"Why? All wars are merely a continuation of politics, and politics, in the end, is naturally about benefit," Orochimaru said coldly.
Shigure nodded in agreement. "Your analysis of war is very accurate. So, why would Sunagakure invade the Land of Rivers? It's nothing more than to gain land. Another reason is that behind the Land of Rivers lies the Land of Fire — and the Land of Fire's fertile resources are even more coveted by Sunagakure."
"So by taking the Land of Rivers, they achieve their immediate goal and gain a launching point to attack the Land of Fire in the future."
Orochimaru immediately countered, "Everything you said is correct, and I completely agree. But how can you be sure that Sunagakure won't invade Konoha outright?"
"And why aren't you daring enough to take the initiative and attack?" Shigure retorted at once.
"I am Orochimaru, one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin. Behind me are the lives of countless Konoha ninja. Moreover, as the main force, if we rashly launch an assault and the other three great nations seize the opportunity, the consequences would be disastrous."
Orochimaru's caution was legendary. Since taking command of the western front, he had never once made a mistake. When possible, he preferred calculating surprise strikes over reckless direct engagements.
Shigure's private assessment of Orochimaru was simple: "As steady as an old dog — but one who leaves his enemies with no peace of mind."
"Precisely for that reason," Shigure replied, "Sunagakure is even less likely to recklessly provoke Konoha."
"While we fight, we also have to guard against sneak attacks from the other villages. So even though Sunagakure attacked the Land of Rivers, they're likely under tremendous pressure themselves. They must also watch Iwagakure to the north and Amegakure to the northeast — which has friendly ties to Konoha — among others."
"You're saying… Sunagakure is testing Konoha's movements?" Orochimaru immediately grasped Shigure's implication.
Shigure nodded. "Sunagakure's advisors must be well aware of your mindset, Lord Orochimaru. They probably predicted that you'd choose to hold your ground in front of the Land of Fire's forest — that's precisely why they occupied the Land of Rivers first."
Orochimaru seemed convinced. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Then what do you intend to do? Launch a counter-offensive? Drive Sunagakure back at all costs, no matter the sacrifices?"
Shigure shook his head slowly.
"Even if I don't yet understand Sunagakure's motives for invading the Land of Rivers, one thing is clear — since they came, we'll make sure they never leave."
Orochimaru smirked faintly. "So you really have a plan. Ambitious. I like that."
Shigure ignored the comment and stated firmly, "Drive them back? They'd just return one day. This time, we'll make sure the Sand ninja learn — Konoha cannot be invaded."
He then began outlining his strategy.
"First, we'll send an elite Konoha squad ahead to the Land of Rivers canyon. They'll bury explosive tags throughout the canyon and loop around to take up ambush positions behind the Sunagakure army."
"Next, we'll send a vanguard unit forward as bait to lure the enemy into the canyon."
"When they march in, we'll detonate the explosive tags. The main force will strike from the front while the ambush attacks from behind, surrounding and annihilating the entire enemy unit."
Shigure's plan earned murmurs of praise, though Hizashi quickly noted an issue.
"If there are sensory-type ninja among the Sunagakure forces, or if they send scouts ahead, won't our setup be discovered? Wouldn't our ambush fail immediately?"
"Exactly," Shigure said with a knowing smile. "That's why we must let them believe they've discovered us. We'll let them charge in with full confidence — that's when the trap will spring. When they think they've ambushed us, that's when we'll annihilate them."
His strategy was near flawless: a layered deception. He would first feign weakness to tempt Sunagakure into "discovering" an opportunity. Then, when they tried to strike Konoha's supposed ambush, they would find themselves the true prey — surrounded, bombarded by explosive tags, and crushed from both sides.
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with intrigue. "A good plan. But there's one flaw… no, perhaps not a flaw, exactly."
He continued calmly, "Executing this plan will require sacrifice. The ninja tasked with luring the enemy will essentially be bait."
"It'll really require people to sacrifice themselves…?" Hyūga Akane's voice trembled slightly. As a gentle person by nature, she hated this aspect of war.
"War always brings sacrifice — that's inevitable. Why don't I volunteer to be the bait?" Hatake Kusuo said suddenly, recalling the death of his uncle, Sakumo.
"Isn't there any other way?" Hizashi frowned. He knew Shigure's strategies rarely had glaring blind spots.
"Naive youngsters…" Kakuzu broke his silence with a dry chuckle. "Who said luring the enemy means getting yourself killed?"
"As long as you counterattack at the right moment, you'll be fine," he said confidently, his tone full of eerie calm.
Orochimaru stiffened. His sharp gaze landed on Kakuzu. "Wait… I remember now. You— you wouldn't happen to be Kakuzu, the 'Ultimate Killing King,' ranked first on the underground assassin lists, would you?!"
"You… why are you here?!" Orochimaru's hands morphed into a writhing mass of snakes that lashed toward Kakuzu.
Kakuzu didn't flinch. "So, you know my name. Relax, Orochimaru. I'm employed by this guy now. Otherwise, your head— one of the Sannin — would've already earned me a fortune," he said calmly.
Shigure stepped between them. "Enough. We're not here to argue. As for the job of bait — leave that to me!"
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, Shigure created nearly a hundred shadow clones, then used Transformation Jutsu to disguise each into the likeness of ninja under Orochimaru's command.
"This way, even sensory-types won't tell the difference. I'll subtly expose a few flaws so their vanguard 'discovers' us, ensuring they rush straight into our encirclement."
His actions drew gasps of awe from everyone present.
Orochimaru nodded at last, his serpentine eyes gleaming with approval.
He fully committed to executing Shigure's plan, but then turned and asked, "You've arranged the strategy for all of us — but what about yourself?"
Shigure smiled faintly. "Didn't I just say we'll teach Sunagakure a big lesson?"
"Our Team Seven will form a five-man surprise attack force and strike directly at Sunagakure's main base!"
Everyone froze in shock.
"A single ninja squad?! Attacking the enemy's main camp?! You must be joking!"
"Sunagakure's main battle force— how many ninja are there? Five thousand? Ten thousand?!"
--
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