Everyone knew how much they stood to gain from taking Thunderclap Gorge, but they also understood that it would be very difficult to breach!
Shihōin Naraku understood Shikaku Nara's concerns very well. He said:
"I know Thunderclap Gorge won't be easy to take, and there's no need for us to get bogged down here. But if we attack it, the Raikage will definitely lead reinforcements here. That will put the initiative in our hands, rather than leaving us stuck waiting for Kumogakure's counterattack."
Besiege a position to strike its reinforcements?!
Shikaku Nara understood. They would pretend to target Thunderclap Gorge, while their real sights remained on the ninja force led by the Raikage.
"In that case, there shouldn't be any problems."
"The advantage of attacking Thunderclap Gorge is that even if Kumogakure knows we might only be feinting, they'll still have to send reinforcements. Neither Kumogakure nor the Land of Lightning can bear the consequences of Thunderclap Gorge falling."
"Exactly!"
Naraku snapped his fingers and continued explaining his plan:
"And although our target is the force led by the Raikage, there's no need to clash with them head-on. That ninja force is bound to be elite. If we fight them directly, our losses won't be small either."
"So my actual plan is for all our ninja to launch a feint against Thunderclap Gorge, then detach part of our force to slip into the Land of Lightning. They'll hide along the route the enemy must take, let the vanguard and main force pass, and save the killing blow for their logistics and supply units!"
"Once we deal with the Cloud Ninja force's supplies and logistics, their morale and resolve will definitely waver. Even if the Raikage uses his prestige to force them into line, he certainly won't be able to stop