"Theoretically, that's the case." Wu said, "But the premise is that he has already planted the wedge. If he is killed before he can plant the wedge, then he is really dead."
The room fell into silence.
This information is so important.
"In other words," Shikamaru said, "We must kill him with one blow before he plants the wedge."
"Yes." Wu nodded.
"Then how do you know if he has a seed wedge?" Naruto asked.
"Look at his behavior." Wu said, "If he keeps a distance during the battle and is unwilling to get close, it means that he has not found a suitable container. If he suddenly approaches someone on his own initiative, it is probably because he wants to create a wedge."
"Understood." Naruto nodded, "Then we won't give him a chance to grow wedges."
"It's easy to say." Sasuke said, "Isshiki's strength is better than ours. It's very difficult to kill him."
"Then create opportunities." Shikamaru said, "I have made a plan."
He drew several lines on the map.
"Isshiki will unlock the seal at Valley of the End. The terrain there is open and there are no obstructions, which is beneficial to him."
"So we won't fight there." Shikamaru said, "We will lead him to another place."
"Where?"
"Konoha."
Everyone was stunned.
"Are you crazy?" Tsunade stared at him, "Luring that kind of monster into the village?"
"I know the risk is high." Shikamaru said, "But this is our only chance. There are various Cursed Mark and traps we have arranged in Konoha. If we can bring him in, our chances of winning will be much greater."
"But what should the villagers do?" Sakura asked.
"All have been evacuated." Shikamaru said, "Since yesterday, I have asked all civilians to move to underground shelters. Now Konoha, only combatants remain."
Tsunade was silent for a few seconds.
"Okay." She said, "I'll do as you say."
"So," Shikamaru looked at Naruto and Sasuke, "Are you two ready?"
"You can do it anytime." Naruto said.
"Me too." Sasuke said.
"Very good." Shikamaru put away the map, "Then, on the last day, we will use it to set up traps. At dawn tomorrow, the decisive battle will begin."
As night falls, Konoha becomes silent.
The streets were empty except for the whistling sound of the wind.
All the shops are closed and the windows are covered with wooden boards. This once lively village now looks like a dead city.
Naruto stood on Hokage Rock, overlooking the entire village.
"The war will start tomorrow." Nine-Tails's voice sounded in his head, "Are you nervous?"
"It's fake not to be nervous." Naruto said, "After all, the opponent is Otsutsuki."
"But you look excited."
"Because this is our chance to protect the village." Naruto smiled, "Since I was a child, I have always wanted to be recognized by the villagers. Now, I can finally truly protect them."
"You kid..." Nine-Tails said with a hint of helplessness in his voice, "You are always so naive."
"I know what you want to say." Naruto said, "You want to say that I am too optimistic, right?"
"No." Nine-Tails said, "I want to say that this kind of innocence is good sometimes."
Naruto was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
"Kurama, you have become gentle."
"Shut up."
On the other side, Naka Shrine.
Sasuke stands in front of the Uchiha Clan's tombstone.
His parents, brother, and the entire Uchiha Clan are buried here.
"Tomorrow, I will fight Ōtsutsuki Isshiki." Sasuke said to the tombstone, "If I die, I hope I can be buried here with you."
The wind blew and the leaves rustled.
"But I won't die." Sasuke said, "Because I still have something to protect."
He turned and left.
Sakura stood not far away, looking at him quietly.
"Sasuke-kun."
"Why are you here?" Sasuke asked.
"I'm worried about you." Sakura came over, "Tomorrow's battle must be very dangerous, right?"
"Hmm."
"Then you have to be careful." Sakura said, "You must come back alive."
"I will." Sasuke said, "I promised you that I would take you to see the world."
Sakura's eyes turned red.
"Sasuke-kun..."
"Don't cry." Sasuke stretched out his hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, "I won't break my promise."
In Hokage's Office, Shikamaru is still studying the map.
He marked various symbols on the map, representing different traps and Cursed Mark placement points.
"Still not asleep?" Tsunade walked in with two cups of tea in his hand.
"Can't sleep." Shikamaru took the teacup, "I always feel like there are loopholes in the plan."
"There will always be loopholes in plans." Tsunade said, "The important thing is to adapt to changes."
"I know." Shikamaru took a sip of tea, "But this time the opponent is too strong. One mistake may lead to the total loss."
"You have done a great job." Tsunade said, "As a teenager, to be able to do this has exceeded my expectations."
"But..."
"No but," Tsuna Teuchi told him, "You have to believe in your companions. Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi, and everyone else, everyone will do their best."
Shikamaru was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.
"I understand."
"Then go and rest." Tsunade said, "Tomorrow, you will have to command the battle."
"Okay."
Shikamaru leaves the office.
Tsunade stood in front of the window, looking at Hokage Rock in the distance.
"Teacher First Hokage Lord, Second, Third Hokage..." she murmured to herself, "Please bless Leaf."
Medical Department, Ino were lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze.
"Can't sleep?" asked Tenten in the next bed.
"Yeah." Ino said, "When I think about tomorrow's battle, I'm so nervous that I can't sleep."
"Me too." Tenten said, "But all we can do is believe in them."
"I know." Ino said, "But, I always feel that something bad will happen."
"Don't think nonsense." Tenten said, "Naruto and Sasuke are so strong, they will definitely win."
"I hope so."
In the underground shelter, villagers huddle together.
There were whispers, prayers, and children crying.
"Mom, when can we go home?" a child asked.
"Soon." The mother hugged the child tightly, "When those powerful ninja brothers defeat the bad guys, we can go home."
"Will that blond-haired big brother also defeat bad guys?"
"Yes." Mother said, "Master Naruto will protect us."
"Master Naruto is so awesome." The child's eyes lit up, "I want to be Hokage when I grow up!"
Similar conversations are happening one after another in the shelter right now.
Although the villagers are very scared, they believe in the ninjas of Leaf.
Trust the heroes who protect them.