Sorrowful rain, rain of death, this is the current state of the Land of Rain.
It is always raining in this country, and due to the perennial rainfall, the country has quite abundant water resources.
For the Land of Wind, which suffers from drought all year round, and the Hidden Sand Ninjas, this is certainly a source of envy.
But besides that, the Land of Rain is extremely impoverished.
Even with the Hidden Rain Village emerging prominently among the small ninja villages, it doesn't change the fact that it's weak.
People only fear the power of Hanzo of the Salamander, the Hidden Rain Village Leader, but don't fear the Hidden Rain Village itself.
This point has long been seen through by the Hidden Sand Ninjas in multiple high-level meetings.
Once Hanzo falls, the Hidden Rain Village will crumble without assault.
At that time, the dignity and value of this village will be stripped away completely by foreign ninjas.
Such is the sorrow of a weak country.
However, the matter of defeating Hanzo is not something that can be easily resolved just by discussion.
To defeat a ninja of such caliber, a certain price must be paid.
Despite this, regarding the Land of Rain battlefield, the Hidden Sand high-levels have long reached a conclusion, which is to employ tactical delay, delaying until Konoha can no longer bear the logistical support for the Hidden Rain Village. In this way, the alliance between the Hidden Rain Village and Konoha Village will crumble without assault.
Last year's plan was like this, but plans cannot keep up with changes. Initially planning to delay further, Chiyo and her brother suddenly altered the strategy at the high-level meeting, changing from defense to offense.
"Break through the Hidden Rain and Konoha from the front?"
According to the suggestion made by Chiyo and her brother, the Hidden Sand Jonin, who were ready for long-term preparation, were also incredulous.
Honestly speaking, breaking through the alliance of Hidden Rain and Konoha from the front is not a wise move.
Not to mention if victory can be secured in a frontal conflict, even if they could win, Hidden Sand would lose so much that they would be powerless to attack the Land of Fire afterward.
Such issues should be obviously crucial.
"This is information obtained through secret channels, have a look."
Chiyo handed a secret letter to a neighboring Jonin, then passed it around for others to browse.
After reading the contents of the letter, the numerous Hidden Sand Jonin displayed varying expressions of concern, joy, and hesitation.
"If the contents of this letter are true, it might be worth trying."
One Hidden Sand Jonin was eager to try.
"But it still feels too risky."
Another Jonin expressed concern, still preferring to focus on safe tactics.
"Indeed, the opponent is Hanzo, and Konoha has Orochimaru, and the so-called Wicked Eye Uchiha Fugaku, none of whom are simple ninjas."
Hearing the inability of the Jonin to unify their opinions, Chiyo closed her eyes and calmed down. After opening her eyes, she said: "Just as I said before, this is a great opportunity. There's no harm in testing it. If things can proceed as we anticipate, then there's no need for an indefinite delay in combat. After all, we can only delay until next March at most."
Chiyo's words led to silence among the Hidden Sand Jonin.
Indeed, the logistical support for seven thousand ninjas is an issue that cannot be ignored.
Moreover, based on the information transmitted by the Hidden Rock in the Land of Grass, they seem very urgent, hoping Hidden Sand could apply pressure on Konoha and speedily break the Hidden Rain and Konoha alliance.
The Hidden Rock's urgency is due to Konoha's rising star ninja leader—Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato.
A young talent capable of perfectly mastering Space-Time Ninjutsu.
Even in the Land of Rain, they have recently heard the name of the Yellow Flash frequently.
Single-handedly destroying Hidden Rock supply points, entering and exiting Hidden Rock camps unscathed.
In blitz warfare, there's no one in the Ninja Realm who can surpass him.
More terrifying than the Konoha White Fang back then.
The name of a man is like the shadow of a tree; they will not underestimate Konoha's genius.
Back when Konoha White Fang rose up, he was around a similar age and became a major threat to all ninja villages within just a few years.
If the Hidden Rock fails on the Land of Grass battlefield and Konoha later assigns the Yellow Flash to the Land of Rain battlefield...the consequences would be unimaginable.
At the very least, how the Hidden Sand protects its own supplies would become an exceedingly difficult issue.
Konoha is currently struggling to maintain the alliance with the Hidden Rain, and Hidden Sand isn't faring much better.
Once the Hidden Rock's restraint is lost, Hidden Sand cannot independently wage war against Konoha.
If the Third Kazekage were still alive...thinking of this, all Hidden Sand Ninjas in the meeting sighed in their hearts.
If the Third Kazekage hadn't disappeared and had led them in battle against Konoha, even if the Hidden Rain Village was involved, it would be nothing to fear.
Hanzo is indeed powerful, but their Third Kazekage was enough to restrain him. As for the other Hidden Rain ninjas, they are merely a motley crew and not worth worrying about.
"Then, let's take a gamble. Even if we fail, we won't lose much. If we miss this opportunity, there might not be another chance like this before next March."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
The Hidden Sand Jonin were decisive people; despite initial hesitation and concern, considering actual circumstances, seizing the 'timing' mentioned in the secret letter was an opportunity that seldom comes.
Although there is some degree of risk, as long as Hidden Sand operates properly, even if they fail, won't lose many people, and can retreat completely.
"Then it's decided, specific arrangements will be made, and the night before action, I will hold another meeting to discuss further. For now, dismiss, and control the people in the camp, not allowing Hanzo and Orochimaru to detect any abnormality on our side."