Iwagakure
At this moment, Ōnoki was in low spirits, but he had no choice but to straighten his back. He could lose a battle, but he could not lose his spirit. Once the leader gave up, his men would become a disorganized mob, and Iwagakure would be on a downward spiral!
He glanced at the ninjas present, then took a deep breath, bowed, and said, "I'm sorry, everyone. Due to my flawed decision to declare war on Konoha, we suffered heavy losses. As the Tsuchikage, I am deeply ashamed!"
"Lord Tsuchikage!"
"Lord Tsuchikage!"
The ninjas and villagers were shocked and quickly began to comfort Ōnoki.
"Lord Tsuchikage, it's not your fault. Konoha produced such a monster; if we couldn't defeat him, it's not your fault!"
"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage, everyone has witnessed your achievements. It is under your leadership that Iwagakure has become so powerful today."
"That's right, Lord Tsuchikage, you've worked hard, we're fine!"
Looking at the villagers' words of comfort, Ōnoki's eyes filled with tears. He said tremblingly, "Thank you all. Even in this situation, you still believe in and trust me, a guilty man!"
"Father..." Kitsuchi's expression was complicated. To be precise, it was all his fault for underestimating the enemy and acting rashly. However, the moment Kitsuchi Tu opened his mouth, Ōnoki glared at him and told him to shut up.
If Kitsuchi had jumped out at this moment, the villagers wouldn't have treated him the same way they treated Ōnoki. That's why Ōnoki stepped forward to take full responsibility.
This is perhaps what parents are all about—planning far ahead for their children.
Kitsuchi remained silent. He sighed, sat down on a rock, and watched his old father admit his mistakes, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart.
"Thank you all for your support and understanding. Ōnoki am deeply grateful. However, my intuition tells me that the war is not over yet!" Ōnoki forced himself to stay focused, his voice cold and serious.
These words immediately drew everyone's attention to Ōnoki.
At this moment, Ōnoki was displaying his full power. Even though he was physically exhausted, he dared not let his guard down. Although the tiger of Konoha had been dealt with temporarily, there was still a hungry wolf watching them.
"Don't forget, everyone. Kumogakure has been our neighbor for decades. You're probably all familiar with their personalities!" Ōnoki said calmly.
"Lord Tsuchikage, are you saying that Kumogakure will take this opportunity to attack us?"
"No way! The two villages signed a peace treaty a month ago. Does this mean war is about to break out?"
Seeing the villagers' doubts, he sighed, "No one understands that big idiot Ai's thoughts better than me. He was originally neutral."
"If Konoha wins, they can take the opportunity to attack our Iwagakure."
"Iwagakure is defeated, then we will join forces to attack Konoha."
"As for the alliance, in the eyes of the Land of Lightning, an alliance is nothing but a fart. They rarely go back on their word," Ōnoki analyzed.
Upon hearing this, the villagers immediately felt a sense of unease. Soon after, their gazes returned to Ōnoki. "Lord Tsuchikage, please think of a solution! Our Iwagakure has just experienced such a drastic change; we are utterly incapable of defeating Kumogakure!"
Ōnoki snorted coldly, "Have you forgotten the Will of Stone? Even if Iwagakure fights to the last moment, we must hold fast to our beliefs, never waver, and protect the village!"
Ōnoki aura reassured everyone; thankfully, this battle did not cause Ōnoki to lose confidence.
There's still hope for Iwagakure!
"Then, Lord Tsuchikage, what do you suggest we do?" Everyone looked at Ōnoki with hopeful eyes.
Ōnoki's mind raced as he considered countermeasures. Suddenly, a plan flashed through his mind, and he quickly seized the inspiration.
"Kitsuchi, I'll write you a letter in a bit. You need to get to Konoha as fast as you can and give it to Sarutobi Hiruzen or Uchiha Kō."
"Remember, you must be quick, or Iwagakure will suffer heavy losses," Ōnoki said gravely.
Kitsuchi quickly stood up and said, "Yes, Father... Lord Tsuchikage!" At this moment, with villagers and ninjas present, it was not appropriate for him to call his father in public.
"Yes, I believe you won't let me down. If you succeed, you'll be a hero of Iwagakure!" Ōnoki nodded solemnly.
"Yes!" Kitsuchi replied respectfully.
"Please wait a moment, everyone, I'll be right back!" Ōnoki said with a smile, pulling Kitsuchi into the office building. The two walked one after the other without saying a word.
Seeing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the Lord Tsuchikage really did have a way to save Iwagakure from its predicament.
However, they did not disperse, but waited at the entrance for the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, hoping for his solution and that he would lead the lord in a counterattack against Kumogakure!
It's important to understand that the two countries have had numerous interactions over the years. Despite the Kumogakure's Lightning Release Chakra controlling the Iwagakure Ōnoki's Earth Release, Onoki, leading the way, consistently maintained a superior position.
Arrived at the Tsuchikage's office
Ōnoki sat down gently, then took out paper and pen and began to write, "Konoha, by the defeated general Ōnoki..." From this opening, Ōnoki humbled himself greatly.
Kitsuchi felt uncomfortable looking at the words his father had written, but he was helpless. They were not enough to repel the Kumogakure this time, and even if they could, the price would be unbearable.
Therefore, the one who tied the knot must untie it—the one who must rally the people of Konoha! If Konoha sends Uchiha Kō, do you think A will still break the alliance?
After he finished writing, Kitsuchi had also read through the gist of it. Ōnoki stretched and handed it to his son.
Kitsuchi took it, glanced at it again, and couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. "Father, do you really have to be so humble? You are the Kage of the village, the strongest of the Five Kage, Ōnoki Tsuchikage!"
Ōnoki rolled his eyes at his son and exclaimed, "Stupid donkey! Clumsy donkey! This is a scheme to use one tiger to devour another!"
"If Konoha is a tiger to us, then Kumogakure is a hungry wolf. If we don't want to lose any more strength, the best way is to explain the advantages and disadvantages clearly!"
"Do you think Konoha would tolerate Kumogakure attacking Iwagakure and taking over Iwagakure territory and resources? If Kumogakure occupies Iwagakure, it would be nothing but harm for Konoha!"
"As the elder brother of the Ninja World, he couldn't just sit idly by and watch Iwagakure be annexed while Kumogakure develops on its own."
"If that's really the case, then I've overestimated Konoha. Iwagakure is destined for this calamity!" Ōnoki closed his eyes.
"Father, so you're gambling?" Kitsuchi's brow twitched. At this critical moment of life and death, his father was actually gambling that Konoha would come to their aid!
"Kitsuchi, remember this: a person can lack strength and resources, but must have confidence and courage. Even with nothing, you can still suppress your opponent. Giving up means losing, while trying still offers a 50% chance." Ōnoki's voice was full of vigor.