Naruto: Konoha’s Trickster, Starting as the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki-Chapter 758 - 758: Allied Forces Assemble

As consensus seemed imminent, Mifune, the host, rose slowly.
"Very well. In that case, I hereby declare the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces."
"However, before we proceed, there is one more matter. Since this is an alliance, we naturally need a commander."
"I wonder if any of you have a suitable candidate in mind."
The formation of the alliance required a leader. As Mifune's words fell, the room sank into silence once again.
Every person present was either a Kage or the leader of their village—each one powerful enough to qualify as commander.
But this alliance was unlike any before it—their enemy was a terrifying organization that threatened the entire Ninja World. Choosing the right commander was critical.
"Hmph. No one speaking?"
"Then I'll recommend myself. The hatred between my Kumo and Akatsuki must be repaid in blood."
"And my brother was taken. I will bring him back!"
The Fourth Raikage's resolve was as fierce as ever. If anyone present wanted Akatsuki wiped out the most, it was him—his hatred for them was plain to see.
But hatred and determination alone didn't qualify someone to be commander.
After all, Konoha's enmity with Akatsuki was just as deep.
"I cannot agree."
"Lord Raikage, it's not that I distrust you, but you've let your hatred cloud your judgment."
"Someone who cannot face the enemy rationally cannot serve as commander."
"Personally, I support Hokage Minato Namikaze for the role."
In response to Shikamaru's self-nomination, Terumi immediately spoke up and cast her vote for the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Shikamaru, ready to argue, fell silent the moment Minato's name was mentioned.
It must be said—Minato Namikaze truly was more suitable than him.
The others shared this view. Minato had distinguished himself in the Third Shinobi World War, possessed overwhelming strength, and was a man of integrity. He was, without question, an exceptional leader.
Only Minato himself seemed unwilling. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, his jaw froze—a pair of unseen hands had clamped over it.
He nearly reacted, but then realized: in this entire meeting, only Kazuyama could pull something like this off. His Transparent Escape was completely silent.
Minato stopped resisting. Kazuyama's voice sounded in his ear:
"Big brother, this isn't the time to decline."
"Just agree, then appoint the Fourth Raikage as deputy commander. With his temper, don't send him to the frontline—he'll cause a disaster!"
Minato hesitated, and Kazuyama's voice came again, dripping with mischief:
"Hey, Minato, what are you hesitating for? Did you forget about Kushina?"
"You're telling me you're not going to protect her? You want the Fourth Raikage to protect her?"
"He couldn't even protect his own brother. You think he can protect the remaining Jinchūriki?"
That was the final straw. Kushina was Minato Namikaze's dearest love—there was no world in which he would risk her safety.
He agreed instantly. Seeing Minato nod, Kazuyama finally withdrew and returned to his seat.
"Hokage-sama, what do you think?"
Mifune turned his gaze to Minato. In truth, he too believed the Hokage was the best choice for commander.
Minato no longer hesitated.
"Since everyone places their trust in me, I, Hokage Minato Namikaze, will not disappoint."
"However, I believe that one commander alone may not be enough to lead the Allied Shinobi Forces. Therefore, I propose establishing a deputy commander to share command."
"For this position, I believe Lord Raikage is suitable. What do you all think?"
Minato followed Kazuyama's advice completely—and rightly so. A glance at the Fourth Raikage was enough: eyes red, aura unstable, practically radiating danger. Sending him to the battlefield would be a disaster.
Better to keep him in the rear.
"The Hokage speaks wisely. I have no objection," Rasa said, arms crossed. "What do you think, Lord Raikage?"
Rasa fully agreed with Minato's reasoning. He didn't entirely understand why the Raikage was chosen for deputy commander—but he had noticed Kazuyama whispering to Minato earlier.
From the start of this meeting, he had scattered his gold sand throughout the venue. He wanted to see whether Kazuyama—that troublemaker—would start scheming.
And of course, he did.
Not that Rasa minded. With Kazuyama's help, they had managed to deal with the stubborn Ōnoki. That damned old man.
With the commanders chosen, the alliance moved on to pre-war preparations.
By the time the meeting ended, night had fallen. Kazuyama didn't return to rest with the Konoha group. Instead, he sought out Mifune and brought Yahiko and Konan with him for a private discussion.
"Mifune, you've worked hard this time."
"Haha, think nothing of it. Never thought I'd live to see something like this—the Five Kage Summit. Hahaha."
Mifune valued this summit greatly. After all, it represented the entire Ninja World joining together as one.
Such an enormous force.
"Yahiko, you handled matters well earlier. As a previously neutral nation, Takigakure may be far from Kirigakure, but it's close to the others."
"Stationing the Perception Squad in the Land of Waterfalls was a smart decision. I'll protect them. The moment Akatsuki's location is found, we'll launch a swift attack."
Yahiko took Kazuyama's praise calmly. As a village leader, even within an alliance, he carried the responsibility to support his people.
The Five Great Villages were giants, but Takigakure and Amegakure were not to be underestimated. That was why he proposed his village and the Land of Waterfalls as the Sensor Division's base.
"Oh, and Orochimaru will be moving with the Takigakure forces."
"Leave him be. Let him act however he wants."
Kazuyama had informed Yahiko and the others earlier about Orochimaru joining the operation, but he still mentioned it again.
"Still… I can't shake the feeling things won't be that simple."
Kazuyama's sixth sense was sometimes accurate, sometimes not.
But this time, he was right.
Akatsuki had been aware of the Five Kage Summit from the very beginning.
Kurozetsu's reconnaissance abilities were exceptional. Whether lurking underground or merging with trees, even sensory ninjutsu struggled to detect him.