Target.
That was the term Aoba used.
It was also the term that captured Biwa Juzo's attention.
Currently, Biwa Juzo knew only of the animosity between Kirigakure and Kumogakure, a grudge tied to longstanding relations and the death of their former master.
But...
Aside from knowing that Kirigakure's main task was to focus on Kumogakure, Biwa Juzo had no clue about the future.
This was why Aoba could easily sway Biwa Juzo. In Biwa Juzo's mind, this assassination mission was a gamble on the future of the Kirigakure, one that could potentially secure their future.
Now, Aoba, seen by Biwa Juzo as Satsuma Rentaro, spoke again of a "target," kindling more aspiration in Rentaro's demeanor. He didn't say anything; he waited for Aoba to elaborate.
"We can't continue this standoff with the Kumogakure!"
Aoba continued, setting the tone for the conversation. They both understood that the overall strength of the Kirigakure was inferior to that of the Kumogakure. The current initiation of war was mainly about competing with the Kumogakure, where it almost took two to three Kirigakure ninjas to match one Kumogakure ninja of the same level.
It was like a rank mismatch, the effort required for a Chunin to kill a Jonin was tremendously high.
This was the situation now.
Aoba knew it.
Biwa Juzo knew it.
Kirigakure knew it.
And the people of the Kumogakure knew it, too.
Yet, the people of Kirigakure were still gritting their teeth and enduring, needing this battle to vent their pain over their master's death and to finally shake off the cloud that the Kumogakure had cast over them for many years.
Biwa Juzo still did not speak; he just quietly watched Aoba. Since their last meeting in the Konohagakure, Biwa Juzo had held high expectations for this Kirigakure ninja disguised in Konohagakure, investing all his hopes in Aoba.
Of course, Biwa Juzo didn't know Aoba was Aoba; he still thought Aoba was their ninja, Satsuma Rentaro.
"If we now reach an agreement with Konohagakure to eliminate their future, we could use the power of Konohagakure to strike at the Kumogakure!"
"This would not only prevent Konohagakure's power from advancing but also drag all the attention of the Kumogakure into the fray."
"This would balance the situation in the ninja world."
Aoba said each sentence methodically, not superficially, but seriously analyzing the situation of the Kirigakure.
Of course, these were all theoretical strategies.
Kirigakure would never develop as such because he wasn't Satsuma Rentaro, but he was indeed speaking from the perspective of Kirigakure
If he had been born in Kirigakure...
Then, he would have acted to strengthen Kirigakure..
"But..."
After hearing Aoba's words, Biwa Juzo felt somewhat reluctant. Having been silent until now, he finally couldn't help but speak.
"If we stop attacking the Kumogakure like this, isn't that equivalent to admitting defeat, acknowledging that we can't inflict any substantial damage on the Kumogakure?" Biwa Juzo asked reluctantly.
"Is that a problem?" Aoba was surprised by Biwa Juzo's words, his lips slightly curving up before he responded, "Our Kirigakure indeed cannot inflict substantial damage on the Kumogakure. That is a fact. Is there something you're afraid to admit?"
"Such words would demoralize the ninja in our village!" Biwa Juzo gritted his teeth and said.
"Better than using such methods to tell the ninjas it's impossible!" Aoba replied.
"Ah... This..." Biwa Juzo suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He knew the harsh truth, but he didn't want the people in his village to face it.
"The fact is a fact. What Kirigakure needs to do now is not deceive ourselves but respect the facts and find opportunities to enhance our strength. Now is such an opportunity. As long as a mutual constraint exists between Konohagakure and the Kumogakure, Kirigakure can develop rapidly in this gap. Once our strength is established, we won't need to hide anymore. Kirigakure can also stand at the top of the ninja world." Aoba slowly said, his words filled with persuasive intent. After all, the current situation of Kirigakure was precisely that—weak and hoping to reach the peak of the ninja world, so all he needed to do was speak along those lines.
"I understand!"
Biwa Juzo took a deep breath, unable to deny the truth after being stirred by Aoba's previous words.
"Rentaro, you're right. If we're not strong, we should face it. There's no need to hide. If we enhance our strength, we'll naturally have our stronger moments later!"
As a vanguard of the Kirigakure, Biwa Juzo was very aware of the current situation. The combat power they could muster against Kumogakure was like scratching an itch—insubstantial.
Kumogakure merely had to throw a small amount of combat power to hold back the ninjas of Kirigakure.
Even...
The Kumogakure could still mobilize a large force to attack Konohagakure, aiming to claim a share of the spoils, utterly disregarding Kirigakure.
"Should we retreat?"
Biwa Juzo took another deep breath. He intensely disliked the word "retreat," feeling as if it implied running away.
"Yes."
Aoba nodded, his eyes flashing as he continued, "However, we cannot let the people of the Kumogakure think we are retreating. While we pull most of our forces back, we should launch some disturbances to make them think we are increasing the workforce. This way, they won't launch a surprise attack on us."
"I understand." Biwa Juzo found Aoba's point very important and then asked, "Rentaro, will you command the ninjas of Kirigakure?"
"No."
Aoba shook his head without hesitation.
"I will go with you to Konohagakure. There are more important matters waiting for me there. Currently, only I can contact Shimura Danzo."