Chapter 0055: The New Battle Plan
Inside the tent.
As Tsunade, the commander-in-chief, raged, everyone bowed their heads, remaining silent.
In fact, they all agreed with Tsunade's words.
If the White Fang hadn't been forced into suicide, the war against the Sand Village wouldn't have become so passive. With White Fang's deterrence, this war could've been won within a year.
But, agreement aside, none of them dared to speak up like Tsunade. They could only stay quiet.
Phew.
Tsunade exhaled sharply, her expression calming down as she scanned the room. "Do we have any updates on the Sand ninja's movements?"
A male ninja with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle, his face marked with scars, stood up. "Based on the intelligence from the frontlines, it appears that the Sand forces are retreating their defense lines."
"Retreating?" Tsunade frowned. "Why would they make such a surprising move when the situation is evenly matched? What are they planning?"
"If I'm not mistaken, they're preparing something," the pineapple-headed ninja replied. "Or perhaps something major has happened within the Sand Village."
Hearing his words, everyone, including Tsunade, nodded in agreement, wondering what kind of upheaval could have prompted such an unusual move from the Sand Village.
The atmosphere in the tent grew heavy.
At that moment, a small figure suddenly rushed in, spreading his little arms wide and shouting, "Sensei, sensei... I want a hug, a kiss, and to be lifted high!"
[Congratulations, Host. You've completed the task.]
[Reward: All abilities increased by 20 days. Dragon race growth extended by one year. Chakra Pacifier acquired. Note: The item has been automatically stored in your ninja tool pouch.]
Chakra Pacifier?!
My eyes widened. What the hell is that? A pacifier made out of chakra? I'm way past the age for pacifiers, dammit!
But setting aside my internal complaints, everyone in the tent stared at me with astonished expressions. This... this is the student Tsunade-sama is always talking about? He's... certainly unique! Or rather, remarkable... in some way!
Crack.
A vein popped on Tsunade's forehead as she glared at me, her entire body trembling with barely suppressed rage. "Hiroto! What kind of nonsense are you pulling now?!"
"I-I was just trying to lighten the mood," I stammered, quickly recovering with a nervous laugh. "Sensei, you wouldn't mind that, would you?"
"What do you think?" Tsunade said slowly, standing up from her chair and clenching her fists.
"Wait, wait! Sensei, hold on!"
I thought quickly, blurting out, "I've got the latest intelligence from the Sand ninja. It can answer the question you were just discussing!"
Hurriedly, I reached into my ninja pouch. To my horror, I pulled out... a pacifier!
Crack.
Tsunade's fists tightened further, clearly on the verge of exploding.
"N-no, wait! I can fix this! That was just a mistake!" Panicking, I quickly fumbled through my pouch again and finally pulled out the intel scroll.
Tsunade snatched the scroll, scanning it with sharp eyes. Her expression shifted instantly. "So that's it... The Sand Village is planning to elect the Fourth Kazekage during this time, which explains their defensive retreat."
What?!
All the ninjas present were taken aback.
This was wartime, the most active period for militant forces. Any Kazekage chosen during this time would undoubtedly be from the pro-war faction. The Sand Village was dead set on fighting the Leaf to the bitter end.
Tsunade sat back down, her voice calm. "Any thoughts?"
The pineapple-headed ninja, Shikaku Nara, was the first to speak. "If we can launch a surprise attack on the Sand Village's headquarters now, we could achieve significant results."
"You and I think alike, Shikaku."
Tsunade nodded, tossing the scroll to him. "This intel outlines the defense positions around the Sand ninja headquarters. If we can find the right route, we could seriously cripple them!"
As expected from the Western Front's chief strategist, Shikaku only needed a glance at the scroll to grasp her plan. "You're suggesting we go through the Land of Rain?"
"Exactly." Tsunade nodded. "But that means we'll have to deal with the Rain ninjas."
"The Land of Rain is resource-poor. If we propose a trade, the chances of success are high," Shikaku analyzed. "However, the negotiations would likely require you, Tsunade-sama, to go in person."
"Hm. That old guy certainly won't be easy to handle."
Tsunade nodded again. "If you guys go, you probably won't even get to see him. Alright, I'll take my disciple and head to the Land of Rain tomorrow."
She didn't even bother asking for my opinion. The decision was already made.
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