Analyzing the Situation
Chiyu followed Orochimaru to the Land of Hot Springs.
After several days of travel, they finally arrived at the Konoha military encampment situated on the border between the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of Fire.
Rows of sturdy tents lined the camp, and shinobi patrolled vigilantly. When Orochimaru appeared, the Konoha ninja greeted him respectfully as "Lord Orochimaru," a testament to his feared reputation.
Orochimaru led Chiyu directly to the command tent, where Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze awaited.
Jiraiya's face brightened with a rare smile. "Orochimaru, you've finally come! The old man said you were heading here to support us—it's a huge relief."
Orochimaru gave no pleasantries in return and cut straight to business: "What's the current situation?"
Jiraiya's tone darkened. "It's grim. Our front lines have been pushed back repeatedly. We're close to having nowhere left to fall back to."
Orochimaru approached the sand table where a detailed terrain map was spread out. Jiraiya began outlining the battle conditions in the Land of Hot Springs.
Meanwhile, Chiyu's gaze drifted to Minato. Years had passed since their last meeting. Minato was noticeably taller, more composed, his eyes sharp and focused—the aura of a future Hokage in the making.
Minato, in turn, scrutinized Chiyu closely. The boy had matured, his bearing confident and calm.
Shifting focus, Chiyu joined Orochimaru at the sand table to better understand the front lines.
Jiraiya explained, "The Hidden Cloud Village has secured an alliance with the Hot Springs Village here. Many Cloud ninja are stationed within the Hot Springs territory.
Our border is long, and with limited manpower, it's a stretch to hold the line. We're barely keeping the Cloud forces outside the Land of Fire.
Meanwhile, the Cloud have also placed troops in the Land of the Moon, ready to reinforce their forces here as battles wear down our stamina.
By all accounts, it looks like we'll be forced to withdraw entirely back to the Land of Fire soon."
Orochimaru frowned, staring intently at the sand table. The situation was worse than even he expected.
Jiraiya, inwardly relieved at Orochimaru's arrival, was visibly exhausted. Coordinating troop deployments and managing missions had weighed heavily on him; now he could delegate those burdens.
Orochimaru's mind churned as Jiraiya continued, turning his attention to Chiyu: "Kid, it's been a while. Didn't expect you to become Orochimaru's disciple. He's picky about who he trains—not bad."
Chiyu nodded respectfully. "Lord Jiraiya, it's an honor."
Then, without further acknowledgment, he focused back on the sand table.
Jiraiya chuckled softly, muttering to himself, "No wonder they're master and disciple—both so cold."
Chiyu's eyes lingered on the Konoha flags marking the frontline. His expression tightened.
This line runs exactly along the Land of Fire border. Another retreat would mean losing it entirely—and falling back into Konoha's heartland.
Orochimaru glanced at Chiyu. "What do you think we should do to turn this around?"
Jiraiya and Minato looked on, surprised. Orochimaru asking Chiyu for strategy was unexpected.
Orochimaru pressed, "Speak up. The battlefield is no place for hesitation."
His intention was clear: Chiyu needed to prove himself. Orochimaru was giving him the chance to contribute meaningfully.
Chiyu furrowed his brows, deep in thought.
Jiraiya whispered, "Isn't that a bit premature, asking a kid such a critical question?"
Orochimaru smiled. "Don't underestimate him. He's sharper than I was at his age."
Jiraiya eyed Chiyu skeptically. "Really?"
After a moment, Chiyu spoke. "I have an idea—though it may be incomplete."
"Go ahead. I'll decide if it's viable."
Chiyu nodded, then addressed Jiraiya: "Before I present my idea, may I ask you a question? Why have our Konoha forces held the border so far and not fully retreated into the Land of Fire? Is it because of your presence here?"
Jiraiya stroked his chin, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I won't deny it. Being one of the Legendary Sannin carries weight."
Chiyu began his analysis carefully: "In my opinion, the Hidden Cloud Village is not yet ready for full-scale war with Konoha. Given the imbalance in troop strength, if they wished, the Cloud forces could have forced us back into the Land of Fire already.
Your presence here, Lord Jiraiya, signals Konoha's resolve to defend this border. If you were defeated, Konoha would surely send reinforcements—which the Cloud want to avoid.
The Cloud have allied with the Hidden Stone Village. If Konoha commits more troops here, the pressure on the Cloud would be immense, forcing them to face Konoha's forces alone while the Stone Village remains comfortable.
Therefore, I believe the Cloud are maintaining a tense stalemate, delaying a full offensive until they can amass enough power to break through decisively—likely pushing the war into the Land of Fire itself."
Jiraiya's expression darkened, impressed by Chiyu's insight.
Indeed, the disproportion in numbers is stark. If the Cloud pressed their advantage, the Konoha forces would be overwhelmed and forced to retreat.
Yet, with the frontline held, attacks from the Cloud have lessened.
Chiyu's analysis aligned perfectly with the current strategic reality: the Cloud Hidden Village is deliberately maintaining the status quo, biding their time for a decisive strike.