How significant is the value of a very powerful Shinobi?
Significant, that's certain.
In any Shinobi Village, powerful Shinobi are precious assets. They can accomplish missions others cannot, bringing ample benefits and prestige to the village.
But it's merely 'significant', not irreplaceable.
Whether it's Kage-level Shinobi or Elite Jonin, they become disposable when it comes to the village's own interests.
There are two main reasons for this.
First, death is commonplace for Shinobi; people have grown accustomed to it, so they view Shinobi's lives rather lightly.
Although some value human life more than profit, they are the minority. The mainstream tends to underestimate the value of Shinobi's lives, even including the Shinobi themselves.
Second, no matter how strong an individual is, their power cannot surpass that of a collective.
The collective's minor interests can be used to nurture more powerhouses. Whether it's a Kage or an Elite Jonin, they can be trained anew.
However, although this is the mainstream, there are also powerful individuals who transcend this phenomenon.
Such as Madara and Hashirama.
There are also powerful individuals who, while not transcending this phenomenon, can escape it.
Currently, two people in the Shinobi World can achieve this.
The Third Raikage, A, and Namikaze Minato.
This isn't to say they are significantly stronger than other Kage, but rather that the Ninjutsu they possess have attributes suitable for fighting multiple opponents.
The Third Raikage possesses the hardest shield and sharpest spear in the Shinobi World, with all-around, flawless defense and astonishing explosive power.
Those who can break his defense cannot catch up to him; those who can catch up to him cannot break his defense.
The sharpest spear can tear apart anyone trying to surround him.
Human wave tactics are meaningless against him, unless he has a reason not to flee.
Minato, although lacking the sharpest spear or hardest shield, possesses speed that makes reaction difficult and the Flying Thunder God Technique, which allows spatial teleportation ignoring terrain.
He can come and go freely amidst thousands of troops, and escape anytime he encounters a stronger enemy.
These two are individuals in the current Shinobi World who cannot be overwhelmed by human wave tactics; they can escape the collective.
And now, another person must be added… Senki Ryuji.
Although it's hard to believe a fifteen-year-old youth could reach such a level, after hearing Minato's mission report, Hiruzen had to admit it.
That genius puppeteer from Sunagakure has indeed reached such a level.
Bird-type puppets capable of fast flight in the sky; insect puppets that are small but numerous, capable of burrowing underground, spraying fire, possessing autonomous judgment, and acting independently; armor impervious to A-Rank single-target explosive Ninjutsu, possessing immense strength, high explosive power, numerous Ninjutsu, and capable of high-speed flight...
The things this youth displayed are not only equal in strength to any current powerhouse in the Shinobi World but also possess attributes that make him unafraid of being surrounded by masses.
"A few days ago, Danzo and I thought he could fight ten, kill nine Elite Jonin, and achieve an overwhelming victory only because of that incredibly powerful weapon." The more Hiruzen thought about it, the more troubled he felt.
'Not only has Sunagakure produced such a powerhouse, but he is also a puppeteer who developed so many powerful weapons and equipment.'
'Now they've also obtained the Dragon Vein. It's unknown how much their overall strength will improve.'
'Perhaps, in this Shinobi World War, Sunagakure will be the greatest enemy.'
Hiruzen sighed inwardly, his peripheral glance catching Minato kneeling on one knee before the desk. He straightened his expression, "You completed this mission well. Go and rest properly. I will handle the matter of Shibi and Choza with Sunagakure."
The mission objective was to prevent Anrokuzan from stealing the Dragon Vein. Although Minato didn't accomplish it personally, judging by the mission objective, the task could be considered completed.
"Yes."
Minato replied in a low voice, rose, and left.
Only this time, his back view appeared somewhat desolate.
Clearly, this mission failure had also dealt a significant blow to him internally.
Seeing this, Hiruzen sighed deeply again: 'I hope this setback doesn't affect him too much.'
In the past, he would have secretly observed Minato's condition.
It would be best if he could overcome the shadow of failure himself. If not, then a suitable opportunity would be needed to give Minato some motivational guidance.
But now, considering the current situation and the stronger Sunagakure, he simply didn't have the energy to focus on an individual's condition.
'A strengthened Sunagakure's ambitions will expand accordingly, coupled with their need to seize territory… What price must Konoha pay to ensure they don't mobilize troops now?'
'And what about Danzo's situation?'
"Hokage-sama, there is a scroll from Sunagakure."
Suddenly, an Anbu appeared before the desk, holding a small scroll.
Hiruzen's heart stirred. He quickly approached the Anbu, took the scroll, and opened it.
[Sunagakure demands to send a delegation to Konoha to study the education system and medical system, while also requiring Konoha to unconditionally provide...]
This was a letter sent by the Konoha's envoys dispatched to Sunagakure, recording Sunagakure's demands.
Hiruzen didn't mind the material and monetary demands. Although painful, compared to the crisis and cost of fighting five Shinobi Villages simultaneously, it was nothing.
But the demand to send a delegation to study Konoha's education and Medical-nin Systems...
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened, his expression growing increasingly grave. 'Someone with far-sighted vision has emerged in Sunagakure.'
As Hokage, he certainly knew why his own village was strong.
First, the numerous Shinobi Clans. Second, the education system.
These two gave Konoha a continuous supply of manpower, with outstanding new talents constantly emerging.
Although the Medical-nin Systems hadn't fully demonstrated its value yet, judging by the reduced casualty rate of Konoha's Shinobi over the past few years, its benefits for the village's long-term development were evident.
'Sunagakure has already seized the Dragon Vein. If they also learn Konoha's education system and Medical-nin Systems, they will become a powerful enemy for Konoha in the future.' Hiruzen thought for a while, then picked up a brush to write a reply.
The general content was that they could increase monetary and material benefits, but sending a delegation for study was not permissible.
...
Amegakure.
In Hanzo the Salamander's conference room.
Hanzo, as the host, sat at the head. On both sides sat the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki of the Two Scales; the Third Raikage, A; and the leader of Kusagakure.
Inside the room, everyone knelt silently on cushions; the atmosphere was very solemn.
After a while, Hanzo couldn't help but speak up, "Everyone, we all have the intention to attack Konoha, yet we keep delaying the finalization of the attack plan. If we drag this on, changes might occur."
"You'll have to ask Raikage-dono about that..." Onoki said, glancing at the Raikage who was meditating with his eyes closed. His tone was sarcastic, "During the last joint attack on Sunagakure, we trusted each other and let a Kumogakure's Shinobi lead. Putting aside the failure for now, but to preserve your own village's strength, you used people from other villages as cannon fodder during the attack, and as rear guard during the retreat... With such an example beforehand, who would dare to cooperate easily again?"