Inside Jiraiya's tent at the Konoha ninja base.
Chinya laid out his analysis.
Jiraiya fully agreed with Chinya's reasoning.
Orochimaru gave an approving nod and said, "Your analysis is sound. Then what about a solution?"
Chinya continued, "Driving Kumo ninja out of the Land of Hot Water is unrealistic, because our combat strengths are too far apart. Right now, there are only so many Konoha ninja stationed here, and even if more reinforcements arrive from Konoha later, they won't be many.
Because of Orochimaru-sensei's plan, we must divide Konoha ninja into four groups, while still leaving some behind in Konoha. Meanwhile, Cloud Village can continuously send reinforcements to the Land of Hot Water.
However, using Jiraiya-sama's and Orochimaru-sensei's names might help us push the front lines forward slightly, giving us some breathing room, so that once war begins, retreating back to the Land of Fire won't be our only option."
Jiraiya questioned with skepticism, "You're saying we rely on my name and Orochimaru's reputation?"
Minato Namikaze frowned slightly at the mention of their 'reputation.'
Chinya replied steadily, "Exactly—we need to make a deliberate display of it. We should spread the word loudly so that the Kumo ninja know both of the Sannin have arrived in the Hidden Hot Water Village. In other words, intimidate them enough to make them hesitate and avoid rash actions.
At the same time, Jiraiya-sama and Orochimaru-sensei should make a public appearance together by attacking one of their bases, letting them know Konoha will strongly defend the Land of Hot Water.
When they hear this, they'll believe Konoha reinforcements have arrived and that counterattacks are imminent. This way, we can push forward part of the front line away from the border of the Land of Fire, deep into the Land of Hot Water itself, thus giving us more flexibility.
But we mustn't push the front line too far, or eventually they'll realize that Konoha's reinforcement is just Orochimaru-sensei alone.
Pushing the front line too far would mean we can't hold it. It would only waste our forces, possibly forcing us back to the Land of Fire's border again—it'd be all for nothing.
Once we've advanced the front line, we must hold our ground, buy time, and wait for Orochimaru-sensei's full plan to come into play.
This is the method I came up with. I'm not sure if it'll help Orochimaru-sensei, though."
After a moment of silence, Orochimaru spoke, "Your idea is already quite mature. Honestly, your method can definitely be carried out as planned.
As you said, our combat strength is no match for Kumo's, so trying to push the front line through open battle is practically impossible.
Originally, I was thinking that I and Jiraiya would launch a direct attack on Kumo's forces to stabilize the current situation, and then look for breakthroughs to slowly push the front line forward.
Chinya, although your method is somewhat aggressive, if it succeeds, the rewards will be enormous, and it will grant us more flexibility in future arrangements.
Therefore, I prefer your method. Let's proceed with your plan. Jiraiya, what do you think?"
After a moment's thought, Jiraiya said, "I think it's doable. But if we're going to carry out this plan, we'll need to strike one of their bases — all those we've discovered so far are marked on the sand table. Orochimaru, which base do you have in mind?"
Orochimaru directly pulled up a flag from the sand table representing a Kumo base and said, "If we want to declare our presence and instill fear, we must target the most formidable opponent — otherwise, we won't create the hesitation implied by 'throwing a stone at a rat but fearing damage to the vase beside it.'"
Looking at the flag in Orochimaru's hand, Jiraiya asked in surprise, "Are you suggesting we attack the Hidden Hot Water Village directly?"
Minato Namikaze anxiously said, "Lord Orochimaru, Master Jiraiya, isn't this too reckless? The Hidden Hot Water Village currently hosts not only Cloud ninjas but also its own Hidden Hot Water ninjas.
The Hidden Hot Water ninjas haven't yet entered direct combat against us. If we attack the village directly, they will surely become our enemies as well, putting us in an even worse strategic position."
Orochimaru ignored Minato Namikaze.
Chinya let out a snort of laughter.
Noticing the contempt in Chinya's tone, Minato frowned and asked, "Chinya, what are you laughing at?"
Chinya turned his head sideways with a mocking expression, replying, "Nothing much. I just find your thinking quite amusing. *Wouldn't it be better* if you formed an alliance with the Hidden Hot Water Village first — then you could launch a coordinated internal-and-external assault and wipe out all the Cloud ninjas stationed there. Wouldn't that be perfect?"
Jiraiya awkwardly explained, "Minato, by allowing Cloud ninjas to station directly within the village, the Hidden Hot Water Village has essentially already declared hostility toward Konoha. To create the 'hesitation' effect, the Hidden Hot Water Village is indeed the best choice.
Besides, rather than wait for their forces to strike us later, it's better we take the initiative and catch them off guard.
If we succeed in capturing it, the largest base for Cloud ninjas in the Land of Hot-Water will be eliminated, and the Hidden Hot Water Village won't dare allow Cloud forces inside again.
At the same time, their shinobi will definitely be more reluctant to confront Konoha.
There's no denying it's risky — but the payoff could be huge if we pull it off.
Also, this will be a surprise attack. Their ninja forces, along with the stationed Cloud shinobi, don't include many Jonin — mostly Chunin and Genin. With me and Orochimaru leading the charge, our chances of success are high.
And we're not trying to conquer the Hidden Hot Water Village entirely — once the intended effect is achieved, our mission is accomplished."
Minato Namikaze still felt it was too dangerous.
He knew full well that following Chinya's plan would result in casualties — possibly heavy ones.
During his time in the Land of Hot-Water, Minato had forged strong bonds with the shinobi stationed there.
He just couldn't stand seeing his comrades suffer injuries — let alone fall in battle.
But the final say wasn't up to Minato — it rested with Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Jiraiya said to Orochimaru, "Then it'll be the Hidden Hot Water Village. Orochimaru, command now shifts to you. Every ninja here, including myself, will follow your orders."
Orochimaru nodded. "Then let's round up every ninja we can get. Since it's a sneak attack, we need to move fast. If they find out I'm already in the Land of Hot Water before we strike, the surprise factor will vanish, and they'll become alert."
"Fine, I'll take care of it right away."
Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze left the tent immediately to make preparations.
Chinya also tried to leave the tent, but Orochimaru stopped him, explaining that since it was Chinya's suggestion, he wanted him to stay behind and go over the details of the battle plan together.
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