Chapter 183: Five Kages' Resolution

After hearing Mifune's appeal for calm, Tsunade and Ay ended their argument and refocused on the meeting.

"I agree with your suggestion," Ay said as he settled back into his chair. "But how exactly should we proceed? Do you have any specific proposals?"

Cough. Seeing the two Kage return to a cooperative tone, Mifune spoke again, "I suggest that the Five Great Ninja Villages jointly investigate the whereabouts of the Akatsuki organization. With the combined strength of all the villages, I believe we will quickly uncover their trail."

"It's a good proposal, but I don't trust them," Ay said pointedly, glancing toward Onoki.

Onoki, seemingly unconcerned with Ay's distrust, nodded. "I agree with this proposal. The Akatsuki organization poses a threat to the safety of the entire ninja world. Now is not the time for us to act alone."

"I agree as well," said Mizukage Terumi Mei. "We must resolve this issue quickly and avenge the humiliation they've caused."

"In addition to tracking the Akatsuki organization, I propose we prioritize the protection of the remaining Jinchuriki," Gaara added. "If the final Tailed Beast is captured, even finding Akatsuki's hideout will be useless."

Tsunade immediately supported Gaara's suggestion. "I agree with Kazekage."

"But such an operation will require significant manpower, and someone must take charge to coordinate it," Mifune pointed out.

"In that case, Cloud Village will take charge," Ay declared. "The other villages all have ties to Akatsuki through rogue ninjas. I don't trust them."

Tsunade immediately objected. "I disagree! The responsibility should fall to Konoha."

Ay scowled. "Akatsuki's members include rogue ninjas from Konoha. Why should I trust you?"

The remaining three Kage—Onoki, Terumi Mei, and Gaara—chose not to contest the position. Stone Village was disqualified due to its historical conflicts with Cloud Village and Deidara's role in Cloud's devastation. Sand and Mist Villages refrained because their previous Kage had been controlled or killed by Akatsuki, undermining their credibility.

Thus, only Konoha and Cloud, the two strongest villages, remained in contention.

Tsunade remained calm under Ay's questioning. "Because we've fought against Akatsuki multiple times and successfully eliminated several of their members. No other village has the combat experience against Akatsuki that Konoha does.

"Additionally, the last Jinchuriki is in Konoha. If Akatsuki targets the Nine Tails, the battle will inevitably take place in the Land of Fire. A Konoha leader can better organize a counterattack under those circumstances."

She paused and looked directly at Ay. "Besides…"

Ay clicked his tongue and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. Though she hadn't finished her sentence, everyone understood her implication—Cloud Village's inexperience with Akatsuki had already led to the capture of both their Jinchuriki.

Seeing no further objections, Mifune announced, "Since there are no disagreements, Konoha will appoint the leader of the joint investigation team against Akatsuki."

"Tsunade, do you have someone in mind?" Onoki asked. He wanted to ensure Konoha would appoint a capable and credible leader.

Tsunade nodded. "I plan to appoint Kakashi as the leader of the joint investigation team. He's well-versed in all of Konoha's intelligence on Akatsuki and can efficiently coordinate efforts with other villages."

"Huh? Me?!" Kakashi, who had been quietly observing from the stands, was visibly surprised.

The moment Tsunade named him, every guard in the stands turned to look at Kakashi, assessing him.

Kirito smirked and teased, "Congratulations! You've got yourself a promotion."

"Heh…" Kakashi sighed, already anticipating the challenges that would come with his new role.

"Kakashi… the son of the White Fang? That's acceptable," Onoki murmured. He turned his thoughts toward selecting a suitable candidate from Stone Village to join the investigation team. The other villages similarly began deciding on their representatives.

Kirito quietly observed the proceedings with growing confusion. In the original timeline, White Zetsu was supposed to disrupt the meeting, and Obito would appear to declare the Fourth Ninja World War. Yet the meeting was nearing its conclusion, and there were no signs of any disturbances.

Did he lose his nerve? Kirito wondered.

While Obito's declaration had seemed overly dramatic in the original events, the absence of such an announcement now unsettled him. Without a direct declaration of war, the villages might fail to unite, leaving Akatsuki free to defeat them one by one.

I should bring this up with Tsunade later, Kirito resolved. Better to prepare for the worst.

As Kirito mulled over the change in events, the Kage confirmed their representatives for the joint team.

Stone Village: Kurotsuchi Cloud Village: Darui Mist Village: Chojuro Sand Village: Temari

They're all future Kage, Kirito realized, recognizing the long-term strategy behind the Kage's choices. This was more than just an investigation team—it was an early opportunity for the future leaders of the villages to forge connections.

Mifune finalized the meeting. "With that, the joint investigation team of the Five Great Ninja Villages is officially formed. I urge all villages to share any and all information on Akatsuki to ensure this operation's success."

In the stands, the guards exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the weight of the task before them.

We made it in time, Kirito thought with relief.

(End of this chapter)

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