Chapter 79: Interested in Another Exhilarating Battle Against the Mist?
Perhaps when Ritsu had said even if the Six-Tails attacked he could handle it, he wasn't joking but stating facts? This thought uncontrollably surfaced in everyone's minds.
Sarutobi Mochimoto's face turned somewhat pale.
Aburame Torune remained expressionless, but his hands had turned slightly white from gripping too hard.
"We've basically clarified the general situation. Kakashi, is there anything else you need to add?"
Orochimaru looked at Kakashi and asked.
"No, the Hyuga clan head explained everything in great detail. This mission that Deputy Commander Aburame assigned us nearly got us all killed. We hope Lord Orochimaru will investigate thoroughly to find out exactly who sold our intelligence to the Mist ninja, who colluded with them, harming comrades for personal gain!"
"If not for the Hyuga clan head's exceptional strength and superior methods, completely exceeding their expectations, they would have succeeded this time!"
Kakashi's words brimmed with resentment and indignation, even appearing somewhat aggressive.
But considering Kakashi's background, his own talent and ability, and finally his experiences in this incident, he indeed had the confidence to be aggressive.
"Rest assured! This matter will certainly have a resolution. It cannot be left unresolved. Uchiha Shisui is currently out on a mission, but I'll call him back as soon as possible to interrogate Suikazan Fuguki. Before that, we can also begin internal investigation work..."
Orochimaru paused and looked at Ritsu, saying: "The internal investigation task will be entrusted to Jonin Hiruko. How about it, Ritsu-kun? Any problems with this arrangement?"
"I have no objections."
A smile appeared on Ritsu's lips.
Arranging for Teacher Hiruko to conduct the investigation—forget that Aburame Torune was already covered in filth, even if his backside was clean, they could smear it with more.
Orochimaru didn't hesitate and immediately issued two orders. First, recall Uchiha Shisui from his mission. Second, send word to Hiruko to immediately begin internal investigation work, especially focusing on checking everyone who knew about or had access to the details of Team Kakashi's mission.
Of course—
Orochimaru actually understood that the person who'd betrayed Ritsu and Kakashi was most likely Aburame Torune. But the internal investigation process was essential. Whether they could ultimately trace it to Torune remained uncertain.
Moreover, even if they did trace it to Torune, Orochimaru didn't have the authority to punish and decide. Ultimately, the Hokage would still need to make the final call.
Orochimaru glanced again at Aburame Torune. The latter remained expressionless, as though this had nothing to do with him.
"Next is the issue of Nohara Rin."
Orochimaru's gaze turned to the unremarkable-looking girl with her head lowered. For a moment, he found it rather troublesome. Though the girl was indeed unremarkable with an ordinary background, she was Namikaze Minato's student.
Strictly speaking, Nohara Rin could even be considered his grand-student.
"Ritsu-kun, do you have any suggestions?"
"My suggestion is to send Nohara Rin back to the village as soon as possible, have experts truly skilled in sealing techniques examine Rin again, then have someone teach her how to become a proper Jinchuriki. Of course, this is just my suggestion. How to actually arrange for Rin after sending her back to the village is an issue for the Hokage to consider."
"You're right."
Orochimaru came to his senses, realizing he'd been overthinking. His task as Supreme Commander was to defend against Mist ninja attacks. He didn't need to concern himself with anything else—and didn't have the conditions to do so.
"In that case, let's contact the village..."
"Lord Orochimaru, I've already sent word about Rin to Sensei Minato. Once he receives the message, I'm sure he'll rush over quickly."
Before Orochimaru could finish, Kakashi proactively reported.
Orochimaru raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Even better. Minato's student should be arranged by him personally. We'll skip this matter."
He thus concluded the issue of Nohara Rin's disposition, not giving others the slightest opportunity to interject. Aburame Torune frowned but ultimately chose to remain silent, saying nothing.
Orochimaru pondered for several seconds, his gaze wandering over everyone, slowly saying: "The Mist ninja suffered heavy casualties this time, losing many jonin. Do you think we can seize this opportunity to launch a counterattack against them?"
Saying this—
He paused, leaving time for everyone to think.
"I agree."
Ritsu was the first to speak. "The Mist ninja lost many jonin this time. If nothing unexpected happens, once Ringo Ameyuri and Hoshigaki Kisame escape back, the Mist ninja will most likely choose to retreat. So if we're going to counterattack, we need to move quickly. Otherwise, once all the Mist ninja retreat, if we want to counterattack we'll have to cross the sea to attack the Land of Water."
"Wouldn't that be too aggressive?"
"Are the Mist ninja truly hurt to their core? What if they're deliberately showing weakness to lure us away from our defensive line and launch an active attack?"
"How could they possibly use the lives of Kirishima Shinya, Biwa Juzo, and Suikazan Fuguki to feign weakness? This is clearly weakening."
"If what the Hyuga clan head says is true, I also think now is a good opportunity to launch a counterattack. We can't let the Mist ninja escape like this. Even if we can't annihilate all the invading Mist ninja, we should kill as many of their effective forces as possible. Best would be to beat them so badly it takes twenty years to recover!"
Everyone regained their composure on this matter, discussing objectively from different angles, demonstrating appropriate professionalism, arguing endlessly with differing views.
As everyone spoke in succession, those present gradually divided into two factions. One believed they should act cautiously and never be rash, not easily wasting forces in battle. After all, the Cloud ninja to the northeast were stirring restlessly. If they wasted forces and lost here, it might cause their already advantageous situation to reverse sharply.
The other faction's attitude was more aggressive, believing they should seize the opportunity to beat the Mist ninja while they were down—to injure them, hurt them, even cripple them so they wouldn't dare harbor any ambitions for twenty years.
The former had fewer people, the latter many more.
Clearly, most present still possessed strong initiative and ambition, unwilling to maintain this passive defensive posture from beginning to end. They yearned to fight a beautiful counterattack and severely punish the Mist ninja.
After arguing for a while—
Everyone's mouths became somewhat dry, and they simultaneously turned their gazes to Orochimaru. Unable to persuade each other, it was now time for Orochimaru, the Supreme Commander, to make the decision.
"Ritsu-kun, interested in another exhilarating battle against the Mist ninja?"
Orochimaru looked at Ritsu, issuing the invitation with a smile.
"I'd be delighted."
Ritsu grinned.
At this moment—
The tent suddenly had one more person, appearing without the slightest ripple, materializing from thin air.
"Lord Orochimaru, pardon my presumptuous intrusion!"
Minato stood beside Kakashi, nodding slightly to Orochimaru in greeting.
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