If we outnumber the enemy, we can restrain their strongest point, eliminate the weaker ones first, and then deal with the most powerful. However, if we are at a disadvantage, we must prioritize taking out their strongest point and then handle the remaining enemies.
Setting traps is essential, as are strategic responses and personnel arrangements.
The enemy has two teams spaced five hundred meters apart. Though the distance isn't significant, it does separate them, which is favorable for us.
"Sasori, since you're from the Sand Village, would you lead the team to intercept the Sand ninjas?" Ye Zi looked at Sasori. This wasn't a command; the inquiry at the end showed that he knew it would be hard for Sasori to pass up the chance to confront White Fang and face the Sand instead.
The arrangement was reasonable and effective, but after spending time with Sasori, Ye Zi knew he was a bit individualistic and rarely changed his decisions. Still, he wanted to try asking.
"I said I'd take care of White Fang," Sasori replied coldly, his stance unmistakable.
As expected, Sasori refused outright. Ye Zi didn't mind and instead turned to Kotoe and Shin, saying after a moment, "Kotoe, Shin, take six Chūnin and five Jōnin and engage the Sand team."
"Understood." Kotoe and Shin nodded without hesitation.
The two had some rapport and could support each other, but with only a handful of Rain ninjas, they couldn't possibly take down the entire Sand team.
"From their movements, it seems likely they'll fight separately. So, you'll only face the Sand team. Even if the Leaf team tries to assist, we won't give them that chance." Ye Zi spoke calmly, "I don't expect you to defeat the Sand team entirely; just contain them as much as possible."
Kotoe and Shin exchanged glances, nodding quietly. In terms of strength, they were clearly at a disadvantage.
"White Zetsu, split off a clone," Ye Zi ordered, looking at White Zetsu.
"Understood."
White Zetsu smiled faintly and produced a clone.
"Alright, White Zetsu's clone will guide you in setting traps. Go and prepare."
"Understood."
Kotoe and Shin acknowledged and started to leave.
"Wait." Ye Zi suddenly stopped them.
"Anything else?" Kotoe smiled at him.
Ye Zi paused and then said cautiously, "Remember, don't risk your lives. If it's unwinnable, retreat. And… don't die."
"Huh?" Kotoe was startled, then gave a big smile and said earnestly, "Got it."
Then she turned and, along with Shin, moved in the right direction. While leaping into the air, Shin quickly signaled to the Rain ninja team.
The Rain ninjas swiftly selected six Chūnin and five Jōnin to follow Kotoe and Shin.
White Zetsu's wooden clone also melded into the trees, trailing behind the group.
"Shin, I feel full of energy right now."
On the way, Kotoe couldn't hide her smile. Ye Zi's careful instructions at this moment were rare; he didn't usually give them during missions.
Reflecting on the past, she'd once envied how Ye Zi treated Guy and Kurenai during missions, but now she no longer needed to.
Shin smiled at her remark. "It's good to be motivated, but remember what Lord Ye Zi said."
He glanced at Kotoe, thinking to himself, I don't want to be the one always protected by you. In the future battles, I'll make sure to protect you!
Kotoe responded seriously, "I'll stay by Ye Zi's side. I won't lose my life so easily!"
After watching Kotoe's team head out to intercept the Sand ninjas, Ye Zi scanned everyone present.
Among the deployed Rain ninjas, only ten Chūnin and six Jōnin remained. This force was nearly negligible and could have limited impact. At most, they could pull down an equal number of enemy Jōnin with them; that's where their value lay.
In battles of this scale, Chūnin were mere cannon fodder, while only Jōnin were actual combat power.
"Six Jōnins, Jūzō, Sasori, and me… if we follow the plan, Sasori and I will first take down White Fang. But how do we create the right conditions for that? Also, can Jūzō and six Jōnins handle the remaining thirty-one Leaf Jōnin?"
Ye Zi pondered silently, disregarding the ten Chūnin. No matter how he thought about it, he was constrained by Sasori's insistence on facing White Fang. Ideally, Sasori's puppet mastery would be best suited for group battles.
"Sasori, we're severely undermanned. It's best if I handle White Fang, and you and Jūzō take care of the other Leaf ninjas. Your skills would be perfect here. If you insist on facing White Fang, we might end up unable to take down even him, let alone other Leaf ninjas." Considering Sasori's abilities, assigning him to White Fang seemed a waste, so Ye Zi tried persuading him again.
Sasori fell silent, unable to refute Ye Zi. After a moment, he said solemnly, "I understand that too, but what's the point if I can't personally kill the one who murdered my parents? What would you do in my place?"
"I knew I couldn't convince you," Ye Zi said, looking at him deeply.
Jūzō, watching, suddenly said, "Enough talk. Leave the other Leaf ninjas to me. Don't forget, I'm from the Mist. They're not weak, but neither am I. I can at least hold them back. Also, Ye Zi, with your sensory ability, I can use the Hiding in Mist Jutsu to isolate White Fang."
Ye Zi looked at Jūzō with slight surprise. "That would put you at considerable risk."
Jūzō chuckled coldly, "Are you joking? Every ninja faces death from the moment they step onto this path. Do you think I'd fear it now, after all this?"
"My mistake," Ye Zi nodded. Ideally, he didn't want to lose Jūzō, a core member, even if the other Rain ninjas were expendable.
Rain ninjas excelled in assassination techniques, which could complement Jūzō's Hiding in Mist Jutsu, but even then, the support was insufficient to contain the enemy.
"Just the Hiding in Mist Jutsu isn't enough to expect containment," Ye Zi commented.
Jūzō snorted but didn't argue because Ye Zi was right.
The Hiding in Mist Jutsu was vulnerable to Fire and Wind Jutsu. With over thirty Leaf Jōnin, there was bound to be an Uchiha using Fire Jutsu, and likely others with Wind Jutsu, not to mention the Hyūga's Byakugan.
Jūzō had accepted this challenge mostly out of respect for Sasori's desire for vengeance.
Without another word, Ye Zi formed hand seals and channeled chakra, causing wood to sprout from his right shoulder, rapidly shaping it into an exact replica of himself.
This Wood Clone was solid, unlike the Shadow Clone, and wouldn't dissipate easily, but like the Shadow Clone, it required half his chakra.
In this state of being undermanned, Ye Zi had no choice but to use this technique to share Jūzō's burden. His Wood Clone's combat abilities were comparable to Jūzō's.
Seeing Ye Zi's Wood Clone, Jūzō scoffed. Better than nothing, he thought, not realizing its full potential.
"My clone will assist you. As for tactics, that's up to you. Sasori and I will take out White Fang as quickly as possible and then join you," Ye Zi said calmly.
Jūzō nodded.
"And what about me?" White Zetsu interjected.
"You?" Ye Zi replied indifferently, "You're not suited for battle; you'd be of little help."
"Alright," White Zetsu answered with a smile, expecting that reply.
"Prepare to set the traps, White Zetsu. Determine their placements," Ye Zi ordered.
"No problem," White Zetsu agreed, floating up from a tree trunk and heading to the right.
"Follow."
Ye Zi ordered the Rain ninjas around him and immediately followed White Zetsu.
"Thanks," Sasori, unusually, thanked Jūzō before following Ye Zi.
"Hmph."
Jūzō grunted, unamused, shouldering his executioner's blade as he followed, along with the remaining Rain ninjas.
Facing the upcoming Sand and Leaf ninjas, Ye Zi made every preparation he could, hoping the traps would be effective.
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Currently on Chapter 365 - Clash at Aoki Forest