support, defense, and offense at mid-range, making her a perfect combination.

After a period of communication, although no one showed any change in expression, they were all satisfied with their teammates. This combination had a very high survival rate on the battlefield and was also very likely to make contributions.

"Let me devise a code for the team first, and then we'll practice our coordination..."

In the spring of Konoha Year 47, Sunagakure of the Land of Wind disregarded the provisions of the peace treaty and directly dispatched thousands of elite ninjas to launch a full-scale invasion of the Land of Rivers. Under the pretext of searching for the Third Kazekage, they also falsely accused Konoha and Iwagakure of attacking their village's high-ranking officials, causing panic throughout the Shinobi World.

The Valley Ninja Village in the Land of Rivers had no will to resist. After recalling all the ninjas, they sealed off the village, leaving those who escaped in the chaos unchecked. The nominal Daimyo of the Land of Rivers could only condemn the violence of the Land of Wind and immediately sought help from the Land of Fire.

In the high-level conference room of Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, sat in the main seat, with several elders and Jonin from Iwagakure wearing red headbands below him. Everyone was listening to the report from the Tsuchikage's assistant.

"... According to intelligence, Sunagakure currently has approximately 1,000 people stationed on the border of the Land of Birds, and they likely have no intention of invading. Their numbers are considerable within the Land of Rain... while their main force is mostly concentrated in the Land of Rivers. That's all."

"It seems war is inevitable," Ōnoki said solemnly. "I will communicate with the Daimyo soon; we, the Iwagakure, must be prepared for war at any time."

"Lord Tsuchikage, should we intervene in the war between Konoha and Sand Village? If we join the war now, we can tie down Konoha's forces, since Konoha has indeed become too powerful in recent years," a Jonin below asked.

"No need to rush. Sunagakure and Konoha will definitely have a major battle first," Ōnoki calmly analyzed. "Even we in Iwagakure have been affected by Konoha, let alone Sunagakure. They will definitely be unable to hold back."

In recent years, thanks to the publicity generated by the Chunin Ninja Exams, Konoha has seen a significant increase in missions from neighboring smaller countries. If Iwagakure and Cloud lost 5% of their market share, then Sunagakure lost at least 20%.

Konoha will definitely be suppressed, and Sunagakure, which will be the most affected, will be the first to charge. The other major villages will naturally be happy to do the same, letting them wear down Konoha's strength first, and then finding the right opportunity to enter the fray.

"Of course, we can't just sit idly by now." Ōnoki began issuing orders. "Start issuing a small number of war missions, mainly for intelligence gathering. Konoha and Sand Village are the key areas of observation, but we can't let our guard down against those barbarians from the Land of Lightning. Once a full-scale war breaks out, we will definitely have to fight them."

"Yes!"

While other countries were making moves, Konoha, at the center of the storm, had already taken action. Funds from the Daimyo's Mansion's Mansion were continuously injected into Konoha, and the entire Land of Fire immediately mobilized its national strength to prepare food supplies and war materials.

In the Hokage's Office, after listening to Shuichi's report on his team's situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately ordered, "Special Jonin, Takeda Shuichi my command: lead your team to the base Aoba City within two days. Please depart as soon as possible."

"Yes!"

"Shuichi..." After officially issuing the order, the Third Hokage's expression softened, and he spoke to him in an elder's tone, "Your team has a heavy mission. Don't worry about what others say, just be careful."

"Don't worry, old man Third Hokage." Shuichi knew Third Hokage meant well, fearing he might get into danger due to his youthful impetuosity and eagerness to prove himself. "It won't be long before others know my abilities."

As he emerged from the Hokage's Office, he carried a War Manual, which summarized precautions for large-scale battles between ninja villages. Only the captains of the Jonin teams within the villages were entitled to a copy.

A month before the war began, Orochimaru taught him these experiences whenever he had free time. With the addition of this latest version of the manual compiled by the village, Shuichi already had a clear idea of how to launch the Shinobi World War.

The Fourth Great Ninja War in the original work is basically not a reliable reference because it was far too simplistic and brutal. The opposing force of 100,000 White Zetsu was all grouped together, and in short, it was a matter of skillfully controlling the large force to attack. The war lasted less than three days.

The previous two Shinobi World Wars were long wars that lasted for several years, and this Third Shinobi War will be similar, completely different from the future Fourth Shinobi War.

Shuichi originally thought that the village would gather all the ninjas who were going to fight, and then the Third Hokage would stand on the high platform to announce the war slogans, and then the Konoha Gate would open and everyone would rush out in a swarm.

Shuichi now feels embarrassed when he thinks about those silly images that once popped into his head.