"Your Excellency Zashi, we have fully sensed your sincerity. Now, as the highest representative of the Land of Iron this time, I formally propose an alliance with Konoha!" After a moment of celebration, Mifune stood and declared solemnly.
"It would be our honor, Mifune. I believe you will never regret this decision!" Zashi also rose, a practiced smile on his face.
With the core issue of benefit distribution resolved, the remaining details were easily ironed out. Soon, in a joyful atmosphere, the two sides amicably signed the alliance agreement.
Then came the final step of the alliance.
"Your Excellency Zashi, now that we are allies, what are your thoughts on our next plan regarding Sunagakure and Amegakure?" Mifune inquired, his expression slightly serious.
No matter how attractive the benefits, they could only be obtained after winning the war. Although the alliance between the Land of Iron and Konoha had a decisive impact on the outcome of the Second Shinobi World War, the battlefield was unpredictable, and anything could happen. Just like the previous Battle of Chishui City, even they had believed Konoha's victory was certain. But who could have foreseen such a sudden turn of events?
Therefore, caution was always paramount in war. This was why Mifune was so concerned about this issue.
"Mifune, rest assured. From the moment we formed this alliance, Konoha's new strategic operation can officially commence! This time, barring unforeseen circumstances, it will only take us half a year to win this war!" Zashi declared confidently.
"Oh? I wonder if Your Excellency Zashi would enlighten me?" Mifune asked curiously.
"Of course. This matter requires the full support of the Land of Iron as well," Zashi replied with a smile.
Then, Zashi paused before explaining the plan: "This time, we will change our previous overall strategy. Instead of focusing on defeating Sunagakure, we will concentrate our efforts on Amegakure."
Upon hearing this, the representatives of the Land of Iron were stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"But Your Excellency Zashi, the greatest threat in this war is Sunagakure. Only by eliminating them can this war truly end. As far as I know, Konoha's previous strategy was also aimed at breaking Sunagakure. Why the change now?" Mifune asked cautiously, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"Before, since Konoha was fighting a three-front war, we couldn't fully commit our forces against all opponents. We had to focus on Sunagakure. But now, with your Land of Iron as our ally, our biggest worry is gone. With your help, we can completely overwhelm Amegakure and force their surrender while containing Sunagakure! Once Amegakure surrenders, Sunagakure will become a rootless weed in the Land of Rain! Facing pressure from all three of us, they will eventually have no choice but to withdraw!" Zashi explained coherently.
After Zashi's explanation, the representatives of the Land of Iron finally understood.
"I see. Your Excellency Zashi is truly far-sighted, with a keen understanding of the battlefield's dynamics. I admire your strategic insight!" Mifune praised sincerely.
"You're too kind, Mifune!" Zashi replied, outwardly calm but inwardly pleased.
"So, how do we proceed against Amegakure?" Mifune inquired further.
"It's quite simple. Our Konoha's First Division will continue to engage Sunagakure, while our Second Division, along with your Land of Iron, will launch a pincer attack on Amegakure from both east and west," Zaashi continued.
"It's that simple?" Mifune raised an eyebrow, asking in disbelief. The plan seemed overly simplistic.
"Our combined strength far exceeds that of Sunagakure and Amegakure, so there's no need for overly complex tactics! As long as we play our cards right, while keeping Sunagakure in check, we can gradually squeeze Amegakure's living space."
Zashi glanced at Mifune and added meaningfully, "Often, the simplest plans are the easiest to execute successfully. The more elaborate and complex a plan, the more variables it introduces! So, for battlefield commanders like us, there's no need to devise fancy strategies!"
This was the art of strategy and proper military leadership – defeating the enemy through straightforward and honest means. The most terrifying aspect of this kind of strategy was that even if you knew the enemy's intentions, you couldn't stop them!
After hearing Zashi's words, Mifune fell into deep thought.
When news of the alliance between Konoha and the Land of Iron spread, it immediately caused a massive reaction within the Konoha army. Theoretically, if Konoha and the Land of Iron had secretly formed an alliance and launched a surprise attack on Sunagakure and Amegakure. There's no doubt it would have yielded significant results!
However, in reality, although Konoha and the Land of Iron had previously been hostile, both Amegakure and Sunagakure had always been wary of the Land of Iron and had been monitoring their movements. It wasn't like dealing with a small nation like the Land of Rain! The strength and influence of the Land of Iron were, to some extent, comparable to that of a major nation!
In the original story, they were able to host the Five Kage Summit as a neutral party and stood on equal footing with the major ninja villages in the Allied Shinobi Forces. This clearly demonstrated that the Land of Iron was no ordinary nation.
Therefore, any significant movements from such a powerful entity couldn't be hidden from the eyes of Sunagakure and Amegakure. Thus, there was no need to keep this information secret, nor was it even possible to do so.
And this news sparked widespread discussion within the Konoha army. Some saw it as a positive development, signaling the imminent end of the war. Others were critical, feeling that the alliance with the Land of Iron was a betrayal of the comrades who had sacrificed their lives fighting against them.
However, regardless of the opinions within the Konoha army, the matter was a fait accompli and couldn't be changed.
Soon, Konoha's new war orders came down.
Sakumo Hatake, the captain of the Second Division, was reassigned as the Deputy Commander of the First Division, assisting Zashi in defending against Sunagakure. Orochimaru assumed command of the Second Division, with Tsunade and Jiraiya as his deputies. Together with the Land of Iron, they would launch a pincer attack on Amegakure from the east and west!
Thus, Konoha's war machine roared back to life! The Land of Iron, proving their commitment to the alliance, swiftly launched a powerful assault on Amegakure!
And so, the calamity of Amegakure began.