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"A coalition force?"
The Raikage, ever sensitive to matters of authority, was the first to voice his skepticism.
"Hmph! That's easy to say, but if we form an alliance, who will assume command?"
Upon hearing Raikage's concern, Onoki did not refute him but instead supported the question. "Yes, who will be given command?"
Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron, raised his hand slightly to interject. "If you all start debating amongst yourselves, this discussion will never end. As a leader of a neutral nation, perhaps you should heed my suggestion."
The room fell silent, all eyes now focused on the samurai general.
"Currently, the only tailed beast still under control is the Kyūbi, and it belongs to Konohagakure. Controlling such an important power is key to successfully countering Akatsuki."
Mifune's gaze shifted to Tsunade. "Therefore, I propose that the Supreme Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces be Hokage-sama. What do you say, Lady Tsunade?"
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly. She had not expected Mifune to recommend her.
Gaara, having listened carefully, nodded in approval. "I agree. Hokage-sama was the first to support my proposal and the first to discuss an alliance to stand against Akatsuki."
Terumi Mei studied Tsunade, recalling her reputation—one of the legendary Sannin, the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi, and the Princess of the Leaf. As a fellow female Kage, Mei felt a sense of solidarity with her.
Besides, she mused, she looks astonishingly young. I'll have to ask her for beauty tips later.
With that in mind, the Mizukage also voiced her support. "I have no objections."
Onoki, however, frowned. Wait, what?! He looked around, realizing that no one else was objecting. Shouldn't I be the one chosen? In terms of experience and qualifications, I far surpass the rest of them.
While he was stewing in frustration, the Raikage's patience finally snapped. "No! How can the command of the Shinobi Alliance be given to a woman?!"
Terumi Mei's expression darkened as she narrowed her eyes. "Raikage-sama, do you have some sort of prejudice against women?"
Seeing that his initial argument was ineffective, Raikage shifted his approach. "Akatsuki is filled with rogue ninja from Konoha—Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke, and Orochimaru!"
His sharp gaze swept across the room. "Not to mention, Mizukage-sama herself just said that the Fourth Mizukage was being manipulated, and the only dōjutsu capable of controlling a Jinchūriki is the Sharingan! Uchiha Itachi hadn't even joined Akatsuki when the Fourth Mizukage was under control."
Raikage's voice boomed with authority. "In other words, there is a strong possibility that another Uchiha from Konoha was behind it!"
Tsunade and Terumi Mei fell into brief silence. The implications of his words were not easy to dismiss.
Onoki smirked. "It seems that Kumogakure has indeed been gathering intelligence thoroughly all these years."
Raikage folded his arms and said coldly, "Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Kumogakure is the only one that has never produced an Akatsuki defector. That alone is reason enough for me to lead the coalition!"
"Your argument is unconvincing," Mifune interjected, dashing Raikage's expectations in an instant.
Raikage's eyes flared with frustration. "What did you say?! Why can't I be the commander?!"
Mifune pointed at the shattered table in front of them. "A leader must possess both temperament and strength. While power is necessary, an impulsive leader who acts on emotions and brute force alone will lead the alliance into chaos—just like what you did to this table."
Raikage clenched his fists, his muscles tense with suppressed rage. Despite his indignation, he could not refute Mifune's words.
Gritting his teeth, he turned to Onoki. "Then why not recommend the Tsuchikage? He is the most experienced among us!"
Mifune shook his head. "Tsuchikage-sama is indeed the most seasoned here and has ample war experience. However, he has also employed Akatsuki's services in the past and, if I may be frank, he is of advanced age. A commander must endure the strain of large-scale operations."
Tsunade, sensing Raikage's lingering resistance, stood up and addressed the room. "First of all, I appreciate Mifune-sama's trust, as well as Kazekage and Mizukage's support."
Her expression turned serious. "However, I personally have no desire for this position. Just like with the Hokage title, if it weren't for unavoidable circumstances, I would never have taken it."
For a brief moment, her thoughts wandered to Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke, and Orochimaru. Her fists clenched at her sides before she steeled her resolve.
"But we, the Five Kage, are gathered here today because we have responsibilities—to our villages, to our people, and to the entire shinobi world. Our common enemy is Akatsuki. My grandfather, Hashirama Senju, once envisioned a world where shinobi could understand and trust each other. I still believe in that dream."
Her amber eyes swept across the room. "As the inheritor of the Will of Fire, I firmly believe that I can lead this alliance effectively. And rest assured, I will listen to everyone's opinions—after all, this is an alliance."
Raikage immediately jumped up, pointing a finger at her. "Very well, Hokage! Then answer me this—if you capture Sasuke, what will you do with him? If your answer satisfies me, I will accept you as Supreme Commander!"
Tsunade frowned and closed her eyes in contemplation.
Jiraiya, who had been silent throughout the discussion, observed her carefully. He knew she was struggling.
After what seemed like an eternity, Tsunade opened her eyes, her expression resolute. "Konoha will take responsibility for punishing its own missing-nin. We will ensure that justice is served. However, we will not execute him, because that will only breed more hatred."
"What did you say?!" Raikage roared furiously, his chakra surging.
Just as he was about to lash out, an eerie white form emerged in the center of the meeting hall, its body twisting unnaturally as it unfurled.
"Hellooo!!" came the taunting voice of Zetsu.
Instantly, the lights in the hall flickered, returning to full brightness. The bodyguards of the Five Kage moved in unison, weapons drawn, their instincts sharpened.
The room, once filled with political tension, was now overflowing with the aura of imminent battle.
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