Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 176: Hyuga Fuji Forces the Desire to Advance Upon All Nations

"A surprise attack?"

"Yes, let's end this today. Attacking when they think we're going to play it safe is the perfect timing, isn't it?"

Standing atop the fortress walls, Yakumaru looked at Kakashi with a confident smile. "Leave it to me."

"…"

Using reverse logic made sense, but that smile of yours tells me you have more in mind than just that.

Reflecting on his interactions with Yakumaru over the past few days, Kakashi came to a conclusion. With an exasperated look, he glanced at Yakumaru. "Are you just trying to prove you're not an idiot?"

"…Why would you guess that so accurately?"

Yakumaru's mouth twitched as he muttered under his breath, adopting a deadpan expression that matched Kakashi's. "And since you guessed it, wouldn't it have been kinder not to say it out loud?"

"If I didn't say it, you'd take it too far," Kakashi replied, shaking his head helplessly. "Your plan itself isn't wrong, but have you forgotten? We still need to secure the supply line and wait for the main forces to arrive. There are only 3,000 shinobi here right now. How many are you planning to take with you for this attack?"

"I think half would be enough with the two of us," Yakumaru said, smirking. "Besides, if we take Moonlight Castle, we'll have everything we need, won't we?"

"And what about the residents there? Don't forget, it's an important border city for Sunagakure. How do you plan to manage all those people after you take it?"

"…That's a problem."

Kakashi's reasoning momentarily stumped Yakumaru, but he quickly recovered and argued confidently, "But you can't deny that this is the best time to attack, can you? Didn't the intelligence report say that the Wind Daimyō has been pulling ninja from the northwestern border to reinforce this area?"

As ambassador, Koharu Utatane had done quite a bit of work.

Although the intelligence network established through the embassy couldn't uncover the core secrets, large-scale troop movements were still detectable. Not to mention Danzo's intelligence network was also lending support. While they couldn't claim to have a complete grasp of the Land of Wind's actions, they certainly wouldn't be at a disadvantage in the intelligence war.

The northwestern corner of the Land of Wind was home to several small nations, without the threat of major powers nearby. However, the defenses around its major cities were still robust, with several thousand ninja stationed there to guard against rogue ninja or wandering mercenaries.

But with the sudden outbreak of war with the Land of Fire, the Wind Daimyō had redeployed a significant portion of those forces toward the frontlines.

"Fugaku-sama is applying pressure from the eastern front, tying down some of the Sand shinobi so we can focus on the remaining enemies. This is an opportunity we can't waste," Yakumaru said, his eagerness evident.

Seeing Yakumaru's restless expression, Kakashi sighed and waved him off. "Fine, go ahead."

While Kakashi wasn't entirely on board with the idea, Yakumaru was technically the commander of this unit. If he was determined, Kakashi couldn't stop him.

Although, no matter how he looked at it, Kakashi felt he was the more reliable of the two…

"Uh… you're really not coming?"

"I'll stay here to oversee the camp and guard against any surprises while waiting for the reinforcements to arrive."

Seeing Kakashi's stoic expression, Yakumaru realized there was no convincing him.

Alone, Yakumaru knew he couldn't launch a full-scale assault… but he could still harass the enemy and put pressure on Sunagakure.

With that thought in mind, Yakumaru said, "Fine, I'll take a small team to scout and probe them."

"Go ahead," Kakashi replied with a sigh.

…

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kitsuchi-dono."

"Consider it done."

As Kitsuchi led a group of Sand shinobi into the desert under the cover of night, Uchiya Shinji turned to Yamada Hidenori.

"Are the arrangements in place?"

"I've already informed the residents in the city. I told them we've defeated the Land of Fire's forces but that there are still enemy stragglers outside, so they shouldn't leave their homes… they've already started celebrating."

At this, Yamada hesitated before leaning in closer and lowering his voice. "Elder Shinji, isn't this… a bit too much?"

"If the Land of Fire breaches the city, we've lost."

Walking back toward his quarters, Uchiya Shinji spoke in a low voice. "If that's the case, isn't it better to calm the people down with a little lie? At least this way, they'll feel at ease for now."

"…"

But the rumors you've spread will surely cause problems for the Land of Fire if they take the city. They'll struggle to manage this place for quite some time.

And if we win, we'll have our own troubles to deal with…

Recalling the messages Uchiya Shinji had instructed him to spread among the citizens, Yamada couldn't help but think to himself.

Noticing Yamada's expression, Uchiya Shinji let out a cold chuckle. "This is war. The Land of Fire is the aggressor, claiming some self-righteous justification. We, of course, can flip the narrative and create problems for them in return. Sure, this strategy might backfire on us, but do you honestly think our chances of winning are better than theirs?"

He continued without waiting for a response.

"You shinobi academy graduates, with your ninjutsu training and basic education, think you're prepared for most situations. But let me tell you, you still have much to learn."

Pausing, Uchiya Shinji's tone became contemplative. "If you have time, read some of Hyuga Fuji's works. His ideas may be unconventional, but they're undeniably effective."

As Yamada silently listened, Uchiya Shinji's voice grew distant, as if lost in thought.

"The times have changed. In the past, wars were battles of strength between ninja villages, with little use for propaganda or psychological tactics. Back then, the conflicts were confined to a stable order, a struggle for resources within an established framework. Our methods were limited."

"Why is it different now? Because back then, there was only so much to gain, and the established order discouraged drastic changes. The daimyō and Kage of each nation clung to their positions, unwilling to disrupt the status quo. Do you know the last time the Land of Wind expanded its territory? It was during the founding of Sunagakure, when they annexed a few small neighboring countries."

"But now? Hyuga Fuji has shattered that order. Daimyō want control over the ninja villages, and ninja want the authority of the daimyō. If a country's highest ruler gains control over both the military and political powers, they'll no longer settle for mere preservation of the status quo."

Desire is limitless.

From self-preservation to becoming the strongest in the shinobi world, to ruling over the entire shinobi world.

Whether the goal is peace or domination, someone will always become consumed by it.

Turning to face Yamada, Uchiya Shinji spoke softly, watching as Yamada's expression shifted drastically.

"Hyuga Fuji destroyed the existing order and forced a desire for progress upon all nations. Some welcome it eagerly, while others are forced to endure it."

"Hyuga Fuji's bounty in the black market is now ten billion ryo!"

"That's how much the daimyō of the great nations hate him, because the Land of Fire's reforms revealed to everyone that in this upheaval, the daimyō are the weakest players."

"That's why I wasn't surprised when our daimyō acted against Sunagakure during its weakest moment. Only the strong can seize more in this new era!"

Uchiya Shinji sighed quietly, his mind wandering to the special communication channel in his thoughts.

…

As the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind waged fierce battles, a gap quietly opened along the northwestern border of the Land of Wind due to the redeployment of some ninja forces.

Seizing the opportunity, a group of waiting ninja swiftly captured two cities in the northwestern corner of the Land of Wind.

(End of Chapter)

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