Chapter 330: Deployment
"You brat, Tonbo Tobitake! Where did you run off to at such a critical moment? Do you have any idea how much you could delay our military operations?"
Tsunade glared at the appearing Tonbo, clearly exasperated. To wander off during such a pivotal strategy meeting was peak Tonbo behavior.
Tonbo let out a nervous laugh. "Well... I never thought I'd live to see a second war of this scale. I just went to record some footage of the preparations. If the war ends and the world enters an era of peace, these can be spread to show everyone the true cruelty of war."
He held up the camera in his hand.
The other Kage, aside from Tsunade, turned their attention to this man.
Gaara thought: So this is the person capable of pinning down that statue.
Onoki thought: He's quite young. Konoha is about to produce another Minato Namikaze-style figure. I truly hate losing to them.
Ay thought: This guy... why does he feel as eccentric as Bee? Is that monster Konoha fought really that powerful?
As for Terumi Mei, her eyes lit up upon seeing Tonbo. "What a handsome Konoha shinobi. I wonder if he's married?"
With those misty blue eyes, refined white hair, and a height similar to hers, she felt they were a perfect match. Plus, he was clearly a powerhouse. She didn't hesitate to speak her mind.
"Huh?" Tonbo was stunned. Good grief, Lady, you're really hungry for a husband.
"Mizukage, now is not the time for matchmaking. Next, Shikaku of Konoha will walk us through our plan," Ay said, somewhat speechless. They were all Kage; why were they so unreliable at such a critical juncture?
"Exactly. If you don't have a partner, I'll introduce some excellent youths from our village to you after the war," Onoki grumbled, glancing at her.
Shikaku stepped forward. "Right, I will outline the structure. The entire Allied Shinobi Forces will be divided into several units:
First Company: Led by Darui of Kumogakure. Responsible for mid-range combat support.Second Company: Led by Kitsuchi of Iwagakure. Responsible for mid-range combat support.Third Company: Led by Kakashi Hatake. Responsible for short-to-mid-range combat. Members must possess high stamina and speed. Also handles medical and logistical tasks.Fourth Company: Led by Gaara of Sunagakure. Responsible for long-range support. Gaara also serves as the Regiment Commander of the main battle forces.Fifth Company: Led by Mifune of the Land of Iron. A special division responsible for unique jutsu support.Surprise Attack Division: Led by Kankuro of Sunagakure. Responsible for ambushing the enemy rear.Daimyo Protection Squad: Led by the Mizukage, responsible for protecting the various Daimyos.Sensor Division: Led by Inoichi Yamanaka, providing sensory support to the front lines.
Since we don't know the enemy's specific deployment, we may adjust these units at any time..."
Shikaku explained the troop arrangements with meticulous detail.
"Hey, what about me? I'm a sensor ninja too," Tonbo remarked after hearing the list. He felt like he'd been left out.
"You are a vital combat asset," Shikaku explained. "Your primary role is to intercept any massive monsters that appear—specifically the one we encountered before. Meanwhile, the Hokage, Raikage, and Tsuchikage will oversee the overall direction and decision-making from HQ, providing support to specific units when necessary."
Raikage Ay nodded. "Correct. That giant monster is a massive threat to our divisions. We cannot guarantee the enemy won't summon it onto the battlefield. Therefore, you are a key figure."
"Ah~ I see. No problem. Leave the big guy to me."
Tonbo found this acceptable. He hadn't collected enough data on the Gedo Mazo yet. After studying it for a while, he'd gained some preliminary results; a bit more time on the battlefield would yield even better information.
"However, I'd like to apply for a battlefield support mission. As you all know, I'm actually a Genjutsu specialist. My auditory Genjutsu is quite excellent and can provide immense support to the ranks."
Tonbo didn't want to just sit around in the back waiting. Where was the fun in that?
The Raikage replied, "Your mission must prioritize pinning down that giant monster..."
"No, my abilities require the support of the collective. I have a Chakra Conversion Technique that can convert others' chakra into my own. The jutsu used to pin down that monster requires massive support; my own chakra isn't enough. Therefore, supporting and saving the troops is the core of the strategy."
Gaara spoke up: "I heard from Naruto. He said you are the most capable person in Konoha. I trust your analysis."
Mainly, since becoming Kazekage, Gaara had heard from his elders that during Tonbo's time as Acting Hokage, the pressure he faced was the highest in years.
"Hmm? When did Naruto say that?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed, her lips twitching. I'm the Hokage.
Shikaku added: "I know Tonbo well. If he says so, I trust his judgment."
Seeing that even the brilliant Shikaku agreed, Raikage Ay conceded. "Very well. We will establish one more unit: the Special Support Division, led by Tonbo Tobitake. Specific actions are at his discretion, or directed by HQ when necessary."
"No objections."
The others agreed. It was wartime; there was no room for delay.
"Now, for the offensive mission."
Shikaku pulled out a map. "Based on intelligence from our reconnaissance teams, the enemy's base is in a place called the Mountains' Graveyard. Between the Land of Lightning and the Graveyard lie the Land of Frost and the Land of Hot Water. We need to evacuate the civilians of those two nations. The battlefield will be situated between them—partly in the heartland, partly along the coastline.
The Alliance will advance with five main battle divisions from five directions... The Surprise Attack Division will strike the enemy's interior. Since we don't know their layout, the teams must maintain mutual support.
The First Company will attack from the coast, while the Second Company moves in a 'Long Snake' formation. If the enemy's strength is too great, Kitsuchi's Second Company can break off from the middle, allowing the rear to reinforce the First Company.
The same applies to the others. If any side is overwhelmed, we can quickly redistribute troops from the Second Company... Tonbo, if necessary, I will notify the troops to assist you in using your Forbidden Jutsu against that monster."
"Konoha has some truly gifted people," the Raikage looked at Shikaku with genuine admiration.
Shikaku had analyzed every aspect of the battlefield with perfect logic, preparing numerous backup strategies for almost every possible scenario.
"As expected of Shikaku-senpai..." Tonbo marveled.
In terms of deploying for war, even though Tonbo considered himself quite smart, he wasn't sure he could do a better job than Shikaku. Knowing the plot of the original story didn't necessarily make one a master tactician. No wonder the protagonists in the web novels he used to read never used their brains—overwhelming power was just easier. Using your head meant potentially getting outplayed by the locals.
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