----
The "Eye of the Moon Plan" was utterly absurd. Achieving world peace by putting everyone into an eternal dream?
How many years of brain damage did it take to come up with something like that? How was this any different from wiping out humanity entirely?
"Hey, Hokage." Raikage frowned. "Are they seriously committed to this plan?"
It wasn't just him everyone found this so-called plan ridiculously childish. Even trying to trick a child with this logic wouldn't work, so how could anyone possibly believe in it?
Minato had also been sceptical at first, but the evidence before him left no room for doubt. "As unbelievable as it sounds, it's the truth. They're willing to sacrifice their lives for this plan. Maybe it's because, after suffering through so much war and pain, they've completely lost hope in the world."
His words landed like hammers on the hearts of those present.
Each of them had once dreamed of a peaceful world, but deep down, they had accepted that such a dream was impossible.
Onoki, for instance, had long believed that if peace were ever to be achieved, it would only come when a single village or nation had completely conquered the entire shinobi world.
The closest he'd ever come to witnessing true peace was during the era of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Though he was reluctant to admit it, if those two had forcefully united the ninja world and worked over generations to erase grudges, perhaps things would be better than they were now.
"So, Hokage," Raikage's voice was firm. "Are you saying we should immediately eliminate Akatsuki?"
Minato's information had raised the level of concern. Raikage now understood that Akatsuki could not be allowed to continue unchecked.
"That's right." Minato turned to Onoki. "Even knowing this, do you still insist on a passive defensive strategy?"
Onoki exhaled sharply. "If the situation is as severe as you claim, then we should take the initiative. We can't just sit by and watch the shinobi world be destroyed by a group of madmen."
He wasn't the type to hesitate when action was necessary. If he didn't act decisively now, things would spiral completely out of control.
Raikage smirked. Even the most stubborn among them was willing to cooperate this was a great step forward. "Then it's time to discuss the specifics of our operation."
"Exactly," Onoki agreed. "A war of this scale cannot be fought with each village acting independently. If we surround Amegakure without coordination, tensions could arise, leading to infighting. We must avoid chaos at all costs."
Yagura nodded. "Indeed. Even among allies, a lack of proper communication could lead to interference between forces. That would only provide openings for our enemies."
Gaara spoke up, "If acting separately would cause disorder, why not form a unified Allied Shinobi Forces under a single command?"
Onoki chuckled. "You're still too young, Kazekage. You make it sound simple."
Gaara remained unfazed. "Is there a problem?"
"If we could agree on a unified command, that would be ideal," Onoki admitted. "But the question is who would lead?"
If they truly formed an allied force, Onoki wanted himself to be in charge. After all, trusting another village's Kage with his shinobi's lives was no easy matter.
He assumed that the young Kazekage would eagerly nominate himself.
But Gaara didn't hesitate. "I nominate the Hokage."
"...What?" Onoki blinked. This brat wasn't following the script. "You do realize what that means, don't you?"
Gaara wasn't fazed. "It means that if the commander had ulterior motives, they could use this opportunity to weaken the other villages, right?"
After serving as Kazekage for so long, Gaara wasn't naïve. He understood the risks involved.
Onoki pressed further. "If you understand that, then why suggest the Hokage?"
Gaara explained, "Hokage possesses the strength, reputation, and intelligence required for this role. Of course, Tsuchikage, you have experience and wisdom that cannot be ignored.
However, since the start of this meeting, you have prioritized your village's pride and interests above all else. In this short time, you've already left an impression of being rigid, cunning, and stubborn.
I wouldn't be able to trust you in that position.
Meanwhile, Hokage has worked tirelessly to unite the Five Great Shinobi Nations. From what I know of him, he is a man who can be trusted in all aspects."
Onoki sighed. "You don't hold back, do you?" He knew Gaara was right. The kid had hit the nail on the head.
He then turned to the others. "Then why not the Mizukage or the Raikage?"
Yagura lifted his head. "It's likely because Kirigakure has always been too secretive. I understand that you all lack familiarity with me, and trust cannot be built overnight. If Hokage leads the Allied Forces, I have no objections."
Gaara leaned forward, intertwining his fingers. "As for Raikage, I think we all know the answer. Just recall how heated the argument between you two got earlier."
Raikage frowned. "What are you implying?"
Onoki smirked. "He has a point. You're too hotheaded. A supreme commander cannot afford to be impulsive and easily angered."
The room fell silent.
Raikage, though frustrated, knew he had no argument. Among everyone present, the only one he could trust with this responsibility was Hokage.
"Fine," he conceded. "I agree, Hokage will be the supreme commander."
"Then, I appreciate everyone's trust." Minato stood. "I will do everything in my power to lead us to victory. But I will also need your full cooperation."
"Of course." The other Kage stood as well, acknowledging his leadership.
At that moment, Mifune, the samurai general of the Land of Iron, rose to his feet. "Congratulations on forming this unprecedented Allied Shinobi Forces. As the representative of the Land of Iron, I, Mifune, request to join the alliance."
Shibuki, the leader of Takigakure, also stepped forward. "Takigakure may be small, but we, too, wish to contribute."
Minato turned to them and nodded. "I thought the Land of Iron maintained strict neutrality?"
Mifune replied, "This war will determine the fate of the entire shinobi world. We samurai cannot stand idly by. If we must fight, then we will fight with all we have."
Minato exchanged glances with the other Kage before nodding. "Then, welcome aboard!"
He wasn't happy because he had become the supreme commander titles didn't matter to him.
What truly thrilled him was that his dream had taken its most crucial first step.
The Five Kage had begun to trust one another.
And now, the Land of Iron and Takigakure had also joined.
If they could fight side by side, trust between the villages could continue to grow.
Minato firmly believed that as long as they took it one step at a time, true understanding between people was not an impossible goal.
----
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