Chapter 211: Hoping Everything Goes Smoothly

Two days passed in quiet haste.

Land of Fire, Kikyo Pass (prev. Mount Kikyo), Konoha Forward Command.

In the command room, seated at the head of the table was Orochimaru, with Tsunade beside him. Across from them stood Veigar and several others. Orochimaru unrolled a mission scroll recently delivered from the village and said:

"A new mission directive just came in from the village."

As he spoke, Orochimaru cast a subtle glance at Veigar before continuing:

"Regarding the proposal Veigar raised some time ago about troop withdrawal, the village has now reached a decision after deliberation."

Orochimaru scanned the room, observing the expressions of everyone present.

For the gathered jonin, the hope had always been that the village would accept Veigar's proposal.

Having served on the frontlines themselves, they understood all too well how perilous the battlefield could become once full-scale combat broke out.

After days of contemplation, more and more of them began to believe that Veigar's suggestion was the most pragmatic course of action.

Holding the defensive stronghold at Kikyo Pass would allow them to consolidate their already limited forces, significantly reducing potential casualties.

But whether things would turn out as they hoped depended entirely on the village's final decision.

And now, they were finally about to receive that answer.

Orochimaru didn't draw it out. He stated plainly:

"The village has approved Veigar's proposal."

"Prepare to begin withdrawal of the troops stationed at the front."

As soon as the words left Orochimaru's mouth, expressions of relief and joy appeared on the faces of most of the jonin. Many of them turned to look at Veigar with newfound respect.

"Orochimaru-sama, when do we begin the operation?"

Shikaku hadn't known beforehand that the village would approve Veigar's proposal. But this was good news for every Konoha shinobi on the frontlines, and he saw no reason to object.

Not that objecting would do any good now, Hiruzen had already signed the mission order.

Orochimaru chuckled lightly and replied:

"Naturally, we'll carry out the withdrawal at the most optimal moment."

"Even though we're abandoning the frontlines, we must ensure the Sand shinobi gain nothing useful from it. In fact, we might even cause them some trouble while we're at it."

Shikaku nodded.

"You mean…"

But Orochimaru raised his hand to stop him and said:

"We'll discuss the specifics shortly. First, there's another matter I need to inform everyone of."

Another matter? The jonin exchanged puzzled glances.

Tsunade looked at Orochimaru curiously and asked:

"What is it?"

Orochimaru didn't immediately reply. Instead, he took out another scroll, his expression growing stern. Then, in a formal tone, he called out:

"Veigar Koshima."

His tone and demeanor carried a weight that made the room fall silent instantly. Everyone sensed this was no ordinary announcement.

Realizing he was being addressed with such gravity, Veigar stepped forward with solemn respect.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."

Orochimaru unfurled the scroll and declared:

"After thorough deliberation by the village, it has been decided to promote Konoha shinobi number 009917, Special Jonin Veigar Koshima, to the rank of Full Jonin."

"Due to the pressing situation at the frontlines, Veigar is to return to the village within one month to officially assume his new duties."

After reading the decree, Orochimaru gently rolled the scroll closed and smiled at Veigar:

"Congratulations, Veigar."

"Soon, you'll be one of Konoha's official jonin."

Around them, the other jonin chimed in with genuine congratulations:

"Congratulations, Jonin Veigar."

"Well earned, Veigar."

"About time."

No one objected to Veigar's promotion. In fact, it was widely seen as well-deserved. Though only ten years old, his strength and battlefield achievements spoke volumes.

Assassinating a Sunagakure elder in enemy territory and returning unharmed was no small feat, and Veigar had pulled it off flawlessly.

Taking the scroll from Orochimaru, Veigar returned to his place in line, a small smile appearing on his face.

Though the difference between Special Jonin and Full Jonin might seem like only a few words, the implications were vast.

A Special Jonin was essentially a provisional position, often lacking many of the rights and responsibilities of a full jonin. There was no guarantee of advancement.

Many Special Jonin served their entire lives under that title, either retiring or dying without ever making the leap.

That's why the number of true jonin in the village remained relatively small.

To become one, a shinobi had to prove their strength, capability, merit, and loyalty, all four, without exception (barring rare special cases).

Once promoted, a jonin stepped into the core of the village's political and military decision-making. They gained voting rights on major village matters.

Special Jonin could only listen in on such meetings, they had no say.

There were other privileges as well: greater access to advanced jutsu, permission to study more forbidden techniques, and upon assuming the post, the right to select an A-rank jutsu from the Scroll of Seals.

But perhaps most important of all was the influence and status that came with the rank of Full Jonin. It marked one's entry into Konoha's true inner circle.

With the announcement complete, Orochimaru turned back to the matter of the troop withdrawal plan.

The rest of the day passed quickly in intense discussion, and by the end of it, the withdrawal strategy had been finalized.

As part of Orochimaru's arrangement, Veigar and Minato Namikaze, his mentor, were tasked with executing the plan.

For Veigar, who was soon to be a jonin, this assignment also served as a test of his capabilities.

Moreover, since both he and Minato had mastered the Flying Raijin Technique, they were the ideal candidates for the job.

As they exited the command tent, Minato turned to his student and said:

"Congratulations, Veigar."

"After this campaign, let's return to the village together."

Veigar nodded.

"Thank you, Sensei."

"Are you leaving too?"

Minato looked to the horizon, where the sky had begun to glow with the amber hues of twilight.

"Yes," he replied.

"The village is severely understaffed. I've received orders to return as well."

"When the time comes, we'll go back together."

Veigar nodded again.

"Yeah."

"Let's hope everything goes smoothly this time."

Minato smiled softly.

"It will."

"Go get ready. I'll go gather Kakashi and Obito."

"We meet at the base of the mountain in one hour."

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