If it weren't for Ōnoki's sudden antics, Jinghang truly wouldn't have wanted to initiate this war prematurely. It wasn't out of fear, but rather because there was still too much work left unfinished: the reorganization of the standing army, the transformation of the Hourglass Group, the development of the Yuexi Peninsula... Once war broke out, many of these projects would have to come to a halt.
However, faced with such an unexpected provocation, there was no time to consider these matters. If they didn't retaliate, it wasn't just about Jinghang's own pride—what would other factions think of Sunagakure? Wouldn't it embolden everyone to take liberties with the village? Internally, it would be even worse. With Sunagakure's fierce and unyielding culture, the citizens would surely revolt, and Jinghang's position as Kazekage would be untenable.
Since war was inevitable, Jinghang decided to go all out and make a strong statement. "Deliver one decisive blow to prevent a hundred retaliations!" After announcing the declaration of war, Jinghang immediately ordered Sunagakure to enter a wartime state and established the General Staff Headquarters for unified command and coordination, appointing Rasa, the Minister of Intelligence, as the Chief of Staff.
The standing army, the newly formed troops from Yuehu New District, and even parts of the Hourglass Group's factory guards were rapidly mobilizing to designated locations on the Wind-Earth border. Factories in Yuehu New District and the Land of Rain began working around the clock to produce war supplies, while military contracts with the Land of Earth were decisively terminated. Sunagakure's massive war machine began rumbling to life, with preparations proceeding at a feverish pace.
At the same time, Jinghang issued diplomatic communiqués to Kumogakure and Konohagakure, seeking alliances to completely isolate Iwagakure on the "international" stage.
But this was a large-scale war, not a brawl between street gangs. It wasn't a matter of grabbing machetes and steel pipes, picking a spot, and going at it. It required time to mobilize personnel and resources and to develop sound strategies and tactics.
Jinghang sat in the General Staff Headquarters, attentively listening to the staff officers' analyses of the strategic situation and their operational plans. He remained silent throughout the presentations. Only after all the reports were concluded did he stand up and begin issuing instructions over the sand table in front of him.
"It's too early to discuss strategy and tactics now."
Everyone in the room was taken aback.
"The logistics department has just calculated that mobilizing 10,000 troops and their supplies will take at least three months. In three months, what changes might occur in the international landscape? What might happen in the Earth-Lightning conflict? What might happen in Iwagakure? We don't know any of this. So, these plans can only remain as contingency measures, confined to paper."
Jinghang observed the reactions of those present. Seeing no objections, he continued.
"However, we cannot remain passive. This attack by Iwagakure was a clear show of aggression. Even though we repelled them and broke their claws, it was still a slap to Sunagakure's face. What we need to do now is to slap them back harder, to boost our morale!"
After Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States organized the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo within just a year. Although the damage inflicted on Japan was minimal, the political impact was immense. American morale soared, and young men enlisted in droves, providing a powerful impetus for future victories. Jinghang's intention was to emulate this strategy.
Hearing this, the staff officers' eyes lit up. As expected of the Kazekage, he knew exactly where to strike.
"Baki," Jinghang instructed, "I'm entrusting this task to you. Assemble an elite force and deal a heavy blow to Iwagakure. I don't care how many casualties you inflict, but the spectacle must be grand! The operation must succeed, and it must deliver a resounding slap to Ōnoki's face! Present me with a plan within three days. You have access to all personnel and resources in Sunagakure."
As the future executor of the Collapse Konoha plan on Sunagakure's side, and with a history of serving in the Anbu before Yuehu New District, Baki was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for this special operation.
"Understood! I'll start preparations immediately!"
Baki, as always, was efficient. With a nod, he picked a few staff officers and left the operations room.
Meanwhile, Ōnoki, his hair now so sparse that it could barely hold a pin, had resorted to tying it into a samurai-style topknot.
He deeply regretted executing the plan to seize Shukaku. He hadn't anticipated that the seemingly shrewd and pliable Jinghang would react so aggressively.
Ōnoki had dispatched three successive envoys, hoping to resolve the matter diplomatically. Whether it was by abandoning Kazekaze Kyoku and his team, offering reparations, or even ceding territory, Jinghang was unmoved and responded by directly declaring war on Iwagakure.
Already struggling in the Earth-Lightning conflict, Iwagakure was now facing the prospect of an additional front against Sunagakure. The village was on the brink of collapse.
Seeing Sunagakure's resolute stance, Ōnoki had no choice but to send envoys to Konohagakure, hoping they could mediate. However, the chances of success seemed slim.
"Lord Tsuchikage, I have a strategy that might restrain Sunagakure."
"Oh? Let's hear it."
Ōnoki looked up with a glimmer of hope, only to see it was Tōshinin, an elite jōnin of Iwagakure.
"Recently, a new faction has emerged in Amegakure..."
Konohagakure, Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Koharu Utatane sat silently, puffing on their pipes, filling the already small meeting room with thick smoke. Non-smokers like Danzo Shimura and Homura Mitokado were visibly uncomfortable.
Finally, Koharu couldn't take it anymore. She stood up and opened the window, letting in a cold breeze that sent a chill through the room. Only then did Hiruzen sheepishly tap out his pipe and stop "poisoning his colleagues." Homura also extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.
"Let's discuss this. We need to reach a decision."
Hiruzen finally broke the silence.
"I'll go first," Danzo began.
"I believe Konohagakure should firmly stand with Sunagakure. There are three reasons for this. First, the conflict originated from Iwagakure's attempt to seize a tailed beast, which is morally indefensible. Second, Sunagakure is our ally through a mutual defense pact. Third, with Iwagakure fighting both Kumogakure and Sunagakure, their defeat is inevitable."
Danzo finished, feeling a sense of pride in his reasoning.
However, the other three remained silent, unimpressed.
"A Sunagakure that becomes too strong and an Iwagakure that becomes too weak are both against Konohagakure's interests," Homura finally said, breaking the silence.
"I can almost guarantee that with Sunagakure's involvement, Iwagakure will be defeated. But after the war, among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, whose voice will dominate?" Koharu added.
Danzo was taken aback. Indeed, with Kirigakure isolated overseas and mired in civil strife, and both Iwagakure and Kumogakure severely weakened from prolonged conflict, only Sunagakure and Konohagakure would remain strong. If Sunagakure emerged victorious with newfound prestige, wouldn't they gain the strength to challenge Konohagakure?
"Sometimes, doing nothing is the best course of action. Let's wait and see," Hiruzen concluded, refilling his pipe.
Land of Earth, Kumogakure Camp
"Hahahahaha!"
Laughter echoed through the command tent of the Kumogakure army, emanating from the Third Raikage.
"Ōnoki, you old fool! Finally, you're getting what you deserve! Dodai, prepare a banquet to welcome Sunagakure's envoys!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
New chapter live! Patreon updated to Chapter 130
Join for exclusive content: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Thank you for your support!