Tactics Set

The shock and excitement brought by Gundam's completion had yet to subside in the hearts of Sunagakure's leadership when pressing reality swiftly pulled them back into calm strategic planning. Inside the Kazekage's office, the atmosphere grew solemn and focused once more. Fourth Kazekage Rasa, Elder Chiyo, Ebizo, and the core advisers had gathered there. As the sole executor and central figure of this operation, Shaye was among them as well.

A huge map of the Land of Wind and its surrounding seas lay spread across the central table. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the blue region belonging to the Land of Water.

"Shaye," Rasa began, tapping a larger island southwest of the Land of Water's main island, "Kirigakure's defenses are tight. Its main island is shrouded in thick mist and barriers year-round, guarded by heavy forces and numerous Kekkei Genkai clans. A direct assault would be extremely risky even with Gundam's power, and we could easily be surrounded."

Stroking his beard, Ebizo added, "That's right. We need a target heavy enough to hurt Kirigakure badly, but not one that makes them feel utterly doomed and triggers an all-out war—or even a desperate fight to the death. At the same time, it must hold immense strategic or economic value."

Elder Chiyo's cloudy yet sharp gaze swept across the map before finally settling on an archipelago off the southeastern coast of the Land of Water's main island. "Here. Kirigakure's second-largest island, Azure Reef Island. It is an important fishing center, a source of certain ninja tool materials, and a major supply base for its southern naval patrol fleet. Destroying or severely damaging it would make Kirigakure feel the pain to its core. Its economy and naval strength would both suffer a serious blow. More importantly, it is far from Kirigakure's headquarters. Its