"I told you! We'll push straight in from the front!" the Fourth Raikage, Ay, roared as he slammed his fist onto the table, veins bulging on his neck. "Kumogakure's ninjutsu is unmatched—what's there to fear?!"
"You reckless fool! That's suicide!" Kitsuchi, the Fourth Tsuchikage, slammed his own fist down in response. "We should advance carefully and grind Konoha down step by step!"
"Enough!"
A deep, aged, yet authoritative shout instantly crushed the clamor.
Hiruzen Sarutobi struck his pipe against the table, sparks scattering. His expression was dark as he swept his gaze across the assembled Kage and commanders, disappointment and irritation evident in his eyes.
"If you're so eager to die, then take your troops and do it right now," he said coldly.
"But if you want to win, then shut up and listen."
Whether because of his lingering prestige or because everyone knew Naruto understood Konoha inside and out, the hall fell silent.
Hiruzen took a deep breath and pressed a finger firmly onto the enormous map of the ninja world.
"Konoha's defenses look impenetrable," he said slowly, "but in reality, their battle lines are stretched far too thin."
"What we must do is divide our forces and strike together, forcing Uchiha Tobirama to split his attention."
He picked up a pointer and drew three bold red arrows across the map.
"First Route!"
Turning to the stocky Tsuchikage, Hiruzen said, "Lord Kitsuchi will lead Iwagakure's main force, together with troops from the remaining allied villages—three hundred thousand in total. They will pass through the Land of Grass and drive straight toward Konoha's core."
"This will be both a feint and a true assault, meant to pin down Konoha's primary forces."
Kitsuchi considered for a moment before nodding firmly. "No problem. Wearing down the enemy is Iwagakure's specialty."
"Second Route!"
Hiruzen turned to the Fourth Raikage and Mifune of the Land of Iron. "Lord Raikage and Admiral Mifune will lead Kumogakure's elite forces, the samurai legions, and allied national troops—four hundred thousand in total—straight into the Land of Rice Fields."
"You're the fastest and most destructive. Once the first front draws their fire, you'll carve through their defenses like a blade and strike directly at Konoha's gates."
Ay snorted, clearly displeased at being commanded, but still agreed. "As long as I get to cut off Uchiha Tobirama's head and rescue my father, I'll follow your plan this once."
"Third Route!"
Hiruzen's gaze shifted to the old man seated quietly in the corner. "Lord Ryo, you will lead the Hidden Mist forces and the allied troops from the Land of Water's subordinate states—twenty thousand men in total—by sea."
"Land at the Land of Whirlpools. Konoha's allies are stationed there, and their defenses will be weak. Strike from the flank and rear, and deal them a fatal blow."
Finally, Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and added, "In addition, all daimyo and Kage are to use their black-market connections to hire S-rank rogue ninja, bounty hunters, wandering ninja, and samurai. Have them harass the Land of Fire's borders and sever Konoha's supply lines."
"Three armies attacking simultaneously, supported by guerrilla warfare."
"Even if Tobirama were herding a million pigs, it would still take him days to catch them all."
As the plan settled in, sparks of hope lit the eyes of everyone present.
Perfect.
A flawless strategy.
"Agreed!"
"Sarutobi's word is law!"
The commander slammed his cane decisively against the floor. "Reorganize the army immediately. We launch a full-scale offensive at dawn!"
…
Late at night, within the Allied camp.
The earlier uproar had faded, leaving only the steady rhythm of patrolling footsteps.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood alone outside his tent, staring up at the cold, brilliant moon.
His hands trembled.
Was it excitement? Fear? Or… guilt?
"What a perfect plan…" he murmured with a bitter smile.
Against any ordinary village, this strategy would be enough to annihilate a nation.
But his opponent was Uchiha Tobirama—the monster.
"This is the last thing I can do for Konoha."
"No matter how much I hate you for taking everything from me… I am still Konoha's Third Hokage."
"I won't allow Konoha to be destroyed by outsiders."
Hiruzen closed his eyes and rapidly formed hand seals.
Summoning: Spiritual Messenger.
A tiny monkey, no larger than his palm, appeared in a puff of smoke. Hiruzen quickly stuffed a miniature scroll, densely packed with information, into its mouth.
"Go," he whispered. "Deliver this to him as fast as you can."
As the monkey vanished into the night, Hiruzen's strength seemed to drain away. He sank weakly to the ground.
…
Konohagakure, Hokage Office.
It was well past midnight, yet the office remained brightly lit.
Smack.
A miniature ape suddenly appeared on the desk, spat out a scroll, then vanished in a puff of smoke.
Tobirama calmly set down his teacup and unfurled the scroll.
Ten concise lines—everything clear at a glance.
A sharply mocking smile tugged at his lips.
"A three-pronged assault? A million troops?"
"Heh. Old monkey… you really didn't disappoint me."
The intelligence was astonishingly detailed—ninjutsu deployments, marching routes, even supply locations for each army.
"So you've prepared this funeral so thoroughly…"
Tobirama rose to his feet, eyes gleaming with cold light.
"If I don't provide an equally fitting coffin, wouldn't that make Konoha a poor host?"
"Pass down the orders!"
From the once-empty corner of the office, several Anbu elites appeared instantly.
"Present!"
Tobirama casually tossed the scroll aside and spoke with effortless authority.
"First Naruto Order!
Command Sakumo Hatake and Jiraiya to lead twenty thousand Konoha regular troops to the border of the Land of Grass.
Also…" His lips curved slightly. "Send Senju Hashirama with them."
"Yes, sir!"
"Second Naruto Order!
Have Uchiha Madara lead the main force toward the Land of Rice Fields."
"Tell Madara this is the primary battlefield—he can finally fight to his heart's content."
"As for how he kills them, that's his choice. I have only one requirement: anyone who resists must die."
"Yes, sir!"
"Third Naruto Order!
As for the Land of Whirlpools…"
Tobirama sneered. "That old Mizukage, Ryo. I was the one who raised him up—and now the dog wants to bite its master?"
"Send the Second Hokage to the Land of Whirlpools with Orochimaru's mechanical puppet unit and the Edo Tensei forces."
"Let Sea Release clash with Water Release in their own waters."
"Oh, and one more thing."
After finishing his arrangements, Tobirama seemed to recall something.
"Bring Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Sarutobi Asuma here."
"Immediately."
The Anbu hesitated for only a fraction of a second before bowing deeply. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
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