Senju Touka took out the intelligence scroll given by Tobirama, spread it out before everyone, and pointed to the contents, saying: "After investigation, it was found that the Land of Rice Fields did not provide much assistance to the Land of Lightning. The Land of Rice Fields only opened up a road for the Land of Lightning to transport grain and fodder; other than that, they did not assist in the transport."
"In other words, the transport of grain and fodder is entirely the responsibility of the Land of Lightning itself?" Fūmori Masaki said, looking at the scroll.
"Exactly, and that creates a problem: the distance is long, and each transport is time-consuming and labor-intensive." Senju Touka smiled slightly, pointing to a line on the scroll. "So the Land of Lightning adopted another method: first, they transport a large amount of grain and fodder to a place for stockpiling, then they split the logistics unit into two parts. One transports a portion of the supplies to the front lines first, while the other goes back to continue transporting. By the time the original supplies are almost exhausted, the new ones arrive."
"Oh! That means the Land of Lightning has a grain depot here, likely also provided by the Land of Rice Fields." Ōnoki nodded.
"Therefore, we should make this grain depot our primary target, and destroy as much of the supply line as possible," Senju Touka said. "If we only destroy the supply line, by the time the Land of Lightning reacts, they can rely on the materials in the depot to last for a while, which is enough time for them to find another way to build a new supply line. After all, we can't stay here forever to block it. However, if the depot is destroyed directly, they would either have to transport grain from the Land of Lightning all over again or just head back home. Even if only part of the supply line is destroyed, they won't be able to choose the former."
Fūmori Masaki nodded slightly. At this time, logistics transport methods were indeed very backward. If it were just Ninja units, it might be fine, but the nation also needed to supply a Samurai Corps of tens of thousands, so they had to use a large amount of manpower for transport. He had wondered if Scroll Sealing could replace transport. Although he didn't have detailed knowledge, it seemed the technology in this area was still immature; otherwise, Kumogakure and Konohagakure would have used this method long ago.
"Any problems?" Senju Touka asked those present after confirming the target.
"No problem. It would be a hassle to destroy the entire supply line, but a clear, stationary target is easy," Ōnoki laughed.
No one else knew where Ōnoki's confidence came from, but Fūmori Masaki could guess. Ōnoki's confidence lay in his Bloodline Selection passed down from the Second Tsuchikage—Dust Release.
Ordinary elemental Bloodline Limits are produced by merging two attributes, just as Hashirama's Wood Release combines water and earth Chakras. A combination of three Chakra attributes is called a Bloodline Selection. Needless to say, in terms of power alone, it naturally exceeds a Bloodline Limit. Dust Release, which combines wind, fire, and earth Chakra attributes, possesses the power to turn any matter it touches into molecular size—
Even Uchiha Madara's Susanoo or Hashirama's Wood Release could not head-on block the impact of Dust Release. If it weren't for the fact that it consumed too much Chakra, resulting in a limited range, and the issue of attack speed, Ōnoki wouldn't have been unable to deal with the Perfect Susanoo during the Fourth Ninja World War.
No matter how strong the external protection of the grain depot was, it was meaningless before Dust Release. Of course, the current Ōnoki might not necessarily have the ability to use a Dust Release that could swallow the entire depot. If that were the case, Fūmori Masaki and the others wouldn't need to fight. Sure enough, Ōnoki followed up by saying: "I will use a powerful Ninjutsu. However, I might not be able to destroy the entire grain depot, but destroying part of it and causing panic is possible. You can take the opportunity to destroy it further."
"Good." Senju Touka didn't ask why Ōnoki didn't use it multiple times to completely destroy the depot. The more powerful a Ninjutsu, the more Chakra it requires, and there are always limitations in some aspect. Ōnoki's technique was certainly no exception.
"Then we and Ōnoki will go together to destroy the grain depot,"
"The other Iwagakure Ninja will be responsible for destroying the supply lines, primarily the one from the Land of Lightning to the depot. Whether the supply line to the front is destroyed is not important." After learning of Ōnoki's ability, Senju Touka made this battle plan and asked Ōnoki if he had any objections.
Ōnoki naturally had no reason to disagree. The other Iwagakure Ninja wouldn't have to face a grain depot that might be heavily guarded, and destroying supply lines was easy. Even though he had to go to the depot himself, with his Dust Release, he only needed to attack from a distance; there was no need to enter the depot for combat.
Seeing this, Senju Touka breathed a sigh of relief. After all, they were Iwagakure Ninja assisting her, and she couldn't issue forced commands. It was good that the other party agreed. She then said: "We need to scout the local area for specific details. Let's take a short rest and then set off."
Everyone else agreed. Fūmori Masaki was about to speak with Ōnoki when he saw Senju Touka give him a look. He had no choice but to get up and follow her. As he passed his other companions, their gazes were somewhat astonished. Fūmori Masaki's previous actions were too shocking, and he guessed that was why Senju Touka wanted to talk to him.
Senju Touka walked a bit further with Fūmori Masaki to ensure no one else would overhear their conversation. She looked at him with a half-smile and said, "Masaki, what you said just now was quite interesting. Why didn't I see such eloquence in you before?"
"I'm not exactly an eloquent person." Fūmori Masaki shook his head. "I just feel that given the current state of the war, maintaining an alliance with Iwagakure is necessary, so I said that."
"It's fine, I'm just a bit curious. What is this righteous war you mentioned?" Senju Touka waved her hand. She certainly didn't think there was any problem with how Masaki had flattered Iwagakure. As Masaki said, getting along well with Iwagakure was beneficial. What truly concerned her was something else.
"Are you referring to that? A so-called righteous war is a war that maintains the order of the Ninja World, protects the peace of the Ninja World, and promotes the development of national civilization," Masaki said.
Senju Touka was truly interested. Masaki's concept of war had never existed in the past. It should be said that in the past, war was always used as a means to achieve one's own ambitions. As for any noble goals, there were basically none. Probably only Hashirama had ever carried out what Masaki called a righteous war.
"Why do you say that?" Senju Touka asked.
"I believe that order and peace in the Ninja World are the main themes of the future. Therefore, all future wars should be conducted on this basis," Masaki said seriously. "Aggressive acts that destroy peace are not commendable and should be opposed by the entire Ninja World, just like the actions of the Land of Lightning, Land of Water, and Land of Wind this time. Back then, Lord Hashirama established Konohagakure with the goal of ending the chaotic era and protecting children. Naturally, Konohagakure must maintain peace. The Land of Earth's willingness to ally also shows a heart for peace—regardless of their true motives, at least their actions should be defined as such. Therefore, this war sweeping the entire Ninja World is a battle between those who maintain order and those who destroy it. We should promote it this way. On one hand, it's to make the Ninja World understand what is righteous and what is unrighteous, and what kind of path they should choose. On the other hand, it's to let them know that the Land of Fire and Konohagakure are images of justice and fairness."
Senju Touka nodded. Masaki's eloquence was indeed not great, but she understood his meaning. She said, "I think I understand. Our Konohagakure should inherit Lord Hashirama's will. However, the Daimyo might not think so. Mainly, what is the point of such empty names? In the Daimyo's view, annexing land and leaving a name in history are the truly substantial things."
"Point? Of course there's a point," Masaki said. "Most people do not like war—not including ambitious people like the Daimyo—especially the common people of the country. Living in peace and working happily is their ideal. In the future, even without promotion, peace will surely be a goal everyone pursues. Then, a country that maintains peace and order becomes a role model. If it is also a powerful nation, will it not become the leader of those who hope for peace? Will it not gain the trust of everyone, making them willing to assist it?"
Hearing this, Senju Touka couldn't help but fall silent. She began to think about what kind of situation it would be if it were really like this. Masaki looked at Lady Momoka's expression and continued, "Lady Momoka, I believe both the Land of Fire and Konoha should maintain a good image. Even between nations, a good image will gain the recognition of the other country, or at least a part of its people. For example, in this war, why is the Land of Rice Fields unwilling to assist any country? First, isn't it because the Land of Lightning is a group of aggressive invaders? And the Land of Fire, in their eyes, is also a tiger or wolf. This is the impression left from when the Land of Fire annexed land in the past. Therefore, the Land of Rice Fields will neither inform the Land of Fire about the invasion nor assist the Land of Lightning in dealing with the Land of Fire in one go. This is actually caused by the equally poor credibility of both countries, leaving the Land of Rice Fields with no confidence that assisting either side would result in a good return."