Departure

"Ryuken, let's be reasonable here. It's not a matter of Aizen's willingness to contribute. He's assigned to me by the Hokage himself. Even if I can't decide his deployment, it's absurd to make such a decision based on your words alone," Jiraiya countered sternly.

Having served through two ninja wars, Jiraiya was not easily intimidated. Ryuken's attempt at moral high ground did not faze him.

"You..." Ryuken gritted his teeth, unable to form a retort.

Jiraiya was right. The formation of a ninja team involved careful consideration of member compatibility and skill sets. It wasn't a decision to be made lightly. Furthermore, Jiraiya had invoked the Hokage's authority, a command that could not be disobeyed.

"Furthermore, Aizen was originally a medical ninja. I requested his transfer to my team for this mission. The Hokage specifically instructed me to ensure his safety... Sending a medical ninja to the front lines alone is simply inappropriate," Jiraiya added calmly.

His words resonated with the others, even those who had previously questioned Jiraiya and Aizen. They acknowledged the logic of his argument, both from a practical and a personal standpoint.

Ryuken's face paled, but he remained silent, unable to refute Jiraiya's flawless reasoning.

Just when it seemed the matter was settled, Zashi suddenly spoke up.

"That being said, Jiraiya, young people need to grow. Constantly sheltering them under our wings isn't conducive to their development. I believe Ryuken's proposal is acceptable," Zashi said with a warm smile.

His words shocked everyone. No one understood why Zashi had interjected. They doubted his sincerity about cultivating the next generation.

Only Hatake Sakumo glanced at Zashi, then at Aizen and Ryuken, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Aizen's eyes remained hidden behind his glasses. But a fleeting, cold glint, unnoticed by anyone else, flashed in his eyes as he looked towards Zashi, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya.

"Zashi-sama, but Aizen, he..." Jiraiya began, a hint of panic in his voice.

"Jiraiya, I understand your concerns about Aizen being a medical ninja. For this mission, I've decided to promote Aizen to lead the medical squad, responsible for the entire force's medical needs. That should alleviate your worries, wouldn't you agree?" Zashi replied with a smile.

"Ah?! This..." Jiraiya choked, unable to continue.

Indeed, assigning Aizen to medical support ensured his safety. Moreover, Zashi had offered the position of medical squad leader, a role typically held by a senior medic. While Aizen wasn't qualified for the position yet, it would be a significant achievement and a boost to his career.

However, Jiraiya was well aware of the animosity between Ryuken and Aizen. He wouldn't feel at ease with Aizen under Uzumaki's command. Yet, Zashi had spoken, and Jiraiya couldn't openly defy him. After all, Zashi held a higher authority than even Hiruzen.

Jiraiya weighed the pros and cons, struggling with the decision.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, about to speak to Zashi.

"Alright, I agree to participate in the mission and join the medical squad," Aizen suddenly said, his voice calm.

"Aizen...you?!" Jiraiya's expression changed as he prepared to protest.

But Aizen gave him a reassuring look, silencing Jiraiya's words.

Ryuken was overjoyed, a sinister glint in his eyes as he looked at Aizen. Zashi studied Aizen intently but said nothing.

With a brief farewell and a few words to Ryuken, Zashi adjourned the meeting.

Ryuken walked past Jiraiya and the others with a triumphant smirk. "Jiraiya, don't worry, Aizen is under my command now, and I'll take good care of him," he said, emphasizing the word "care."

He then left, leaving Jiraiya fuming.

"Aizen, what are you thinking? Ryuken clearly has ill intentions. Why did you agree? Explain yourself, I know you're not reckless," Jiraiya questioned Aizen after everyone else had left.

Minato also looked at Aizen anxiously.

Aizen shook his head and began to explain. As he spoke, Jiraiya's face grew darker.

When Aizen finished, Jiraiya sighed helplessly. "I understand, but Aizen, please be careful under Ryuken's command!"

Aizen nodded solemnly.

Thus, Aizen joined Ryuken's forces, ready to embark on the mission to the Hidden Sky Village.