"We can expect that a number of enemy forces have spread out significantly." Shikaku reported. "As much as 25%. The rest of the forces are, to my understanding, still roughly located within the Mountain's Graveyard." Shikaku circled an area on the map. "We can expect this to change easily, however, as according to the info gained by Inoichi, all Zetsu are capable of both long-range, underground movement, as well as disguising themselves in such a manner that non-exotic sensors cannot detect, Chakra or otherwise."
He frowned. "As much as I hate to make a strategy that relies on a single person, the Kyuubi's, and by extension, Naruto's, ability to detect negative emotions is the only method available that can detect and distinguish Zetsu from other other people. As such, Naruto's Shadow Clones are going to be the key to our operations. We will be organizing on one-to-eighty ratios in order maximize our spread." He took a deep breath. "The problem with this is that it will leave Naruto critically weakened, to spread his Chakra across so many copies for such a long period of time. He will be left vulnerable, and if he has to defend himself, then he will need to dispel his clones and, at least temporarily, remove our ability to distinguish Zetsu."
"It is imperative that Naruto is protected for as long as possible." Hiruzen stated. "Every other Jinchuuriki will operating alongside him for that purpose. This is certain to bring the Akatsuki directly to your location the moment they find you're all grouped together. You are all cleared to use any method you wish; if the full power of your Bijuu is your only choice, then do it."
"This, in turn, leads to our goal." Shikaku placed a King marker on the map. "Our combination of circumstances leaves this as the only option; we will utilize the gathering of Jinchuuriki in order to draw out the Akatsuki and eliminate them. Almost every single one of our Kage-level assets will be on standby for that eventuality, ready to deploy when the Akatsuki appear. Dealing with the Zetsu army will be left to all other assets."
"What if the Akatsuki deploy in force elsewhere?" One of the gathered team leaders asked.
"In the event that the Akatsuki deploy in force to an unexpected location, Naruto will utilize the Hiraishin in order to warp the Jinchuuriki Protection Division as close as possible to them." Shikaku answered. "The JPD is almost guaranteed to have a higher force concentration than any other group involved. They will go and quickly annihilate the enemy, then return."
"And if they don't?" Someone asked.
"If the Akatsuki can cough up something stronger than six Bijuu and a bunch of Kage, we're all fucked." Another noted.
"I wouldn't have put it that way myself, but yeah, pretty much." Shikaku agreed, a brief bit of morbid amusement crossing his face before it returned to complete seriousness. "The Juubi is their only known Bijuu-level asset. Functionally, it's a Bijuu with a number of special traits to it. First, it can apparently rapidly absorb and reclaim Chakra that it has spent, allowing it to recover Chakra either indefinitely or so close to it that making the distinction is pointless. Second, it can divide itself to no apparent limit, producing smaller, less powerful, but vastly numerous clones, each of which still maintains considerable strength and speed. Third, it can utilize every known elemental transformation on an extremely wide scale. Fourth, it is the largest Bijuu, eclipsing even the Kyuubi in sheer size. Fifth, and most importantly, it can absorb other Bijuu, and add their power to its own. It is currently occupied, but if it is summoned, then an immediate full-retreat is in effect. If you can see, hear, or sense it, you are within the danger zone. If you can detect even the slightest hint of its presence, you are within the danger zone. If you are within two hundred kilometers of the Juubi, then you are within the danger zone. If you do not run, you are likely to die."
A hushed silence fell through the room, and Shikaku stared at them all, trying to indicate just how serious that matter was.
"Occupied?"
Shikaku nodded. He turned around, and stuck a picture to the wall, showing a cloaked figure whose only distinguishing feature was a pair of glowing blue eyes. "This is Drich. A fair amount of you are probably already familiar with Drich through the Bingo Book, but in case you aren't, Drich is an associate of the Nara clan, a member of Konohagakure, and, as of eight days ago, the being who has been fighting to keep the Juubi contained."
"Eight days-"
"Yes." Shikaku interrupted. "It's because of Drich that the Juubi is not currently a problem we have to deal with. I am telling you this information for a single reason; Drich will not stop fighting the Juubi until it is either dead or it runs away. If you encounter Drich, then that information must make it back to Headquarters as soon as is physically possible, because it means either the problem is gone or the problem is about to realize."
"Please be aware of two things." Hiruzen interrupted. "Drich is not Human, and has no Chakra signature. If you encounter a figure claiming to be Drich, and it has a Chakra signature, it's a fake. You will be able to tell the real one through the unique form of speech Drich employs, which transmits words directly to the recipient without employing any sound. If you encounter something claiming to be Drich and it speaks with any audible sounds, it's a fake."
"If at all possible, follow any orders that Drich gives you." Shikaku noted. "Drich usually operates alone, so if Drich tells you to do something, it will more than likely be because of information that Drich is aware of and we are not. Your odds of survival will go up if you follow them." He shook his head. "Of course, this is all unlikely to begin with. This is the 'just-incase', understood?"
A series of agreements went around.
Shikaku nodded. "Good. Now, Division One, you'll be deploying at this pass, Division Two, you'll be at this bridge..."