Yes, although Konoha held the upper hand strategically, they were still at a numerical disadvantage.
Therefore, for the time being, Konoha lacked the conditions to launch a full-scale counteroffensive into the Land of Wind.
Overall, even though Konoha had driven the Sand ninja out of their borders, they still maintained a defensive posture.
However, after realizing that victory against Konoha was highly unlikely, the Sand seemed to lose their appetite for an offensive.
Of course, this might just be on the surface. The Sand absolutely, desperately wanted to end the war with Konoha.
If possible, they wanted a decent, honorable exit. That way, they could reassign the troops currently pinned down by Konoha, because the Leaf wasn't their only enemy.
If Hagoromo—a guy living his second life—had to evaluate the tactical level of the hidden villages in this Great Ninja War, he'd say they were all pretty awful.
In his previous life, he had haunted major military forums. He spent a long time as an armchair general and keyboard warrior, highly skilled at spouting nonsense and blind critiques.
Naturally, the ninja world's warfare was shaped by their unique lack of mutual trust. Plus, ninja simply weren't traditional soldiers.
The Third Great Ninja War was a massive free-for-all. While attacking Konoha, the Sand was also facing an invasion from the Stone.
Realizing Konoha wouldn't push into the Land of Wind, the Sand had already begun transferring some of their forces to the Stone front.
As the war dragged on, the Stone's offensive against the Land of Wind hadn't slowed down; it was only getting stronger. The Sand was under immense pressure.
"According to our latest intel, the Sand has diverted another 1,000 ninja to fight the Stone."
Tsunade stared thoughtfully at the tactical map on the table. "Our troop ratio is now 2,600 to their 3,000. Perhaps we should consider taking the initiative and launching an attack?"
Hagoromo and the others had been at the front for over a week.
Aside from researching sealing jutsu and practicing his own techniques, he spent his time accompanying Kushina to endless strategy meetings.
Because of this, he had developed a solid understanding of both sides' troop deployments and the latest state of the war.
"What is the strategy department's opinion?" Tsunade asked Shikaku Nara.
"We still recommend a defensive counter-attack strategy," Shikaku replied.
"The Stone's pressure may have reduced the Sand's forces to 3,000. However, don't forget we have to guard the headquarters and our supplies."
"The actual combat force we can deploy is only 2,100 men. Compared to the Sand, that's still a significant gap."
"Furthermore," Shikaku continued, "ever since we pushed into the Land of Rivers, their main force has disengaged and retreated back into the Land of Wind."
"Though they still send small squads to harass us, an effective strike would require us to cross the Land of Rivers."
"We'd have to march over 200 kilometers into the completely unfamiliar territory of the Land of Wind."
"We would be fighting blind with insufficient intel. Not to mention, that kind of distance would put immense strain on our supply lines and command structure."
Clearly, even with the Sand's forces reduced by a quarter, the strategy department wanted to maintain the status quo.
They refused to support Tsunade's risky maneuver. A single mistake could burn Konoha's hard-won advantage to the ground.
"You're all just too conservative," Tsunade told Shikaku.
"The Third Great Ninja War has dragged on for years. If we just maintain the status quo, when will this war ever end?"
"Since the Sand is showing signs of exhaustion, we should hit them with everything we have."
"But if we launch a strike mission, our chances of winning are fifty-fifty at best," Shikaku countered.
He knew the Sand was exhausted. But what about Konoha? Konoha's war potential was nearly bled dry as well.
Tsunade let out a soft sigh. "...I understand."
This was war. Although Tsunade was the supreme commander here with the right to make unilateral decisions, she couldn't stubbornly push her own agenda without the support of her strategists.
Besides, she wasn't blind. She knew her proposal carried incredibly high risks.
After the regular meeting adjourned, everyone went their separate ways. But this time, Hagoromo called out to Kushina.
"Kushina-sensei, I want to leave the headquarters and move closer to the front."
Kushina was stunned by the sudden request. A second later, she realized exactly what he meant.
He wanted to go to the vanguard.
"Why?" The question blurted out of her mouth.
"I'm curious about large-scale ninja battles," Hagoromo replied.
"Plus, since I'm already here, I should obviously go to the very front to see it for myself. Staying cooped up in HQ feels pointless. I need to stretch my legs."
He rolled his shoulders, implying his body was about to rust from inactivity.
His previous injuries had completely healed. He was fully prepared to step onto the battlefield, both physically and mentally.
"I understand how you feel, Hagoromo. But you have to realize that being on the front lines means facing combat at any moment."
"Anything can happen out there. Your skills are good, but your overall combat power is, at best, at the level of an Elite Chunin or a Special Jonin."
"You still lack the strength to handle a Jonin properly. And you won't be facing just one Jonin out there."
"You can rely on your Lightning Release for short, explosive bursts of power, but your chakra reserves..."
Hagoromo smiled and cut her off. "I understand what you're saying, Sensei. But we are ninja. We have to face these things sooner or later, don't we?"
His resolve was absolute.
Kushina sighed. She was deeply worried about his safety, but she couldn't bring herself to stop him.
It wasn't that she lacked the authority. She simply refused to force her own will upon him.
She knew all too well what it was like to be stripped of freedom. She understood the deep frustration and pain of having someone else restrict your actions.
"I will tell Tsunade-sensei about this. I'm sure we can make arrangements for you..."
If Hagoromo wanted to go to the front, she would let him. He was right; a ninja had to experience this eventually.
Let alone her student, even Asuma Sarutobi—the Third Hokage's own flesh and blood—had been thrown straight onto the battlefield after graduating.
Hearing Kushina's tone, Hagoromo knew she had agreed to his request.