The most frustrating part for Jiraiya was that Xin only brought up this idea after they had already reached their destination. If Xin had mentioned it before they set out, Jiraiya would have had more time to consider it. But now, with their operation underway, they needed to decide-and quickly.
The rain kept pouring as everyone stood there, soaked on the beach. Xin even put away his umbrella—it was one thing to avoid getting wet on the journey, but now that they had arrived, using an umbrella seemed out of place.
Everyone exchanged looks. After some thought, Hyuga Junichi spoke up. "I think we should stick to the original plan. Reinforcements could arrive at any time, and there's no need to stir up more trouble."
Typical Hyuga response.
In Konoha, the Hyuga Clan was known for their aversion to risk, their preference for stability. Junichi's stance was no surprise.
"Stir up more trouble?" scoffed a Uchiha jonin. "I support Xin's suggestion. Staying here
is actually the most dangerous option. Who can guarantee that reinforcements will arrive before we're surrounded? Or how long it'll take for them to get here after we are surrounded?"
A little aggression, a little risk-if it forced the enemy into a direct confrontation, it was worth it.
Wasn't this mission risky to begin with?
"I agree with Xin's plan as well," another chimed in.
"I still think sticking to the original plan is best. If something goes wrong, the consequences could be severe," said someone else.
Some wanted to take risks; others didn't. It wasn't surprising to see them divided-especially when it came to Hyuga and Uchiha. Those two clans always seemed to be at odds.
"Alright, enough. We're not here to argue," Jiraiya said, stepping in to stop the dispute between the Uchiha and Hyuga Jonin.
He turned to his student. "Minato, what do you think?"
Minato didn't hesitate. "I think Xin makes a good point. Our mission isn't just to break through the enemy's island blockade-our main goal is to provoke them, and force them into a direct confrontation."
"Since that's our objective, and we can't guarantee that reinforcements will arrive smoothly, why not be a bit more aggressive?"
They'd come this far already; why not push just a bit further?
As long as they achieved their goal, nothing else mattered.
Minato doubted that Kirigakure could just sit back while their islands were taken out one by one. And even if they did, they'd just keep at it until Kirigakure reacted.
As long as Minato left Flying Thunder God markers behind, they could return anytime to keep causing trouble. From the moment Minato had stepped onto the battlefield, it meant Kirigakure wouldn't have a moment of peace in the days to come.
Would the reinforcements arrive smoothly?
Minato wasn't sure. He also didn't believe that Konoha's reinforcements could easily make it through.
Don't forget who controlled the sea routes.
Since that was the case, why not join Xin and go all in?
If Kirigakure remained indifferent, they'd just keep stirring things up, pushing until they finally got a response. And if things got too heated, they could simply leave.
After all, their ships were safely stationed, and Minato could easily take them back to the vessels whenever needed.