Chapitre 178: Chapter 179 : Manipulation!
The atmosphere at the Konoha Camp was tense, with Hiruzen silently relieved to hear that Orochimaru's team had returned safely. Medical ninjas solemnly carried away the Cloud shinobi's corpses shrouded in white cloth, stealing glances at the young Sannin.
Transporting the Cloud ninja corpses intact held significant meaning. It would provide valuable insights, allowing for the analysis of their ninjutsu, combat strategies, and potentially uncovering secrets about the Cloud's army.
Facing an unfamiliar adversary demanded caution. The second Raikage proved to be a cunning opponent, requiring Hiruzen to strategize and employ his intellect.
Yet, troubling news arrived from the Eastern Front, where the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn were reportedly driving Danzo to madness. A ninja brought the latest updates.
"Sarutobi-sensei, according to reports from the Eastern Front, the Golden Horn (Ginkaku) and the Silver Horn (Kinkaku) forces are employing tactics that leave no grass standing, clearing walls and fields as they advance. They've not only captured nearby small nations but are also coercing Danzo by holding civilians hostage. These captives are being sent back to the Land of Thunder in groups, while the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn seize food and money!"
"What?! Those two brutes! How dare they?!"
The report incensed Hiruzen, causing him to rise abruptly from his seat with a resounding bang. His face flushed red, an unbridled anger radiating from him that sent shivers through everyone present.
A nearby teacup succumbed to the intense chakra pressure, shattering with a 'boom.' The reporting ninja, drenched in sweat, felt as if his neck were being squeezed.
"Phew—sorry, I lost my composure."
Hiruzen sat back down indignantly. To his side, Jiraiya and Tsunade, both fellow Sannin, sighed in relief, seemingly gaining a newfound understanding of their teacher's temper and strength.
Hiruzen's love for Konoha and his desire for peace were evident. While the Golden Horn and Silver Horn had yet to strike at Konoha or harm the Land of Fire's civilians, their actions on the main front proved too much for Hiruzen to bear.
Ginkaku and Kinkaku, once notorious criminals of Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village), retain their unruly nature despite being "acknowledged" by the first generation of Raikage. Their innate disposition remains unaltered.
Though they haven't targeted civilians from the Land of Fire directly, the neighboring countries of the Land of Soup and the Land of Demons are, in essence, siblings to the Land of Fire, forming its strategic depth. The audacity of the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn is challenging the very foundations of Konoha!
However, truth be told, Ginkaku and Kinkaku's actions are akin to scraping the bottom of the barrel. Cloud and Konoha maintain stability through negotiations with major clans. The Golden Horn and the Silver Horn, lacking family support, initiate wars to bolster their strength—pillaging resources and populations being the most straightforward approach.
The Land of Tea consistently falls within Konoha's sphere of influence, and Ginkaku and Kinkau's presence prevents Danzo from launching surprise attacks or harassment against them.
Moreover, they employ the captured civilians as leverage, deterring them from joining enemy camps. Despite their unorthodox ninja appearances, dealing with Konoha and its adherence to the "Will of Fire" proves to be a significant headache—even for Danzo, who finds himself in a moral dilemma!
"Sensei, Ginkaku and Kinkaku are truly cunning. I doubt Ai can effectively suppress them, hence starting a war. But it seems counterproductive now," remarked the imposing Orochimaru as he surveyed the surroundings.
"Oh? Why do you say that?" Hiruzen inquired, visibly surprised.
"War serves various purposes—territory, resources, wealth, population, culture, beliefs, hatred, love, even whims—each person's reasons for war can be pondered slowly..."
"..."
"Um, sorry, cough cough!"
Noticing the amused expressions resembling illitrates on the faces of those around him, Orochimaru abruptly realized the misstep and ceased his lecture.
"I believe the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn's goal is to pursue their selfish interests, and their objectives are stronger and more extreme than Ai's. While Ai may have initially intended to use the war to weaken the enemy's forces and eliminate internal threats through Konoha's intervention, as the Raikage, once the war begins, he must consider the bigger picture. His focus shifts to winning the war."
Orochimaru continued nonchalantly, "However, the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn don't need to consider the broader implications. On the surface, they proclaim Cloud's dominance over the ninja world, but in reality, they value their own gains above all else. The tactic of capturing civilians is a means to restrain Danzo from engaging in a large-scale war, indicating their lack of genuine interest in conflict. They are short-sighted opportunists here for personal gain, disregarding consequences as long as they control the troops, leaving Raikage to shoulder the blame."
"From what you're saying, although the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn appear more arrogant now, the greater threat is still Ai, who aims to invade the Land of Fire in front of us?" Hiruzen pondered thoughtfully.
"It's not definitive. The Golden Horn and the Silver Horn are driven by greed, and once they taste success, they might escalate and commit even more egregious acts," Orochimaru added.
"How do you suggest we deploy our Konoha forces?" queried a ninja among the listeners.
"Fight, of course. Launch a decisive assault on Ginkaku and Kinkaku. Don't worry about the captured civilians. If you rain down a few well-placed jutsu, no one will remember who they were. We must not let these two bandits have their way," Orochimaru succinctly advised.
"But..." The present ninjas exchanged uncertain glances.
"Once we cripple the Golden Horn and the Silver Horn, Ai's objective will be accomplished. He might withdraw and negotiate peace, returning to address this hidden danger. We can seize the opportunity to make requests!"
"This..."
Many individuals glanced at Orochimaru, surprised by his words, yet still hesitant to fully embrace the suggested course of action.
Orochimaru's perspective held a certain truth, yet both Ginkaku and Kinkaku, like Konoha, harbored no immediate desire for demise. The latent threat from the Sand Ninja remained unaddressed by Konoha, despite Tobirama's counsel against reckless confrontation.
Ginkaku and Kinkaku had committed reprehensible acts, but the pervasive nature of human selfishness dictated their actions. They refrained from encroaching upon the Land of Fire's borders, and Orochimaru hinted that an invasion might not even be their objective. Thus, they cautiously avoided a direct clash with Konoha, respecting the threshold of an all-out war.
In the end, self-preservation prevailed in the hearts of individuals; personal interests took precedence, even amidst the simmering anger that might not necessarily translate into action. This was the harsh reality!
"Haha, should my words err, I implore your leniency," Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly, lowering his head, his utterance suspended.
His intent in uttering these words lay in his secret desire for a direct confrontation between Konoha and Cloud.
The escalation of conflict between these two nations would yield casualties, presenting Takeshi with an opportune moment and a wealth of resources.
In the heart of Konoha, Orochimaru harbored a belief that the village's strength was unparalleled. To him, any potential loss would be synonymous with a personal failure. How much of Konoha's strength was truly owed to Orochimaru?
Indeed, Orochimaru's motives were stark and uncomplicated. The more tumultuous the ninja world became, the more favorable the circumstances. In a way, his principles aligned with those of the mysterious mastermind, Black Zetsu.
Observing the righteous fury that had now transitioned into an uneasy silence among the assembled ninjas, Orochimaru couldn't help but smirk to himself.
It seemed there were fewer individuals who staunchly upheld the ideals of justice than initially believed. Tobirama had issued orders, and though many hesitated to venture beyond their comfort zones to seek direct support from Danzo, some dared to defy the status quo.
Yet, Orochimaru, intentionally vocalizing his thoughts in a conspicuous manner, was confident that there were those who couldn't remain indifferent.
"Orochimaru, you speak the truth. These individuals must be made aware of the consequences. Even though Tobirama-sensei has yet to return, we cannot idly stand by while our allies plunge into the abyss of chaos and suffering!"
Hiruzen declared with a stern expression, a deliberate pace underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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