After hearing Homura, Fugaku paused. He had used Tailed Beasts to deal Sunagakure several devastating blows because he possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan and could control them whenever he wished.
If the Third Hokage tried to repeat his success by releasing a Tailed Beast inside the Kumogakure Camp, Kumogakure would probably capture it with ease.
Wild Tailed Beasts had minds of their own. They fled when outmatched, and once enraged, they attacked friend and foe alike.
"Then I'm relieved it's been sent to the Land of the Moon. At a critical moment, the Two-Tails could be an important bargaining chip that turns things around.
"I heard the Hokage sent an official letter to the Land of Water a few days ago, inviting Kirigakure to join the war. What's Kirigakure's position?
"If Kirigakure joins the war, Kumogakure will probably withdraw at once. It isn't strong enough to fight on three fronts," Fugaku said.
Homura gave Fugaku a surprised look. "The situation was urgent then, but we never heard back. Kirigakure gave no response at all.
"But things have changed. You've forced Sunagakure to sign a defensive alliance. Kumogakure's chances of breaking through the Land of the Moon are next to none."
Fugaku chatted with Homura about a few matters back in the village before saying goodbye.
The two days of rest passed quickly. The following morning, the forces assembled at the gate once more.
Many Konoha residents came to see them off, including shinobi staying behind and ordinary civilians.
The people of Konoha knew how dangerous the battlefield was. Those who left might never return.
The thousand Sand Shinobi were already equipped and ready to depart.
Fugaku looked over those who had gathered to see them off. "Senior Homura, everyone, I leave Konoha in your hands. This time, we'll crush Kumogakure in