Essentially, Nobunaga was an arrogant and proud egotist, highly fond of new things, and possessed a flexible mindset that refused to be bound by old conventions or common sense.
It was precisely because of this that he was able to effectively overthrow the Muromachi shogunate and make a huge contribution toward ending the long Warring States period that had begun with the Onin War.
Such a Nobunaga had already been an eccentric since his youth, engaging in all kinds of unruly behavior. It wasn't until he inherited the family headship that he began to take matters seriously.
Because of this, Nobunaga had once been mocked as the "Big Fool of Owari" during his younger days—a period he considers a black mark in his past.
However, Nobunaga was also a highly spontaneous person. One moment he would be furious, and the next, he'd be seriously pondering Gilgamesh's dilemma.
After all, as one of the most famous generals in Japanese history—someone with innate strategic brilliance who came within a step of unifying the country—Nobunaga's unorthodox ways were exactly what allowed her to devise countless bold strategies.
Thus...
"In this situation, the only tactics that come to mind are either a surprise attack or an ambush."
Nobunaga stated this without hesitation.
"A surprise attack or an ambush?"
Everyone immediately fell into thoughtful silence.
Ushiwakamaru nodded.
"Indeed, the enemy's numbers are vast, but that's their only real advantage."
As a Genji warrior taught military strategy by Tengu, and someone no less renowned than Nobunaga herself, Ushiwakamaru quickly understood the intent behind the suggestion.
In truth, this wasn't such a difficult concept to grasp.
Just as Ushiwakamaru had said, the sheer size of the enemy was intimidating—but that was their only strength.
"Be they magical beasts or dragonkind, they all rely either on numbers or brute strength to crush their enemies. They don't use tactics. They don't even have proper formations. That's a fatal weakness, isn't it?"
That was Nobunaga's line of thought.
"In that case, whether we use traps, water attacks, fire assaults, or long-range bombardment—or even bypass the main force entirely and strike the enemy's rear to behead their commander—any of those count as victories for us."
Though rough and lacking in detail, the direction of this strategy was undeniably sound.
Of course, problems remained.
"Given the current speed of the enemy's advance," Rozen raised a point, "aside from the northern front where magical beasts are resisting and might hold for a while, the southern army will likely reach Uruk's south gate before nightfall. And after nightfall, the undead army will rise and directly attack Uruk. We don't have the time or manpower to set up large-scale traps or launch full-on surprise attacks."
As always, Rozen played the role of the voice of reason.
"And if we only use small-scale traps or ambushes, even if they succeed, the damage to the enemy will likely be negligible."
Indeed, while the enemy's numbers were their sole advantage and not much else mattered, attempting to break through that advantage without large-scale strategies would not be enough to turn the tide.
As a summoner, Rozen—who commanded countless familiars—understood better than anyone how overwhelming numerical superiority could be, and how difficult it was to overcome. That's why he would dismiss any tactic that failed to achieve significant results.
In terms of tactical and strategic acumen, Rozen was in no way inferior to any of the renowned heroes present.
Thus, the gazes of everyone gradually shifted toward Rozen, and before long, the center of attention in the royal hall became Rozen himself.
(To stand among so many heroic legends and still take center stage—his charisma as a leader is probably second only to King Gilgamesh.)
Merlin silently marveled in his heart.
Unfortunately, that didn't solve the problem.
"Then let's go with assassinating the enemy commander," said Okita, unusually serious. "If we infiltrate their base and carry out an assassination, that's a mission I might be able to accomplish."
At that moment, a sharp killing intent radiated from Okita's body, making both Mash and Anna instinctively hold their breath.
But this was the real Okita Soji—despite her cheerful demeanor, she was a genius swordswoman with unparalleled skill and talent.
As an executioner of the Shinsengumi, possessing a cold and ruthless side was perfectly normal.
Had she not died young from illness, she might have vied for the title of Japan's strongest swordsman.
Naturally, as a Shinsengumi executioner, Okita was highly adept at stealth missions, having carried out countless covert operations during her life.
Though she currently manifested as one of the best class among the standard seven classes, she also possessed Assassin-class compatibility.
If she had appeared as an Assassin, she could have rivaled even Li Shuwen as a peerless martial artist.
Entrusting her with the task of infiltrating the enemy base would be ideal.
But—
"You may be a man-slayer, but not a god-slayer," Gilgamesh denied her calmly. "Even if your first strike succeeds, you won't be able to kill a goddess. For them, resurrection and immortality are trivial. Give it up, Okita."
Okita exhaled reluctantly, visibly frustrated.
As a result, both surprise attacks and assassinations were effectively ruled out, and the situation was now bordering on desperate.
"It seems we can only rely on you now, Chaldean."
Gilgamesh turned his gaze toward Rozen.
"Do you have any ideas?"
"Not at the moment," Rozen shook his head. "If this were before, with such a large enemy force, I could have simply deployed even more troops of my own."
As always, Rozen feared no one in terms of numbers.
"But now, if I overextend myself, I might hold out for a while at the start—but the battles ahead will only get harder. Once the goddesses personally join the fray, I might not even have the strength left to take them down."
Rozen was clearly hesitating because of this issue.
"Is there truly no way to solve this?" Gilgamesh mused. "If the problem is merely mana, then I'll make an exception this once and lend you the Holy Grail."
At those words, everyone looked toward Gilgamesh in astonishment.
"You'd really hand me the Holy Grail?"
Rozen was likewise taken aback.
After all, this King of Heroes deeply valued his treasures, believing all the world's treasures belonged to him alone—and only he had the right to use them. He wouldn't allow others to sully them.
And now, he was actually willing to lend the Holy Grail?
But Gilgamesh seemed to have no better choice.
"Though I'm loath to do so, it can't be helped. No matter how precious a treasure may be, only when it's useful can it be truly called valuable."
Gilgamesh waved his hand boldly.
"So? With this, you can start formulating a plan, can't you?"
Upon hearing this, Rozen fell into deep thought.