Chapter 610: Should We Retreat?

Chapter 610: Should We Retreat?

Target.

That was the term Aoba used.

It was also the term that captured Biwa Juzo's attention.

Currently, Biwa Juzo knew only of the animosity between Kirigakure and Kumogakure, a grudge tied to longstanding relations and the death of their former master.

But...

Aside from knowing that Kirigakure's main task was to focus on Kumogakure, Biwa Juzo had no clue about the future.

This was why Aoba could easily sway Biwa Juzo. In Biwa Juzo's mind, this assassination mission was a gamble on the future of the Kirigakure, one that could potentially secure their future.

Now, Aoba, seen by Biwa Juzo as Satsuma Rentaro, spoke again of a "target," kindling more aspiration in Rentaro's demeanor. He didn't say anything; he waited for Aoba to elaborate.

"We can't continue this standoff with the Kumogakure!"

Aoba continued, setting the tone for the conversation. They both understood that the overall strength of the Kirigakure was inferior to that of the Kumogakure. The current initiation of war was mainly about competing with the Kumogakure, where it almost took two to three Kirigakure ninjas to match one Kumogakure ninja of the same level.

It was like a rank mismatch, the effort required for a Chunin to kill a Jonin was tremendously high.

This was the situation now.

Aoba knew it.

Biwa Juzo knew it.

Kirigakure knew it.

And the people of the Kumogakure knew it, too.

Yet, the people of Kirigakure were still gritting their teeth and enduring, needing this battle to vent their pain over their master's death and to finally shake off the cloud that the Kumogakure had cast over them for many years.

"The fact is a fact. What Kirigakure needs to do now is not deceive ourselves but respect the facts and find opportunities to enhance our strength. Now is such an opportunity. As long as a mutual constraint exists between Konohagakure and the Kumogakure, Kirigakure can develop rapidly in this gap. Once our strength is established, we won't need to hide anymore. Kirigakure can also stand at the top of the ninja world." Aoba slowly said, his words filled with persuasive intent. After all, the current situation of Kirigakure was precisely that—weak and hoping to reach the peak of the ninja world, so all he needed to do was speak along those lines.

"I understand!"

Biwa Juzo took a deep breath, unable to deny the truth after being stirred by Aoba's previous words.

"Rentaro, you're right. If we're not strong, we should face it. There's no need to hide. If we enhance our strength, we'll naturally have our stronger moments later!"

As a vanguard of the Kirigakure, Biwa Juzo was very aware of the current situation. The combat power they could muster against Kumogakure was like scratching an itch—insubstantial.

Kumogakure merely had to throw a small amount of combat power to hold back the ninjas of Kirigakure.

Even...

The Kumogakure could still mobilize a large force to attack Konohagakure, aiming to claim a share of the spoils, utterly disregarding Kirigakure.

"Should we retreat?"

Biwa Juzo took another deep breath. He intensely disliked the word "retreat," feeling as if it implied running away.

"Yes."

Aoba nodded, his eyes flashing as he continued, "However, we cannot let the people of the Kumogakure think we are retreating. While we pull most of our forces back, we should launch some disturbances to make them think we are increasing the workforce. This way, they won't launch a surprise attack on us."

"I understand." Biwa Juzo found Aoba's point very important and then asked, "Rentaro, will you command the ninjas of Kirigakure?"

"No."

Aoba shook his head without hesitation.

"I will go with you to Konohagakure. There are more important matters waiting for me there. Currently, only I can contact Shimura Danzo."