Chapter 13: Tonight We Must Win, No Defeat Allowed
Inside the command tent, people whispered and argued back and forth.
At this moment, a civilian jōnin stood up and declared loudly: "How about we switch to a different plan? I feel these three defensive lines aren't very reliable!"
Hearing someone question it, an adult Uchiha jōnin abruptly stood up and roared angrily: "We're ninjas—when has any mission ever been without danger? We have such a good strategy and you're not using it—are you afraid of dying?!"
Seeing an argument about to erupt, Uchiha Sanpō cleared his throat lightly: "Ahem, ahem!"
In an instant, the command tent fell completely silent.
Then, with a smile on his face, he spoke slowly: "Actually, there are still the two most crucial steps. First: have Commander Fugaku use his Mangekyō Sharingan to activate Susanoo, then lead the pursuit against the Iwagakure ninjas. Susanoo stands dozens of meters tall—ordinary ninjutsu can hardly breach its defense. After Iwagakure's forces have just passed through massive traps, suddenly being chased by an overwhelmingly powerful, invincible monster will shatter their morale. At that point, everyone here only needs to lead thousands of ninjas to beat the drowning dogs."
Hearing about the "Mangekyō" and "Susanoo" trump cards, many jōnin's breathing grew noticeably heavier.
After taking in everyone's expressions, Uchiha Sanpō radiated strong confidence and continued: "Next comes the most critical step. I suggest using the Uchiha Flame Array to cut off the Iwagakure ninjas' retreat route. This way, we can capture several thousand Iwagakure ninjas alive. Then Iwagakure Village will have no choice but to surrender. And I propose demanding 300 billion ryō in war reparations from Iwagakure!"
Even the usually domineering Kurama clan head felt a bit unsure: "Capture thousands of Iwagakure ninjas alive, force Iwagakure to surrender, and demand 300 billion ryō in reparations… is this really something we can pull off?"
Uchiha Hachidai tugged at his sparse beard and explained: "You all know the Uchiha excel at Fire Release. The Uchiha Flame Array's power is immense. Four jōnin casting it together can block a Tailed Beast Ball. If twenty or more join forces, it can indeed trap several thousand Iwagakure ninjas for a considerable time."
As both Clan Head and head of Konoha's Police Force, Uchiha Fugaku knew some details about the village's annual revenue, expenditures, and surplus.
He tapped the table lightly, organizing his words: "300 billion ryō… isn't that a bit too much? Konoha's annual revenue is about 130 billion ryō; after expenses, we net around 40 billion. Iwagakure is much poorer than us—netting 30 billion in a good year would already be impressive. 300 billion is equivalent to ten years of their total income—they probably won't agree!"
Under normal circumstances, yes, Iwagakure couldn't pay that amount. But…
Uchiha Sanpō exuded overwhelming confidence: "On our Iwagakure front alone, we've lost 3,226 Konoha ninjas dead. Counting the Kumo, Suna, and Kiri fronts, total Konoha deaths are conservatively around 11,000. Add thousands more severely wounded or crippled, and after the war ends, the village will owe roughly over 400 billion ryō in casualty compensation."
Hearing the figure of over 400 billion ryō, everyone in the room sucked in a cold breath.
"As Commander Fugaku just said, Konoha nets over 40 billion ryō annually—but that's in peacetime. With over half our ninjas dead or injured, village revenue will drop sharply in the coming years. The village won't be able to pay those casualty compensations. That's why I propose demanding 300 billion ryō from Iwagakure—it's for everyone's sake. With this money, not only will families receive proper compensation, but the survivors will also get the rewards they deserve."
Uchiha Sanpō's analysis was logical and extremely bold.
Kazami clan head exclaimed in astonishment: "But… 300 billion ryō is an enormous sum! How do we make Iwagakure pay? Are we going to have them repay with mineral resources?"
In this war, the Kurama clan had already suffered over 50% casualties. If they received no compensation afterward, the clan would inevitably decline.
Seeing a chance to get money, Kurama clan head quickly agreed: "The Land of Earth is the largest of the Five Great Nations in territory, with abundant mineral resources. Repaying with minerals is naturally feasible!"
A civilian jōnin muttered: "It's feasible, but transporting those minerals back to the Land of Fire would be very troublesome."
Uchiha Sanpō swept his gaze across the room: "After we capture these thousands of Iwagakure ninjas, Iwagakure will be left with only 6,000–7,000 ninjas. They won't be able to withstand Kumogakure's attack. Under the threat of national destruction, Iwagakure will have no choice but to pay. But this money… it will likely come from the pampered nobles of the Land of Earth!"
At these words, realization dawned on everyone's faces.
"That's right—Iwagakure can't pay, but the nobles of the Land of Earth are filthy rich!"
Knowing there would be rewards after the war, many jōnin began rubbing their hands together, full of fighting spirit.
Suddenly, Uchiha Kusuri rushed into the command tent and reported urgently: "Report! Mimura Hamaki-jōnin encountered 50 elite ninjas led by Higashi Shinin near Shinobazu Bridge. Our side suffered 96 deaths; the remaining 4 were rescued by Namikaze Minato-jōnin."
Hearing of 96 deaths on their side, the room's atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Uchiha Sanpō glanced at the time and frowned slightly: Mimura Hamaki had only left with over 100 civilian ninjas around 10 a.m. to head toward Shinobazu Bridge. By 3 p.m., 96 were already dead—truly a case of sending heads a thousand miles with light courtesy!
Uchiha Hachidai sighed: "Did Namikaze Minato return to the outpost with them?"
Uchiha Kusuri replied calmly: "No. It's said Minato rushed to rescue his three students and did not return with Mimura Hamaki's group."
Hearing this, Uchiha Sanpō inwardly scoffed: He knew this plot well—Uchiha Obito's right side crushed under a boulder, transplanting his Two Tomoe Sharingan to Kakashi, then the cave fully collapsing before Minato arrived to save the day.
The command tent fell silent again. Kurama clan head, Kazami clan head, and Uchiha Hachidai exchanged glances.
Uchiha Fugaku lightly tapped the table: "Everyone, the meeting ends here. We'll proceed with the three-line defense layout we discussed. It's now 3:21 p.m.—time is short. All squads, move immediately to positions, prepare traps and ambushes. Tonight we welcome Iwagakure's night assault properly. Also, medical teams and wounded must be safely relocated. Everyone—tonight we must win, no defeat allowed. Let us all do our utmost!"
At these words, the many jōnin straightened their postures, accepted the orders, and departed...
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