25

As the conversations settle down, most of the ninja begin to filter out of the room, their steps heavy with the knowledge of the uncertain road ahead. One by one, the more ordinary figures leave, their faces grim, before the real decision-makers are left standing. Naruto, Sasuke, Tsunade, Mei, Onoki, Raikage, Killer Bee, Gaara, Hagoromo, Hamura, Toad, Snake, Slug Sages, Hashirama, Tobirama, Minato, Orochimaru, Kabuto, Kakashi, Obito, Madara, Itachi, and Shikamaru remain.

The room is now filled with the most powerful figures of the shinobi world, each of them weighed by the monumental task ahead.

Naruto stands tall, looking around at everyone gathered. "Well, looks like it's up to us to figure this out," he says, trying to inject a little optimism into the room. "We'll be fine, right?"

Sasuke, with his usual deadpan expression, leans back against the wall, folding his arms. "As long as we make the right moves, we'll have a chance."

Tsunade, ever the realist, shakes her head. "It's not going to be easy. We're talking about a force like Kaguya and the Zetsu army, plus whatever Jigen and his people are capable of. It's not something we can simply overcome without preparation."

Shikamaru rubs his temples, his mind already racing. "The main issue is how we're going to manage all the conflicting pieces. Kaguya's a wildcard, and even with the Zetsu, we don't know the full scope of what they can do."

Minato glances toward Orochimaru, his tone calm yet serious. "We need to figure out how to use Kaguya's army without getting caught in her plans. At least with Black Zetsu managing them, there's a semblance of order, but we can't predict her next move."

Orochimaru lets out a quiet chuckle, but his eyes are sharp. "I've never been one for trusting anyone outside of myself, but I do think Kaguya's army might be useful, especially if we can control how and when they fight."

Kabuto, standing by his side, seems more calculating than ever. "There's more we need to uncover about the Zetsu's powers. We still don't know everything about the dynamics between Kaguya and her creations. Not all of the Zetsu were made the same way, and understanding that will help us harness their potential."

Hagoromo clears his throat, stepping forward. "We cannot afford to be complacent. Jigen is a significant threat. Isshiki is powerful, and if we wait too long to act, it will be too late. It is imperative that we prepare for the worst."

Hamura adds quietly, "The Ōtsutsuki are not like other enemies. They will adapt, and they will strike when we least expect it."

Mei, who had been listening attentively, speaks up. "We have a lot of powerful people here, but we need a solid strategy. Just relying on brute strength won't be enough."

Onoki grumbles. "You're telling me. I'm not as spry as I used to be, but I'm still willing to fight. The real question is: How are we going to organize all these resources?"

Raikage slams his fist onto the table. "I'll be ready for any battle. But the question remains: How do we keep Kaguya from turning on us?"

Gaara, silent until now, speaks up, his tone heavy with responsibility. "If we can't control her, at the very least, we must make sure she's not an obstacle. We've dealt with enemies who could destroy entire nations, but Kaguya and her power... that's something different."

Hashirama grins lightly, though there's a touch of sadness in his eyes. "We'll need a plan that includes everyone. I've always been someone to take risks, but even I know when to wait for the right moment."

Tobirama scoffs. "Risk-taking is fine as long as it's calculated. And right now, we can't afford mistakes."

Kakashi, ever the calm strategist, nods. "I agree. The key will be information. If we can get ahead of Jigen and his plans, we stand a chance."

Obito, still adjusting to the weight of his resurrection, tilts his head thoughtfully. "So, our best shot is to prepare and gather as much intelligence as we can before making any big moves?"

Madara, ever the domineering figure, crosses his arms, his expression unreadable. "You all seem to underestimate the power of Kaguya. While we're all worried about Jigen, we need to ensure we're not forgetting her potential. She could very well be our greatest weapon... or our biggest threat."

Itachi, whose gaze never wavers from the group, finally speaks, his voice calm but serious. "I agree with Madara. We've seen what she's capable of. She's not someone we can ignore."

With everyone weighing in, the group falls silent for a moment, each one considering the gravity of their next steps. Their combined experience and wisdom will guide their decisions, but the road ahead is filled with uncertainty.