"Dodai, go make preparations!"
Ai suddenly said.
Make preparations?
For what?
Dodai had a bad feeling. Both generations of Raikages he served had strong personal charisma that attracted talented people to follow them, but their shared flaw was their tendency to act impulsively. They often made decisions that gave others headaches.
"Lord Raikage, are you planning to launch an immediate attack on the Kusatsu Highlands?"
As expected of the Raikage's trusted advisor, Dodai had guessed Ai's intentions before he even explained.
"The time is too tight. The intel Yugito brought back hasn't been processed yet, and we don't fully understand the Leaf Village's defenses. Attacking now could lead to heavy losses…"
"Dodai, both you and Yugito said that Konoha wouldn't defend the Kusatsu Highlands at all costs. If that's the case, we don't need detailed intel. As for losses... Yugito, this time go all out. If the Leaf ninja flee, let them. Just taking the Kusatsu Highlands is enough."
Ai made his decision in just a few sentences.
Dodai opened his mouth, hesitated, then eventually smiled bitterly and nodded. "Give me an hour to draft a plan. I'll gather the necessary manpower... But, Lord Raikage, this goes completely against our previous strategy!"
"Plans are never set in stone, Dodai. Caution is good, but don't let it hold you back," Ai replied, turning to Yugito. "Yugito, any issues? Can you handle this, or should we send 'Bee' instead?"
"Don't worry, Lord Raikage. I'll complete the mission."
Yugito answered confidently.
Dodai sighed inwardly.
There was no turning back now; he could only try to prepare as much as possible.
As they left the Raikage's temporary office, Yugito followed Dodai silently. When they reached the steps outside the entrance, Dodai stopped and turned to her, asking, "Yugito, is something wrong?"
"Senior Dodai," Yugito hesitated before asking, "Is it true that Uchiha Sōgen captured the Fourth Mizukage alive?"
"I don't know," Dodai replied, waving his hand. "That's what our spies in Konoha reported, but the information is unverified. We got similar intel from some high-ranking Leaf prisoners, but there are still too many gaps in the story."
"But it seems like you believe the intel, don't you, Senior Dodai?"
Dodai paused, then smiled wryly. "That's just your gut feeling?"
"Yeah."
"...Rather than hoping rumors are false, it's better to prepare just in case. After all, we're talking about the Uchiha," Dodai warned. "Yugito, since you brought this up, let me remind you: controlling the power of the Two-Tails is impressive, but the real strength of a Tailed Beast lies in its wide-scale destruction. Don't rely too much on it."
"Tailed Beasts aren't invincible; if they were, we wouldn't need Jinchuriki in every village. Don't be careless. We don't have any reports of Uchiha elites arriving at the front yet, but stay cautious."
"Are the Uchiha really that dangerous?"
Yugito looked skeptical.
"Not all Uchiha are strong, but when they are... let's just say they can treat a Tailed Beast like a big moving puppet," Dodai replied, though he didn't elaborate further.
He didn't want to keep warning her—he knew young people could be rebellious if you overdid it.
Hopefully, the rumor was just that: a rumor.
Dodai walked away. As the advisor to two generations of Raikages, Dodai was busy. Unlike the former Hokage's advisor in Konoha, who constantly schemed for power, Dodai's role was truly one of support. His wisdom and tactics helped the Raikages control the village effectively.
He had a lot to do.
If it weren't for Yugito's special status as a Jinchuriki, Dodai wouldn't have time to stand around chatting. He needed to check supplies and prepare for the upcoming attack, not to mention conserve energy—overusing shadow clones would exhaust him.
Dodai's figure quickly disappeared from sight.
Yugito stood on the steps for a while, mumbling to herself, "Even Dodai says the Uchiha are terrifying... could they really be that strong?"
Although she was skeptical, she took Dodai's warning and her inner Two-Tails' advice to heart.
Meanwhile, Konoha's forces, unlike the comfortable Cloud ninja stationed in the towns of the Land of Hot Water, were enduring harsh conditions, camping out in the mountainous forests, without a chance to enjoy the local hot springs, constantly fleeing from Cloud ninja like hunted prey.
"Are we really going to abandon the Kusatsu Highlands? It's the last natural defense line of the Land of Hot Water."
In the central camp tent,
an intense argument was taking place.
"If we don't retreat, do you really think we can hold the line? Have you seen the intel on the Two-Tails Jinchuriki? Hoping the terrain will stop a Tailed Beast is suicide!"
"If we abandon the highlands, what's next? Retreating from the Hot River Plains? Are we planning to fall back to Konoha's doorstep? If we lose this high ground, it's nothing but open plains ahead—how will we stop the Cloud's advance?"
The camp was in chaos.
Sitting at the head of the table, Hiashi Hyuga, his body bandaged from a recent battle with the Fourth Raikage, remained silent. His defeat had been crushing—not only was he injured, but he had also lost six loyal clan members.
"Silence!"
A cold, commanding voice cut through the tent.
The argument stopped abruptly. Those who had been yelling prepared to retaliate, but their companions quickly stopped them when they realized who had spoken.
It was Shibi Aburame, seated beside Hiashi, who had shouted.
Known for his quiet demeanor, Shibi rarely spoke during meetings, so his sudden outburst shocked everyone.
"Hiashi, it's time to make a decision," Shibi said, not bothering to look at the others.
"What do you suggest, Shibi?"
Hiashi asked, seeking his advice.
"I say we retreat. Now isn't the time to face the Cloud head-on. We should wait for the Uchiha Clan leader to arrive before we counterattack. There's no point in wasting lives right now," Shibi replied coldly.
Hearing this, the room fell into two camps—some were pleased, while others scowled in frustration. Still, no one challenged Shibi's authority openly.
After considering the situation carefully, Hiashi finally made up his mind.
"We'll retreat."
Though making the decision, he inwardly sighed—once again, the Hyuga couldn't compare to the Uchiha.
"Are we really just going to retreat without a fight? If the Cloud chases us, do we plan to fight on the plains?" asked the commander of the northeastern defenses, clearly upset.
"We'll leave the Hot Water ninja to cover our retreat."
The room fell silent again. The Hot Water ninja were effectively being sacrificed.
"If they don't follow orders, execute them. Do I need to remind you of the military code?" Hiashi said coldly, silencing the last of the dissenters.
No one objected—after all, the Hot Water ninja were just allies, and everyone understood that sacrifices had to be made.