The Wise Kage

The leaders of the two ninja villages reached a consensus. In subsequent battles, Kumo Ninja and Konoha Ninja formed teams with the samurai army, working together to defeat enemy samurai while engaging in combat with opposing ninja squads.

This strategy, while reducing ninja casualties, prolonged the conflict indefinitely. Both nations had reached a stalemate, and an end to the war seemed distant.

Initially, the Hidden Cloud Ninja Village's raid plan went unnoticed. However, after Kumo's offensive was thwarted and the Land of Lightning's samurai army joined the fray, other countries quickly became aware of the conflict between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning. Reactions varied by country: smaller nations preferred not to get involved, while three major powers considered joining the war.

In the northwestern land of the mainland, Hidden Stone Ninja Village received updates on the war's latest developments. A young, short man burst into the office of the Tsuchikage, slamming the door open and shouting, "Sensei, new information has arrived!"

This young man, Ohnoki, was the grandson of the first Tsuchikage, and the "teacher" he referred to was the second Tsuchikage.

The second Tsuchikage, wrapped in bandages with only his eyes visible, looked like a mummy. He nodded and said, "Show me."

Ohnoki handed over the scroll of information. Without reading it, he remarked, "It seems Land of Lightning's plan has failed. Unless something unexpected happens, they are on the verge of losing."

"Really, sensei?" Ohnoki asked, surprised, as Kumogakure's failure was not immediately apparent.

"Onoki," the second Tsuchikage said, "you must remember that war is not only about the front-line troops. It also depends on a nation's overall strength. The Land of Fire is rich and resourceful, so its logistics are robust. Land of Lightning, however, was significantly weakened by purchasing two tailed beasts at the Five Kage Conference. Their raid lacked sufficient preparation, otherwise, the Land of Fire would have noticed it sooner. The war may appear balanced now, but Land of Lightning will lose strength and eventually retreat."

The second Tsuchikage, renowned as the wise general of Iwagakure, was known for his keen observations and strategic mind. His insights had shaped many of Iwagakure's strategies during Tsuchikage's inauguration , making him a key figure in the village's decisions.

As other villages speculated on the outcome of the Land of Fire and Land of Lightning conflict, the second Tsuchikage had already determined the likely victor. Unless Kumo Ninja Village managed to surprise the Konoha Ninja Village again, which was unlikely given the second Hokage's precautions, the Konoha Ninja Village was destined to win.

"If that's the case, should we aid Land of Lightning? Kumo Ninja Village is formidable, but they will eventually be outmatched by Konoha Ninja Village and the Land of Fire's strength," Onoki said urgently.

"Onoki, do you consider the Land of fire our enemy?" the Tsuchikage asked.

"Isn't it?" Onoki responded, confused.

"Not at all," the Tsuchikage shook his head. "Although the Land of Fire is powerful, it's not the greatest threat to us. We need to consider our own position."

Onoki was puzzled. Konoha Ninja Village was indeed powerful, so why wasn't it a major threat to Iwagakure?

The Tsuchikage explained, "In Our Ninja Village, we primarily use Earth-style jutsu. Earth is the foundation of our village, and while it might not be as destructive as Lightning or Fire, it excels in defense. Our Earth-style techniques create a defense line that is hard to breach. However, there is one type of ninja that can easily break through."

Onoki quickly realized the implication. In the elemental balance, Lightning jutsu can counter Earth jutsu. This means that while Earth-style defenses are formidable against other nations, Hidden Cloud Ninja Village can easily overcome them with their Lightning jutsu.

"Yes, the Land of Lightning is our greatest threat," the Tsuchikage said calmly.

"But didn't you say Land of Lightning will lose this war? Shouldn't we be concerned if they're no longer a threat?" Onoki questioned.

"The Land of Lightning will lose, but it doesn't mean they'll be critically weakened. Konoha Ninja Village will likely avoid excessive casualties. The war will end when both sides reach an acceptable settlement. Once Land of Lightning understands their failure, what do you think they will do?" the Tsuchikage asked.

Onoki thought for a moment before responding, "They will likely seek to bridge the gap with the Land of Fire."

"Exactly," the Tsuchikage agreed. "Do you think Land of Lightning will try to expand into the Land of Fire's territory or invade the Land of Earth?"

The Land of Earth, situated between Fire and Lightning, is neither large nor weak. Its ability to withstand the expansion of both nations speaks to its strength. However, both Fire and Thunder need time to consolidate their gains, making further conflict with the Land of Earth less likely.

The Land of Lightning's raid route had passed through the Land of Earth, which did not actively oppose Lightning Country, nor did it assist the Fire Country. This neutral stance was due to the Land of Fire's prior territorial gains from the Land of Earth.

"It's impossible for the Land of Earth to stand by while Land of Lightning occupies its land, and Land of Fire won't tolerate Lightning Country's territorial expansion," Onoki said.

"Correct. Land of Lightning will seek opportunities elsewhere. Consider the countries of Frost (Hyougakure), Waterfall (Takigakure), and Earth (Iwagakure). These are viable targets for expansion, especially since the basic Earth-style techniques of Hidden Stone Ninja Village are countered by Kumo's Lightning techniques," the Tsuchikage explained.

"Not only should we avoid helping Land of Lightning, but we should also support the Land of Fire in resisting Lightning Country's expansion. This aligns with our interests. The Land of Fire's invasion capabilities are not as concerning as Konoha's. Defending against Land of Lightning is easier than facing Kumo," the Tsuchikage concluded. This perspective also explained his concern over Kumo Ninja Village.

Onoki, though slightly disappointed, agreed with his teacher. The Tsuchikage noticed Onoki's lingering frustration and advised, "Onoki, we must prioritize our village and country's interests over personal feelings. The rock that represents Iwagakure is resilient and steadfast. We must ensure stability while pursuing our needs."

Onoki lowered his head in acknowledgment. His resentment towards the Konoha Ninja Village stemmed from a past humiliation by Uchiha Madara during a failed alliance attempt. Despite it being a personal affront rather than a reflection of the Konohagakure's stance, it fueled his animosity.

The Tsuchikage's counsel highlighted the need for Onoki to rise above personal grievances and focus on the village's strategic interests. As he prepared to succeed the Tsuchikage as the third Tsuchikage, Onoki was reminded of the importance of prioritizing the village's needs over individual vendettas.

------------

(Note: just reminding you that when I write Land of Fire and so on means as the whole. Like with their daimyos. For the village it's konoha kumo iwa and so on. )

Thanks again for everyone. Ciao.