A plan like this was practically trying to build a shrine inside a snail shell. There was very little room to maneuver or act, but it was the only viable option at the moment.
Defeat... This was already a losing battle, and failure was only to be expected. If they won, it would be a comeback against all odds, one that could instantly turn the tide of the entire battlefield.
Minato Namikaze looked at everyone. "I know this plan is very risky."
Everyone couldn't help thinking, How is this merely risky? It's downright crazy! Minato Namikaze's plan was nothing less than a gamble. And what they were staking was the lives and livelihoods of everyone present.
Of course, the Yellow Flash himself would be taking the greatest risk. "Our strength is limited. Whether we're intercepting the Rock Ninja or blowing up Kannagi Bridge, both will be extremely difficult. We're at an absolute disadvantage.
"But please, everyone, don't worry. I'll use the convenience of the Flying Thunder God Technique to cover both battlefronts and delay them as much as I can."
After hearing him out, the group began whispering among themselves. One person said, "If that's the case, then it might be worth a try."
"Besides, we have no other choice." Another sounded pessimistic, as if resigned to die.
Minato Namikaze's bright blue eyes swept over the group. He saw Uchiha Kin deep in thought, seeming to have an idea, and asked, "Kin, what do you think?"
Everyone's gaze fell on Uchiha Kin as well. Kin said, "Oh," then fell silent for a moment.
He said, "I think we should find a way to get the Cloud Ninja and Sand Ninja intelligence about the western front of the Hidden Leaf Village.
"Everyone..." Uchiha Kin took two steps forward and went to the map on the table, pointing things out. "Given the current situation, the Hidden Leaf Village is fighting the Land of Lightning, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Wind simultaneously. The fighting is split across the eastern, western, and southern fronts.
"Meanwhile, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth are also fighting each other. Part of the Cloud Ninja army is on the soil of the Land of Earth. Some of the Sand Ninja forces are also guarding against the Land of Earth. And here, here, and here..." He pointed to three coastal ports. "They've all stationed forces there to guard against a surprise attack by the Mist Ninja. You could say that all four nations currently at war are on guard against the Mist Ninja.
"The situation we're facing now is that a large number of our forces have been reassigned to the central theater, while the Sand Ninja have already advanced to Kikyo Castle. One step further, and they'll reach our Hidden Leaf Village. So the Sand Ninja's move is an open ploy, and there's nothing we can do about it.
"But think about it!" He jabbed his finger hard at the Sand Ninja's advance arrow. "This is our opportunity!"
Everyone listened in confusion. Only Minato Namikaze and Yakushi Nonō seemed to understand part of what he meant. Their eyes lit up slightly, though they weren't sure.
"If three people are trying to take something from someone else, what will the other two do when one of them is about to get it?" Uchiha Kin simplified the question, framing it in terms of cooperation and competition between individuals.
The ninjas immediately understood. They were familiar with the schemes and rivalries between people in a team. Naturally, they would attack whoever was about to get what they wanted.
"The Sand Ninja are the ones about to get what they want. They've already pushed the front line to the gates of the Hidden Leaf Village—
"At this point, the Rock Ninja's offensive on the western front is effectively helping the Sand Ninja. But the Sand Ninja will think the Rock Ninja are trying to steal their prize.
"They're fighting to take Kikyo Castle, only to have the Rock Ninja charge straight in from the west. They'll think they're taking the hits and making enormous sacrifices, while the Rock Ninja reap the rewards.
"If we pass this intelligence to the Cloud Ninja, they'll intensify their offensive in the Land of Earth, forcing the Rock Ninja to withdraw.
"We don't need to do anything about the Sand Ninja. Once they see what the Rock Ninja are doing, they'll make their own choice.
"Also, to make sure they understand our intentions, I suggest..." Uchiha Kin smiled faintly and looked at Danzo. "Elder Danzo, we'll need Root's assistance here!"
Until he brought it up, everyone had forgotten Danzo was there. Only then did they belatedly look up toward the corner of the tent.
Danzo stood in the shadows with one subordinate, hidden away just like his title, the "Darkness of the Ninja World."
Danzo's face was expressionless, and so was his voice. "Go on."
Uchiha Kin said, "I need the enemy to receive an accurate account of what I've analyzed here—not a single word can be wrong. So we'll need to send out some spies to deliver the intelligence to the Raikage... and force the Cloud Ninja to act against the Rock Ninja.
"Once the Cloud Ninja move, the Rock Ninja will have no choice but to withdraw. That will naturally resolve the crisis on our western front and turn the whole situation around. But that comes later.
"Focusing on the immediate problem, we need to make the Rock Ninja wary. On a larger strategic level, we need this intelligence to reach the leaders of the Land of Lightning, the Land of Earth, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Water, in that order.
"The Cloud Ninja receiving the intelligence will force the Rock Ninja to withdraw. We need to get the Rock Ninja to sign a ceasefire agreement here.
"Taking advantage of how urgently they need to pull back, we'll hold them up and bargain for terms that favor us. With their domestic situation bearing down on them, they'll have no choice but to agree. After that, we'll keep dangling the Sand Ninja at Kikyo Castle.
"We'll keep them on the verge of getting what they want, forcing the Cloud Ninja to hold back from putting even more pressure on the Hidden Leaf Village and letting the Sand Ninja claim their prize.
"Once the Cloud Ninja and the Rock Ninja have both suffered heavy losses..."
Uchiha Kin pointed at the map and spoke eloquently.
His calm demeanor was like that of a dancer balancing on the edge of a blade, manipulating the entire battlefield among the Five Great Nations as though it were in the palm of his hand.
The ninjas couldn't help feeling that he was the one who should be the Hidden Leaf Village's commander. His insight and ability to plan were practically an art. In just a few words, he had cleared away the confusion in everyone's minds.
Their spirits lifted as well. "It seems the Hidden Leaf Village is in a dangerous position, but in reality, we're on solid ground. The three great nations are wary of each other. None of them dares let another break through the Hidden Leaf Village's defenses."
This was the "three monks" dilemma, and no one caught in it could avoid it.
Uchiha Kin's words were an open ploy.
And only an open ploy could counter one.
Danzo lowered his single eye, concealing his longing deep within. This fellow, aside from being a little too afraid of dying, is much better than Fu and the others. His strategic vision was far beyond anything Danzo could match... This was exactly the kind of talent Root needed.
But Danzo also knew that someone like this couldn't be coerced into joining Root. He could only use his clumsy silver tongue and try to persuade him to join.
Still, He and those red-eyed Uchiha don't get along. That was undoubtedly good news.
An enemy's enemy could most likely become a friend. Even if they weren't friends, they could still be unspoken allies in the same trench.
Danzo said, "I'll see to it at once." He had his subordinate summon a Root operative, then ordered someone to write up Uchiha Kin's analysis on the spot and seal it in a scroll.
Mission: Be "intercepted" by the Cloud Ninja while escorting the scroll.
Rank: A
Danzo said, "This mission must be completed."
"Yes."
Before you continue