Deciding on a Plan
Inside Jiraiya's tent at the Konoha ninja encampment.
Chi Yu laid out his analysis clearly.
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
Orochimaru, with a faint smile, said, "The analysis is solid, but what's our move?"
Chi Yu continued, "It's unrealistic to try to drive the Hidden Cloud Village's forces completely out of the Land of Hot Water. The power gap between both sides is too significant, and the number of Konoha shinobi here is limited. Even if Konoha sends reinforcements, it won't be in large numbers.
Because of Orochimaru-sensei's plan, Konoha's forces need to be divided into four groups, with some remaining to defend Konoha itself. Meanwhile, the Cloud Village can keep rotating in fresh troops to the Land of Hot Water.
But if we leverage the reputations of Jiraiya-sama and Lord Orochimaru, we might be able to push the frontline forward a bit, creating some breathing room so we're not forced to retreat back to the Land of Fire as soon as hostilities begin."
Jiraiya looked puzzled. "Leverage my and Orochimaru's reputation? How?"
Minato Namikaze furrowed his brows, equally curious.
Chi Yu spoke deliberately, "Exactly. The plan is psychological warfare. We stage a show of force so the Hidden Cloud ninja know that two of Konoha's legendary Sannin have arrived in Yugakure Village. This will intimidate them, forcing caution and hesitation.
At the same time, Jiraiya-sama and Orochimaru-sensei must launch a joint strike on one of their strongholds to signal that the Land of Hot Water is a key defensive zone for Konoha. The enemy will then assume reinforcements have arrived, and a counterattack is imminent.
We use this perceived momentum to push part of the frontline forward—away from the Land of Fire border and deeper into the Land of Hot Water. This will buy us tactical leeway.
But the push can't go too far. Eventually, they'll realize the reinforcements are just Orochimaru-sensei, not a full army. Overextension will leave us vulnerable, wasting our limited strength and forcing a fallback anyway.
After the initial push, we hold our positions and stall, waiting for Orochimaru-sensei's broader strategy to unfold.
That's the plan as I see it. I don't know if it's perfect, but it's the best shot we've got."
Orochimaru considered for a moment, then said, "Your plan is mature, well thought out. Direct confrontation with the Cloud ninja would be futile given our disparity in strength.
Initially, I planned for Jiraiya and I to attack Cloud forces to stabilize the front and look for breakthroughs. But your proposal is more aggressive and, if it works, could yield significant strategic advantage and flexibility for our future moves.
I'm inclined to adopt your method, Chi Yu. Jiraiya, what's your take?"
Jiraiya nodded after a pause. "It sounds feasible, but we need to choose our target carefully. The Cloud's strongholds we've identified are marked on the map. Orochimaru, which one do you want to hit?"
Orochimaru pointed to a flag on the map. "Since the goal is to announce our presence and intimidate, we must choose the toughest target — something that sends a clear message. Otherwise, it won't have the desired psychological impact."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Yugakure Village itself?"
Minato Namikaze spoke up, concern evident. "Orochimaru-sama, Jiraiya-sensei, that's reckless. Yugakure isn't just occupied by Cloud ninja — its own village forces are there too. They haven't engaged us directly yet. Attacking Yugakure could push them into open hostility and worsen our position."
Orochimaru ignored Minato's objection.
Chi Yu chuckled softly.
Minato frowned, irritated. "Chi Yu, what's so funny?"
Chi Yu turned with a sly smile, "Nothing. Just thinking your idea is good... but wouldn't it be even better if we allied with Yugakure's ninja? We could attack the Cloud from inside and outside simultaneously, crushing them together."
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly. "Minato, Yugakure allowed the Cloud to garrison within its borders. That means they've sided against Konoha. Forcing caution on them, Yugakure is the prime target.
Rather than waiting for Yugakure's forces to strike first, it's better we strike first, catching them unprepared.
If successful, the biggest Cloud stronghold in the Land of Hot Water disappears. Yugakure's forces would hesitate to host the Cloud again, and their own ninja would be wary of challenging Konoha.
It's risky, yes, but with Orochimaru and me leading, the odds are in our favor. Most of the defenders are Chunin or Genin, and the ambush's element of surprise will be critical.
And we're not occupying Yugakure — once our objective is achieved, we pull back. That makes this more of a tactical strike than full-scale war."
Minato still looked uneasy.
He knew that casualties were inevitable if this went ahead, possibly significant ones. Having grown close to many stationed here, Minato couldn't bear the thought of losing comrades.
But the decision rested with Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Jiraiya turned to Orochimaru. "Then Yugakure it is. Orochimaru, I'm handing command over to you. Everyone here, including me, will follow your lead."
Orochimaru nodded. "Gather all available shinobi. Speed is crucial — this must be an ambush. If the enemy learns I'm here ahead of time, the effect is lost and they'll prepare accordingly."
"I'll get to work immediately."
Jiraiya and Minato exited the tent to make arrangements.
Chi Yu moved to leave as well, but Orochimaru stopped him. "Since this was your plan, Chi Yu, I want you to stay and help me finalize the battle details."