Currently, with regards to Hidden Rock's movements, we can only rely on squads with extremely high mobility to handle it.
However, such squads are difficult to find, and due to their scarcity, many areas cannot be covered, making intelligence gathering incomplete.
"That's right. Even for Minato, it's impossible to cover every aspect. Moreover, if patrol duties are solely entrusted to his squad, it would lack the capacity to create a restraining force in other areas."
A Jonin sighed.
Minato is often out on missions, so he is not present to attend this meeting.
Minato's Flying Thunder God Jutsu is more mobile compared to the deceased White Fang Hatake Sakumo, and in many instances, numerous Jonin of the same rank consider Minato akin to that White Fang.
In terms of offensive capabilities, Minato is still somewhat inexperienced, not as lethal as White Fang, though he shows potential.
In the near future, he might be capable of fulfilling the role of replacing Konoha White Fang.
"If Sakumo were still around..."
Another Jonin, recalling something, said these words, which only made the atmosphere more melancholy.
The others couldn't help but think, if Sakumo were alive now, the enemy's nightmare would be twofold, not singular.
The Second Great Ninja War demonstrated the remarkable effect of Konoha White Fang's high-mobility combat tactics.
Suppressing enemy troops laterally made them hesitant to act recklessly, thereby minimizing combat costs.
Whether it's pinning down the enemy's main force or forcing them into defensive reroute, unexpected benefits can be gained.
But such ninja types are incredibly scarce, with only a handful born since the origin of the Ninja Realm capable of such tasks.
"Speaking of which, right now we're dealing with a member of Sakumo's squad, aren't we? As a ninja from the Hyuga Branch Family, it's really questionable that they're not constrained by the 'Caged Bird'."
The Konoha defection incident that happened this February had been faintly heard by those in the frontline, yet the detailed circumstances remain unknown.
But being a member of the Hyuga Branch Family, who defected without being hindered by the Main Family's 'Caged Bird' evidently proves a point—that the 'Caged Bird' seal of the Hyuga Clan has been broken.
"The fewer Hyuga ninjas at the frontline compared to before is proof enough, isn't it? Hyuga Clan probably hesitates to send the branch family ninjas to the battlefield."
The affairs of noble families are always complicated, but as outsiders, they can only maintain a wait-and-see approach; this isn't within their management scope.
"Never thought before, but thinking about it now, assuming Byakugan Ninjas as hypothetical opponents unquestionably complicates things. Lord Jiraiya, I recommend retreating a distance; in such circumstances, getting encircled by Hidden Rock could become troublesome."
Eventually, a Jonin suggested.
Some agreed with this proposal, while others disagreed.
Because once retreating means allowing Hidden Rock to advance deeply again and rampage within the Land of Fire.
Having struggled to push Hidden Rock ninja to the Land of Grass for combat, to give up such advantageous circumstances now feels truly unsatisfactory.
"This is too cowardly; it's just Byakugan, we should immediately assemble an elite squad targeting her ability and eliminate her swiftly."
"Easier said than done, that's Byakugan. All our ambushes are transparent to the opponent; she would surely flee if the situation turns unfavorable."
"Not necessarily. Post-growth Byakugan can observe a distance with a radius between five to six kilometers, having greater insight than Perception Ninja, but the sensory range is nowhere near Perception Ninja."
"She was once a member of the White Fang Squad, a genius ninja attaining the Jonin rank by sixteen; we don't possess enough elite ninjas to deal with her."
"Indeed, Hidden Rock's Explosion Release User, along with Third Tsuchikage's son Kitsuchi, are not simple opponents. Especially Explosion Release User, formerly captain of the Hidden Rock Demolition Squad, the fatality rate of his Explosion Style is astronomical; even a glancing blow would result in severe injuries due to the violent explosion."
Jonins discussed extensively, but eventually couldn't come up with a definitive strategy.
After all, Byakugan used to be on their side, but now becoming adversaries, strategies and candidate selections have become diversified.
Plus Hidden Rock isn't just sitting idly by.
However, employing Renegade Ninja in battle is something Hidden Rock enacted.
Seeing the Jonins wavering, Jiraiya pondered deeply and eventually adopted a relatively prudent strategy:
"I've decided; we will choose to retreat."
"Lord Jiraiya?"
"We are currently unable to acquire detailed external movements of Hidden Rock; avoiding encirclement by Hidden Rock, retreat to this point and regroup."
Jiraiya pointed to a position on the map.
"On the borderline?"
"Indeed. Regroup and devise a new strategy here. Additionally, I need to communicate back to the village and swiftly formulate a counter-Byakugan strategy, or even raise a specialized combat unit against Byakugan."
The Jonins nodded, essentially agreeing with Jiraiya's approach.
Surely, with Hidden Rock's personality, utilizing Byakugan means they probably won't abandon it after just employing it once.
Selecting some special ability ninjas from the village to target Byakugan could benefit the battles here in the Land of Grass.
Although this idea might seem impractical, since targeting Byakugan is truly challenging.