28 Strike Back (2/2)

Hiruzen, Akata and Jiraiya studied the maps in the hope of them eventually revealing a clear way for them to accomplish the goal set by the Fire Daimyo.

”I don't see why this need to be so difficult. As you said, we're faster and we've got the element of surprise. They don't know where we're going to attack from. There's more than one way to raze a village to the ground,” Fuzen said tired of there being zero progress.

”What do you mean?”

”Isn't it obvious? In order for there to ever be a deal between these two nations, representatives who can make that deal are needed. Sunagakure knows this, and I bet they're making the people of Kagero Village elect a new Daimyo as we speak. However, what if none of those representatives could support this deal?”

”You're suggesting we ignore the enemy shinobi force entirely and focus on killing the city's general population?” Koda asked.

”I don't see why not? If we kill enough, I'm quite sure reasonable souls inside Kagero Village would eventually speak out against this deal only causing the death. Up until this point, the Land Of Wind has shown them the carrot, the benefits of joining. Now, it's our turn to show them the stick, the consequences if they turn to our enemies for support.”

Considering the plan, Hiruzen took a pencil and began drawing on the map, ”This could work...”

Hiruzen decided they would split up into four separate teams and attack at the light of first dawn. The goal was to make sure the general population in Kagero Village became aware of the dire consequences if they went through with the deal.

”Jiraiya and Akata, each of you will be given command of a team consisting of twenty,” Hiruzen instructed.

With the fourth commanding spot left open, Fuzen called attention to himself. ”Since I was the one who came up with the plan, isn't it only right I get to spearhead one of these teams?”

Hiruzen looked at him like he'd grown a second head. ”You're too young and too inexperienced, you're still on your first mission. No, I'll have one of my veterans take command of the fourth team.”

”Tsk, stingy, Old Man...”

From there, it didn't long for people to get organized in teams. Altogether they numbered just above eighty people. Not many considering the enemy force they soon encounter. However, what they lacked in numbers was compensated by pure strength.

The plan was simple; go in and kill every civilian encountered. It was brutal, yet necessary to avoid even further bloodshed, at least that's how Hiruzen argued it. Fuzen wasn't sure he believed it.

Pakura was left behind, sealed inside an artificially created cave. This meant, that unless they returned for her, she'd die a slow death. Hiruzen figured she could be used as a bargaining chip to convince Sunagakure of returning home. If things went as expected, the relationship between their two nations would soon turn quite sour. In order to incentivize both parties to break off from this deal, Pakura could help motivate the Kazekage and by proxy, Sunagakure.

Just before take off, Fuzen teleported beside Jiraiya and Akata without them noticing and elbowed Jiraiya lightly. ”Oi, want to make a quick bet?”

”What sort of bet?” Jiraiya inquired, interest peaked.

Fuzen held up two fingers. ”I want to bet two million Ryo that my team reaches the centre square of Kagero Village first.”

”Idiot, it's my team, not yours!” Akata interrupted them. ”And you don't even have that kind of money.”

”I will after this mission is over,” Fuzen grinned, confident in getting a significant payday after this mission. If not, he would definitely launch a complaint with the Konoha Shinobi Union that protects the rights of all hardworking protectors of the Land of Fire.

”Well, in that case, I do believe we have a bet, Gaijin.” They shook hands.

As Fuzen left together with Akata's team, Jiraiya heard gleeful laughter spreading through the air. ”Why do I feel like I just made a bet with a devil?”

Hiruzen came up behind and patted him on the shoulder. ”You have much to learn, young Jiraiya. Let this be a learning experience.”

”Hey, I haven't lost yet, you know!”