The Raikage's Dilemma
"The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans; the next best is to disrupt their alliances; the next best is to attack their army; and the worst is to besiege their cities. If two countries are at war and you don't know the enemy commander's character, and you only know how to attack blindly, then you are a mediocre person." Uchiha Kō smiled slightly.
Everyone present was stunned and looked at each other. Who said that? It makes so much sense! This mediocre Uchiha Kō has implied that everyone present is an example of his brilliance.
"Ahem, please elaborate, Lord Owl, what did you mean by those words?" Shimura Danzō had lost interest in watching the show and instead sat down to humbly learn.
Hyuga Akagi also found a seat not far from Uchiha Kō. His upper limit was only ordinary Kage Level, so he wasn't in a hurry to train and wanted to listen to what Uchiha Kō had to say.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, but he Danzo's thought: Uchiha Kō's words were very valuable! He had a premonition that if they could understand them, Konoha's future leadership might far surpass that of other countries.
Uchiha Kō didn't have much to hide. Everyone present was a Kage, elder, or clan head from Konoha. Sharing with them wasn't out of the question.
"First, in military campaigns, you need to understand your enemy, or rather, the personality of their commander. This is extremely helpful in analyzing their tactics and methods of warfare."
"The best strategy is to outmaneuver the enemy's plans, thwarting their strategic intentions and tactics. This is the superior approach, ensuring the army's invincibility, and even in defeat, minimizing losses!" (This is just the author's personal interpretation; take it as a joke.)
"The second option is to attack the enemy through diplomacy, whether it's forming alliances or counter-alliances. This can save a lot of our own losses."
"Secondly, it means that if the above two methods fail, then the only option is to use the army and force to conquer the enemy."
"Siege warfare is the last resort; if possible, using strategy and diplomacy to defeat other countries is a better option."
"Just like now, we know the Third Raikage's personality. We take corresponding measures to target his psychology and put pressure on him so that he dares not easily take action. This is the combination of diplomacy and psychological warfare. Winning hearts and minds is the best strategy, while attacking cities is the worst!" Uchiha Kō was a little thirsty after saying so much.
Shimura Danzō quickly handed the tea to Uchiha Kō, who had a small notebook on his desk where he was taking notes and studying.
"Lord Owl, is there anything else?" Shimura Danzō; he was like a student asking a teacher for advice.
Uchiha Kō was taken aback. There were too many things to consider when it came to warfare and military strategy. If he were to explain everything, it would be too much for him.
"Ahem, this kind of thing can only be learned through personal experience. Just talking about it is nothing but theoretical discussion. This is only a broad overview. Other factors are also very important. As for people's hearts, timing, location, and so on, everyone needs to experience them firsthand to lead troops effectively." Uchiha Kō waved his hand, indicating he couldn't say any more. (Ahem, I'm not adding any filler.)
Seeing that Uchiha Kō had stopped talking, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō were not dissatisfied; this was enough for them to study. Hyuga Akagi, on the other hand, was completely absorbed in listening.
The group discussed their plans for dealing with the different reactions from Kumogakure after a few more minutes, then departed.
Hyuga Akagi invited Uchiha Kō to the clan's territory again to discuss something. Uchiha Kō couldn't refuse, so he said he would come the next day, and was then able to go home.
Kumogakure
The Third Raikage's gaze was grim as he looked at the messenger who had rushed back. "Did they really say that?"
"Reporting to Lord Raikage, everything I have said is true!" The envoy lowered his head and knelt on the ground.
The Third Raikage sneered, "Damn it, Sarutobi Clan brat has gone too far! Does he really think Konoha is indestructible?" With that, his Lightning Release Armor appeared, and his Chakra circulated rapidly.
"Father, you must not act rashly! Firstly, we have just gone through a war and need to recuperate. Secondly, Konoha's strength is far beyond what our Kumogakure can match," Ai hurriedly said.
"I know! It's just that this feeling is weighing on my heart, it makes me uncomfortable!" Ai punched the ground, finally letting out a breath.
"First of all, Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, and Uchiha of Konoha have left this world, but they left behind a tremendous legacy for Konoha!"
"The Senju ninja are still alive, the Uchiha Clan is intact, not to mention that Uchiha Kō awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"The Hyūga Clan, led by Hyuga Tenin, is still here. Their ninjas are far stronger than ours! And there are all sorts of other ninja clans, big and small. Even if you, Father, can fight a thousand men, what about two thousand, three thousand, four thousand? If you die, Kumogakure will definitely be attacked by that guy Ōnoki, and then Kumogakure will be finished!" Xiao Ai said.
"I know, Ai. So what do you suggest we do?" The Third Raikage took a deep breath and sat on his Raikage throne.
Damn it, if only this foundation belonged to my Land of Lightning, I could easily crush that little potato, Ōnoki.
"Now, I think that since Konoha is so confident and has such a strong foundation, why not pay a compensation of one hundred million, along with an alliance agreement, so that the ninjas of both countries do not fight? This can also deter Ōnoki and make him behave." Xiao Ai chose a way of borrowing the tiger's power.
Despite his frustration, the Third Raikage A, understood that A was right. "Alright, A, I'll leave this to you. My Raikage seal is right here; use it as you see fit."
"I understand, son!" Xiao Ai cupped his hands in greeting, took the seal, and went to prepare for the alliance.
The Raikage sighed; ultimately, their foundation was insufficient. He waved his hand and began to drink, but once Konoha was weakened, he would be the first to act and wash away today's humiliation!
And so, the Kumogakure Envoy once again traveled to Konoha with a newly written letter, but this time his heart was at peace. "I've gone to such lengths," he thought, "What reason does Konoha have not to agree?"
Moreover, the eldest son has instructed that if the 100 million yuan required for the alliance is not enough, at most he should double it to 200 million yuan, and if it goes any higher, he should only give 100 million yuan as compensation. If that's not the case, then it's better not to form the alliance at all!
8:00 AM the next morning
"Owl Lord, wake up! The Lord Hokage wants to see you!" Anbu and Uchiha ninja stood at Uchiha Kō's door and said.
"Leave me alone, what's wrong? It's so early in the morning!" Uchiha Kō pouted, turned over, and went back to sleep.
"Owl Lord~ I'm here, why are you still sleeping!" Tsunade's voice rang out, Uchiha Kō instantly perked up. After getting up, he washed up in his room, then looked in the mirror to see if his hairstyle was messed up.
After checking everything was perfect, he put on the black Uchiha Clan robes, opened the door with a big smile, and said, "Tsunade, you're here! Good morning!"
"Good morning~" Tsunade forward and kissed Uchiha Kō on the cheek. The news of their upcoming marriage had been delivered door-to-door by Nawaki and the Senju clan members at six o'clock, so everyone knew about their relationship.
Since they're engaged, what's wrong with a kiss?
Everyone's lips twitched. Feeding dog food first thing in the morning?
Bonus chapter 2! Please keep urging me to update! I'm doing this out of love, my darlings! Of course, I don't mind small gifts either, hehe. I promise I won't sacrifice quality for quantity.
Tomorrow's update will be a little late. Everyone's watching the Spring Festival Gala. Wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year's Eve and a prosperous new year!