Chapter 50: A Daring Gambit
In the command tent, Kagenori laid out his analysis. Jiraiya found himself nodding along; the boy's reasoning was sound.
Orochimaru gave a satisfied nod. "A good assessment. So, what is the solution?"
"Driving the Kumo-nin completely out of the Land of Hot Springs is unrealistic," Kagenori stated flatly. "The disparity in fighting strength is too great. The number of Konoha shinobi we can station here is limited, and even with future reinforcements, they will be a trickle, not a flood. Konoha's forces are stretched thin across four potential fronts. Kumo, however, can continuously funnel fresh troops from the Land of the Moon."
He leaned over the sand table, his finger tracing the border. "But by leveraging the reputation of Lord Jiraiya and Orochimaru-sensei, we might be able to push the front line forward. Just enough to create a buffer, some operational room. So that when the real war starts, our only option isn't an immediate, fighting retreat into the Land of Fire itself."
Jiraiya looked puzzled. "Leveraging our reputation?"
Namikaze Minato also seemed confused by the concept.
"Precisely," Kagenori explained, his voice low and intent. "We make a grand spectacle of it. We ensure every Kumo-nin in the region knows that two of Konoha's Legendary Sannin are now on this front. We use that as a psychological weapon, to intimidate them, to make them hesitant to act."
He pointed at a specific marker on the map. "Simultaneously, Lord Jiraiya and Sensei Orochimaru will launch a joint assault on one of their key strongholds. The message will be clear: the Land of Hot Springs is a priority for Konoha, and we are here in force. The Kumo command will likely assume our reinforcements have arrived and a major counter-offensive is beginning. In the resulting confusion and caution, we advance our lines, moving them away from the Fire Country border and establishing a foothold inside the Land of Hot Springs."
He held up a cautioning hand. "But we cannot advance too far. Over time, they will deduce that Orochimaru-sensei is our only significant reinforcement. A front line stretched too thin is unsustainable. We'd be wasted, forced into a disorderly retreat back to the border, nullifying any gain. The goal is a limited, defensible advance. We dig in, hold that new line, and buy precious time for the larger strategic plan to unfold."
He finished and looked at Orochimaru. "This is the method I can conceive. Can it be of use, Sensei?"
Orochimaru was silent for a moment, processing. "Your method is surprisingly mature. It is executable. As you stated, a direct, force-on-force confrontation to advance the line is impossible. My initial thought was for Jiraiya and me to engage in targeted strikes to stabilize the current line before seeking a breakthrough. Your method is more aggressive, but the potential payoff is significantly higher, granting us the strategic flexibility we desperately need."
He turned to Jiraiya. "I am inclined to proceed with Kagenori's plan. Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya rubbed his chin, thinking. "It's risky, but I think it's feasible. The key is which stronghold we hit. The known Kumo positions are marked. Which one do we choose, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru didn't hesitate. He reached down and plucked a specific flag from the sand table—one marking a sizable village. "If we wish to announce our presence with maximum impact, to truly 'kill the chicken to scare the monkeys,' we must choose the toughest target. Otherwise, the effect is lost."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "You want to attack Yugakure itself?"
Namikaze Minato stepped forward, his voice urgent with concern. "Lord Orochimaru, Master Jiraiya, that's too reckless! Yugakure isn't just hosting Kumo-nin; they have their own shinobi forces. If we attack the village directly, we will force the local ninja into open hostility! The situation would become even more disadvantageous!"
Orochimaru ignored him.
Kagenori, however, let out a short, derisive laugh.
Minato turned to him, a frown creasing his brow. "What are you laughing at, Kagenori?"
Kagenori met his gaze, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Nothing. I just think your idea is wonderful. Perhaps we should try to form an alliance with Yugakure instead. I'm sure they'd be happy to help us kill the Kumo-nin stationed within their own walls."
Jiraiya interjected, his tone slightly awkward as he explained to his student. "Minato, if Yugakure is willingly allowing Kumo-nin to be garrisoned there, they have already chosen a side against Konoha. For a demonstration of overwhelming force, their village is the ideal target. It's better we strike them preemptively, on our terms, than wait for their ninja to join the fight against us later. If the attack is successful, we eliminate Kumo's largest local base and send a clear message to every other Hot Springs village: harboring our enemies has consequences. The local ninja will think twice before opposing us."
He looked back at Orochimaru. "The risk is high, but the strategic reward is higher. And with Orochimaru and me leading the assault, the probability of success is good. Remember, we are not aiming to conquer and hold the village. We are aiming for a spectacular raid. If we achieve the desired psychological effect, the plan is a success."
Minato's face was still etched with worry. He had fought alongside the shinobi stationed here; they were his comrades. The thought of leading them into such a dangerous operation, knowing casualties were inevitable, was a heavy burden.
But the decision was not his to make.
Jiraiya turned back to Orochimaru. "Yugakure it is, then. Effective immediately, I am transferring full command to you. Every shinobi here, myself included, is under your orders."
Orochimaru gave a curt nod. "Then we move quickly. Gather every available shinobi. The element of surprise is critical. If they learn of my arrival before we strike, the impact will be diluted, and their defenses will be prepared."
"Understood. I'll see to the preparations immediately." Jiraiya and a still-concerned Minato left the tent to mobilize the forces.
Kagenori made to follow, but Orochimaru's voice stopped him. "Stay, Kagenori. This was your plan. You will remain and help me finalize the operational details."