Hoka asked, "Why don''t we fool them by pretending to write messages? After all, we have their memories."

    Shin shook his head and said, "That won''t work. It has already been a few hours since we captured them. Since no message was sent during this time, they''ll suspect that something has happened to them. They''ll be cautious about any new messages they receive, especially considering that they know Konoha is the one who attacked."

    Hoka sighed, "That''s a shame."

    Illumi warned, "Hoka, don''t underestimate our enemies. Even though we have several secret techniques which have no good counter, our enemies are aware of what they can do. They will always consider it while planning. If you blindly believed in the secret techniques, the enemy might use them to lure you into a trap instead!"

    Hoka''s expression became serious. He replied, "I understand."

    Fujin looked at Shin and asked, "Did you mark the positions of the enemy bases on the map?"

    Shin nodded and handed Fujin a map. As Fujin observed the map, Shin said, "I also marked the other locations they used as their hidden bases earlier along with some of the locations these two thought suitable for future bases. It''s unlikely for them to use the current and past ones, but some of these could be a possibility. However, they might consider this as well."

    Fujin nodded while Renjiro said, "It''s fine. We can track them from the clues they leave behind in their current headquarters. However, it won''t be that easy."

    Konomi agreed, "Yes, they will do everything they can to eliminate the traces. In addition, they will also set up several decoy traces to confuse us."

    Illumi added, "There is also another possibility. Since they know we are heading towards them, they could set a trap for us. I know this seems unlikely since they wouldn''t want to face Konoha, but that''s what they could use to surprise us."

    Konomi quickly added, "Actually, I was thinking about the same thing. While they don''t have the strength to fight against us, they could ask for reinforcements from Iwagakure."

    Fujin chuckled and asked, "And who would Iwagakure send? Unlike the rebels, they will be aware that I''m leading the army. To fight against me, the Tsuchikage might need to move himself, which would be akin to declaring war against Konoha. It''s too risky, not something the Tsuchikage would do."

    Fujin''s words surprised the ones in the tent. However, they quickly realized that Iwagakure truly didn''t have anyone else to fight Fujin. Hoka chuckled and said, "We forget how strong you are. Anyway..."

    His expression became serious as he looked at the map containing their plans and said, "There is one aspect we didn''t consider. If we hit them through the border between Tsuchioka and Kagetani while Kusagakure surrounds Midorani, the rebels could feel trapped and escape to the Land of Earth to seek their protection.

    In that case, we can''t do anything. If we do, then it''ll be tantamount to us declaring war on Iwagakure as you just said. And, this mission will be a failure."

    To Hoka''s surprise, Fujin simply shook his head and said, "Don''t worry, they won''t."

    In Kusagakure, the council meeting had taken a whole different turn from the reason it was convened. The council members were analyzing how to respond to Fujin''s request.

    Unfortunately, things have gone exactly where I didn''t want them to. I wouldn''t have minded losing my life if Hiroshi did it himself. Even though we lost two battles, Kusagakure had become stronger. However, by asking for Konoha''s help, he has become their lackey. Kusagakure will undo the good work they had been doing and be their vassal for decades.

    The only way it''ll change is if Konoha collapses or becomes weaker. Unfortunately, that won''t happen anytime soon with all the talented young blood they keep raising. Just this kid alone will ensure that they''ll stay at the top for half a century."

    Ganku and Shizuma were lost for words. Neither could find words to comfort their sensei. After a long silence, Ganku said, "If Hiroshi took Konoha''s help, then why don''t we take Iwagakure''s help?"

    Kagero immediately shook his head and said, "As much as I''d love to make Konoha and Iwagakure consume each other''s strength, neither are that foolish. Onoki won''t confront Konoha head-on. Especially not when they have such a strong momentum."

    Ganku shook his head and replied, "That''s not what I mean. Since defending is useless, why don''t we retreat to the Land of Earth and wait till Konoha withdraws their forces? We can take that time to regroup and come back stronger."

    Kagero frowned while Shizuma shook his head. Shizuma explained, "I know your strategy sounds good, but you''re missing one important aspect. The will of the people."

    Ganku looked at Shizuma in confusion when Kagero suddenly spoke, "During all three Great Ninja Wars, Iwagakure attempted to attack Konoha through our country, making it a battleground. Hence, the people in the Land of Grass have a hatred towards Iwagakure.

    It decreased with time, but the hate exploded once again when they sent their Jinchuriki to our lands and allowed him to use the Tailed Beast Bomb.

    If we retreat to the Land of Earth, we''ll forever lose the support of any people we have. Not just that, most of the members of our army will lose their faith in me. Even though we''ll be unharmed, our army will crumble. In addition, Kusagakure will be forced to be even more subservient to Konoha!"

    Ganku''s expression became grim as Shizuma added, "Even if the army stays intact, we''ll be subjected to the whims of Iwagakure. They will definitely use us as cannon fodder during the next major war."

    ————

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