At the Fire–Lightning border,
Nara Shikaku took out a map of the terrain and studied it carefully.
A group of "attachments" stood around watching him think.
"Hiyasu, how many people does the Cloud Village have?"
"Not exact, but definitely more than us—and not in the tens of thousands."
Hyūga Hiyasu recalled what he had just seen.
"Not in the tens of thousands? Even 9,999 isn't 'tens of thousands.' And that's just what they've shown on the surface. Who knows if they've got hidden forces?"
"Also, reserves, logistics units, veterans that can be mobilized at any time… we're at an absolute numerical disadvantage."
Nara Shikaku thought for a while longer, then decided to discuss it with everyone.
What if someone came up with a wild idea?
Relying on the frontal battlefield alone was no longer viable.
The numerical gap was too large.
Even trading one for two would be a huge loss for Konoha.
Not to mention, in ninja combat, even one-for-one was already decent.
And they still had to guard against sudden bursts from genius ninjas, sudden entries from Kage-level fighters, and suicidal assault squads.
In short, it was a headache.
Nara Shikaku wisely abandoned the idea of direct confrontation.
"Look—Cloud Village has more people than us, stronger frontal firepower, and their machinery can keep bombing us continuously. The Akimichi unit needs rest after a while, but they can rotate endlessly. In terms of range, firepower, and duration—we're inferior in every aspect. I don't recommend a frontal battle."
He tried to explain it in terms everyone could understand.
Too bad Aburame Shiken wasn't here, otherwise this wouldn't be so troublesome.
Even someone who's always relied upon sometimes wants to rely on others.
"Hiyasu, what about Shiken's approach? Trade space for time—let the Cloud Village forces in, then fight them on Fire Country territory. Once they're inside, we can play however we want."
Hyūga Hiyasu spoke up. Sure, he couldn't make strategies—but he could copy answers.
"No. Shiken could do that because the Fire Country border near the Grass Country has nothing but forests and wild beasts—no resources. This place is different. Two of Fire Country's three largest coal mines are here, along with numerous noble territories. The northern region is Konoha's most important domestic mission source."
"Otherwise, we wouldn't have fought Cloud Village so fiercely during the Second Ninja War."
Nara Shikaku explained. Even the best plans must adapt to local conditions.
"Then aren't we stuck fighting them head-on? What's there to think about? Two great armies clashing at the border…"
As Hyūga Hiyasu spoke, he suddenly seemed to think of something.
At the border between two nations… army clashes…
Elite squads…
Strike straight at the heart, ride to the ends of the earth, carve glory into legend.
And he just happened to be in his teens.
Damn. Dad, I'm about to make something of myself—rise to nobility in a single battle.
"Shikaku, Shikaku! What if we send an elite squad straight into the Cloud Village?"
Hyūga Hiyasu shouted excitedly.
"Charge straight into Cloud Village, forcing them to defend? Not realistic. Once we enter the Land of Lightning, the home-field advantage is theirs. And Cloud Village isn't easy to breach. But we can modify it—send elite squads to harass from behind and cut their supply lines. That's very feasible."
Nara Shikaku immediately shot down Hiyasu's unrealistic idea.
Did he really think Cloud Village had no smart people?
Hyūga Hiyasu looked displeased. He felt like Shikaku had just ruined his big moment—glory in one battle, unmatched heroism. Kamito, Shiken, Hideki, Ryoha… they'd all be so jealous.
"Actually… I think Hiyasu's idea is pretty good."
Namikaze Minato suddenly spoke.
"Oh? Minato, what's your idea?"
Nara Shikaku knew Minato wouldn't speak without reason.
"I don't have much of an idea. But even if we fail, we won't suffer any losses."
Minato left behind a tri-pronged kunai.
Then—
A flash of yellow light, and he disappeared.
Another flash, and he returned.
The "born delivery god physique" descended upon the ninja world.
Jiraiya's eyes lit up: As expected of my disciple! He's learned the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God!
Nara Shikaku's eyes lit up: Now there are so many… ahem, good tactics we can use.
"Minato, can this jutsu carry people?"
Nara Shikaku asked.
"It can. But for now, with group Flying Thunder God, I can carry up to a hundred people at once. Maximum distance is five kilometers, and I can only use it once per day."
Minato replied.
Only once per day… which means at least twice if pushed.
In that case, Hiyasu's plan might actually work.
"Hiyasu, I'll give you a chance. Pick ninety-eight people and go cut off Cloud Village's logistics lines. Do it however you want. Even if you end up punching straight through Cloud Village itself, I won't object."
Hyūga Hiyasu's eyes gleamed after getting Shikaku's approval.
There really was hope.
"Shikaku, leave it to me. Guaranteed success."
Hiyasu patted his chest confidently.
Even if he failed, Minato was there. They wouldn't die anyway—so what was there to fear?
Namikaze Minato—Hyūga Hiyasu hereby names you the ultimate safety net.
He quickly dragged Minato to the Hyūga unit to pick people.
Sure, gathering ninety-eight jōnin from all of Konoha to form an elite squad would be easy.
But deep behind enemy lines, strength wasn't the most important thing.
Obedience—no, following orders—was.
Hyūga Hizashi had to come.
Don't ask why.
Because he listens. Reliable.
Hyūga Hiashi couldn't go—the remaining Hyūga forces still needed leadership.
Hyūga Hiashi: Damn it, I'm getting sidelined again.
After quickly selecting the team,
Everyone held hands, and finally Hyūga Hiyasu placed his hand on Minato's shoulder, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Let's go, Minato."
"Go? Go where?"
"The Land of Lightning. Stop messing around—time is life, you know."
"There's no Flying Thunder God mark there. How do we go?"
"…Damn it, then hurry up and go set one!"
And just like that, Namikaze Minato was chased off by Hyūga Hiyasu, full of complaints.
I've never even been to the Land of Lightning—how would I have left a Flying Thunder God mark there?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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