Frontal combat is one thing.
Detour strategies are another matter.
The guesses of Kitsuchi and Shōji cannot be said to be completely wrong. Kumogakure did guess in the wrong direction in terms of attitude, but at least Konoha guessed a little bit correctly, that is Shikaku His plan is indeed to recapture Mount Wuyuan Base at all costs. Shikaku, which was originally planned to pull Iwagakure Ninja's army from Mount Wuyuan, will be completely passive after the loss of this stronghold.
Originally, if Jiraiya's support had not arrived, Shikaku would have just pinched his nose and admitted it. After all, even if his own troops have quantitative and quality advantages, they can crush their Konoha side if they cannot withstand other people's high-end forces. If you lose a little, you will lose a little, but Jiraiya The arrival of, as well as some other problems that Shikaku later identified, made Shikaku once again confirm his previous plan, which was to suppress the Iwagakure Ninja troops in Mount Wuyuan Base.
Although the main goal is to recapture Mount Wuyuan Base, if he really sees the opportunity to completely eat up Iwagakure Ninja's frontline troops, Shikaku will not hesitate at all, even if it is completely different from the original plan.
The core of any plan is to enable the Ninja Village to survive the corresponding crisis. If these five thousand Iwagakure Ninja troops can be eaten, at least half of them will be disabled, then most of the crises facing the Ninja Village will be eliminated immediately. What reason does Shikaku have for not executing it?
Even for Five Great Shinobi Villages, five thousand casualties are enough to break the bones, let alone Iwagakure, a kind of ninja who originally needs to be vigilant on the three-party front. If he can be hurt at once, in the next few years, as long as no accidents occur, there will be no need to worry about any big threats!
After the pressure brought by Iwagakure is gone, it will be much easier for a Kumogakure to deal with it. As his own Ninja Village still has a certain foundation, Shikaku has considerable confidence in ensuring that Kumogakure does not dare to act recklessly.
Man's calculations are not as good as God's, and plans cannot keep up with changes. Shikaku, as Konoha's military figure with the highest intelligence, naturally understands all of this!
Under the seemingly contradictory actions, Shikaku has always made the most correct choice in the changing situation, including Kumogakure's possible next actions, all of which were based on Shikaku's preconceptions.
Shikaku also guessed some of the actions that Third Hokage of his own may have taken in the past. These preparations were made in advance while the fierce and bloody battle was going on in Western Front.
Konohagakure.
Hokage Tower li.
Once again, I received a diplomatic note from the Kumogakure side. When I saw the further excessive demands made by Dodai in the name of Fourth Raikage, and the further actions of the Kumo Ninja frontline troops passed on by my own border guard ninja.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression suddenly darkened.
"What!? You want us to give up Hot Springs Mountain Outpost immediately, and then evacuate all personnel from Land of Hot Springs within ten days, and also ask to hand over Hyuga Hiashi!? Is this an ultimatum from that Fourth Raikage!?"
In the office, Konoha F4 was sitting in his usual position. Mitokado Homura looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was in the first position with a stern look on his face, with a look of shock and anger, and said in a high pitched voice.
Suddenly heard the news.
No matter how well-mannered he is, Mitokado Homura can't control his emotions. He's already so tolerant, but Kumogakure still makes such an excessive request? Even referring to the previous peace agreement, the transfer of the Land of Hot Springs stronghold and the withdrawal of Konoha Ninja will be completed in six months according to the corresponding batches.
Now they are actually required to fulfill it all within ten days?
And they also asked for Hyuga Hiashi to be handed over. Are they trying to force them Konoha to death??
"Kumogakure This is really too much!"
Utatane Koharu's expressions are still not good. Konohagakure and Teacher Tobirama have never been so aggrieved even when Teacher Tobirama died in battle. Now this situation is completely like being slapped in the face repeatedly, and they have no way to resist well.
Shimura Danzō, who was sitting opposite the duo, also had a cold look on his face. Putting aside everything else, Danzo, as the iconic hawk in Konohagakure, was the most difficult to accept this. The person who unfolded, Kumogakure, Fourth Raikage, did what Danzo hated and hated the most, but he did not say anything in the first place, but was thinking about something.
"Yes, that Fourth Raikage probably thinks he has a hold on us and wants to use this method to force us to submit."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath. The bad tone in his words was so obvious. As mentioned before, the operation of Kumogakure's side in this situation really forced Sarutobi Hiruzen to the Liangshan Mountains. It was a bit like riding a tiger with difficulty.
It doesn't matter if Land of Hot Springs gives up. At most, the national defense pressure will be greater in the future, which is still within the controllable range. But on Hyuga Hiashi, whether it is handed over or not, it will have great disadvantages for Konoha.
It can be said that this is a multiple-choice question that is difficult for Sarutobi Hiruzen to make a judgment!
Fortunately, Shikaku, who was far away in Western Front, gave a "not small" hint. Although he was not discerning, Sarutobi Hiruzen also understood the meaning of Shikaku, which gave him more room for maneuver. It just said that compared with before, the situation may have some changes, but at least it can be in a category that is barely controllable.
The only thing that needs to be worried about is whether Kumogakure's greed will further expand. News has come from the front line that Kumo Ninja's large army is approaching Hot Springs Mountain Outpost's position. It will not be surprising when a war breaks out.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, are you going to agree to the request of that Fourth Raikage? No, I absolutely disagree with this. If it was barely feasible before, in this situation, we need to consider the issues on the front line!"
Mitokado Homura, who was a little bit misunderstood, thought that Sarutobi Hiruzen was planning to compromise further, so the words he hurriedly spoke meant to stop Hokage's best friend. Even someone as stable as Mitokado Homura could see that, Kumogakure's greed has expanded infinitely. They were worried about handing over Hizashi Hyuga before. Now, as expected, they still threatened them with war to make them hand over Hyuga Hiashi. Not to mention that doing so would easily cause a huge internal crisis of trust and chaos in the village.
Even if it is really handed over, will it be possible to stop Kumogakure's greed?
Mitokado Homura expressed doubts!
"Don't worry, Yan. I'm not that confused yet. Other conditions are fine. It's absolutely impossible to hand over Hiashi!"
No matter what Sarutobi Hiruzen thought before, whether he really had the idea of handing over Hiashi directly at the beginning, at least now, as he said, it is absolutely impossible for him to make the choice to hand over Hyuga Hiashi. Not to mention more, just Doing this alone would completely alienate Hyuga Clan from the village. Sarutobi Hiruzen would not dare to do this. Western Front would have to rely on the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan as the highest investigation and security force.
God knows if they handed Hiashi over today, will Hyuga Clan do the same crazy thing as Uchiha Clan tomorrow? Even if the probability is infinitely close to 0, as long as there is a slight possibility, it is impossible for Sarutobi Hiruzen to do this.
The disadvantages and possible costs this brings are too great!
It's so big that Sarutobi Hiruzen simply can't bear it.
Anyway, the bad consequences of such a choice will never be much better than fighting against two major ninja villages. When both options are half-matched, this seems to be a difficult decision to make, but in fact, there is only one choice left for Sarutobi Hiruzen - and that is to choose not to hand over Hyuga Hiashi!
Of course, this does not mean that Sarutobi Hiruzen will blatantly refuse Fourth Raikage's request to support Kumogakure's main force, but it will delay it in a roundabout way. At least until the issue on the Western Front is stabilized or even resolved, it cannot really fall out with Kumogakure.
Again, it's one thing to be unable to withstand it. If we really had to fight against the two great ninja villages, Konoha would definitely be seriously injured.
Mitokado Homura After hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's answer, the tense heartstrings relaxed slightly, but the sadness on the face was still there. Kumogakure The huge pressure really easily made them Konoha out of breath.
"Then how do you plan to deploy the forces on the Eastern Front? Hiruzen Sarutobi, yesterday you also sent a group of reinforcements to the Western Front, right? Can you really ensure the smooth execution of Shikaku's plan? Also, has there been any news from Anbu who was sent out to find Tsunade?"
The reinforcements on the Western Front led by Shikaku that were previously dispatched already numbered 5,000. This time, the number of reinforcements that were re-recruited and dispatched also reached 2,000. With this batch, the number of Konoha Ninja gathered on the Western Front has reached 9,000, approaching the 10,000 mark. This already accounts for nearly half of Konoha's strength!
Although if we really want to go militarily and hollow out the entire village, Konoha can still explode an army of nearly ten thousand ninjas, but that will only be possible if we almost completely abandon the defense line of Sunagakure on the west side and Kirigakure on the southeast side.
Once they do this, it means that Konoha must make up their mind to resist the two major ninja villages. Only by recruiting an army of 20,000 people can Konoha be able to withstand the simultaneous attacks of the two major ninja villages, and this will most likely be the result of Third Hokage personally going to the front line.
Mitokado Homura is very worried about this, so he is very concerned about the whereabouts of Tsunade, the grandson of First Hokage and another direct descendant of Third Hokage Disciple is one of the few people Konohagakure can rely on now. If he can return in time like Jiraiya, not to mention many, it can at least boost the morale of the ordinary ninjas in the village.
"No, there is no news from Tsunade. The eastern side can still have the regular configuration. I have asked Suzaku and Inoichi to control the two wing areas respectively, and they have also handed over in advance. After waiting, if it is difficult to defend, the defense line around Mount Hot Spring can be abandoned, and you only need to retreat to the area around Mount Fengzui. Moreover, Kumo Ninja will not really raise troops southward in a short period of time."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smashed his cigarette holder and said with a slightly deep look in his eyes.
As the mentor of Tsunade, Hiruzen Sarutobi is one of the few Konohagakure who knows that the reason why Tsunade left the village was not only because his lover and brother died in battle, but also because he was a Medical Ninja actually suffers from hemophobia. Although it is not to the point of completely giving up her identity as a ninja, at the level of Tsunade, a small impact will weaken her strength. Not to mention that this hemophobia is not the most exaggerated level, but it is also quite serious.
Before there was blood, Tsunade was still a real strong Kage Level. Once there was blood, maybe even an ordinary Jōnin could bully Tsunade, refer to the battle with Yakushi Kabuto in Original Work. It can be seen that it is impossible for Tsunade, whose whole body is trembling, to return to the battlefield.
So unlike Jiraiya, who seems to be away from the village for a long time and travels around the world, but still collects all kinds of information for the village, Tsunade is a complete wanderer, taking a niece and a piglet with him wherever he goes and gambles. With this journey, he has not returned to the village for more than ten years, and has never returned in the true sense.
It's normal for Anbu not to find traces of Tsunade. Jōnin It would be damned if Kage Level could easily find traces of people at the Kage Level level, Original Work It seems that Jiraiya and Orochimaru can easily find Tsunade. This is because Tsunade is easy to gamble and can lock several areas, and both of them have corresponding strength.
If it were other people, Tsunade might not be able to be discovered if they were closer.
What's more, even if Tsunade is found, if the anemia is not solved or alleviated, it still doesn't make much sense. Sarutobi Hiruzen will not really dwell on it.
If it doesn't work, his old bones can still use their remaining energy. Although Sarutobi Hiruzen does have many shortcomings and even black spots, at least this Third Hokage still has the courage and courage to fight for Konoha and die for Konoha.
"Then Hiruzen Sarutobi you are planning to go directly..."
Listening to Third Hokage's words, Mitokado Homura frowned and was about to say something more.
"In my opinion, if Kumo Ninja is really greedy, just use that technique directly. Hyuga Hiashi must not be handed over, and Konoha must not be bullied like this. That technique was prepared for this time. I think Second developed that technique just because it considered such a possibility in the past!"
"That Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu!"
On the left side, Shimura Danzō, who had been silent from the beginning, suddenly spoke at this moment, and the words he said were almost at the moment when the first sentence was spoken, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, The expressions of the three of Utatane Koharu suddenly changed. As Tobirama Senju's direct disciples, they knew very well what the 'that technique' mentioned in Danzo's words was referring to, and Danzo was also the name of the technique in the end.
Let's not talk about Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression suddenly darkened, and he looked at Danzo with very cold eyes and said, "Danzo, this technique has been banned by Teacher Tobirama. This technique is tainting the soul of the deceased and must not be used!"
Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu.
This is a taboo technique involving the deceased.
It is one of the highest mysteries studied by Second Hokage Tobirama Senju himself. By sacrificing the souls of the living and then using their bodies as a support, the souls of the dead can be summoned back from the underworld. The person summoned back can have an almost indestructible body and endless Chakra!
This is the most powerful part of this technique.
The only problem is that the summoned souls have limited power. Just like Orochimaru in Original Work and First Hokage and Second Hokage in Konoha Crush Plan., due to the flaws in the technique, the strength of the two re-summoned ancestors Hokage may not be even half of what they were at their peak. In addition, Orochimaru later used Kunai to erase their personal consciousness, so their strength will be further restricted.
otherwise.
How could a mere old Sarutobi Hiruzen withstand the attacks of First Hokage, Second Hokage and Orochimaru? But even so, it can be seen that Sarutobi Hiruzen in its heyday definitely had the peak strength of Kage Level. Only in this way can he still have the strength to suppress these three people after he is old.
Use Reaper Death Seal to dispose of the souls of First Hokage and Second Hokage, and seal the hands of Orochimaru.
From Original Work, we can see the pros and cons of this technique.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the supreme leader of Konohagakure, is also known as Dr. Ninja. He is definitely familiar with this technique, and he does not even rule out that he knows it himself. After all, you know it and then don't use it, and you don't know it at all. There is still some room for the former.
The only thing that's certain is.
Shimura Danzō definitely doesn't know this technique. According to the virtue of this guy in Original Work, there is no reason not to use this technique. The 'great' Shimura Danzō wouldn't care about just a few human sacrifices.
In this aspect, even if you don't want to admit it, Sarutobi Hiruzen still has a certain bottom line.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, now is the time, and when was the past? I believe Second will definitely agree with our approach. Wasn't this technique created by Second to save the Konoha crisis? There are so many serious criminals in the prison, we only need to use these people as sacrifices, and then resurrect Master First, Second, and..."
Obviously, Danzo strongly disagrees with Sarutobi Hiruzen's "pedantic" approach. In his opinion, this technique is so powerful, isn't it tailor-made for this time? Even if it is used properly, it may not necessarily be impossible to directly infer the two major ninja villages!
So he spoke again, but the words were not finished yet.
"Danzo! I have said before that this technique is absolutely not allowed to be used. This is insulting and toying with the soul of First and Second! It is a disrespectful act that is absolutely not allowed!"
He was interrupted by Sarutobi Hiruzen's sharp rebuke.
"Danzo, I also think Hiruzen Sarutobi's approach is correct. If we use this technique to summon Master First and Second, how should we face the two adults then?"
"Yes, this technique was banned by Teacher Tobirama at the beginning. As disciples, we must not use it lightly!"
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu also echoed at this moment. Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen still has a little bit of persistence in their own beliefs. The reason why these two consultant elders agree with Sarutobi Hiruzen's approach is probably because their Ninja Village is far from being at the end of its rope. If it is really facing the crisis of destruction.
It's hard to say what the stance of these two consultants is, including Sarutobi Hiruzen's choice at that time must be questionable!
In fact, it is difficult for people to know what choice they will make before they reach the final moment. Human beings have always been a fickle creature. It does not mean that there is no kind of steadfast person in this world. There are, and there are more than one or two. It is just that compared to the huge human base, they are a little too rare.
Once the vast majority of human beings encounter their own reverse scales or encounter a certain situation that is difficult to sustain, it is easy for them to behave completely opposite to their past behavior. For no reason, it is just because humans are such creatures.
"Hmph!"
The simultaneous objections of the two consultants, and most importantly, the disapproval of Sarutobi Hiruzen, made Danzo have to hold back his subsequent words again. In the final analysis, it was because he did not know this technique. If he mastered this supreme secret, he could use his toes. It can be guessed that the Root of Danzo must be filled with all kinds of Impure World Reincarnation people. Anyway, from the perspective of this Shadow of Konoha, everything only depends on the results. As for the process and means, are they important?
No, it's not important at all!
"Don't mention this matter again. I have other arrangements with Kumogakure. There is no problem in delaying it for at least a while. The reason why Fourth Raikage insists on handing over Hiashi is because of Byakugan Kekkei Genkai. In this case, we will take another step back and hand over a pair of Byakugan to Kumogakure."
Sarutobi Hiruzen After taking a deep breath, he slowly stated his plan.
Doesn't Kumogakure want Byakugan Kekkei Genkai? Then I will give it to you directly. Although it is a great loss for the village to let such an important blood stain be exposed, it is insignificant compared to the value and significance of Hyuga Hiashi. Anyway, Byakugan Kekkei Genkai is not It was revealed for the first time that Kirigakure had one that was taken from the lone Hyuga Clan Main Family member during the Second Shinobi World War period.
This time it's just another pair given away.
As long as Kumogakure can be stabilized for the time being, everything will be fine!
"Should we hand over a pair of Byakugan directly? But this, alas, this is indeed the only option, but will Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hyuga Clan be accepted?"
Mitokado Homura first changed his expression, then sighed quietly, and then asked with a hint of worry.
"I will personally negotiate with the Hyuga Clan on this point. I believe that Hyuga Clan will most likely understand and accept it. This is already the best compromise!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a very stern expression.