At the Iwagakure Camp in the Land of Grass, Ōnoki studied the intelligence report, deep in thought.
Uchiha Takigawa and Sanada had already withdrawn from Kannabi. Seated nearby, Kitsuchi said:
"Father, no one is guarding Kannabi Bridge. Now is the perfect time for a full-scale attack. We can take the Land of Grass in one stroke, then march into the Land of Fire."
Ōnoki shook his head. "We will attack, but we need to plan it carefully.
"Konoha Camp has many powerful fighters. We must avoid a direct confrontation. Pass down the order: send Supplies across Kannabi in small shipments for now, and avoid clashing with the Uchiha's three Mangekyo Sharingan wielders whenever possible."
An Intelligence Officer left to carry out the order.
Kitsuchi nodded. "Those three really are troublesome. Each has different abilities, and all three are formidable.
"I'm afraid we'll need a commander who thinks through every possibility on the far side of Kannabi Bridge, someone who can keep Konoha occupied."
"Exactly," Ōnoki said. "Without a thorough plan, we'll only send our people to pointless deaths. Tell Higashishijin to come see me."
Higashishijin was not among Iwagakure's strongest, but he was a meticulous thinker—a natural Tactician. He had distinguished himself among the younger generation in recent years, completing numerous High-Difficulty Missions.
Kitsuchi went out. A few minutes later, a lean-faced Ninja entered.
"Iwagakure Jonin Higashishijin pays his respects to Lord Tsuchikage."
Ōnoki looked him over. "Good. The reason I called you here is simple. We need a commander on the other side of Kannabi who thinks carefully and plans thoroughly.
"I want you to go there. Your objective is simple: avoid Uchiha Takigawa and his two companions while inflicting as many casualties as possible on Konoha's lower- and mid-ranking Ninja.
"Without its Ninja Corps, I'd like to see