As vital deterrents against outside threats, Jinchuriki were naturally kept under strict protection by the great ninja villages. Had Ōnoki not feared a fierce counterattack from Konoha, he would never have sent one onto the battlefield.
But judging by the current situation, they seemed capable of suppressing Konoha without even deploying their Jinchuriki.
"It seems Konoha has grown more and more rotten over the years."
A trace of contempt crept into Orochimaru's voice.
As a former member of Konoha, Orochimaru had always looked down on its nearly rotten High Command. Even he had not expected Konoha's decline to happen so quickly.
"What do you intend to do next, Sasori?"
Orochimaru turned to Sasori beside him, whose entire body was concealed beneath an Akatsuki uniform.
"I'll go to the Land of Grass and cut off the Stone Shinobi's supply lines, forcing them into a decisive battle."
Sasori's solution was simple and brutal. Since the enemy kept refusing to launch a decisive battle, he would help them along.
Because the Stone Shinobi were the invading force, their supply lines were already stretched thin.
Starting deep within the Land of Earth, supplies had to cross countless mountains and rivers, the entire Land of Grass, and part of the Land of Fire before reaching the front.
Logistics had therefore always been a weakness for the Stone Shinobi.
That was also why they had previously hired the Night Raid Squad to help protect their supply lines.
Once those lines were severed, the five thousand Stone Shinobi trapped on Konoha's front would have only two choices.
First, abandon their war of attrition against Konoha and launch a decisive battle.
Second, abandon every position within the Land of Fire and slink back to the Land of Earth, waiting until their supply routes were rebuilt before making further