"The best strategy is to outmaneuver the enemy's plans, the next is to disrupt their alliances, the next is to engage their army, and the worst is to besiege their cities. If two nations go to war and the commander does not understand the enemy leader's personality but only knows how to attack blindly, then they are a fool." Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly.
Everyone in the room froze, glancing at each other. Who had said that? It sounded incredibly profound! By calling such a commander a "fool," Uchiha Ryun had indirectly criticized everyone present.
"Cough, explain further, Ryun. What do those words mean?" Shimura Danzō, no longer in a mood to spectate, sat down with a humble attitude to learn.
Hyūga Sekijō also took a seat not far from Uchiha Ryun. His potential had already peaked at an average Kage-level, so he wasn't in a hurry to train. Instead, he wanted to hear what Uchiha Ryun had to say.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, but he shared Danzō's thoughts—Uchiha Ryun's words held great value. He had a feeling that if they could grasp this wisdom, Konoha's strategic leadership might surpass that of other nations.
Uchiha Ryun saw no reason to withhold his knowledge. Everyone here was a Konoha Kage, elder, or clan leader. Sharing with them was acceptable.
"First, in warfare, you must understand your enemy—specifically, the personality of their commander. This is crucial for analyzing their tactics and methods."
"'The best strategy is to outmaneuver the enemy's plans' means defeating the enemy's strategic intentions and methods at the highest level. This is the superior approach, ensuring your army remains undefeated. Even if you lose, the losses will be minimal!"
"'The next is to disrupt their alliances' means using diplomatic means to defeat the enemy, whether through alliances or isolation. This minimizes your own losses."
"'The next is to engage their army' refers to resorting to military force only when the first two methods fail."
"'The worst is to besiege their cities' means attacking cities is the last resort. If possible, use strategy and diplomacy to overcome other nations. That is the better choice."
"Just like earlier, we understood the Third Raikage's personality and tailored our approach to pressure him psychologically, making him hesitant to act rashly. This is 'disrupting their alliances' combined with psychological warfare. Breaking the enemy's will is superior, attacking their cities is inferior." Uchiha Ryun paused, his throat dry from speaking so much.
Shimura Danzō quickly handed his tea to Uchiha Ryun. He had a small notebook on his desk, taking notes like a student.
"Ryun, is there more?" Shimura Danzō's eyes gleamed eagerly. At this moment, he was like a student seeking knowledge from a teacher.
Uchiha Ryun was taken aback. There were far too many aspects to warfare and strategy. If he had to explain everything, it would be impossible.
"Cough, this knowledge must be experienced firsthand. Theory alone is just empty talk. What I've shared is only a broad overview. Factors like morale, timing, terrain, and others are equally important. You must experience them yourselves to lead troops effectively." Uchiha Ryun waved his hand, signaling that he wouldn't elaborate further.
Seeing that Uchiha Ryun wouldn't continue, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō didn't press further. What they had learned was already enough to study. Hyūga Sekijō, however, was completely absorbed.
After discussing further plans for how to handle Kumogakure's possible reactions, the group dispersed.
Hyūga Sekijō once again invited Uchiha Ryun to visit his clan for further discussion. Uchiha Ryun couldn't refuse easily, so he agreed to come the next day before finally returning home.
-----
Kumogakure
The Third Raikage's expression was dark as he stared at the messenger who had rushed back. "They really said that?"
"Reporting to the Raikage-sama, every word is true!" The messenger knelt, bowing his head.
The Third Raikage snorted coldly. "Damn it, that monkey brat dares to look down on me? Does he really think Konoha is invincible?" Lightning Release Armor flickered around him as his chakra surged violently.
"Father, we must not act rashly! First, we've just come out of war and need time to recover. Second, Konoha's foundation is far beyond what Kumogakure can match." A quickly interjected.
"I know! But this anger is suffocating me!" The Raikage punched the ground, leaving a crater before exhaling heavily.
"First, Konoha's Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Madara Uchiha may be gone, but the legacy they left behind is immense!"
"The Senju clan still exists, the Uchiha clan remains intact, and that Uchiha Ryun has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"The Hyūga clan, led by Hyūga Sekijō, is also thriving. Their shinobi far surpass ours. Not to mention all the other major and minor clans. Even if you, Father, can fight a thousand, what about two thousand, three thousand, or four thousand? If you fall, Kumogakure will be attacked by Ōnoki, and our village will be doomed!" A reasoned.
"I understand. A, what do you suggest we do?" The Third Raikage took a deep breath and sat back on his throne.
Damn it, if only the Land of Lightning had that kind of foundation. Then I could crush that little brat Ōnoki.
"Since Konoha is so confident and well-established, I propose we pay 100 million ryō in reparations and sign a peace treaty. This way, we can also intimidate Ōnoki and keep him in check." A chose a strategy of borrowing Konoha's prestige.
Though frustrated, the Third Raikage knew A was right. "Fine. A, I leave this matter to you. My seal is here—use it as you see fit."
"Understood!" A bowed and took the seal to prepare the treaty.
The Raikage sighed. In the end, their foundation was lacking. He waved his hand and poured himself a drink. But if Konoha ever weakened, he would be the first to strike and wash away today's humiliation!
Thus, the messenger set off for Konoha once more, this time with a new letter. But now, his heart was steady. After all this, what reason did Konoha have to refuse?
Moreover, the young master had instructed: if the treaty demanded more than 100 million ryō, they could go up to 200 million. Beyond that, they would pay only 100 million in reparations and forget the alliance.
----
The Next Morning, 8 AM
"Ryun, wake up! The Hokage needs you!" An ANBU and an Uchiha clansman stood outside Uchiha Ryun's door, calling out.
"Leave me alone, what's the rush this early?" Uchiha Ryun grumbled, rolling over in bed.
"Ryun~ I'm here, why are you still sleeping?" Tsunade's voice came through the door, instantly jolting Uchiha Ryun awake.
He got up, washed up in his room, checked his hair in the mirror, and after ensuring everything was in order, put on his black Uchiha clan attire before opening the door with a smile.
"Tsunade, you're here. Good morning!"
"Morning~" Tsunade leaned in and kissed Uchiha Ryun's cheek. The news of their impending marriage had spread at 6 AM, with Nawaki and the Senju clan delivering invitations door-to-door. Everyone already knew about their relationship.
Since they were engaged, what was wrong with a little kiss?
The others twitched. Dog food this early in the morning?