Seeing that A did not object, Kitsuchi continued.
"According to our latest intelligence, Kumogakure is tying down two thousand Konoha shinobi along the Land of Hot Water border. Sunagakure is pinning five hundred along the Land of Rivers. Orochimaru's two thousand have split to reinforce those areas and the southern coastline."
He paused briefly.
"Given Konoha's current situation, they can muster at most another two thousand from the village to reinforce Kikyo Mountain."
"In the worst-case scenario, we face just over six thousand defenders."
He added calmly, "That's the worst case. Konoha only began mobilizing last night. Realistically, no reinforcements can reach Kikyo Mountain before ten in the morning."
"Which means—if we break the fortress before then—we'll only face roughly four thousand."
He swept his gaze across the tent.
"As for us, although we hold numerical superiority, our supply lines are stretched thin. We lack sustained logistics."
"This must be decided in one battle."
"How do we proceed?"
Though Iwagakure held the largest contingent, this was not a dictatorship. Kitsuchi naturally invited input.
Rasa spoke first.
"Given Kikyo Mountain's terrain, we can deploy no more than four thousand effectively in a direct assault. More would hinder maneuvering and increase unnecessary casualties."
"My proposal: Iwa and Suna each contribute fifteen hundred for the first wave. Kumo provides one thousand."
"For the second wave, Iwa and Suna each provide another thousand."
"As soon as casualties appear in the first wave, the second wave fills the gap. No breathing room for Konoha."
"The remaining forces act as reserves."
Kitsuchi considered briefly.
"Iwagakure has no objection."
Tactically, it was sound.
But A interjected.
"The broad structure is fine. But it fails to maximize our advantage."
Rasa narrowed his eyes slightly.
"And what does the Raikage propose?"
A's eyes gleamed.
"Form an elite strike unit from the best of our three villages. Place them in the first wave."
"Then draw two to three thousand from reserves to form a rapid assault force."
"When battle begins, the strike unit tears open a breach in Konoha's line."
"The rapid assault force passes through immediately—and advances straight toward Konoha Village."
Silence.
Then realization dawned.
"Leave one to two thousand as reserve," A continued. "Once the assault force breaks through, Konoha's morale collapses."
Behind Kikyo Mountain—
Was Konoha itself.
The families of the defenders.
If even a rumor spread that enemy forces had slipped past and were marching toward their loved ones—
The psychological impact would be devastating.
Even if the assault force never reached the village—
The mere possibility would shatter cohesion.
It was ruthless.
It was brilliant.
"Agreed—"
"Report! Urgent intelligence!"
The tent flap burst open before consensus could be finalized.
"Enter," Kitsuchi ordered immediately.
An Iwagakure shinobi stepped in, breath tight.
"Latest reconnaissance confirms: Konoha forces have exited Kikyo Mountain Fortress."
"They are constructing defensive positions on several peaks outside the fortress."
A heavy silence followed.
They left the fortress?
Expanded their defensive perimeter?
Why?
Kitsuchi frowned.
"Confirm accuracy."
"Verified by multiple scouting units. The movement is large-scale and unmistakable."
"Understood. You're dismissed."
Once the messenger left, Kitsuchi turned back.
"Thoughts?"
Chiyo closed her eyes briefly.
"They may be extending strategic depth. Trading compact defense for layered fallback positions. Buying time."
It made sense.
By expanding outward, Konoha widened the battlefield.
Yes, it allowed the allied forces to deploy more troops simultaneously—
But it also gave Konoha space to retreat in stages, slowing momentum.
And time—
Was precisely what the allied army lacked.
Their logistics were thin.
If stalled, they would be forced to withdraw before supplies ran dry.
Kitsuchi nodded.
"That is the most plausible explanation. If they stall us long enough, we retreat—or starve."
A snorted.
"Whatever their purpose, we maintain our plan."
"Combine the first and second waves into one larger assault force."
"The rapid assault unit remains unchanged."
He leaned forward.
"Ten thousand versus four thousand."
"The advantage is ours."
"As long as the rapid assault force breaks through, the fall of Kikyo Mountain is inevitable."
The tent grew quiet again.
Logic was on their side.
Numbers were on their side.
Momentum—would soon be on their side.
Kitsuchi stood.
"Very well. Return and assemble your troops."
"In one hour, we launch the full assault on Konoha."
Outside the tent, the wind swept across the dark hillside.
Dawn approached.
And with it—
War.
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