Ōnoki's Response

"My first target is the Sand Shinobi. The Stone shinobi have suffered heavy losses these past few days, while the Sand Shinobi remain at full strength, with almost no losses.

"With tensions running high between Stone and Sand, we can strike the Sand Shinobi first and weaken them."

Fugaku considered this. "Chiyo is the Sand Shinobi's only top-tier fighter now. With Jiraiya back at Konoha Camp, we have one more than they do. That does give us an edge.

"But the Sand Shinobi have too many troops. To deal them a serious blow, we'd have to send everyone, or at least most of our ninja. Anything less won't accomplish much. Send too few, and we'll only lose people for nothing.

"The Stone shinobi have taken heavy losses, but if Konoha makes a large-scale move, their intelligence officers will notice. The Stone shinobi may attack immediately.

"Compared with the enormous gains to be had from entering the Land of Fire, losing a certain number of ninja is acceptable to Iwagakure."

Fugaku pointed to the three camps on the map. "Whichever side we attack, the other may strike. Konoha simply doesn't have enough troops."

Silence fell over the tent again. Only the rain striking its roof could be heard.

Orochimaru had been weighing the same problem. With its forces divided, Konoha would struggle to deal with either Ninja Village. Sending everyone against one would invite the other to attack with its full strength.

That morning, dozens of dark figures appeared outside Konoha Camp and hurried toward it.

A Patrol Ninja rushed into the camp and entered the Command Headquarters. "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Hatake Sakumo has arrived."

Relief spread across Elder Shinsuke's face. "The Stone-Sand Allied Forces are showing signs of splitting apart, while Konoha's strongest fighters are returning one after another. As