Taking control of Water Source Valley would be nearly impossible without the full backing of Konoha's higher-ups.
After all, nearly all of Agakure's elite forces were concentrated in that strategic location.
"Lord Jiraiya, I really don't understand what the village is thinking. Why won't they send reinforcents?"
"If we manage to capture Water Source Valley, nearly all of Agakure's vital resource points will fall under Konoha's control."
Uchiha Raiden's voice carried a hint of frustration.
Having fought alongside Jiraiya for half a year, he deeply respected him—more than he respected Konoha's leadership.
"The village has its reasons," Jiraiya explained. "Water Source Valley is an essential stronghold, and securing it would require at least two thousand additional shinobi."
"But right now, Konoha is spread thin. The Land of Lightning and the Land of Water are not involved in this war yet, and both border our nation. If we weaken our defenses too much, they'll seize the opportunity to attack."
Jiraiya didn't want Raiden to harbor resentnt toward Konoha's leadership. As a key figure in the Uchiha clan, Raiden's opinions carried weight, and his dissatisfaction could easily spread within his clan. If that happened, tensions between the Uchiha and the village would only escalate.
Jiraiya understood how vital the Uchiha clan's strength was for his vision of unifying the ninja world. He would never allow the higher-ups to order their extermination.
The Uchiha were undeniably powerful. In the original tiline, after the clan was wiped out, Konoha's strength rapidly declined.
"I understand the village has its difficulties," Raiden replied. "I just can't accept it so easily."
"Be patient," Jiraiya reassured him. "I promise you—Water Source Valley will be ours, and Agakure will beco part of the Land of Fire."
This wasn't just empty talk. Jiraiya had the ability to make it happen.
Agakure had only one truly formidable ninja—Hanzō of the Salamander. Other than him, there were no top-tier warriors in the country.
Hanzō had earned the title of "Demi-God of the Shinobi World" thanks to his exceptional taijutsu and mastery over lethal poisons. But Jiraiya possessed the Universal Poison Seal, making him nearly immune to Hanzō's toxic techniques.
If Jiraiya could gain control over the One-Tail's power—on top of his own formidable abilities—then eliminating Hanzō was entirely within reach.
With Hanzō gone, Agakure would fall, and the Land of Fire would fully annex it. There was no doubt about that.
The reason Hiruzen Sarutobi had always been cautious was simple: he feared Hanzō's strength.
As Hokage, he couldn't leave Konoha undefended. His presence in the village was essential. And with Sarutobi unable to personally enter Agakure, few within Konoha were strong enough to face Hanzō head-on.
He feared that if Konoha pushed Hanzō too hard, the war would escalate into a brutal, mutually destructive conflict. The village would suffer heavy casualties, leaving it vulnerable to the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth.
"For now, give the order to halt all offensives against Water Source Valley," Jiraiya instructed.
"Understood, Lord Jiraiya. I'll handle it imdiately."
Raiden nodded before leaving the room.
...
Several days later, deep within Agakure, at a stronghold occupied by Sunagakure forces, a robed monk entered the encampnt.
The gathered Suna shinobi erupted in excitent upon seeing him.
"Bunpuku-sama, you've finally arrived! We can finally strike back!"
"For the past six months, Konoha's forces have tornted us. At last, we have a chance for revenge!"
"You don't know how much we've suffered, Bunpuku-sama. Now that you're here, we can finally turn the tide."
"Our days of misery are over! With you here, Bunpuku-sama, Jiraiya won't stand a chance!"
The monk was none other than Bunpuku—the Jinchūriki of the One-Tail.
For months, the Suna forces had been relentlessly hunted by Jiraiya and his troops, unable to put up a aningful resistance.
Desperate, they had repeatedly pleaded with Sunagakure's leadership to send reinforcents. If they couldn't turn the tide, all their efforts to claim Agakure's resources would be wasted.
After much deliberation, Sunagakure's council made their decision: they would send their Jinchūriki to the battlefield.
The Land of Wind was unwilling to abandon its invasion. The vast resources of Agakure were simply too enticing.
But to secure their hold, they had to eliminate Jiraiya.
As long as he lived, no matter how many cities they captured, Konoha would always take them back.
If they didn't kill Jiraiya, all their efforts would be in vain.
"Calm yourselves," Bunpuku said. "I'll rest for the night. Tomorrow, I'll deal with Jiraiya myself."
Seeing the desperation on the faces of the Suna shinobi, he could tell they had endured terrible hardships. A surge of anger welled up within him.
"Tell everything you know about Jiraiya's abilities."
Although Sunagakure had already provided him with extensive intelligence before he arrived, Bunpuku wanted to hear firsthand accounts from those who had fought against him.
Jiraiya was an exceptionally powerful opponent. Even with the One-Tail's strength at his disposal, he had to be cautious.
The fact that Jiraiya had led Konoha's forces and driven back shinobi from the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and Agakure itself spoke volus about his prowess.
The Suna shinobi eagerly began recounting everything they knew about Jiraiya's techniques.
As Bunpuku listened, his expression grew more and more serious.
A heavy pressure settled over him.
Jiraiya was terrifyingly strong.
"Such a formidable opponent... To think that soone so young already wields Kage-level strength. There are few prodigies like him in the entire ninja world."
Bunpuku couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
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Pls Drop so Power Stones
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