"So, to unify the minds of his people or to eliminate his political rivals by using us as the blade declaring war against Konoha is the perfect choice!"
Everyone present nodded in understanding.
Each of them was a jōnin, men and women whose intellect matched their strength (with the honorable exception of Guy, whose intuition sometimes outpaced reason). Even if some had been puzzled before, Nara Shikaku's explanation made everything clear.
And since most of them were clan leaders, each with experience in politics, they immediately grasped the cunning behind the Sand's move.
The Sand Village was fractured from within. To distract the villagers and consolidate power, the new Kazekage created an external target: Konoha.
It made sense. Konoha was weakened, caught between the Lightning and Earth countries' assaults a soft persimmon waiting to be squeezed. As the old saying went, when the wall starts to crumble, everyone comes to push. If you don't strike your enemy while he's down, when will you?
By launching this war, Rasa would secure full command as the Fourth Kazekage, pulling all military power under his authority and solidifying his rule.
If the Sand emerged victorious, his prestige would soar to untouchable heights. Even if the Third Kazekage miraculously returned, he would no longer be able to shake Rasa's influence.
If they lost, well losing to Konoha was practically a tradition for the Sand. A heavy defeat would still serve Rasa's purpose, wiping out dissenters and silencing any voices loyal to the Third Kazekage. When the dust settled, Rasa would still be the last man standing.
Realizing this, everyone drew in a sharp breath. What a ruthless, well-played game.
Yamanaka Inoichi let out a dry chuckle. "That… can't be avoided, can it?"
Hyuga Hiashi frowned deeply. "No matter the outcome, Rasa wins. But we'll be forced to face a third front in this war. The situation's getting dangerous."
Akimichi Chōza looked toward Orochimaru. "Then, Orochimaru-sama, what do you suggest we do?"
Orochimaru's lips curved into a chilling grin. "That's exactly why I gathered you here. We're going to the Wind Country battlefield. We'll deal with the Sand first kick them out of this war before they even settle in."
The room went silent. Then Shikaku spoke, nodding thoughtfully. "It's a good plan. The alliance between Iwa and Kumo is already weakened after their recent losses. They'll need time to recover, though we can't relax. Their combined power is still immense, and their army isn't broken yet."
He leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "But the Sand Village is different. They've lost their leader, their new Kazekage doesn't command full loyalty, and their morale is low. Their resources are poor, their land barren, and their shinobi scarce. If they lose even once, they won't recover."
"Precisely," Orochimaru said, taking back control of the conversation. "That's why this mission is vital. You'll strike fast, crush their forces, and finish the fight before it spreads. If the Fourth Kazekage himself appears, use reverse summoning to bring me to the front immediately."
He handed a scroll to Shikaku. "You'll be in command of this operation, Shikaku."
Shikaku accepted the scroll solemnly. Around the table, everyone nodded. No one objected. In times like these, obedience was survival.
Hyuga Hiashi raised a hand hesitantly. "Orochimaru-sama, the Hyuga clan may face difficulties against the Sand's puppet corps. Our close-range style doesn't mix well with their weapons or poisons."
It was true. The Sand's puppet masters and poison users were infamous across the ninja world. Even a skilled jōnin could struggle against the unpredictable assault of countless hidden weapons, while the average Hyuga shinobi though strong could be at a severe disadvantage.
"I understand," Orochimaru replied. "Then the Hyuga will take a reconnaissance role. Your Byakugan is perfect for that. Afterward, I'll reassign your main forces to the Lightning front."
It was a sound decision. The Raikage's forces relied heavily on taijutsu and lightning-based mobility. The Hyuga's speed and vision would serve as perfect counterbalance and support.
"Don't worry too much," Orochimaru added with a faint smirk. "We've already stocked antidotes for most of the Sand's known poisons. Our medical teams are on the front lines, and the supply chain is stable. If Chiyo makes a move, contact Tsunade through the emergency channel. She'll handle it."
The name "Tsunade" alone eased the tension in the room. Everyone exhaled a collective sigh of relief.
When the meeting ended and the group stepped out of the command tent, Shikaku turned to Fugaku.
"Clan Head Fugaku, this next phase will be critical. I'll need the Uchiha to cooperate closely."
Fugaku knew what that really meant. The last part's the important one, he thought dryly.
Shikaku wasn't wrong to be cautious. In the four months since Fugaku had arrived in this world, he'd learned just how proud and headstrong his clan truly was.
Once they discovered that the upcoming battle would be under the command of the Nara clan, they'd lose their minds.
What?! Why should the mighty Uchiha take orders from a bunch of deer herders?!
Yeah! We're the strongest in Konoha! Who do they think they are?!
Let them have their little Ino–Shika–Chō alliance we'll show them how real shinobi fight!
Fugaku could already hear the complaints echoing in his head.
Still, he wasn't a fool. Whatever his clan's pride, the mission came first. The Uchiha couldn't afford to act out now.
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "I'll keep them in line. They won't disrupt the operation."
Shikaku nodded gratefully. "Good. Thank you, Fugaku."
Fugaku gave a small smile, though his thoughts were far heavier. The Uchiha's pride was a storm waiting to break and he would have to stand in the eye of it.
______________________________
If you're enjoying this story and want to read more advanced chapters, you can support me on Patreon: patreon.com/PurgatorialPoet. Your support helps keep the translations coming faster.