"Old man, we've received intel from the east."
Tsunade naturally didn't dare to delay when she received the intelligence.
The Hōzuki clan.
This clan's status in Kirigakure is no different from that of the Uchiha, Senju, and Hyūga in Konoha.
Most members of this clan can use the Hydrification Technique.
Whether this technique is strong or not is subjective, but it's truly disgusting—slippery and elusive, making it impossible to capture anyone alive.
Because the Hōzuki clan only fears Lightning Release.
Moreover.
Fearing Lightning Release doesn't mean Lightning Release counters the Hydrification Technique.
Rather, Lightning Release can paralyze the opponent, forcing them to stop the technique and preventing them from fully liquefying.
The Hōzuki knew this, slaughtering weak Lightning users and fleeing stronger ones..
Aside from Lightning Release users, genjutsu can have some effect on them, but the effect isn't significant.
Additionally, the Hōzuki clan possesses many secret techniques.
Thus, there's only one possibility of capturing them.
Having Lightning Release abilities and overwhelming strength, ensuring the opponent can't escape or react.
Too demanding!
But she never expected that Kyōichi could actually manage to do it.
When the Sandaime finished reading, his pipe clattered to the ground, revealing a crack in the stem.
Normally, the old man would be heartbroken, but this time...
He didn't even notice.
A live capture!
The difficulty of that is incredibly high.
After a long while, the Sandaime finally exhaled.
His expression was grave.
"I've heard of Yagura Karatachi. He's small in stature, but I never expected he'd be the most likely candidate to succeed as the Yondaime Mizukage."
"Sensei, this isn't the time for awe.. The three great nations are all planning to move against us. In such a time, we can't afford to hesitate. We must strike first—cripple one to deter the rest."
Tsunade spoke decisively.
The Sandaime hesitated slightly.
Taking the initiative to attack...
Wasn't that too bold?
After pondering for a moment, he said, "Isn't that too risky?"
"Right now, Kirigakure is still hesitating, waiting for the right moment, observing the attitudes of Kumogakure and Iwagakure. Although we've made preparations in advance, once they start moving, we'll be on the defensive."
Tsunade was irritated by the old man's indecisiveness.
This was exactly why she didn't want to return. This constant hesitation was a far cry from his former demeanor.
Where was the decisiveness he showed when approving forbidden techniques?
The Sandaime thought for a moment, then took a deep breath and said, "Kirigakure is internally unstable right now, making them the easiest target. You and Kyōichi handle Kirigakure. I'll take responsibility for any consequences!"
"Have the Uchiha Police Force send some elites to the eastern front. Let Minato lead the northern front. Jiraiya will handle Ōnoki, and as for Orochimaru, I'll have Kyōichi send Hōzuki Chikage over."
Tsunade acted swiftly, quickly forming a plan.
"Alright."
The Sandaime nodded.
The plan wasn't bad.
Although some parts were risky, it was better than indecision.
In short.
The strategy was—hit Kirigakure hard first!
As for studying Hōzuki Chikage.
This was something everyone did, which was why the Hyūga had the Caged Bird Seal.
The true nature of the Hōzuki clan's Hydrification Technique was still unknown to anyone outside the clan.
With such a rare experimental subject, how could they let it go?
However.
They needed to act quickly, lest Kirigakure send someone to reclaim him.
...
"Hokage-sama has replied, telling us to handle it ourselves. Additionally, once we've extracted all the intelligence from Hōzuki Chikage, we're to send him to Konoha."
Kyōichi relayed the village's decision.
Yamanaka Inoichi's expression turned odd, but he also seemed somewhat relieved.
He understood.
This wasn't the Hokage's style.
The Hokage would have preferred to wait and see, as taking the initiative could easily lead to criticism.
This was Tsunade's style!
Decisive and straightforward.
Wait for what?
The invaders had already been captured, and Yagura Karatachi, their suspected leader, had appeared.
There was nothing more to discuss.
Just fight!
This was Tsunade's intention.
Kyōichi shared the same thought.
When the enemy is already at your doorstep, what are you waiting for? For them to ally with Kumogakure and Iwagakure?
Inoichi circulated the intelligence among the group.
"Kyōichi-sama, what are your thoughts?"
He frowned slightly.
They were short on manpower.
Some of the scattered squads had returned, but they still only had ten squads in total—recently, Kumogakure had been restless, and many had been sent to the northeast.
The east...
Tsunade's words were bold, but they were of little use.
Even the most skilled housewife can't cook without rice.
Inoichi addressing him as "sama" was a sign of respect.
Kyōichi understood this, so he didn't put on airs.
When Inoichi asked, he answered: "Tsunade-nee plans to have the Uchiha Police Force send some elites over, but it will take two or three days."
"The Uchiha Police Force... Alright, we'll wait then."
Inoichi nodded.
The Uchiha Police Force.
Tsunade, as one of the Sannin, was indeed reliable in matters of strategy and deployment.
"However, during this time, I don't plan to sit idle. I intend to find their base."
Kyōichi grinned.
Everyone present was a jōnin, experienced in war, and they immediately understood Kyōichi's intent.
"You plan to disrupt their relocation?"
"Correct. At the very least, we can make their move uncomfortable."
Kyōichi nodded.
If they waited for the Uchiha, the enemy might have already evacuated, wasting the intelligence.
"That's too dangerous."
Inoichi frowned.
It wasn't that he was stubborn or inflexible, but their forces were limited.
Even with the special jōnin, they only had about thirty people.
And Kirigakure?
They had many more.
The difference in strength was significant.
"We're not engaging in a direct confrontation. We fight when we can, and retreat when we can't. So I don't plan to bring too many people. Those who come must excel in assassination and be fast."
Kyōichi explained.
He planned to use the guerrilla tactics he learned in his previous life, striking deep behind enemy lines.
Aside from strategy, intelligence was also crucial.
After finishing, Kyōichi thought for a moment and asked, "Is there anyone in the Hyūga clan who's fast?"
Speed.
This was a non-negotiable requirement.
"Of course!"
A Hyūga clan ninja immediately responded.
"At this level."
Kyōichi said, using the Body Flicker Technique to instantly move from inside the room to a spot far outside.
The Hyūga special jōnin was momentarily speechless.
That fast...
"Only Hiashi-sama or Hizashi-sama…"
Kyōichi wasn't deliberately targeting him, so the Hyūga ninja answered meekly before lowering his head and falling silent.
The Hyūga were deflated, and the scouts who were skilled in reconnaissance didn't dare to speak up either.
Everyone understood the importance of intelligence work.
In war, if you don't have the skills, don't take on the task.
Facing Kirigakure ninja, showing off could lead to disaster.
Kyōichi looked around, then his gaze settled on Inoichi. After hesitating for a moment, he smiled and said, "How about you join me on this crazy venture?"
"You realize you're being crazy, don't you?"
Shikaku rolled his eyes.
However.
He didn't outright refuse.
Instead, he said, "First, tell me your plan."
"It's simple. They're planning to relocate, right? We'll target their logistics. If a small force comes, we'll take them out. If a large force comes, we'll retreat."
Kyōichi's plan was straightforward.
"What about the base if I leave?"
"I'll leave a shadow clone here. I know the Chakra Absorption Technique, so my shadow clone will need to absorb some chakra later. I hope everyone can help with that."
Kyōichi had thought of everything.
The others listened, their lips twitching.
This plan...
Seemed quite reliable, but something felt off—
Those who weren't fast enough would just be chakra batteries?