Regarding this war, the Sunagakure was cautious, but due to its own weakened strength, they were unable to hold out.
Facing the encirclement from the Iwagakure and Kumogakure, the Fourth Kazekage Chiyo and Ebizo initially planned to concentrate their forces to repel one of the enemy forces.
However, the lords and officials of the Land of Wind, whose cities were plundered and nobles captured, could not sit still.
With agricultural and mineral areas destroyed, coupled with noble casualties, such immense losses were unacceptable to the lords and officials of the Land of Wind.
To protect the nobles and their own interests, the lords of the Land of Wind dispatched officials to the Sunagakure, demanding that Sunagakure's ninja quickly repel the two enemy forces.
With the Sunagakure's finances heavily reliant on the lords and nobles, they had no choice but to reluctantly split their forces and choose to block the enemy's attacks.
Considering the formidable Taijutsu of the Third Raikage, which countered puppet techniques, the Fourth Kazekage Chiyo led 2000 ninja to resist the invasion from the Iwagakure.
Meanwhile, in the coastal direction, Ebizo led the Jinchuriki and 1500 ninja to resist.
It could be said that at this critical moment of life and death, almost all of the Sunagakure's forces were mobilized, even including students who had not yet graduated, who were temporarily graduated and became Genin, rushing to the battlefield.
Knowing that the village's current strength was no match for either the Iwagakure or Kumogakure, Sunagakure's leadership could only pin their hopes on Konoha reinforcements.
Before Konoha reinforcements arrived, the current strategic goal of Sunagakure was to delay the forces of the Iwagakure and Kumogakure as much as possible.
Upon receiving Sunagakure's request for aid, Konoha wasted no time and convened a meeting.
The focus of the meeting was not whether to assist the Sunagakure; assisting the Sunagakure was not up for discussion, as it was already a strategic policy established by the village.
The main point of discussion was how to provide assistance. After providing assistance, how to turn the Sunagakure into a vassal of the Konoha?
"Seizing this opportunity, we could take the opportunity to deal with the combat factions within Sunagakure and the ninjas who are hostile to our village," maintaining his usual style, Danzo proposed his idea.
"That's too extreme; it will only provoke the Sunagakure's hatred towards us," Hiruzen expressed his concerns.
"Hiruzen makes a valid point," Danzo Senju voiced his support for Hiruzen.
"Danzo, your methods are too extreme," Homura looked at Danzo and said.
"We must seize Sunagakure while it's in crisis! Once they recover, all we'll get is betrayal!" Danzo insisted on his idea.
"Danzo also has a point," Hiruzen agreed with a nod.
"Hiruzen, what are your thoughts?" Danzo asked.
"Sunagakure must be saved, but they must agree to the educational support we provide. Including the descendants of Sunagakure's leadership, such as the Kazekage, they must be sent to Konoha for education," Hiruzen's attitude was very firm on this point. "I agree!" his mouth curled up, seeing Hiruzen so firm, Danzo was very satisfied.
"Hiruzen, will this..." Homura hesitated a bit.
"There's no room for negotiation on this point; Sunagakure must agree," with a serious expression, Hiruzen said firmly.
After speaking, Hiruzen looked at Kizaru, who was deliberately sitting in the corner, lost in thought.
"Kizaru, what are your thoughts?" Having long been impressed by the talent of his disciple, Hiruzen always wanted to hear Kizaru's opinion on village matters.
Hearing his name, Kizaru snapped out of his daze and rubbed his head with a troubled expression.
"I just want to say one thing: if we keep discussing like this, will the Sunagakure still exist?" On the surface, Kizaru was expressing concern for the safety of Sunagakure. In reality, he just wanted to complain about his teacher's habit of calling meetings for everything.
Upon hearing Kizaru's reminder, everyone present was stunned for a moment. They had been so focused on figuring out how to manipulate Sunagakure that they had indeed overlooked how long Sunagakure could hold out.
"With Sunagakure's strength, holding out for a few days shouldn't be a problem... right?" with an uncertain tone, Homura said.
"Time is of the essence; Kizaru, what do you think?" lighting the tobacco in his pipe, Hiruzen asked.
"With Sunagakure's current strength weakened, they are unable to maintain the security of the Land of Wind's territory. As our allies, we could dispatch a ninja force to the Land of Wind free of charge, stationed there long-term. The Sunagakure only needs to provide us with a piece of land that could be used to build a base," referencing the practices of certain major nations in his previous life, Kizaru made a suggestion.
Eyes lighting up, Danzo, as the combat faction, absolutely loved this suggestion!
"I agree!" Without any hesitation, Danzo directly expressed his support.
"Well..." To be honest, as a Hokage advisor and staff member, Homura also liked Kizaru's suggestion.
If Konoha could indeed station a ninja force in the Land of Wind long-term, coupled with the student exchange program, then Sunagakure would completely become a vassal of Konoha.
However, Homura found it difficult to get Sunagakure to agree to such conditions.
Like Homura, Hiruzen was also somewhat tempted but had the same concerns.
"What if Sunagakure doesn't agree?" Hiruzen looked at Kizaru.
"In that case, we'll propose an even more outrageous demand first." With a lecherous smile, Kizaru provided a solution.
Suddenly enlightened, the four people present instantly found their way.
Mulling over Kizaru's words, the more Hiruzen thought about it, the more he felt it was ingenious!
Although Hiruzen had used this method in political maneuvering before, Kizaru's summary was just too classic and spot-on!
How did Kizaru grow up like this?
High talent, strong strength, and such intelligence!
"Danzo, you negotiate with Sunagakure first about this matter." With long-standing tacit cooperation, Hiruzen smoothly delegated the task to Danzo.
Smiling and nodding, Danzo indicated his understanding of what needed to be done.
"What are your thoughts on the personnel for supporting Sunagakure?" With the most difficult part of the discussion settled, Hiruzen began to inquire about simple arrangements.
Without speaking, the other three village elders all looked at Kizaru.
With high flying ability, strong maneuverability, unparalleled strength in the ninja world, and extremely abnormal sustained combat ability, Kizaru could be said to be the most suitable coulddidate to support the Sunagakure.
"How terrifying!" Being stared at by everyone, Kizaru jokingly complained with a smile.
"Kizaru, you'll depart first to support Sunagakure. The follow-up support forces will be led by Danzo and will arrive as soon as possible." Hiruzen's thoughts were in line with the others'.
"The Raikage and Tsuchikage should give me some face!" Sitting with his legs crossed, Kizaru rubbed his chin.
"No need to defeat them, just preserve the living force of the Sunagakure," looking at Kizaru, Hiruzen hinted with intent.
Naturally understanding Hiruzen's meaning, Kizaru realized that he should wait until Sunagakure had been worn down enough before intervening to save them.
After all, a Sunagakure that had been battered and bruised and could only rely on Konoha was the best ally.
"I'll hurry there as soon as possible." Standing beside him, Danzo spoke up voluntarily.
"Homura, Koharu, gather the Jonins and form the support forces." Looking at the two advisors, Hiruzen continued to make arrangements.
Nodding in unison, Homura and Koharu indicated their understanding.
"For the support forces, I suggest recruiting more Uchiha clan ninjas." Kizaru made another suggestion.
Looking at Kizaru in confusion, Hiruzen and the others didn't understand why Kizaru wanted to recruit more Uchiha ninjas.
"They've been clamoring for the Hashirama cells all along! So let's give them a chance to earn some merit." Kizaru explained.
A hint of enlightenment flashed across their faces. Hiruzen, who was currently troubled by how to appease the noisy Uchiha clan, suddenly found a solution to another headache-inducing problem.
Kizaru, this disciple of his, was truly remarkable!
Looking at Kizaru with admiration, Hiruzen once again marveled at him in his mind.