Everyone exchanged glances, silently agreeing with Wen Lan's judgment.
However, Minato Namikaze hesitated and said with some reluctance:
"But if we launch a surprise attack, a lot of Konoha ninja will die.
If we maintain the current stalemate, maybe we can wait until Iwagakure comes to Konoha to negotiate peace."
"Highly unlikely." Wen Lan snorted and shook his head, crossing his arms.
"If Iwagakure or Konoha had any intention of peace talks, they would've already sent envoys.
But for an entire week, Iwagakure hasn't made a single move.
And Konoha definitely won't take the initiative to negotiate. Once we do, it means admitting weakness and giving up our status as the winning side.
The Third Great Ninja War has practically drained every major village dry. Our Third Hokage wouldn't be willing to pay massive reparations."
Nara Shikaku nodded slowly.
"That's true. If we strike first, we can seize the initiative and greatly reduce casualties.
There will still be losses—but far fewer than if Iwagakure launches a surprise attack."
"Then let's vote," Orochimaru said, licking his lips as his hoarse voice echoed through the tent.
"All in favor of attacking, raise your hand."
Wen Lan raised his hand first.
Then Fugaku, Hizashi, Shikaku, and after a brief hesitation, Minato also raised his.
Minato was kind-hearted, but not foolish. He disliked meaningless sacrifice, yet he would never allow Konoha to fall into a passive position.
Orochimaru swept his gaze across the group and said coldly, "Good. Unanimous decision.
Mobilize the troops. We attack tonight.
Now—let's discuss how."
Everyone stepped forward and gathered around the sand table.
Shikaku and the others carefully analyzed the terrain and enemy deployment, fingers moving slowly across the model as they simulated optimal attack routes.
A night raid depended on speed and concealment. They had to tear open Iwagakure's defenses before the enemy could react, striking straight at the core.
Wen Lan remained silent, listening carefully.
The general plan was as follows:
The Uchiha and Hyūga would spearhead the attack—Sharingan insight paired with Byakugan vision to swiftly dismantle enemy detection barriers.
Next, Minato would lead a rapid strike force to penetrate deep behind enemy lines, cutting off reinforcements.
Shikaku would command the Ino–Shika–Chō clans, stabilizing formations, overseeing the battlefield, and patching any gaps.
Suddenly, Wen Lan spoke:
"What if they deploy a Jinchūriki?"
The room fell silent.
Everyone froze for a moment—because up until now, aside from Kumogakure, no other village had deployed Jinchūriki.
And even Killer B hadn't gone all out; only Minato had briefly encountered him.
So this critical factor had been overlooked.
Iwagakure had two Jinchūriki—especially Four-Tails Rōshi and Five-Tails Han.
"If Iwagakure releases a Jinchūriki, the battlefield will instantly spiral out of control," Orochimaru said in a low voice, tapping the edge of the sand table.
"Jinchūriki wouldn't normally be stationed on the front line. They're kept in the mid or rear areas. No village is willing to use them unless absolutely necessary.
Which means—this battle must be fast."
"Lightning warfare…" Wen Lan murmured.
Shikaku looked at Wen Lan and said,
"You're coming with us. Among everyone here, only Minato is faster than you—and you can provide immediate support."
"Alright." Wen Lan nodded lightly.
The Nara clan might be lazy, but their minds are never disappointed.
For generations, Nara clan heads had served as Hokage strategists. Shikaku's plans were always airtight.
Night Raid
Under the cover of night, large numbers of Konoha ninja silently gathered in the border forest.
Clouds obscured the moon, and the wind masked the sound of footsteps.
Fugaku and Hizashi led elite members of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans toward the front line.
Iwagakure's forward camp was similar in scale to Konoha's—spanning nearly five kilometers, filled with tents and bonfires. Many ninja sat around the fires for warmth, while patrol squads rotated every thirty minutes.
Every five minutes, a patrol passed through the same route.
Under the moonlight, the Sharingan captured every flicker of shadow among the flames, while the Byakugan pierced through tents, tracking chakra flows.
Fugaku and Hizashi exchanged a glance—perfect understanding.
Fugaku slowly raised his right hand.
The three-tomoe Sharingan glowed crimson in the darkness as he gave a tactical hand signal.
Soon, all ninja lined up in formation—Hyūga in front, Uchiha behind.
If Iwagakure counterattacked, the Hyūga could immediately activate Rotation to block ninjutsu!
Although Rotation was once a main-family secret, after the Byakugan incident, even branch-family members had learned it. All Hyūga now possessed basic mastery of Rotation.
Fugaku clenched his hands.
All Uchiha formed seals at once:
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Countless fireballs shot into the sky—then rained down like a storm!
The fireballs ignited tents on impact. Flames spread at terrifying speed, and in mere moments, the entire Iwagakure frontline camp became a sea of fire!
"Enemy attack!"
Panic erupted among the Iwa ninja. Firelight shot into the sky as screams echoed everywhere.
"Charge!" Fugaku roared.
The Uchiha surged into the flames like a tidal wave, Sharingan flashing coldly through smoke and ash.
The Hyūga vanguard had already formed up. With Byakugan locking onto chakra signatures, dozens of figures darted forward, aiming straight for the command tent.
Iwagakure was completely suppressed before it could react.
Inside the command tent, several jōnin hastily tried to resist—but under the Byakugan's scrutiny, they stood no chance.
However—
Just as Hizashi and Fugaku were about to break into the command tent, someone stepped out.
Their pupils shrank violently.
A man nearly two meters tall walked forward slowly.
He wore a red conical hat and red mask, red armor plating, and an Iwagakure forehead protector.
The Steam Ninja — Han.
The Five-Tails Jinchūriki.
"Damn it! Why is a Jinchūriki here?!" Fugaku shouted.
Hizashi's veins bulged beside his eyes, but his Byakugan trembled—due to sealing techniques, he couldn't sense the tailed beast's chakra at all.
All their plans had been built on the assumption that no Jinchūriki would appear.
Now, the plan was shattered.
"Damn it—Wen Lan's cursed mouth!" Hizashi couldn't help swearing.
"Retreat!" Fugaku roared as he and Hizashi instantly pulled back.
"Trying to run? Too late!" Han sneered.
Steam erupted from Han's body. The intense heat warped the air as he kicked off the ground—
Boom!
The earth exploded beneath his feet.
Han shot forward like a cannonball, steam blasting from his calves like jet thrusters, white vapor rolling violently under the moonlight.
Han's massive steam-powered fist slammed down.
Fugaku reacted instantly—shoving Hizashi away while using the recoil to flip sideways!
BOOM—!
The ground collapsed into a massive crater. Rocks and scalding steam blasted outward.
"Move!" Fugaku roared as he sprinted away.
While running, he rapidly formed seals, leapt high into the air, twisted his body midair, and unleashed a Technique toward Han:
"Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Technique!"
A colossal fire dragon burst forth, roaring through the night as it engulfed Han's position in blazing flames.
Fugaku landed—and continued retreating at full speed.
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