The primary reason for Orochimaru's optimism was Konoha's relative stability in terms of supply logistics.
Sure, Konoha faced some pressure, but it was nowhere near the challenges the Sand Village endured. The Fire Country's wealth was incomparable, and with the Daimyo's support, Konoha could requisition resources across the Fire Country to sustain the war effort. The Daimyo had every incentive to cooperate—victory in the war brought him prestige and increased influence.
Moreover, Konoha's requisitions weren't free. Compensation flowed, ensuring a smooth supply chain.
The Wind Country's situation, however, was drastically different. Even if their Daimyo wanted to support the Sand Village, the nation's weaker economy and harsher environment made such efforts limited. With winter approaching, transportation costs and difficulties would only compound the problem.
---
### Orochimaru's Plan
"So, the innate advantage is ours," Orochimaru declared, spreading a map before him. He pointed to several key areas as he spoke, his tone brimming with confidence.
"Our village's supply lines are shorter and more efficient. Meanwhile, the Sand Village is showing clear signs of strain. Their war personnel and materials are nearly depleted."
"So, what do you plan to do?" Shinki asked, his tone neutral but curious.
"Weakness doesn't guarantee defeat," Shinki continued. "At best, their front lines will shrink, and we'll slowly push them back. Overthrowing the Sand Village outright is unrealistic."
Orochimaru's confident smile faded into a more serious expression. His voice dropped into a pleading tone.
"Shinki, I need your help—more specifically, your puppets. I remember you still have some of the puppets I made. They're consumables, and this is the perfect time to use them."
Shinki leaned back, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You've really set your sights on me, haven't you?"
Orochimaru ignored the sarcasm. He pressed on, laying out his vision.
"Give me 300 puppets," he said confidently. "With those, I can push the battle lines into the Wind Country itself. My goal is to dismantle this total war and turn it into localized skirmishes before the New Year."
Shinki chuckled, shaking his head. He could see through Orochimaru's intentions. This wasn't just about winning the war—it was about making a statement, breaking the enemy's morale, and shattering their confidence in their own puppet techniques.
---
### The Cost of Puppets
Shinki tapped his fingers thoughtfully before finally speaking. "Fine, you win. Here, take this."
He pulled out a scroll and tossed it to Orochimaru.
"Throw the scroll when you're ready. The puppets will respond to your commands."
Though he feigned reluctance, Shinki knew the impact of deploying these puppets on the battlefield. Controlled autonomously and capable of self-destruction upon defeat, they would wreak havoc on the Sand Village's forces, especially their puppet corps.
"I hope the Sand Village's puppet ninjas don't lose their minds over this," Shinki mused.
Orochimaru clutched the scroll tightly, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"This battle will shock the entire ninja world," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "And once again, Shinki-kun, you'll make your mark."
"Spare me the titles this time," Shinki grumbled. "It's embarrassing enough to be known as the creator of the God Slayer technique. I don't need anything else—like your ridiculous 'Konoha White Snake.'"
Orochimaru winced. "...Let's not bring that up."
The infamous nickname clearly struck a nerve, and Shinki couldn't resist a satisfied smirk.
---
### Strategic Calculations
"Then I'll leave it to you," Shinki said, waving him off.
Orochimaru, still holding the scroll, hesitated. "Actually, I'll need you to control the puppets yourself to deliver the decisive blow. Once the enemy's morale breaks, I'll order a full-scale attack to push their lines into the Wind Country."
Shinki froze, his expression darkening. "So, you want me to go to the battlefield?"
Orochimaru quickly backtracked, sensing danger. "No, no! Not exactly. Just... use the puppets remotely. You won't have to step foot on the front lines."
"Is there any difference?" Shinki leaned back lazily, narrowing his eyes.
"Look, the more I get involved, the more restless the Hokage's office becomes. They're already paranoid enough as it is."
Orochimaru smirked knowingly. "Which is why you shouldn't shy away from the credit. If you're going to make waves anyway, you might as well maximize the recognition. Once this is over, I'll make sure your contributions are widely acknowledged—even reported to the Daimyo himself. With his endorsement, the Hokage's office won't be able to undermine you."
Shinki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're really a chip off the old block, aren't you? Most disciples try to protect their teachers. You, on the other hand, are digging holes for yours."
Orochimaru chuckled, unfazed by the jab.
"To be fair," Orochimaru said with a sly grin, "he's the one who started it. You reap what you sow."
---
### A Critical Moment
Back at the front, Orochimaru began preparing for his next move. With the puppets at his disposal and the Sand Village's resources stretched thin, the odds were heavily in his favor.
Shinki, meanwhile, returned to his duties at the medical camp, content to let Orochimaru execute his strategy.
In the coming weeks, the battlefield would bear witness to an unprecedented clash—one that would leave the ninja world reeling and Konoha firmly in control of the war's momentum.
The Sand Village's puppet masters were about to face a nightmare they couldn't have imagined, courtesy of Konoha's unorthodox tactics and Orochimaru's ruthless ambition.
---
>>>>>
200 Chapters ahead available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review please and check out my new story
[Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki]