"..."
Mei Terumi cleared her throat softly, breaking the short silence.
"Hyuga Gakuya is right. Now's not the time to argue. I suggest we set our biases aside for a moment and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each Kage before we make a decision."
Raikage A snorted coldly. "Fine. You go first, Mizukage."
Mei nodded, giving it a moment's thought before speaking.
"The Raikage is undeniably strong and fearless in battle, but as the Tsuchikage mentioned, he's also a bit too hot-headed.
The Tsuchikage has a wealth of experience, but his age may limit his stamina and focus.
The Kazekage is young and full of drive, but his lack of seniority is hard to ignore.
As for myself, I'm in a similar position. Like the Kazekage, I've never led troops into war before.
Tsunade... her medical ninjutsu is unmatched, and her leadership is nothing to scoff at, but with Konoha having just gone through such turmoil, she may not be in a position to fully commit."
Everyone fell into deep thought after listening to Mei's analysis.
That's when Tsunade suddenly spoke.
"Are you all forgetting someone?"
Everyone exchanged glances, trying to figure out who she meant—but no one had a clue.
Seeing the puzzled looks cast her way, Tsunade continued slowly,
"The title of Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces doesn't just require strategic ability. What matters even more is their influence and reputation in the shinobi world. Can they win the trust of all? Can they unite former enemies under one banner?"
The moment those words left her lips, everyone's eyes widened.
How could they have not thought of that person? What a joke—had they lived all these years for nothing?
Even Hyuga Gakuya looked surprised. His mouth parted slightly.
Tsunade really has the guts to say it out loud? Is she actually nominating me right now?
"If we're talking about influence and reputation across the entire shinobi world, isn't the answer obvious? The one with the most standing is none other than the Head of the Federation—Chiba Mokushū."
And with that, Tsunade said the name everyone was secretly thinking about but never dared to mention.
The other four Kage were visibly stunned.
They had gone over dozens of possible candidates in their minds before Tsunade spoke, but not one of them had expected that name to come out of her mouth.
The room immediately erupted in protest.
"How could he be the commander? He just destroyed Kumogakure!" the Raikage roared, slamming the table. Veins popped on his forehead in fury.
Ōnoki quickly chimed in. "Indeed! Hyuga Gakuya's crimes are unforgivable—"
He nearly said what was really on his mind before catching himself and abruptly cutting off.
Gaara furrowed his brows and said in a low voice, "This isn't something we should decide hastily."
Gakuya remained silent as the protests rang out around him. He didn't bother defending himself—he had never planned on taking the position. Still, if it were truly pushed onto him, he wouldn't say no.
After all... this was just too amusing.
The mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes, now standing in the light to command the shinobi world? It's like fighting himself in a one-man act.
Tsunade crossed her arms and spoke with unwavering resolve.
"Everyone, don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. Let me finish. Yes, Hyuga Gakuya's past actions did cause chaos, but his recent change is plain for all to see. His grasp of the shinobi world's situation and strategic thinking far exceeds any of ours."
"Not to mention, he knows Sasuke and Obito's plans inside and out. And his influence, both within the Federation and across the shinobi world, gives him access to a wealth of resources the Allied Forces can use."
"Most people in the shinobi world don't even know that Chiba Mokushū and Hyuga Gakuya are the same person. But everyone does know Chiba Mokushū's name—and his reputation speaks for itself. If he were to step forward, the public would throw their full support behind us."
"On top of that, his strength is immeasurable. With him leading on the frontlines, he'd be an inspiration to all. He's a master of countless jutsu and tactics—more than capable of making the right calls in any battlefield situation."
"But most importantly... he is determined to bring peace to the shinobi world. That much is undeniable. We can't ignore how much he's already done to guide us toward the right path."
Tsunade's voice rang out powerfully: "I believe that if we give him this opportunity, he can lead us to victory."
The room fell silent.
Tsunade had spoken the truth. If they put emotions aside and looked at it objectively—even just considering how the Federation had selflessly aided countries in crisis and supported their economies—Chiba Mokushū's image stood out like the sun in the sky.
If he showed his face, support from the people across the nations would surely follow.
And the Federation's stockpiles and military preparations were plain for all to see. Their scientific ninja tools far surpassed what this era had to offer.
Making Hyuga Gakuya the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces might just be the key to securing more aid from all corners of the shinobi world.
And his record as a commander? The Federation had never once lost a war since its founding.
All things considered, Gakuya really did seem like the ideal choice.
Even the Raikage couldn't ignore that logic. Still, he let out a frustrated snort.
"Even so... I still can't bring myself to trust him."
Tsunade raised her voice.
"This is a matter of life and death for the shinobi world. We must let go of our old grudges and choose the path that gives us the greatest chance of survival. Gakuya becoming commander might be one of the only hopes we have left!"
The others were visibly moved—except the Raikage, who remained stone-faced.
Ōnoki cleared his throat, breaking the silence with a slow nod.
"When you put it like that... Tsunade's words aren't without merit. The shinobi world is on the brink of destruction. We need someone who can coordinate the big picture. Hyuga Gakuya has a complicated past, yes, but we've all seen what he's done lately. If he truly can lead us to victory—why not give him that chance?"
Gaara nodded solemnly.
"Tsuchikage-sama is right. We can't let past grudges blind us to the crisis in front of us. Gakuya's accomplishments in the Federation and his control over the current situation might be what we need to turn things around."
Mei added, "I agree as well. We're in a time of urgency. We need to think of the bigger picture. If Gakuya can unite our forces, he'll be a great asset in the war ahead."
Seeing that the other three Kage had all voiced support, the Raikage stayed silent for a moment, then finally let out a low grunt and said nothing more.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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