"Advisor Shikashin," Danzō's voice revealed no emotion, "share your analysis. The feasibility of the plan, and… the flaws."
He deliberately emphasized the word "flaws" as his gaze locked firmly onto Shikashin.
Nara Shikashin slowly raised his head. Clearing his throat, his voice held the signature steadiness and clarity of the Nara clan.
"Danzō-sama's plan centers around decapitation and mobility." He raised a finger, pointing at the location of Amegakure on the map. "The target is well defined. Hanzō or Ibuse. Both are indeed the fulcrum capable of collapsing the alliance. Ryo-dono's Flying Thunder God is the lifeline of this entire assassination mission and the only reason this plan is even viable. Without it securing the retreat, this is suicide."
"But," his tone shifted as he moved his hand toward the Leaf base and traced toward directions where Suna could launch an offensive, "the critical flaw, as Tsunade-sama already pointed out, is the gaping hole it leaves. We cannot completely suppress intel leaks. The moment Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama, and Ryo-dono all vanish from the front, even for a short period, Suna's scouts will likely notice. Chiyo, that woman, is an expert in intel analysis and seizing opportunities. She won't miss a chance like this. If Suna's main force launches a surprise attack…"
His finger jabbed the Leaf base's marker. "With Danzō-sama present and commanding properly, relying on fortifications, the base can hold temporarily. But the casualties will be heavy. The loss among lower-ranked shinobi will far exceed a normal defensive battle. That's the first point."
"Second," Shikashin looked directly at Danzō. "The success of this plan hinges on speed and secrecy. Infiltrating the core of heavily guarded Amegakure, locating and approaching Hanzō or his giant summon is already a complex task full of variables. The longer it takes, the greater the risk the base is exposed. This window, we cannot control."
"Third," he looked at Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, "the strength of the strike team is not in doubt. But Hanzō is called a 'demigod' for a reason. His strength is considered Kage level. His poison and Water Release techniques, enhanced by home terrain advantage, raise the threat exponentially. Even four-on-one, the odds are fifty-fifty. If Ibuse is present… the difficulty increases sharply. Even killing Ibuse, the fallback target, won't be easy. That creature is a blend of poison and brute force. It will take time."
"Fourth," he turned to Ryo, voice calm, "as Ryo-dono mentioned, Flying Thunder God, while powerful, has physical limits. In the complex terrain of the Land of Rain, spatial marks may be disrupted. Its range won't cover the entire war zone. If the base is attacked after the elites are withdrawn, Flying Thunder God won't reach them."
Shikashin's analysis was methodical and clear, stripping away the polish of Danzō's plan and exposing its sharp, cold edges. He laid bare the enormous risk of leaving the base undermanned and the many uncertainties of the assassination itself.
"In summary," Shikashin placed his hands on the table, concluding, "this plan is extremely risky. If successful, it breaks the stalemate and flips the tide. If it fails, we suffer a double blow: the assassination fails, the base is hit hard, and morale collapses. At its core, it's a bet. Sacrificing the base's security and banking on an uncertain strike at the enemy's heart. Whether the potential gain outweighs the cost… I cannot say. The final decision lies with you all."
He said no more, bowing his head in silence as the situation map lay heavy on the table.
The tent sank into an even deeper silence. The oil lamp flame flickered, dimmer under the weight in the air. Only the soft tapping of Danzō's finger against the table echoed like a countdown, striking every nerve.
In the dim light, Danzō's face seemed even more sunken and grim. Yet there was no anger at the rebuttal. Every risk Shikashin pointed out, of course he knew. But like a beast driven to the cliff's edge, he had no way back. The frontline reports piled in daily. Every line about the dead, every note about a cut supply line reminded him: slow death was already upon them. As he saw it, though the base would be vulnerable, his near-Kage-level strength and command ability could withstand any pressure.
"Shikashin's analysis is thorough." Danzō finally spoke, voice rough like sand grinding rock. "The risks, I am fully aware of." His eyes drifted across Tsunade and Ryo. "Your reasons for opposing are valid. But—" he suddenly raised his voice, decisive like a snapped blade, "tell me, besides this plan, what else can we do? Sit here and wait while the Suna-Ame alliance bleeds us dry? Wait for reinforcements? How many more forces can the village spare for this swamp? How much longer can the Land of Fire sustain this war?"
He stood up abruptly. His gaunt frame cast a long, heavy shadow under the light.
"War has always been a game of risk. If we wager, we might win. If we don't, we'll only lose. Yes, people will die if the base is attacked. But aren't they dying at the front anyway? The only difference is whether we die slowly or gamble for a breakthrough. I'll take that responsibility. Besides," his strange confidence surged again, "with me personally anchoring the base, managing defense, I guarantee Suna's trash won't stir up a storm."
His hawk-like eyes locked onto Tsunade and Ryo.
"Tsunade, you said we're in this mess because we ignored your advice. Fine, I admit that. But now's not the time to drag up old grievances. Ryo, you say Nawaki and Mikoto will be in danger if the base is left exposed. Are they safe in this war now? If this plan works and we kill Hanzō or Ibuse, the war ends quickly. That's the only way to truly ensure their safety. And the base? With me here, it's more secure than ever."
Tsunade's chest rose and fell violently as she glared at Danzō's stubborn and blindly confident face. Her clenched jaw showed she had no stronger rebuttal.
Ryo's eyes under the hood turned colder, sharper, as if they could pierce Danzō's delusions. That line—"with me here, the base is secure"—sounded utterly hollow to him. He sneered inwardly. Mikoto's safety, relying on this laughable confidence? Secure? Chiyo's puppet formation would tear through you in minutes. This level of delusion was comical. What's next? Using a kunai to pierce Susanoo?
"Then," Danzō drew a deep breath, forcing down the irritation in his chest, "we vote now. All in favor of the assassination plan, raise your hand."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a cold smile as he raised his hand without hesitation, face full of morbid anticipation.
Jiraiya closed his eyes painfully, bowed his head, fingers clenched together until the knuckles turned white. He didn't move.
Danzō's eyes swept to Tsunade and Ryo, pressing without a word.
Tsunade stood up sharply. The chair legs scraped loudly against the muddy ground. "I oppose," she declared with force.
Ryo didn't move an inch. "Oppose."
"Fine." Danzō's tone was flat. His eyes turned to Shikashin and Jiraiya. "How do you vote?"
"I… abstain," Jiraiya said hoarsely.
"Advisor Shikashin has no vote," Danzō stated. "Two in favor. Two against. One abstention."
He sat down slowly. Shadows consumed half his face. Only his eyes still glowed with cold light.
"In that case… the plan is suspended." He paused, squeezing out each word through gritted teeth. There was bitterness. "But remember, this is our only way out. Keep stalling, and we all die in this swamp. Dismissed."
"Danzō!" Tsunade started to speak.
"Enough!" Danzō slashed his hand down. His eyes flashed coldly. "That's an order. Dismissed."
Tsunade shot Danzō a glare filled with fury and frustration, then spun on her heel and marched to the tent's entrance. She yanked open the heavy curtain. Cold, wet air rushed in. Jiraiya followed quickly, as if released from a sentence.
Orochimaru smiled deeper, watching Danzō, then rose with the grace of a serpent and silently slipped out.
Shikashin gathered the scrolls on the table, bowed lightly to Danzō and the still-seated Ryo, then exited quietly.
The dim tent was left with only Danzō and Ryo. The oil lamp flickered weaker than before, casting long, twisted shadows.
"Kamiyama Ryo," Danzō's voice was low, with a peculiar pressure to it, "your Flying Thunder God is the plan's core. Think it over carefully."
His one eye pierced the gloom, as if drilling into Ryo's soul beneath the hood.
"You know very well. For every day this war drags on, she and that Nawaki brat, will keep crawling in the mud. One step closer to death. Only a gamble can end this. As for the base's safety, you need not worry. With me here, it is impenetrable. I won't let them face what you fear."
Ryo laughed inwardly.
He stood up slowly. The hood's shadow concealed the cold disdain in his eyes. That promise of "safety" was nothing but delusion.
He didn't bother to reply. He turned and walked to the tent flap.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
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