Naruto: Chronicles of a Fire Ninja-Chapter 390 - 385: Plan

(A.N: The map Shikaku uses in the Chapter is this one. The research and map took some of my time, so next Chapter may take some time again. Hopefully, I will be able to do a double release tomorrow ^~^)

***

With Kakashi getting the information of the plan in motion, all three commanders of the mission were now ready. Since only a day remained for the plan to start, another summon was released for all three of them to come to the Hokage's office, the official one for a final meeting once again.

"Sensei, are you missing me that much? This is the third time in the same day we are meeting," Jiraiya said with a serious expression on his face, like he was discussing starting a war with all of the world.

"This is not time for jokes, Jiraiya. I am already tired for now," Hiruzen said with a sigh before giving a signal to Shikaku to start the meeting.

As both Shisui and Kakashi became alert while Jiraiya maintained his casual expression.

"As you guys have already been informed about our plan for revenge against Kumogakure and Iwagakure, this meeting is called to bring all three of you to the same page and tell you about the complete details of the plan rather than just your own," Shikaku said, bringing out a complete map of the world with various paths marked in it. He then pointed toward the outpost of Iwagakure which was marked as outpost 1.

"This outpost is the responsibility of Shisui. You will lead a team of thirty ninja there. As we have discussed, make it as random and senseless as possible. With your genjutsu skills, it should be easy for you to handle this outpost.

Your team also consists of 5 sensors. Utilize them to make sure no one, I insist no one, can run away. With their proficiency in earth release, using Hiding Like a Mole Jutsu or some superior one is very likely. Make sure you prevent that," Shikaku said, looking toward Shisui.

"I understand, Shikaku-san. Don't worry, I will make sure the task is completed without any problem," Shisui said, a confident smile on his face.

"It is estimated that they have more than 70 ninja, with our guess being hundred plus. Therefore, even though we trust you, Shisui, he is emphasizing so much on the aspect of not letting them run away. There are high chances that they will use their numbers to create openings for some of them to slip out. At that time, it will become increasingly difficult for you to handle them," Hiruzen added, his demeanor now resembling that of the leader of the most deadly force on the planet.

"I understand, Lord Third. I will make sure not to give them a chance to reach that stage," Shisui said, acknowledging the danger of that scenario, as a suicide attack to let some of their allies run away would be astoundingly difficult to handle.

At Shisui's assurance, Hiruzen and Shikaku nodded their heads before turning to Jiraiya and pointing at the outpost marked as outpost 2.

"Lord Jiraiya, you will be handling the Kumogakure outpost. This will be a little more... tricky for you, as since they have only few outposts to the land, they have increased their security to maximum, with the number of ninja being expected to be at least 200.

But I am sure you will be able to handle it. Though please make sure not to alert others about the destruction very soon. The outposts are located very close to each other and could be reinforced within minutes. The outpost we are targeting is the most isolated one but also the most protected one. From the rough estimation, the reinforcement from other bases could reach it in 15 minutes after they receive the message, and Kumo will be able to send reinforcement in 30 minutes if any of their S-rank makes a move.

So you have to finish the mission in 10 minutes and leave. This plan is only possible for someone like you, Jiraiya-sama," Shikaku said.

"Hmm, that's doable. Since I don't have to hide myself, 10 minutes are more than enough," Jiraiya said nonchalantly. It was only him in the room who could say such a thing. 200 ninja, among which there should be 10 elite jonin and more than 20 jonin with the support of chunin and genin - this force is enough to bring down even S-ranks.

But the reason Jiraiya was so sure about the victory was because of the possibility of ambush. When they are unprepared, that force will be just lambs waiting to be slaughtered after they fall under panic.

Hiruzen just nodded his head at his student. With the amount of S-rank missions Jiraiya had completed, even a fool would not make the mistake of underestimating him, let alone his own sensei.

Now with both Shisui and Jiraiya done, Shikaku turned to Kakashi.

"Your job is the most crucial one, as you will be responsible for the safety of Fire Daimyo alone in the absence of both Lord Jiraiya and Shisui. Though there shouldn't be any attack, still maintain constant surveillance all of the time.

Both Lord Jiraiya and Shisui will follow you and your team to Fire capital, where they will make shadow clones with enough chakra to last a day. The clones will not do much work to preserve their chakra. If everything goes well, they should reach you in enough time to meet you before you leave for the sea.

But in the off chance any of them can't reach you on time, then you will activate this tag," Shikaku said, passing a paper to Kakashi as he pointed at the location marked on the map as waiting location.

"At this point, we have already placed some ANBU ninjas as rogue bandits. They will blow the path there. There is also a village near that location. Use the excuse of safety and ask the Fire Daimyo to stay in the village till they join you," Shikaku completed the explanation.

"With no war, I don't think someone will be foolish enough to attack Fire Daimyo with news of Lord Jiraiya protecting him around," Kakashi said, looking at the map with care.

"This should be easy," he completed his deduction after some time.

"I assume none of you have any doubts?" Shikaku asked.

"None at all."

"No."

"Nope."

"Then you guys can leave. The team for Fire capital will leave in 6 hours, while other two teams have to move in an hour from now. They will meet you at the designated location few kilometers away from the outposts...

If there is any complication during the mission, just retreat. Your lives are much more important for the village than some reputation or money," Hiruzen completed his speech, with seriousness visible in his tone.

Konoha would really become crippled if this force somehow faced an unexpected end, so he was really serious about the retreat part.

All three of them nodded their heads. Even though Kakashi didn't have to, if someone actually tried to attack the Fire Daimyo knowing Jiraiya, Shisui, and Kakashi were protecting it, Kakashi alone would not be able to face such a force, so he may also have to retreat even though such an attack is almost impossible to happen.

...

On the outskirts of Kirigakure, which was engulfed in civil war, a child was running from some ninja who were hell-bent on killing him for some reason.

A situation which would have almost guaranteed the death of the child, but not only was that child able to outrun those ninja, but was also more than capable of killing them if he so wished. Though he chose not to and just run away from them.

After the time when his whole clan was annihilated, his whole life had been just turned into a big game of running and hiding, and recently it was becoming unbearable like the whole world just wanted him dead.

Unknown to the boy, who had been locked in a cage for most of his life other than fighting, two snake-like eyes were following each of his moves with a perverted grin on his face, like his sick plan was coming to fruition.