When Tsunade declared that she would personally head to the battlefield, Shikaku grew visibly anxious.
"No, Hokage-sama, you need to stay here at headquarters just like Raikage-sama!" he protested.
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "Raikage can stay at headquarters. But as he said, the power of the Gold and Silver Brothers is formidable. I've heard stories about their strength. If Darui doesn't receive reinforcements, he could be overwhelmed. I can't just stand by and watch. I must go!"
Shikaku frowned. "But Lady Tsunade..."
Raikage interrupted impatiently, "Oh, come on! This won't work, that won't work—how can we win a war if we act so cautiously? If Tsunade doesn't go, then I'll go. Let her take over the command post! Either way, one of us must act."
Seeing the two Kage agree, Shikaku had no more objections. But he turned his focus to the battlefield.
"In that case, Lady Tsunade, please proceed to support Captain Darui. I will also issue new orders regarding battlefield deployment. The Fifth Division, under Lord Mifune, should head directly to reinforce Darui. Simultaneously, instruct Kitsuchi to lead his forces around and attack from the coast. Gaara's division should also divert a portion of its strength to support Darui's troops. Kakashi's unit has the upper hand for now, so they will hold their position."
Raikage frowned. "Why split our forces like this? If Kitsuchi's unit is flanked, they'll be caught in a pincer attack. And Gaara's unit is facing four resurrected Kage. Can they really spare troops and still hold out?"
Shikaku smiled calmly. "When confronting a force of equal or superior strength, the key is to concentrate our forces to eliminate one enemy division at a time. Once we gain the advantage in one area, we can apply pressure elsewhere. Gaara's forces can engage, and if it becomes too much, they can conduct a tactical retreat while maintaining formation. Besides... I believe someone will not allow Gaara to fall so easily."
Tsunade and Raikage both turned to look at Shikaku.
Shikaku chuckled. "The reason Kakashi's team is advancing so smoothly is because they have support."
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "You mean Naruto?"
Shikaku nodded. "Exactly."
Raikage's brow furrowed. "But Naruto is up against Obito, Sasuke, and the other resurrected Jinchūriki. How can he afford to intervene elsewhere?"
Shikaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That was my initial assumption. But then Minato appeared beside Naruto. He, too, has been revived through the Impure World Reincarnation, and Orochimaru is present as well."
Tsunade looked directly at Shikaku. "What are you trying to say?"
Shikaku became serious. "Minato was sealed with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Releasing it is no simple task. Moreover, Kabuto, Orochimaru's former subordinate, is known for collecting powerful ninjas. Just look at who the Fourth Division encountered: Second Tsuchikage, Second Mizukage, Third Raikage, and Fourth Kazekage. Earth, water, lightning, wind... the only element missing is fire. If I were Kabuto..."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "I would resurrect a Hokage."
Shikaku nodded. "Exactly. The reason why Kabuto didn't revive them earlier is because the First, Second, and Third Hokage were sealed using the Reaper Death Seal. But now Minato has appeared... I suspect that the other Hokage may also be with Naruto. Based on Naruto's recent actions, he likely gave consent to use the Impure World Reincarnation for assistance."
With a loud bang, Tsunade slammed the table. She looked torn. If that was true, then even her grandfather had been resurrected and was fighting under Naruto's direction...
Shikaku continued carefully. "Hokage-sama, in this unprecedented situation, Naruto's decisions may not be wrong. When Konoha was attacked by Obito, Naruto held the front line and protected everyone. He is someone we can rely on.
He has access to a massive amount of chakra from Kurama, and can maintain numerous Shadow Clones. I believe that, even while fighting his own battle, he will act the moment Gaara's unit is at risk."
Raikage scratched his head, clearly troubled.
Shikaku's insight into Naruto's strategy made an impression on him.
He sighed internally. This man truly lived up to his title as Konoha's top strategist. The way he could predict movements based on human behavior was incredible.
Shikaku looked at Tsunade and continued, "Furthermore, I have another growing suspicion. Naruto left the village without notice, built up his own power, and began intercepting Obito's plans. Then, as the Allied Shinobi Forces launched their campaign, Naruto stepped in to assist. When we connect all these actions, a pattern emerges. It almost seems like Naruto has been preparing for this war all along... and maybe even allowing Obito to move unchecked until the right time."
Raikage looked stunned. "What are you implying, Shikaku?"
Shikaku took a deep breath. "Raikage-sama, haven't you noticed that Obito — who caused trouble even for you — always retreats in the face of Naruto? Even during the Konoha invasion, Obito backed off once Naruto appeared. That tells me there's no direct animosity between them. So, if Naruto truly views Akatsuki as a threat, why hasn't he united with us to destroy them from the beginning?"
Tsunade thought for a moment. "He's mentioned it before to me and Jiraiya... something about timing. Maybe he was waiting for the right moment."
Shikaku nodded thoughtfully. "That may be true. But my intuition tells me otherwise. Something deeper is at play. If I'm honest, my gut tells me Naruto might be orchestrating events behind the scenes."
His final words left both Tsunade and Raikage Ai in stunned silence.
In the past, they would have dismissed such speculation. But after everything they had seen Naruto do, even the most absurd theory didn't seem impossible anymore.
"So!"
Shikaku looked at both Kage. "Let's move forward with the revised strategy. If I'm wrong, then we proceed as planned. But if I'm right, then Naruto's involvement will become clear soon enough."
Tsunade nodded. "Alright, we go with your plan, Shikaku. What do you think, Raikage-sama?"
Raikage Ai folded his arms. "I have no objections."
Tsunade turned, preparing to leave. "Then I'll depart for the battlefield now!"
Shikaku called out, "Hokage-sama, it's a long journey. Please take some Anbu with you."
Tsunade waved a hand and grinned. "No need. Once I get there, guards won't matter."
Raikage Ai sighed. "It's a pity, Tsunade. If your body were stronger, I could use the Heavenly Transfer Technique to send you instantly."
Tsunade paused mid-step and turned with a mischievous smile. "You have that technique? Then say so earlier! I can handle it!"
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