"If our goal is to force Kirigakure into a direct confrontation, then why bother taking these pointless islands?"
"We're far from our camp, and even if we take this island, transporting supplies and reinforcements will be a logistical nightmare. Are you planning on using Minato for all the transportation?""
The Little Sun would probably die of exhaustion.
No way!
That's a death sentence!
Minato's eyes widened at that.
"So what's your idea?"
Jiraiya wasn't one to be autocratic. If Xin had a better plan, he was willing to listen.
More than that, Jiraiya didn't want Xin to dismiss his plan and act on his own-that would be a nightmare for Jiraiya to handle.
Xin pulled out a kunai and drew a half-circle in the sand, finally sticking the kunai at his own feet.
"We're here, and this half-circle represents Kirigakure's blockade.
What I'm saying is that taking these islands is pointless and will only put us in danger. Instead of defending, we should attack-keep pushing forward."
"Minato can leave Flying Thunder God markers along the way. If we get surrounded, we can retreat with ease. If Kirigakure won't engage us directly, we'll stir up chaos on their own turf. I don't believe Yagura can keep holding back."
"Can that work?" Jiraiya scratched his messy hair, visibly troubled.
Konoha still lacked enough intelligence on Kirigakure. Otherwise, they wouldn't be at such a disadvantage.
"It'll work," Xin said confidently with a smile. "Even if Yagura is cautious and doesn't make mistakes, what about everyone else? Don't forget, the clans within Kirigakure aren't exactly united. Yagura is the Third Mizukage's enforcer, his bloody hatchet-man. There are plenty of people in Kirigakure who aren't happy with him."
"If the fighting drags on, if Kirigakure keeps facing setbacks and constant harassment, someone's bound to rise up against Yagura. When that happens, Yagura will have no choice but to fight back."
"And think about this," Xin added, narrowing his eyes toward Kirigakure's direction. "Do you think the Third Mizukage, who dared to declare war against Konoha without hesitation, will just sit by while Kirigakure keeps getting embarrassed and harassed?"
"He wasn't exactly known for his calm demeanor, and being controlled has only made things worse. If he was willing to start a war with Konoha without thinking twice, do you think he'd hesitate to order Yagura to engage us directly?"