As Danzo arrived, a commotion immediately broke out in the camp.
Danzo, the mastermind behind this war, was the backbone of the entire Konoha forces.
His safe return to the camp quickly reassured the Konoha troops, who had been unsettled by Orochimaru's defeat.
"Orochimaru, I'm really glad you're okay."
Danzo spoke sincerely to his partner, who radiated an eerie and chilling aura.
Though he disliked Orochimaru's numerous experiments that constantly pushed the boundaries of human ethics, Danzo had to admit that, at this moment, Orochimaru was a crucial asset in Konoha's bid to win the war.
If he had been killed or severely wounded by the Hidden Cloud, it would have further worsened Konoha's already disadvantaged position.
Orochimaru, however, showed little reaction to Danzo's words.
After all, since he had stepped into the camp, he had already heard similar remarks at least three times…
Rather than engaging in meaningless pleasantries, Orochimaru was more interested in the changes he observed in Danzo.
This man, often seen as nothing more than a scheming darkness of the shinobi world, had been making unprecedented moves lately.
First, he defied opposition and led Konoha's forces to block both the Hidden Sand and Hidden Cloud at Kikyo Mountain.
Then, he swiftly moved against the Hidden Mist, defeating them with lightning-fast tactics before negotiating an alliance to jointly crush the Hidden Sand.
Ultimately, he wiped out the Hidden Sand within the borders of the Land of Rain and even managed to kill one of their highly respected elder advisors—Chiyo.
Chiyo was a figure as influential as a Kazekage.
Furthermore, during negotiations, Danzo secured significant advantages for Konoha.
Now, once again, he had defied opposition, risking a fallout with Hokage, staking all his honor and dignity, and leading the army into battle.
No matter how one looked at it, this did not seem like the same Danzo he once knew…
Orochimaru's golden eyes flickered with intrigue.
But what caught his attention the most was Danzo's display of both Wood Release and the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Orochimaru distinctly remembered that the Wood Release arm he had transplanted for Danzo was nowhere near this powerful.
Sensing Orochimaru's suspicion, Danzo's gaze darkened slightly.
As expected of the most cunning survivor of the ninja world—his keen intuition was impeccable.
However, this was also because Orochimaru knew far too many of Danzo's secrets.
But now was not the time to discuss such matters.
The priority at hand was finding a way to win this war.
Danzo scanned the command room, where several key figures were gathered:
Konoha's rising supernova, "Yellow Flash" Minato Namikaze.
Fugaku Uchiha, the leader of the Uchiha clan.
Danzo's most prized disciple, Shisui Uchiha.
Two of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
The next-generation Ino-Shika-Cho trio—Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Choza Akimichi.
Hizashi Hyuga, the leader of the reconnaissance unit.
This room housed the strongest lineup of Konoha's new generation.
If even they could not secure victory, then they would have no choice but to summon the village elders and drag them into battle.
Danzo sat at the head of the table, his expression calm.
"Everyone, share your thoughts."
Turning his attention to Orochimaru, he asked, "Orochimaru, what's the situation with the Hidden Cloud?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of wariness in his gaze.
"The Hidden Cloud is being led personally by the Third Raikage, along with the new-generation AB Combo. Their expertise lies in blitz tactics and siege warfare."
"Their main strategy involves the Fourth Raikage candidate using his speed to cut off supply lines, while the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki bombards fortresses with Tailed Beast Bombs. Then, the Third Raikage, with his unparalleled physique, leads the final assault."
As Orochimaru finished speaking, a hint of killing intent laced his tone.
Clearly, he had suffered defeat at the hands of the Hidden Cloud due to this very strategy.
After Orochimaru's report, Jiraiya immediately followed up with an overview of the Hidden Stone's military strength.
"The Hidden Stone is personally led by the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki.
Their main forces include a Ninjutsu Corps commanded by his son, Kitsuchi, the infamous Explosion Corps, and the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han, known as the 'Steam Ninja'."
With the basic situation outlined, it was time to discuss countermeasures.
At this moment, Minato Namikaze stepped forward without hesitation.
"Everyone, I have faced the Cloud's AB Combo in battle at Kikyo Mountain. I am confident that I can handle them."
Minato's face was filled with determination and confidence.
However, Orochimaru immediately frowned.
"The opponent consists of a Raikage candidate and a perfect Jinchūriki. Are you sure you can handle them?"
Orochimaru wasn't trying to find fault—Minato's statement simply seemed too unrealistic.
Dealing with a single Raikage candidate was one thing, but taking on both at once? Wasn't that too arrogant?
Yet this time, Minato did not maintain his usual mild demeanor. Instead, he spoke seriously:
"Lord Orochimaru, please trust me. I can hold them off."
"If I succeed, it will free up more of our forces to deal with the Hidden Stone and the Third Raikage!"
Orochimaru fell silent and turned his gaze toward Danzo.
After all, this debate was meaningless—the final decision lay with the commander.
Did Danzo trust Minato?
Did he believe Minato had the strength to back up his words?
Danzo certainly did.
After all, in the original timeline, Minato had already fought the AB Combo and successfully forced them to retreat.
Given the current circumstances, even if he couldn't defeat them outright, he should be able to hold them off.
If that was the case, Danzo could focus his efforts on dealing with the Third Raikage.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, along with Fugaku Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha, would form a force strong enough to gain an advantage against the Hidden Stone.
This advantage, however, only applied to high-level combatants.
In terms of overall troop numbers, Konoha was at a disadvantage since they were facing a two-nation alliance.
Fortunately, since this was home territory for Konoha, they had the upper hand in reinforcing their ranks and resupplying.
As long as Danzo and Minato could hold off the Cloud forces and Jiraiya's team could push back the Hidden Stone, victory would be within reach.
Just as Danzo was about to finalize this strategy, an urgent message from the Root division completely shattered his plan.
His expression darkened instantly.
"The Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud still refuse to abandon their ambition to destroy Konoha!"
He slammed the message onto the table.
The others read it and collectively drew sharp breaths, shock written all over their faces.
The message contained only two short lines:
"The Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Roshi, has arrived at the front lines."
"The Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, is leading a rapid assault force into the Land of Fire."
For Konoha, which was already at a disadvantage, this was a devastating blow.
"They're willing to completely abandon their villages?" Jiraiya muttered in disbelief.
Sending all their Jinchūriki to the front lines—this was an all-or-nothing gamble!
"According to intelligence, Kitsuchi has returned to Iwagakure to defend it. With its complex terrain and strong defenses, along with other nations busy with their own battles, they likely won't have any issues."
"As for the Hidden Cloud, an old veteran, Dodai, is overseeing their village's defense."
Danzo calmly analyzed the situation based on the intelligence reports.
"But sending every single Tailed Beast into battle..."
"It seems their fear of Konoha has reached an extreme level."
He let out a furious chuckle.
Then, his gaze shifted toward a young figure in the room.
"Shikaku, if you were the commander, how would you handle this?"
The sudden mention of his name caught Shikaku Nara by surprise.
The others were equally taken aback.
After all, everyone knew that the Nara clan was full of strategists.
At present, Shikaku Nara was only around the same age as Minato—a young man. For Danzo to directly call on him for his opinion was indeed surprising.
However, while others were caught off guard, Shikaku showed no signs of hesitation.
He immediately put forward a plan he had been considering for some time.
"Konoha is at a disadvantage both in terms of top-tier combat power and overall numbers. If we engage in a direct confrontation, our chances of victory are slim."
"There is only one possible way for us to win—"
Everyone's eyes locked onto Shikaku.
Meeting their gaze, he revealed his strategy.
"Chaos."
Placing both hands lightly on the table, he spoke in a calm yet powerful tone.
"We must extend the battlefront as far as possible, widen the war zone, and drag the enemy into a chaotic battlefield using guerrilla tactics. Only then can we leverage Jonin Minato's high mobility for precision strikes, creating an opportunity for victory!"
Shikaku outlined the specifics of his plan.
Their only hope rested on Minato.
By fully utilizing Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique, they could establish local advantages in the midst of a chaotic battlefield, gradually converting those into a decisive victory.
Others had clearly thought of this possibility as well.
However, implementing such a plan was far more difficult than simply stating it.
Jiraiya stroked his chin and voiced his concerns:
"If we're going to use guerrilla warfare, maintaining communication and coordination will be crucial."
Shikaku nodded.
"If you all trust me, I am willing to take command of this battle."
"As for communication, we can have the Yamanaka Clan set up signal amplifiers and use their secret techniques to coordinate all ninja squads from a central command."
Though still young, this future 'Konoha's Military Strategist' was already displaying remarkable confidence and strategic acumen.
No ordinary person would dare to take such a responsibility.
This battle would determine the future of Konoha.
If they lost, all the benefits Konoha had gained from the Sand and Mist villages would be wiped out, and they could even set the village back by at least a decade.
The consequences were far beyond what a young member of the Nara Clan should bear.
Yet, Shikaku stepped forward without hesitation.
And Danzo approved of this strategy.
With the Two-Tails and Four-Tails Jinchūriki joining the battlefield, the balance of power had already shifted drastically.
A direct confrontation was no longer an option.
Their only chance was to rely on guerrilla warfare and chaos to carve out a sliver of hope.
Danzo believed this was still possible.
The Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud were only cooperating due to their shared fear of Konoha; they were not truly unified.
Distrust still existed between them. If a chaotic battle unfolded, Konoha might find an opening.
Others shared this sentiment.
With Minato, the Yellow Flash, in their ranks, failing to capitalize on his abilities would be a waste.
The main concerns now were:
1. Whether the Yamanaka Clan's communication jutsu could cover the entire battlefield.
2. Whether Shikaku Nara could shoulder the immense responsibility of commanding the war.
If Minato was the sharp blade, then the ninja squads were the eyes, the Yamanaka Clan's communication network was the nervous system, and Shikaku Nara was the brain.
The eyes needed to spot the enemy and transmit that information to the brain, which would then make strategic decisions and relay orders to the blade, executing precise strikes.
Both the Yamanaka Clan and Shikaku Nara were crucial to this plan.
Faced with this challenge, Inoichi Yamanaka looked troubled.
"While our clan's secret jutsu does allow for long-range mental communication, its range is limited."
"Even with signal amplifiers, we can only cover about five kilometers…"
This number made everyone frown.
Since they were opting for guerrilla warfare, the battlefield would be vast. A mere five-kilometer range was far from enough.
Yet after much thought, they realized—
Did they have any better alternatives?
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This Danzo Is Weird 410 advanced chapters: (5-10 ch updates everyday)
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