Once the Third Kazekage put forward his proposal, many of the clans within Sunagakure began to show signs of hesitation turning into interest.
Because, on paper, the idea was highly feasible.
Most shinobi of Sunagakure believed that Iwagakure was already on the losing side. If they joined the war at this stage, even if they could not claim the main spoils, they could still follow behind Konoha and pick up some remaining advantages.
However, the proposal carried two major issues.
The first was the alliance between Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
This was not a loose agreement formed after defeat or desperation. It was a genuine, long-standing alliance.
During the Second Great Ninja War, both villages had worked together against Konoha and even maintained exchanges afterward. If Sunagakure suddenly launched a surprise attack on Iwagakure, the consequences would be severe.
Not necessarily in terms of morality, because betrayal was nothing new in the ninja world. Alliances shifted whenever profit demanded it.
But once that step was taken, there would be no way to restore the previous relationship.
In the future, Sunagakure's strategic position would inevitably shift from cooperating with Iwagakure against Konoha to being forced into Konoha's orbit instead.
In the short term, they might benefit. In the long term, it could damage their stability.
The second issue was internal resistance.
Most of Sunagakure's shinobi had already grown accustomed to peace. After a long period without large scale conflict, convincing the lower ranking ninja to return to war would be extremely difficult.
The difference in perspective between the village leadership and ordinary shinobi was always clear. Those in power saw the broader picture, while those beneath them focused on survival.
But the Third Kazekage could not simply tell his people to think of the entire country as a single chessboard and accept sacrifice for the bigger strategy.
Because of these two issues, the plan to invade the Land of Earth was temporarily stalled.
The Third Kazekage and his supporters decided to wait and observe how the war unfolded before choosing the right moment to intervene.
After hearing White Zetsu's report, Fugaku let out a cold laugh.
"If they had joined earlier, they might have still managed to gain something," Fugaku said. "But once this war ends, even if Iwagakure loses, Ōnoki will never forgive them. He will drag Sunagakure into a prolonged conflict. In the end, it will only benefit Konoha."
White Zetsu nodded.
"I understand. Is this what humans call not even managing to pick up the leftovers of a hot meal?"
Fugaku did not respond.
White Zetsu chuckled lightly and continued.
"By the way, during my observation of Sunagakure, I discovered an interesting young ninja."
"A young ninja?" Fugaku asked.
"Yes. His name is Sasori. A genius of Sunagakure. It seems he is preparing to assassinate the Third Kazekage."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly.
"How old is he?"
"Fourteen."
"Fourteen," Fugaku repeated as he thought for a moment. "If I remember correctly, he is Chiyo's grandson. With that identity, there is no reason for him to target the Kazekage. Unless… this is not his own decision."
White Zetsu shook his head.
"It is not related to Chiyo or Ebizo. After the Third Kazekage proposed rejoining the war, Sasori's attitude toward him changed completely. I observed him further and discovered he has secretly prepared a large number of puppets and toxins."
"So it is hatred for war," Fugaku said calmly. "A child like that is indeed interesting."
He rested his chin lightly on his hand.
"Keep watching him. If he is about to make a move, report it to me immediately."
Fugaku smiled faintly.
"If he succeeds, he might even qualify to become one of my pieces. I remember the White Fang was the one who killed his parents. A ninja like that would naturally hold resentment toward Konoha."
White Zetsu nodded.
"I will keep monitoring him."
Fugaku then shifted the topic.
"What about the situation in the Land of Earth?"
White Zetsu responded immediately.
"On Konoha's side, Tsunade and Shinnosuke have already led their forces into position. On Iwagakure's side, Kitsuchi has also arrived with reinforcements. The Five Tails Jinchūriki has been deployed as well. The battle should begin within the next two days."
"And Ōnoki?" Fugaku asked.
"He remains in the village, but he can arrive on the battlefield at any moment with his speed."
Fugaku walked to the desk and looked down at a shogi board.
He began removing most of the pieces, leaving only the essential combat units.
Kings, generals, and key offensive pieces remained.
Then he paused and spoke quietly.
"Ōnoki, the Five Tails Jinchūriki, Kitsuchi, and Fūga."
He then moved to the opposing side.
"Tatsumi, the Nine Tails Jinchūriki, Orochimaru, Sakumo, Tsunade, and Shinnosuke."
He studied the board in silence.
Even though Iwagakure had greater numbers, the difference in top tier strength was clear.
Fugaku glanced at White Zetsu.
"Does Iwagakure have any hidden cards left?"
White Zetsu nodded.
"The Third Raikage."
Fugaku raised a brow slightly.
The Third Raikage of Kumogakure had once invaded the Land of Earth during the Second Great Ninja War. For Ōnoki to involve him now meant he had set aside past grievances.
More importantly, the Third Raikage had actually agreed.
That level of decisiveness was rare.
White Zetsu placed another piece on the board.
Now both sides had an additional King.
Fugaku observed quietly.
"Konoha did not deploy the Third Hokage directly, but Tatsumi is close enough in strength to be considered equivalent."
He tapped the board lightly.
"Even if it is five against six, the Third Raikage is capable of fighting the Eight Tails head on. In that sense, the balance is nearly even. With Iwagakure's numerical advantage, they may even appear slightly stronger on paper."
White Zetsu tilted his head.
"Should we inform Konoha and help them?"
Fugaku shook his head.
"Didn't you say earlier that maintaining balance is preferable?"
"If Konoha loses, then so be it," Fugaku replied.
He swept his fingers across the board.
"There are different scales to this game. On the largest scale, I started this war to weaken all the great villages and deepen their conflicts, making true cooperation impossible. Everything is for the Eye of the Moon Plan."
His finger traced another line.
"On a smaller scale, this war exists to force Konoha into full strength deployment and to settle old grudges."
He withdrew his hand.
"At this point, we simply observe."
Fugaku leaned back slightly.
Even though he said that, if conditions allowed, he would still prefer Iwagakure to gain the upper hand.
But at the moment, he could not act freely. Exposing himself or the Hidden Mist would ruin future plans.
There was still another stage of his plan that required preparation after this war ended.
So restraint was necessary.
He looked at the shogi board and spoke quietly.
"Life always has its limits. I tried everything to kill Tatsumi, yet even with control over the Hidden Mist, I failed."
"Madara once had overwhelming strength, but still lost to Hashirama."
"And Konoha believes victory is close, unaware of what the Third Raikage is waiting for."
Fugaku exhaled softly.
"But when the Eye of the Moon Plan is complete, everything will be corrected."
He closed his eyes.
White Zetsu stood silently beside him.
It remembered Black Zetsu's words about him once.
"That fool."
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