This really is a case of not knowing until you compare, and once you do, it's shocking.
Onoki, as a responsible Tsuchikage, naturally knows that the Hidden Rock has not had any particularly outstanding geniuses in recent years.
But he truly did not expect the gap between Konoha and the Hidden Rock in terms of young ninjas to be so vast.
Nagaishi is one of the current strongest young geniuses in the Hidden Rock, yet he was instantly defeated by Might Guy with one punch at the youth martial arts tournament.
If Konoha only had one Might Guy, it might not be a big deal, but Konoha has several other super geniuses slightly inferior to Might Guy.
"In this light, Sosuke's side becomes more significant." Onoki fell into deep thought.
If the Ninja Sect can help them cultivate more outstanding ninjas, it could somewhat alleviate the current situation of the Hidden Rock.
But in Onoki's plan, it's highly likely that the Hidden Rock will come to oppose the Ninja Sect.
Because Onoki initially helped with the Rain Ninja Sect's peace talks to design a scheme to provoke hatred, leading the Land of Rain to contain Konoha.
As long as it's a strategy, there's always the possibility of being discovered. If the Ninja Sect learns of the Hidden Rock's actions, they will inevitably tear off pretenses with the Hidden Rock.
"Change the plan, shift the focus to the Rain Village, let the Rain Village lead the Ninja Sect to contain Konoha?" Onoki came up with a solution.
Although ultimately it's still the Hidden Rock causing trouble in the Land of Rain, it's no longer targeting the Ninja Sect.
This change brings forth an obvious downside, which is that the Ninja Sect might not exert effort.
Because, from Onoki's perspective, the Ninja Sect and the Rain Village are merely two forces united out of mutual apprehension; in such circumstances, it's completely normal for the Ninja Sect not to support the Rain Village against Konoha.
"Continue to observe the situation." Onoki suppressed his inner anxiety.
Although the gap in top-tier young ninjas has widened, the overall strength of the Hidden Rock is currently not inferior to Konoha, because the Hidden Rock has a ninja squad of tens of thousands.
Thus, as long as the Hidden Rock finds an opportunity to cripple Konoha in this war, there's naturally no concern about Konoha surpassing them in strength.
...
Land of Thunder, The Hidden Cloud Village.
Fourth A scoffed at the news from the youth martial arts tournament, "Just winning a single competition held by their own forces and they dare claim to be the number one genius in the Ninja World; the arrogance and ignorance are astounding."
"If it weren't for the need to familiarize yourself with the power of the Tailed Beasts, I'd really want you, Bee, to go give them a lesson," Fourth A said, looking at Killer Bee who was training.
After becoming the new Eight-tailed Jinchuriki, Killer Bee was restricted from leaving the village.
Fourth A doesn't believe that someone like Nagato, Might Guy, or Obito can defeat Killer Bee.
Fourth A witnessed firsthand as Killer Bee slowly grew stronger, and in his view, Killer Bee might even surpass him.
If he can surpass even himself, then what else could he be besides the number one genius in the Ninja World?
"Those arrogant Rain Ninjas, if it weren't for cultivation, I'd have to teach them a lesson." Killer Bee retorted to Fourth A in his unique rap style.
"Idiot, if you need to speak while cultivating, speak properly!"
Fourth A watched as Killer Bee continued his antics even during cultivation, and couldn't help but twitch an eyebrow, swinging a punch at Killer Bee's head.
He felt that Killer Bee's unpopularity in the Hidden Cloud Village wasn't related to the Eight-tails, but entirely due to Killer Bee's out-of-place rap disrupting the community.
"Even if it's Big Brother, he can't make me abandon my splendid rhythm, yeah!" The pummeled Killer Bee still didn't intend to change.
At this moment, Dodai suddenly entered Fourth A's view.
"Please accompany me to the conference room in the Hidden Cloud Building." Dodai said.
Fourth A nodded without asking why and directly headed to the Hidden Cloud Building with Dodai.
After entering the Raikage's office, Fourth A discovered a few other Hidden Cloud elite ninjas in the conference room, besides his father, the Third Raikage.
"Alright, let's begin." The Third Raikage nodded when Dodai and his son were present.
"Where should Hidden Cloud focus its main objectives in the upcoming conflicts with the Ninja Villages? Share your thoughts."
Due to the issues with the Eight-tailed Jinchuriki, the Hidden Cloud was far less arrogant than it was two years ago, showing much more restraint.
With Konoha, it's just facing off; the only slightly intense battles are with the Hidden Sand.
Logically, the Hidden Cloud should persistently attack the Hidden Sand, but as the Hidden Sand's internal chaos has ended, it's no longer as easily bullied as when the Third Kazekage had just disappeared.
Of course, this isn't the only reason; there are geographical factors as well, attacking the Hidden Sand is rather challenging for the Hidden Cloud, as it requires traversing several small countries.
Previously, there was hope to seize the Hidden Sand, ignoring such issues was viable, but now that the Hidden Sand has become increasingly difficult to tackle, various problems are gradually emerging.
"The Hidden Rock Village is a good choice; our ninjas can directly reach the east coast of the Hidden Rock by boat, or choose to land north of the Land of Waterfall, then enter the Land of Earth." A Hidden Cloud ninja spoke.
In terms of ninja marching speed, traveling by boat isn't necessarily faster than on land, but sea transport has the advantage of being direct, without passing through any nations.
The more countries traversed during a land march, the easier it is to expose intelligence or fall into ambushes.
"Moreover, considering the war conditions between the Hidden Rock and Konoha, the Hidden Rock's strength is weak, and there aren't many strong figures worth noting."
Although in the Ninja World, the Hidden Cloud Village is often perceived as reckless warriors, they aren't really brainless, consistently dispatching spies to gather war intelligence from various villages.
"I actually think Konoha is the best choice." At this point, a glasses-wearing Hidden Cloud ninja spoke.
"Currently, Konoha seems to be strong, but after several wars, they've lost many ninjas; although they now have strong figures like the Yellow Flash Blazing Sun Mokgetsu, the mid-to-low-level ninja forces are absolutely not what they used to be."