Mifune looked toward the Five Kage, a trace of hope flickering in his eyes.
Ōnoki frowned deeply but didn't speak.
Dodai, meanwhile, was quietly calculating how much benefit this decision might bring to Kumogakure.
Yagura and Pakura both turned their eyes toward Takeshi, while Takeshi himself watched the center of the meeting room nervously.
According to unspoken convention, this was the moment when someone would usually jump up and shout something like, "I refuse!" to object.
But now, everyone was lost in their own thoughts, and as a result, Mifune's words hung in the air for quite a while without anyone responding, leaving him sitting awkwardly alone.
"Hmph, even if it's called an alliance, someone still has to take charge of the overall strategy. Among the Five Kage, who should be chosen to bear that responsibility?"
Ōnoki sneered as he threw out this deadly question.
He had expected it to spark arguments and bickering among the Five Kage—but to his surprise, things didn't turn out that way.
No one answered.
Even the Raikage, usually known for his impulsive and daring nature, was sitting there like a turtle hiding in its shell, eyes closed and lips sealed.
And Pakura, that fiery-tempered woman, was now as quiet as a quail, her eyes darting about uneasily.
"Tch. Relics of the old era truly have narrow vision."
Since no one else was speaking, Takeshi decided to take on the role Gaara had played in the original events and have a proper talk with this stubborn old Tsuchikage.
"We're facing an enemy unlike any we've ever seen before—not a single village, nor a foe we can outsmart or outnumber. If, when faced with such a threat, the relics of the old era are still hung up on petty concerns like village interests, then I think we can declare this meeting over right now."
Takeshi laid his words bare, blunt and direct.
He had expected Ōnoki to turn red and furious again, but to his surprise, the old man's expression didn't change in the slightest.
Even that big red nose of his didn't change color.
This old guy… had he reached enlightenment?
Not understanding why Ōnoki had suddenly calmed down, Takeshi didn't press further, and instead chose to show Konoha's sincerity.
"Putting aside the issue of who will be the commander, if this alliance is formed, Konoha is willing to make all current research on the Ōtsutsuki public, and also welcomes shinobi from other villages to join in the exploration of the Ōtsutsuki ruins."
Hearing that Konoha supported the formation of the alliance, Pakura immediately followed suit.
"In that case, Sunagakure is willing to form an alliance with Konoha."
"Sensei, you're agreeing that easily?"
Though she understood that Sunagakure didn't have much choice left, the quickness of Pakura's response still made Maki speak up.
"Lady Kazekage must have her own reasons. And besides, that Ōtsutsuki thing… it really does sound terrifying."
"Hey, Kitsuchi-san, did you hear that? The Hokage roasted the old man again! Hahaha! I've got to have a proper chat with that guy later, yeah."
Deidara was still marveling at Takeshi's sharp words, not realizing that the man beside him—Kitsuchi—was actually Ōnoki's daughter's partner.
"Sigh..."
Kitsuchi didn't reply—he just kept sighing.
"Looks like our Mizukage will be joining this alliance as well."
Zabuza had already predicted Yagura's choice.
Sure enough, right after Zabuza finished speaking, Yagura followed with his own declaration.
"Facing an enemy of this scale, we truly should unite. Kirigakure will join the alliance."
"Indeed. Now isn't the time to argue about who will lead—it's time to face this crisis together and resist the Ōtsutsuki."
Three villages had joined.
Hmm. Advantage, mine.
That's what Dodai thought as he too made his stance clear.
"Young people really do make a ruckus..."
Ōnoki, seeing the situation, neither agreed nor objected outright.
Peace in the shinobi world, huh...
Once upon a time, he too had believed Hashirama's words—that under that man's leadership, the ninja world might really be able to let go of hatred.
But Uchiha Madara's appearance had shattered that dream.
The enormous figure of Susanoo was still burned deep into his memory, and Madara's words still echoed in his heart.
Perhaps... it was time to change.
But could all this really not be part of the Hokage's scheme?
The Shimura clan was famous for its plotting and scheming—how could they possibly produce someone as kindhearted as Takeshi?
Or maybe... that boy wasn't Danzo's descendant at all, but Sarutobi Hiruzen's—
"Since none of the Five Kage have any objections, I, Mifune, as the representative of the samurai of the Land of Iron, also declare that we will join the alliance—to contribute to peace in the shinobi world, and to resist the Ōtsutsuki threat."
Mifune's heart was brimming with excitement.
He had never thought he'd live to see the day when peace in the ninja world might truly be within reach—when shinobi could stand united.
"As for the matter the Tsuchikage-sama brought up regarding the commander position, our Land of Iron, having long remained neutral, has some suggestions to—"
"Regarding the position of commander, I, as one of the younger generation, have some thoughts. I wonder if old Tsuchikage-sama would be willing to hear them?"
Takeshi suddenly cut Mifune off, staring straight at Ōnoki.
"Tch. Go on, sharp-tongued child."
Ōnoki snorted, fully expecting the boy to try to provoke him again—but he was mentally prepared this time.
"I believe that in terms of strength, experience, and judgment on the battlefield, Tsuchikage-sama is the most suitable person to serve as commander."
Before Takeshi had even finished speaking, everyone had the same thought as Ōnoki—that he was just trying to raise the old man's blood pressure again.
But the result stunned everyone.
Takeshi had spoken those words with utter sincerity, actually recommending Ōnoki himself to take command.
Even Mifune was surprised.
At first, he'd felt offended that his speech had been interrupted—but upon hearing Takeshi's words, for a moment he almost saw the shadow of Hashirama in him.
He had never met Hashirama personally, but surely that man must have carried this same kind of grace.
Ōnoki had met Hashirama—though only from afar.
He didn't see Hashirama in Takeshi, but he could see the genuine honesty in the young man's eyes.
This boy... this time, he wasn't mocking him. He truly wanted him to take up the mantle of commander.
Yagura and Pakura were both confused—they had planned to nominate Takeshi as commander themselves.
As for Takeshi, his reasoning was actually quite simple.
If Ōnoki became commander, then even if the Ōtsutsuki came knocking, the one who'd have to face them first wouldn't be him.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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