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Onoki's POV (Fortress of Scales - Iwagakure)
Onoki often lamented his job. It was a time, effort, and joy-consuming one. He usually figured he would eventually hand it off to his son or some other prospect. Though admittedly, he had thought that time would come sooner. But no one had yet come close to the power and wisdom he wielded. So for now Onoki would serve. He was seated in an oversized, comfortable chair overlooking his most trusted minds as they discussed the recently learned news. The large room was dimly lit by crystal chandeliers. The desks were all dark wood; this room was inside the fortress Onoki called home. The large fortress was created many years ago from a challenging and rare mix of ores. Truthfully, Onoki often enjoyed lounging inside it. But today was not the day for such.
He had called the meeting, and even after thinking it over, Onoki couldn't help but wonder if moving would be the correct move. As such, the assembled group was present to discuss it at length. Onoki would patiently listen in and make a decision based on all considerations.
"The next move seems clear to me. We need to start rallying and condensing forces, ask our dynamo for his approval and support to begin financial pressure, and silently and effectively begin rooting out potential spies and informants in our own midst." Ren Kamizu, former Head of the Kamizuru spoke. Though they had lost much of their prestige, Ren had managed to hold his position with staunch service.
"I would argue speed would be more important than layered pressure here. The Leaf has lost their number one deterrent; they're missing the future generation; if we strike hard and fast now, it will weaken them for years." Daya Daiyamondo, head of the Daiyamondo Clan, countered. They were the clan responsible for the fort they sat in, and were the main defense force of Iwa. Their unique style of Earth Ninjutsu made them a considerable boon for Iwa.
"Hmm, perhaps a bit of both strategies; begin pressuring as if preparing for a siege, but instead use it to distract them as we go for more of a blitz. If we move quickly, our men would have already been in position by the time they realize our intentions." Kitsuchi, an infamous veteran of the Jounin forces, said. He had been a general of his forces during the last war and the closest the Stone had to a Kage candidate. However he lacked wisdom and power. Both Onoki personally considered to be indispensable for a leader.
Onoki listened to all three Stone Elders; every generation had its own version. Once the previous three passed, three more were selected by the current Kage. Usually, their roles were more advisors or admins. Handling doubtless important affairs but affairs far too time-consuming or demeaning for Onoki. But during meetings like these, they were invaluable. Onoki had never been a man of haste; decisions, patience, and consideration breed success and safety. A lesson his own sensei Mu had taught him. As such, Onoki had selected his elders to be strongly opinionated, and it was valuable to hear their council, even if they often disagreed with him. For they often seeked action and strategies Onoki may mistakenly discard.
"While your strategies are sound, they are somewhat unrealistic," Graphite said. He was the current head of their Anbu division, a cautious man who had been successful in his brief career. Managing to save the Anbu division from its lowest point after the Third Great Shinobi War. "It has been years, but we are still not at our former strength we were before the last war. Our Anbu and Jounin are spread out right now, so much so that even with an order to return ASAP, we would likely be missing them for nearly a month before we could move out with a substantial force. Even then, moving towards the Leaf would put us at odds with Suna, whose relationship with us strained to say the least. Considering the last incident between us it would lead to them joining the Leaf against us. We would struggle against the Leaf alone and buckle against them and the Sand combined."
"It seems clear to me we should appeal to the Cloud; if the two of us were to unite, we could crush both of our hated enemies at once. Suna would unlikely even involve themselves if we had their aid." Tsukiyomu Hoski now chimed in. He was the leader of the international division of intelligence. He was invaluable in meetings regarding other nations for his knowledge and sensibility. An appointment Onoki had seen to after Hiruzen's peace treat had gone through.
"The problem is we can't trust those bastards." Kitsuchi sniped back. "They are doubtlessly stronger than us at the present moment. They were less affected than the Leaf, Sand, and ourselves. With their leader being so openly aggressive, trusting them would be a toss-up."
"We're also closer to both enemies than the Cloud." Ren chimed in. "This combat would surely be more costful to us. Since we would be the easier target to strike. The Cloud would also likely take advantage after the fact."
"Besides, Unruly A is not a man who listens to someone else's plan." Daya agreed. "To even let them know would be to let them dictate the pace of our plan. They would likely force the matter the second they were ready."
"So we try to mend our ties with the Sand." Tsukiyomu tried again. "The gripes we hold with them have aged, as has people's temper. Meanwhile, the people's hatred of the Leaf is new; if we manage to make the Sand amicable towards us, the people will forgive them for giving up the Leaf."
"But why would they?" Ren asked.
"The idea is not as absurd as it sounds," Graphite added. "With the recent behavior of their jinchuriki, the Sand Village's economy has taken a hit. The buyer world has no need for aid that may well rampage after all. Furthermore, his attempted murder of the Leaf's jinchuriki surely strained their alliance. If we were to offer a way out, perhaps even offer them some reward, I'm certain they could be swayed to stay out of it."
"Sir." A quiet whisper interrupted Onoki as he listened to the other debate on the topic. The old man looked over to see his faithful bodyguard had interrupted him. Akatsuchi was a relaxed man; if Onoki was frank, he was not sharp enough for this meeting. However, Onoki had met few as honest and loyal as the oaf. So, he made it a point to always hear his concerns.
"Go ahead."
"Is it truly the best move to seek war? I can't help but think we should wait it out. After all they're only missing, at least some will surely come back." Akatsuchi pointed out.
"Speak to the group; hearing all angles merely allows me to consider each possibility," Onoki ordered roughly. Akatsuchi seemed to debate staying quiet but went forward and addressed them all the same.
"But is this truly the opportunity we think it is? Even with the Jinchuriki gone, the Leaf still has Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya of the Sannin, Tsunade Senju of the Sannin, Kakashi Hatake, Might Gai, Asuma Sarutobi, The Hyuga Clan, and even more. They are not a weak threat; we will likely suffer greatly in a pitched battle." Akatsuchi pointed out.
"We cannot forgive those sick bastards." Ren raged back. "Even if it is costly it would be worth it to assure their doom!"
"While emotionally driven, he is not incorrect. The Leaf is a threat to us and our greatest enemy. If we leave this opportunity now, we will likely regret it. There will not be a better chance; if we truly wish to crush the Leaf, we must move soon." Daya agreed.
"Enough," Onoki said as he levitated above the desk. In truth, he knew most of what was discussed and had considered it. But he always found it helpful to hear others' thoughts. Now, he knew the true scope of this decision. "I've heard all sides and believe I have decided on our next move. Indeed, we may not have another chance to attack, but even more so, we cannot afford to fail in such a situation. With Suna and the Cloud being wildcards, we cannot be certain that an aggressive play would be the move. However, if we were to win over the Sand, it would work out nicely. The Cloud would be forced to join us or face a three-way war; and the Mist is a nonfactor. We shall send some spies as dignitaries of alliance to Suna. They will secretly seek counsel and attempt to persuade Rasa to act in our favor. Should they offer it, we will begin preparations for war; if not, we will begin an information campaign on the Leaf and Sand. Does anyone have any complaints about my decision?"
Onoki hadn't expected anyone to speak, and no one did. It was why he was still a Kage; the Stone had yet to create any leaders or warriors of Kage caliber. But Onoki's strength and mind are still held. Besides, he couldn't move on Hiruzen unless it was a sure bet. Not with what he knew…
"Dismissed."