One could even say that the unexpected war earlier had laid the most solid foundation for this plan.
Kumogakure had been severely crippled in advance, meaning Iwagakure no longer needed to worry about the security of its eastern flank in the coming operations. With the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails lost and even the Fourth Raikage under control, what was there left to fear!?
If that previous war had not happened,
even if Shōji had still successfully acquired the Rinnegan, the plan would have had to be postponed until the end of this year, perhaps even next year, just as before. It would also have needed to be carried out step by step. Opening war on three fronts was simply too foolish. Even if victory could ultimately be secured, the price would have been far too devastating!
He could not possibly personally intervene on every battlefield, could he?
For one, that was unrealistic.
For another, exposing his whereabouts too early would instead be detrimental to the subsequent operations and would give Obito opportunities he should never have had!
The current situation was exactly what Shōji wanted to see!
There was no need to worry about the eastern battlefield, and with only a portion of their forces committed, they could most likely crush Sunagakure entirely. Then they could sit tight, observe their enemies' movements, and respond accordingly!
Whether it was better to strike first or counter after the enemy moved depended on the circumstances and the people involved. Under the current conditions, striking second to gain the upper hand was clearly the optimal choice!
With Iwagakure's military preparations nearly complete, Shōji had calculated the situation and prepared to make his move!
This emergency expanded high-level meeting was the clearest possible signal!
One after another, the Jōnin filed into the conference room with solemn