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"After watching for so long, what are your thoughts?"
After Orochimaru left, Kazuki leaned back in his chair and stretched.
Shikaku, who had returned from the Sarutobi clan compound and overheard quite a bit, wore a conflicted expression.
Although he didn't particularly like Orochimaru as a person, he had to admit that Orochimaru's abilities were plain for all to see.
And with this guy's black heart, he was definitely more suitable than Hiruzen for the resource-plundering mission.
Shikaku hadn't expected that, after he threatened to mobilize the Council of Elders to force Kazuki to stay...
Kazuki wouldn't even consider Hiruzen and would instead pull out Orochimaru.
He would rather use a terrifying existence like Orochimaru than let Hiruzen come out of retirement.
"Orochimaru... he's very dark. But if he can be controlled, he truly is suitable to lead the army in completing this mission."
Shikaku sighed and spoke the honest truth.
"The prerequisite is being able to keep him in check."
Kazuki smiled confidently.
"I won't try to 'keep him in check.' I'll just hold him by the throat. Unless Orochimaru wants to die, he'll obey."
"Furthermore, I'm not stingy. I can give him sufficient support and rewards. Besides, with Itachi accompanying him, no major issues should arise. Jiraiya's character makes him unsuitable for this role; otherwise, I could have transferred him over. By the way, where did you just go?"
"...."
"The Sarutobi clan compound."
After a moment's silence, Shikaku chose to come clean.
He went to see Hiruzen?
Kazuki paused, then quickly burst into laughter, pointing at Shikaku and teasing.
"You've got some nerve. But it doesn't matter. I won't choose him anyway. Let him continue his retirement."
An opportunity?
Not a chance!
I'd rather use Orochimaru.
Unless it's a situation where I need to set someone up—then I might let the old man step in.
Otherwise, no way!
Don't even think about it.
So all my efforts were wasted?
Shikaku was dumbfounded. I went through all that trouble—saying nice things, bowing—
Now you tell me you won't be using Hiruzen...
Shikaku almost felt stupid.
Kazuki gave Shikaku a look that said, You didn't ask me.
You went to see Hiruzen on your own. I didn't send you.
"I really..."
Shikaku was at a loss between laughter and tears, feeling like he'd outsmarted himself.
Running over without understanding the situation.
Now, all for nothing, and he'd have to suffer through an awkward situation.
When Hiruzen finally made his decision and came to the Hokage's administrative building, only to find Kazuki completely ignoring him—that scene would be truly uncomfortable.
Should I go explain?
Or just play dead, and for the next few days, avoid coming to the Hokage's building?
If given a chance to undo it, Shikaku absolutely wouldn't have visited the Sarutobi clan compound to see Hiruzen.
Now he'd made things awkward for himself.
"Go explain it. Tell The Third." Kazuki chuckled.
"Say that the village's reason for starting this war, besides revenge, is to plunder resources. Plundering resources requires someone with a black heart and ruthless methods, so I chose Orochimaru."
This shouldn't put you in a difficult position, right?
Shikaku had gone to Hiruzen out of consideration for the village. His purpose in seeking him out was to send Hiruzen away from Konoha.
Kazuki didn't want to make things difficult for Shikaku either.
Just go explain—it'll save the awkwardness if Hiruzen actually makes up his mind and comes to the Hokage's building.
"....."
So embarrassing.
Shikaku gazed at the sky, speechless.
Kazuki laughed heartily.
"Alright, seeing you like this, I'll send someone to explain on your behalf. Hiruzen will understand my meaning."
Shikaku couldn't bear to go himself. Kazuki didn't mind, and it wasn't like he needed to go personally.
Kazuki simply called in an Anbu operative.
"Go to Lord Third. Tell him to stay in the village and rest comfortably. I've already decided on the war commander—it's Orochimaru. Also, the village's purpose in starting this war, besides revenge, is resources."
"Lord Advisor, relay the message verbatim?"
One sentence. Whether it's verbatim is crucial.
Some words can change meaning if a little is added. Even one extra word or one less word can alter the message.
So, when relaying messages, it needs to be verbatim, otherwise problems can arise.
"Yes."
Receiving confirmation, the Anbu operative departed.
Shikaku sighed in relief. Good, someone else will handle it. If I went myself, it would be truly awkward.
"Then, Lord Advisor, should we begin preparations?"
Waging a war required extensive preparation—it wasn't something you could just decide to do on a whim.
Similarly, ninja warfare required mobilization of personnel and supply preparation—both major undertakings.
"Yes, begin preparations. For civilian ninja, only select elite Chūnin, Jōnin, and Tokubetsu Jōnin. We're fighting a tough battle. No cannon fodder. The remainder will be selected from various clans. Total three thousand. Additionally, dispatch two thousand ordinary ninja to the border camp."
The three thousand elites are for striking Iwagakure and plundering resources. The additional two thousand ordinary ninja, along with the camp's existing personnel, will handle defense.
The numbers aren't huge, but sufficient.
Though Fugaku and Hiashi usually wore cold, stern expressions.
Their command abilities and operational skills were quite good.
With them holding down the camp, no problems should arise.
As for Orochimaru, he just needs to go to the Land of Earth and grab things.
Shikaku quickly jotted down everything that needed recording.
Kazuki continued.
"We don't need to prepare too many supplies. The three thousand elites will be deployed for no more than a month, then withdraw back to the Land of Fire. Only a small contingent will remain at the camp to guard against any Iwagakure counterattack. The village only needs to maintain combat supplies for approximately four thousand personnel."
Four thousand is enough to defend against Iwagakure.
Unless Iwagakure decides to fight Konoha to the death.
From Kazuki's understanding of Ōnoki, as long as Konoha strikes and runs, even if they steal many resources, Ōnoki's main focus will still be Kumogakure.
Until Kumogakure is defeated, Ōnoki can't organize a large force to attack the Land of Fire.
The possibility of a counterattack is low. Even if a major battle erupts, the situation can be controlled.
Compared to Konoha, the hatred between Kumogakure and Iwagakure runs deeper!!!
"I'll prepare everything immediately. Additionally, the ninja from the various clans will need you to personally select them."
Shikaku could handle this job, but he thought it would be better if Kazuki handled it personally.
That way, everyone would be more cooperative. Whoever Kazuki chose would be accepted.
Avoiding situations where some clans are dissatisfied and others unhappy.
Kazuki understood Shikaku's concerns, so he nodded.
"Fine. You handle the civilian ninja. For the clan ninja, have them send me their information. I'll select them personally."
*****
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