This is a result that the Konoha side absolutely cannot accept.
Therefore, handing over the two people does not need to be considered at all. The most is to use some alternatives. At this point, Danzo is not easy to deal with, but Hiashi has a slight possibility. Sarutobi Hiruzen has already received the news. The moment he heard the news, he began to make plans in advance, but before the official operation, he still planned to listen to some opinions from his close friends, as well as Shikaku and Inoichi, to see if there were any better solutions that could solve the current crisis.
"Shikaku, please tell me first."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shifted his gaze to Nara Shikaku on the right, and said in a slightly low tone.
Sarutobi Hiruzen has made preparations in advance for some arrangements that need to be made, but to be honest, Sarutobi Hiruzen is still quite unsure in his heart. The situation in this life is much worse than that in Original Work. The reason is naturally the participation of Uchiha Shōji and even the entire Iwagakure. Sarutobi Hiruzen in Original Work is already There is a sense of being anxious. The reason why Kumogakure accepted the 'sincerity' of Konoha later and did not really start a war. One must be that he accepted almost all of the many rude and excessive demands made by himself, and indeed got tangible benefits. The second reason was also because of the subtlety of Shinobi World structure, which made Fourth Raikage somewhat scrupulous.
With the benefits and restrictions, Kumo–Konoha War in Original Work naturally cannot fight, but the situation in this life is very different. The biggest fear of Fourth Raikage A launching a war against Konoha - Iwagakure is also involved in this mission Uzumaki Clan.
And it was also caused by Konoha!
Just the five thousand Iwagakure Ninja army concentrated on the Land of Grass border, plus the combat power of the two Kage Level strong men Kitsuchi and Han, is not false. There is a limit to the power that a ninja village can use. If you increase it here, there will definitely be some empty space in other places.
When Third Tsuchikage chose to invade south on a large scale, the defensive pressure on the west side of Land of Lightning was naturally weakened a lot. Fourth Raikage A could be more bold in forcing Konoha. Just this difference alone can The predicament that Sarutobi Hiruzen is in in this life is several times worse than that in Original Work. If Sarutobi Hiruzen in Original Work is still 60-70% sure, it is estimated that in this life he is not even 30% sure.
The most important thing is to listen to the opinions of Nara Shikaku, Konoha, the most intelligent military advisor.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. First of all, I think Lord Hokage's previous judgment of giving priority to the Kumo Ninja side is correct. Although it is somewhat subjective, I think from the current situation, the Iwagakure side will launch a war against us. The probability of fighting is the highest. There is a high probability that the Kumogakure side will not launch the first wave of attacks at least in the early stage. Therefore, our plan should not change. The key is to stabilize the Kumogakure side on the eastern front and defend the Iwagakure Ninja army on the western front!"
Nara Shikaku bowed slightly, and then spoke with a solemn expression.
"Oh? Why do you say that Kumogakure will not at least attack in the first wave? Mr. Shikaku?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned forward slightly and looked at Nara Shikaku and said. Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu on the side also looked very serious at this moment, pretending to be listening.
Shikaku's judgment was very direct, and also very bold. You must know that before this negotiation, they had been fighting a local war with Kumogakure for three years at Land of Hot Springs. At the most tragic moment, everyone It was one step away from triggering a full-scale confrontation. Now there are four people on the Kumo Ninja side. The Iwagakure Ninja side is unscathed. No matter how you look at it, the Kumogakure side has the strongest attitude and has the highest probability of launching the attack first.
Including Sarutobi Hiruzen, who initially made the decision to stabilize the Kumo Ninja side first, he was a little shaken in his heart when he saw the Kumogakure side's grand gesture, and at some point he began to doubt whether his judgment was correct. Yes, if Kumogakure and Iwagakure were all determined to attack Konoha, all the efforts and preparations he had made before would have been in vain, and he would have made a major mistake such as wasting the opportunity to fight.
Therefore, even though Sarutobi Hiruzen seems to have made some arrangements in advance, he still has some uncertainty. The situation is very different from the situation in Original Work. It is difficult for him to be sure whether his next choices and judgments are correct and effective.
If we have to use an analogy, the current situation is very similar to the period when Second Hokage just died in battle and when Sarutobi Hiruzen himself just succeeded to the throne. The same internal and external difficulties, the same walking on thin ice, but the same There is a huge difference. At that time, Sarutobi Hiruzen was in its prime, and it was a period of great ambition. In the face of difficulties, he always maintained a high-spirited attitude, without self-doubt, let alone feeling timid.
But now this Third Hokage is already old, and his courage and courage have long been exhausted.
Shikaku either understands this, or he does not understand this, but this is not the focus of his attention now. As a member of Konoha, he still belongs to that kind of clan with a deep bond, Nara Shikaku must stand firmly on the side of people like Sarutobi Hiruzen, help their own Third Hokage, contribute all their wisdom and strength, and let the village survive this crisis.
The brain is working at full capacity, and this is also the thinking that is becoming clearer.
"The reason is very simple. That Fourth Raikage is also very afraid of today's Iwagakure. Especially after the Uchiha Clan joined, Iwagakure's power has grown by leaps and bounds. growth, the war between Sunagakure last summer is the best proof. Although Kumogakure's first target is still our Konoha, the warning to Iwagakure We will not relax in any way. For Fourth Raikage, the best result is that our Konoha can not only meet his requirements, but also fight to the death with Iwagakure. This is the most suitable for Kumogakure's interests are unfolding. Therefore, based on this, before we officially start a war with Iwagakure, or even before a certain result occurs, Kumogakure's desire and willingness to participate in the war must not be high!"
Shikaku said loudly.
Hearing Shikaku's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression changed slightly, including Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Danzo, who had been in silent standby mode from the beginning, all had subtle expression changes at this moment.
"In response to this, I think our village can take the initiative to show weakness to Kumogakure, meet all Kumogakure's non-principled requirements, and then focus on deploying and controlling the western defense line!"
"Do you mean to completely empty the east side of the defense line and concentrate the main force to seek a decisive battle with the Iwagakure troops in a short period of time? But then the east side is equivalent to completely leaving the east side to Kumogakure. Once Kumogakure's actions are different from what was expected, that will be the biggest crisis, right!?"
When Mitokado Homura heard Shikaku's words, he subconsciously extended himself and said with a slight frown.
"No, Elder Mitokado misunderstood what I meant. The show of weakness on the east side is just to let Kumogakure see our 'sincerity'. It is not to completely empty the defense line, nor to concentrate our forces on a decisive battle with Iwagakure, but to drag Iwagakure into a persistent In a long battle, we can still "defeat" a few games when necessary. The important thing is that the key defense area cannot be lost. On this basis, we must let the entire Shinobi World see Iwagakure's strength Yamato our Konoha's "weakness"!
When smart people look at the situation, they can often see the key points that others cannot see. Taking advantage of the situation seems to be a very simple sentence, but in fact it is very difficult to do. Shikaku has such an ability. He can make keen judgments and now fall into the same Uzumaki Clan The situation of Three Great Shinobi Villages in, or to be more precise, he can accurately determine the current mentality of the three villagers. Using this as one of the reference standards, the judgment made is the path that can be infinitely close to the optimal solution. The reason is that it is only the closest, not certain.
The reason is that Shikaku is not the real decision-maker of Konoha. He is just a suggester. The final decision-making power will fall on Sarutobi Hiruzen. There is a layer of uncertainty here. In addition, the current situation is always changing, and it is difficult for the current decision to really affect the future.
All games must be made amid changes.
After listening to Nara Shikaku's plan in full, Konoha F4's eyes lit up. At this moment, they completely understood the core point of Shikaku's plan. To put it bluntly, it was to let everyone The country, especially Kumogakure, saw the "threat" of Iwagakure. Originally, Uchiha Clan joining Iwagakure was a signal, and the subsequent rock and sand war proved this.
But there are still their Konoha in front.
All this does not seem to be so urgent. In the current situation, once Konoha enters the weak mode, it is difficult to say what kind of opinion and judgment Kumogakure will be.
Of course we have to take advantage of the benefits, but we can't ignore the threats that are so close at hand, right?
Besides, Iwagakure is also the life and death enemy of Kumogakure!
In terms of hatred forged in Third Shinobi World War, there is no one more than Iwagakure and Kumogakure. After all, the only one who died in Third Shinobi World War is Third Raikage!
Hatred + threats!
It is very likely to divert Kumogakure's attention.
At that time, it is not their Konoha who need to worry about their Land of Fire's northeastern defense line, but Iwagakure who need to worry about Land of Earth's eastern defense line. If everything goes well, They Konoha can also counterattack and make up for some of the lost benefits from Land of Earth. It can be said that at this moment, all members of Konoha F4 have mentally approved of Nara Shikaku's plan!
Don't say words like "100% sure", any plan will have the possibility of accidents, and there will never be a plan that can be executed smoothly. After all, it is all about a question of probability. At least in the eyes of Sarutobi Hiruzen and others, Nara Shikaku's plan is too executable!
Of course they understand the risks and shortcomings involved, but this is undoubtedly the best solution they see at this stage. The rest depends on the specific operations in the next process, such as how to stabilize and divert Kumogakure's attention, and how to reasonably maintain a relatively safe situation for Western Front and Iwagakure while showing a certain degree of decline. This is all micro-management by the leader!
After all, a collapse can easily occur if you are not careful. Not to mention Uchiha Shōji and Kitsuchi, the two strong Kage Level, there is only one Five-Tails Jinchuriki Han. has the ability to change the situation of the battle. Once Konoha's side is not properly prepared, Han can directly break through the defense line deployed by Konoha on the western front on his own.
What if it really turns into a big rout!
That would be a real nightmare result for Konoha.
"I understand what you mean, Shikaku. This is indeed the most feasible plan. I entrust you with the strategic deployment on the Western Front. Shikaku, you will allocate all the necessary personnel and materials., Inoichi, you come to assist Shikaku, I will order the heads of each department to fully cooperate with your deployment! What you need to do is to formulate a corresponding defense plan in the shortest possible time for me to review."
When the break is continued, it will be disturbed.
This is a very decisive decision.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi and said this.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
"In addition, Koharu, you also immediately send people to notify all the major Ninja Clans to come to the meeting. This is a time when the whole village needs to be mobilized. Only if we work together can we survive this crisis. Hyuga Clan, Yan, let you come with me. Some issues still have to be discussed in person!"
This is the critical moment to act now.
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen also showed some of the courage and courage that Hokage should have, and acted separately among the Konoha High Commands.
The entire Konohagakure also entered a very cold and anxious atmosphere as the incident gradually fermented. War was coming again. This was news that could not be concealed at all. With the invasion of the armies of the two countries, and the changes in thousands of people in their own ninja villages, it was enough for every Konoha people to realize that the peace they had celebrated before had once again become a phantom, and uneasiness and restlessness occupied the hearts of the vast majority of the people.
But even so, Konohagakure is still in a relatively stable situation overall. First, Konoha has experienced similar scenes several times, and people who are slightly older have long been used to it. Second, Although the news of the war cannot be concealed, it is obviously impossible for senior officials like Sarutobi Hiruzen to disclose all the truth to the public. The people do not realize how critical the situation their Ninja Village is facing now, so naturally they will not be too panicked.
Ordinary ninjas, including some at the bottom of Konoha, don't quite understand such a situation. Only those who hold important positions or belong to wealthy Ninja Clan can clearly realize how terrifying the menacing Kumogakure and Iwagakure are.
The high-level enlarged meeting was held in a hurry, and the leaders of the major Ninja Clan and the leaders of each department were hurriedly left. When each learned about the responsibilities they should bear, the huge Konohagakure war machine was also in At this moment, it is operating at full strength. As the ninja village that still has the largest number of ninjas among Konoha Shinobi World, Konohagakure, operating at full strength, can mobilize an army of more than 20,000 ninjas!
This is also the reason why Konoha has been able to fight one against two or even three in past wars. Although Fourth Shinobi World War is not directly erupting this time, Kirigakure and Sunagakure are still in the theater mode. Here, Kumogakure and Iwagakure are not going all out, but the combined number of ninjas in the two major ninja villages is close to 10,000. The pressure brought by the two Tailed Beast Jinchuriki urges Konoha to go all out!
Especially when there is no top expert in charge, how to deal with Five-Tails Jinchuriki of Iwagakure, Two-Tailed Jinchuriki of Kumogakure is the key point that Konoha must consider comprehensively, in On Barrier Corps and Sealing Corps, under the full authority of Third Hokage and the overall arrangement of Nara Shikaku, Konoha also deployed the specialized elite troops that could be deployed to the position of the western front as soon as possible.
It is naturally difficult for these people to say that they can definitely suppress Tailed Beast Jinchuriki.
But from a physical point of view, it is the most suitable configuration to deal with these super-standard forces when there is no top expert to suppress Tailed Beast in a duel.
After all, in Nine Tailed Beasts, the first seven are existences that ordinary people can barely deal with. This is the biggest reason why Konoha only feels solemn, but not particularly afraid. Refer to the battle between Naruto and Gaara in Original Work. Although Shukaku's power may not have been used even one-third, but the Naruto at that time was at best a slightly stronger Elite Chūnin. In addition, the summoned Gamabunta could barely suppress Shukaku. It can be seen that the first seven Tailed Beast can be dealt with with regular power!
What's more, since the emergence of Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, few people have become the most perfect Jinchuriki, who can fully utilize the power of Tailed Beast!
This is also a key point that can be targeted.
The two-pronged strategy was implemented by increasing the power investment on the western front and further strengthening the connection with the Kumogakure side. Konoha's actions did not deliberately conceal anything. The attitude displayed will undoubtedly make the Kumogakure side feel happy and make the Iwagakure side feel angry.
No matter what kind of intention Konoha is based on.
This is Chi Guoguo's attitude and action of "contempt" Iwagakure, which is obvious. For Shōji, this strategy of Konoha does not Beyond his expectation, didn't the senior executives like Konoha in Original Work just blindly choose to please Kumogakure, almost using prayer to exchange for peace?
In this life, he still made such a decision, which did not exceed Shōji's expectations at all. The reason why he ignored their Iwagakure demands was that he even planned to have a head-on battle with them Iwagakure.
Shōji guesses that there is only one reason.
"Is it because of us Uchiha Clan? But that's okay. I originally planned to take this opportunity to 'enjoy' your wails, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō. I hope you are ready to wake up!"
Outside the main entrance of Konohagakure, the upright figure of Shōji stood behind the shade of a tree, looking at the Konoha reinforcements that were already the first batch to set off towards the western front. There was a faint cold light in his pupils, and he whispered deep in his heart.
Having said that, Shōji took one last cold look at the seemingly prosperous Konohagakure, and then he straightened up and disappeared behind the dense shade of trees, and then galloped away towards the west!
The situation of joint pressure from the two major ninja villages has been formed. No matter what the purpose of Kumogakure is, even if they don't move at first, the huge border pressure will definitely attract some Konoha's attention. Even if you Konoha really intend to fully agree to Kumogakure's conditions, as long as Kumogakure does not withdraw his troops for one day, you Konoha cannot really relax the eastern defense line!
This can at least attract three or four Chino. As for the result of more Konoha power, it is the result that Shōji wants to see, including experienced veterans such as Ōnoki. How can Kumogakure not see the possibility of sitting on the mountain and watching the fight between tigers and tigers?
But that's not the point!
The intention of Ōnoki from the beginning was exactly the same as Shōji.
Nowadays, Konoha and Ōnoki are both worthy of a single challenge, not to mention that Kumogakure's power is still limited to the northeastern border of Land of Fire.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them Iwagakure. Back then, they dared to engage in a decisive battle with Kumogakure while sending elite troops south to explore the point in advance. Now they are even less likely to back down. This is Shōji's suggestion, and it also belongs to Ōnoki's ambition and determination that have never changed!
The turbulent Shinobi World.
Different from the previous scenes that seemed very grand, but ended up being either a small fight or a conflict that ended in an anticlimax, this time Three Great Shinobi Villages all sent out troops, and the two major ninja villages Kumogakure and Iwagakure even had to dispatch Tailed Beast Jinchuriki.
This is already a clear sign that Fourth Shinobi World War is coming!
It already covers Three Great Shinobi Villages, and this collision, with the total mobilization force approaching 20,000, is fully qualified to be called a new round of Shinobi World War.
Not to mention the ninja villages Amegakure, Kusagakure, Yugakure, and Takigakure, Sunagakure had been waiting for the corresponding opportunity for a long time when he learned the news.
Rasa immediately ordered the village to carry out the first round of mobilization!
Whether to fight or not is another matter, but some preparations still have to be made in advance.
In this way, we can ensure that when the opportunity does come, they Sunagakure will not miss it. Don't think that the defeat last year made Rasa completely disheartened. It will only aggravate the anger deep in Rasa's heart!
Defeating Iwagakure, avenging shame, and regaining the Northern Fortress that belongs to their Sunagakure is the obsession engraved deep in the bones of Rasa!
How could he give up!?
Of course, after last year's defeat, Rasa will definitely appear more cautious this time.
Didn't really see the opportunity.
For example, Iwagakure was defeated head-on.
This Fourth Kazekage will never take action.
Just don't move.
The movement is like a thunder strike!
This is Rasa's decision.
Because today's Sunagakure really can't afford another disastrous defeat. If it were to repeat last year, or even worse, Sunagakure would really be eliminated from the list of Five Great Shinobi Villages.