The meeting quickly shifted to discussions about whether to send reinforcements and what level of support to provide.
There was no disagreement on sending aid—everyone in the room understood the principle of "when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold."
However, controversy arose over who should lead the mission.
In theory, an operation representing the entire Hidden Leaf Village should be led by someone of the advisor elder level.
But currently, among the village's advisor elders, Danzo was in seclusion for reflection, Koharu Utatane and Mitokado Homura had gradually stepped back from frontline command, leaving only Tsunade and Jiraiya as viable options.
Unfortunately, Jiraiya had just taken Naruto out for training and was absent from the village.
This left Tsunade as the only suitable leader, but the village couldn't spare her, as many research projects required her direct oversight.
Seeing the debate stall, the Third Hokage said, "The Hidden Stone will be the main force in this operation. Our reinforcements are primarily for containment, so we don't need to be rigid about the leader. I propose Kakashi take charge of this mission to support the Hidden Stone!"
"Kakashi, huh…"
Tsunade pondered briefly before nodding.
Koharu and Mitokado exchanged a glance and also nodded in approval.
Kakashi was the most outstanding jonin of the village's younger generation, bar none, making him an acceptable choice for all parties.
Kakashi didn't immediately agree. After a moment's thought, he said, "Lord Hokage, I can take on this rescue mission, but I have one request."
"Speak."
Kakashi was concise: "I want the authority to select my team."
"That…" The Third hesitated briefly before nodding. "Alright, you can choose the team for this mission."
With the Third's approval, Kakashi immediately said, "I want Uchiha Shinji to join this rescue operation!"
"Me?!"
Shinji, who had been zoning out during the meeting, was caught off guard by Kakashi's mention.
Koharu immediately objected, "That's hardly appropriate! This mission involves facing the ruthless Akatsuki. Shinji hasn't even graduated from the academy—participating in such a mission is too dangerous."
Kakashi explained, "Conflict with the Akatsuki is inevitable. Shinji's generation will eventually face them. Rather than waiting passively, it's better to take part in missions now to gain experience against the Akatsuki. Moreover, his performance in the Land of Grass is well-known, and he's shown exceptional talent in reconnaissance and medical ninjutsu. I believe he's capable of handling this mission!"
With that, Kakashi looked at Shinji.
All eyes in the room followed, focusing on Shinji.
"I'll follow the village's arrangements," Shinji said with a shrug.
Koharu's expression darkened, but Kakashi's reasoning was sound. Shinji's performance in the Land of Grass and during the academy exam demonstrated that, as the academy's First Chair, he possessed jonin-level combat ability.
Such strength was more than sufficient for the rescue mission, so even as an advisor elder, Koharu couldn't block it further—especially since the Third had just granted Kakashi the authority to choose his team.
The Third said, "Shinji, as the First Chair of the academy, you should indeed take on greater responsibilities. This time, you'll join Kakashi to support the Hidden Stone Village."
"Understood!" Shinji replied.
As the attendees speculated whether Kakashi's move was another attempt to test Shinji, Kakashi added, "In addition to Shinji, I'd like to recruit Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji for this mission."
"What?!"
Tsunade was taken aback.
Before she could object, Koharu said, "Yakumo possesses the Koryugan and has mastered 'Wood Release.' Her strength is comparable to Shinji's. Gaining experience under Kakashi's command would be beneficial."
Mitokado nodded in agreement. "Indeed."
Tsunade was left speechless, shooting Kakashi a glare. She hadn't expected him to recruit Yakumo for such a dangerous mission without consulting her first.
Kakashi remained unfazed.
He genuinely believed that Shinji's generation of prodigies had grown enough to stop being caged like birds. They needed to face real battles to hone their skills.
After weighing the options, the Third approved Kakashi's proposal. He couldn't push Shinji into battle while shielding Yakumo.
After the meeting, Kakashi approached Shinji. "Time is tight. Go prepare your gear. We meet at the village gate in thirty minutes!"
Shinji said, "I'd like to bring my two teammates."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Haku and Karin?"
"Yes."
Kakashi asked, "You're sure?"
"Absolutely," Shinji replied without hesitation.
"If they're willing, I have no objections."
Kakashi left to prepare.
After he departed, Koharu approached Shinji, cautioning, "Though the Hidden Stone is the main force, you're still facing Akatsuki members. Be cautious and maintain your limits. If Kakashi gives unreasonable orders, you can refuse!"
Shinji smiled. "Got it."
He was now tied to Koharu's faction. If anything happened to him, her position would be shaken.
Thirty minutes later, Shinji arrived at the village gate as planned, with Haku and Karin, fully armed, behind him.
Upon learning the mission was to rescue the two Jinchuriki captured by the Akatsuki in the Land of Earth, Haku and Karin agreed to join without hesitation.
On one hand, they were worried about Shinji undertaking such a dangerous mission alone. On the other, they wanted to stop the Dark Akatsuki from collecting Tailed Beasts and disrupting the shinobi world's peace.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Soon, Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji arrived at the gate.
Shion, as the Priestess of the Demon Country, couldn't participate in such a dangerous mission, so the three formed a temporary team.
Seeing Shinji and his team, Yakumo and the others greeted them.
Shinji nodded, then scanned the group, his expression turning peculiar as a thought crossed his mind.
Yakumo asked, "What's wrong?"
Shinji shook his head. "Nothing."
His odd expression stemmed from the fact that only he knew the team heading to the Land of Earth to confront the Akatsuki consisted of himself—Akatsuki's "A"—along with "B," "C," "D," "F," and "G."
If the village learned that both squads, all six members, were Akatsuki operatives, he wondered what the higher-ups would think…