"Based on the intelligence we have so far, Third Kazekage Jinghang primarily commands the following jutsu: Magnet Release: Iron Sand Technique, Lightning Release: Armor, Xuanyuan Tomb Sage Art, Rasengan, Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, and a variety of Wind Release techniques. His summoning beast is a member of the weasel clan from Xuanyuan Tomb. In addition, his taijutsu is also top-tier. So, whether it's offense, defense, or speed, he's one of the best in the ninja world. He has abundant combat experience and a sharp mind—it's extremely difficult to find a weakness."
In the Konoha camp's meeting room, Shikaku Nara wrote out each piece of intel on the blackboard. Over thirty ninja sat below, listening intently, afraid to miss a single word.
This meeting was under the highest level of secrecy. Not only was no one allowed within four hundred meters of the tent, but a sound barrier had also been set up. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, and those participating in the upcoming operation were allowed inside—no one else could enter. No notes were allowed; everyone had to memorize everything. Afterward, the contents were not to be shared, not that they could be. Hiruzen ordered that, before the battle began, no one inside the barrier was to have any contact with the outside world. Four separate tents had been set up: one for meetings, one for resting, one for meals, and one for the bathroom. Only meal delivery staff were permitted to enter the dining tent, and even then, they had to leave immediately after dropping off the food.
The reason for such strict secrecy was simple—the mission was to eliminate Jinghang.
"I've considered a lot of complicated tactics, but there are always loopholes. In the end, I realized rather than constantly adapting to Jinghang, we should force him to adapt to us. So, I've decided to use the tactic I'm most familiar with—the Ino-Shika-Cho formation!"
Shikaku glanced around. Aside from Hiruzen and Minato, the room was filled with elite members of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans.
"The classic strategy: Nara clan uses Shadow Imitation Jutsu to restrict Jinghang's movements, Yamanaka clan uses Mind Transfer Jutsu to seize control of his mind, and Akimichi clan uses Expansion Jutsu to finish him off... But there are still a few issues I haven't solved. I'll bring them up now—let's see if we can tackle them one by one."
Hiruzen spoke up.
"Good. Lay them out for everyone to discuss. Don't worry—all resources will be at your disposal."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage. First: how do we get Jinghang alone?"
Shikaku raised the first problem.
"Everyone knows that ten of Sunagakure's Twelve Earthly Branches are here for this war. Hidan is already dead, so nine remain. With our current strength, controlling Jinghang is already pushing it; if anyone else joins in, the variables multiply. We must find a way to separate him from the others."
"That's manageable. Now that the reserves have arrived, we actually have a slight advantage in Kage-level fighters. We can create gaps between Sunagakure's top ten commanders and have Minato face Jinghang directly. Would that work?"
Hiruzen suggested his plan.
Shikaku thought for a moment.
"As long as we manage the distance properly, it's doable!"
Then Shikaku raised the second issue.
"Jinghang's Lightning Release: Armor makes him faster than our Shadow Imitation Jutsu. We'll need to restrict his movement range..."
"I have a solution! Four Violet Flames Formation! I'll have four jōnin from the sealing squad ambush at the predetermined location. Once Jinghang enters the sealed area, he won't be able to escape for quite some time. Minato can use Flying Thunder God Technique to exit the barrier."
"That works. Now for the final problem."
"What is it?"
"His Lightning Release: Armor is incredibly tough—how do we break through it?!"
"I think we should act at night. Of course, there's no avoiding a brutal battle during the day—Konoha's reserves have arrived, and veterans like Choza Akimichi and Shibi Aburame are here. Tomorrow, we'll face a vicious fight. But I'm asking everyone to hang in there. If we can make it through one day, victory will belong to Sunagakure!"
Jinghang addressed the nine remaining Earthly Branches members with gravity.
The first battle at Lishi Fortress had established Sunagakure's reputation and boosted the confidence of these young ninja.
"We'll complete the mission without fail!"
"Excellent! Now for the key point—tonight's bombing operation!"
Jinghang pointed to the map hanging on the wall.
"We've now stockpiled twelve million explosive tags. Sasori's three control centers are established, and the bombing operation has all the conditions it needs. Let me assign the specific tasks."
The nine Earthly Branches stood up in unison.
"I appoint Sasori as commander-in-chief for this operation. Gaoyi! Gao'ao!"
"Here!"
"You two will serve as the surveillance team. Use your Red Eye abilities to guide Sasori's bombing!"
"Yes!"
"Kundun! Chifenruo!"
"Here!"
"You'll lead three thousand ninja to guard the main camp and protect Sasori's control centers!"
"Yes!"
"Sasori, explain the specific bombing plan."
"Yes!"
Sasori stood and spoke formally.
"This bombing will be divided into two phases overall. The first phase involves Control Center One directing traditional wooden puppets carrying explosive tags to attack Konoha's outer defensive fortifications. This wave will last approximately ten minutes. According to my calculations, this explosive yield will be sufficient to destroy all of Konoha's defensive works."
Sasori pointed to Sunagakure's camp position on the map.
"After the first wave, the remaining wooden puppets will continue charging toward Konoha's camp for explosive attacks, seamlessly connecting with the second wave.
The second wave has two parts. First, Control Center Two will direct my reinforced alloy puppets using Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag Technique to bomb through Konoha's camp from front to back. Simultaneously, Control Center Three will direct flying puppets to fly behind Konoha's camp and bomb from back to front. The entire bombing duration will be approximately twenty minutes."
Everyone gasped upon hearing this.
They were going to plow through Konoha's camp with explosive tags—twice over!
"Everyone pay attention," Jinghang warned.
"No matter how fierce the bombing, there will be survivors. Plus, since we purchased such a massive quantity of explosive tags, quality is inevitably mixed—I estimate at least half aren't waterproof explosive tags. Konoha has plenty of ninja skilled in Water Release, which will definitely impact the bombing effectiveness. So we need backup plans.
Once the bombing begins, everyone except those I just named will follow me, leading seven thousand ninja to circle behind Konoha's camp and intercept any fleeing Konoha ninja."
"What if Konoha ninja risk charging our camp?" asked Kundun (Kamizuru Heiji).
"That's exactly why I'm leaving you and Chifenruo to defend the camp," Jinghang smiled.
"As long as you can hold out for ten minutes, I can complete the encirclement of Konoha's remnants. By then, not one of them will escape!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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