"..."
Tsunade fell silent.
In order to win this war, Tsunade didn't dare to hand over this position, nor did she dare to nominate others, because they might not be willing to cooperate with Uchiha Madara...
"As for the other Kage..."
The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, looked at the other Kage present and couldn't help but speak up, "In terms of identity and qualifications, they're suitable, but many in the Ninja World know that you all were once captives of Akihara Kagura, which might make it difficult to rally the public..."
"So what can we do?"
The Fourth Raikage, knowing his own lack of strength, admitted that taking on the role of Alliance Commander would certainly face opposition, and he couldn't bear to usurp the position, so he grumbled, "At this time, we can't possibly let Uchiha Madara become the Ninja Alliance Commander, right!"
That was simply a joke...
No one would think the Ninja Alliance would obey Uchiha Madara...
The scene stalled for a moment.
Salamander Hanzo's gaze assessed everyone present, speaking in a deep voice, "Everyone, now is not the time to hesitate. Even if Lord Fifth Kazekage becomes the Ninja Alliance Commander, we can use it to inspire young people. His identity is even younger than Akihara Kagura; we can promote Kazekage-sama as the rare young genius of the Ninja World to counter Akihara Kagura..."
"Uh..."
Gaara's face immediately flushed with embarrassment.
As Akihara Kagura's defeated subordinate, even having been beaten by Akihara Kagura years ago, he lacked the age and experience, and couldn't command respect even in the Hidden Sand Village, so how could he bear the responsibility of being the Ninja Alliance Commander!
"There is another way..."
Tsunade's gaze fell on Salamander Hanzo, and she solemnly reminded, "Akihara Kagura has always been known as the God of Ninja. We can have the former Ninja Demigod, Salamander Hanzo, take on the role of Ninja Alliance Commander..."
This would be extremely advantageous for Konoha!
If she became the Alliance Commander, it might invite dissatisfaction from the Hidden Mist Village, Hidden Sand Village, The Hidden Cloud Village, and The Hidden Rock Village ninjas, so it would be better to elevate someone friendly to her!
At least Salamander Hanzo, this elder, wouldn't veto her proposals and might even agree for the sake of the bigger picture. Besides, the position of Alliance Commander was merely titular; the real decision-makers were still the Five Kage...
"A Ninja Demigod challenging the God of Ninja?"
Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, glanced at Salamander Hanzo.
"I also agree."
The Fourth Raikage had some goodwill towards Salamander Hanzo, at least from when Hanzo helped stop two of his guards from dying recklessly.
One of these guards...
Was intended to be trained as the Fifth Raikage by him!
Just on this basis, the Fourth Raikage was supportive!
Moreover, Salamander Hanzo's character and quality had won their trust, at least they didn't have to worry about Hanzo deliberately sabotaging them!
"Agreed."
The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, also agreed.
"Agreed."
The Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, also cast a vote in agreement.
Compared to letting Tsunade become the Alliance Commander, they'd rather vote for Salamander Hanzo. This Ninja Demigod also has the courage to face Akihara Kagura head-on.
"I'm already old..."
Salamander Hanzo shook his head and opposed, "I've already decided to fight alongside Mishima, the Warrior Leader of the Land of Iron..."
"Lord Hanzo."
"You are the most suitable candidate."
"The power of a Ninja Demigod is beyond the comprehension of ninjas..."
Gaara softly persuaded, "Perhaps I'm too young, my words might be hard to hear, but having the Alliance Commander be a Demigod challenging the God of Ninja at least makes everyone aware of the seriousness of this war..."
In theory...
This also makes sense.
Because Salamander Hanzo's reputation and contributions were significant enough, he had consistently worked to stop Akihara Kagura, even proactively gathering a large number of small country ninjas and samurai for the Ninja Alliance.
Moreover...
This elder was not one of the Kage from the Five Great Countries.
No matter which major Ninja Village's Kage became the Alliance Commander, it would somewhat cause dissatisfaction among ninjas from other villages. As the leader from a small country Ninja Village, Salamander Hanzo wouldn't face as much rejection.
As long as it doesn't provoke excessive rejection...
That candidate could be more widely accepted by ninjas.
Lastly...
Salamander Hanzo's strength was not weak.
Aside from the Second Ninja World War, Salamander Hanzo even challenged three major Ninja Villages, and though defeated, he ensured the integrity of the Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village.
Even at this time, carrying the name of a Ninja Demigod was old, but it could still convince others.
Weighing pros and cons...
Salamander Hanzo seemed to be the most suitable choice?
"This..."
Salamander Hanzo couldn't refuse and had to accept the others' suggestion, yet he took the initiative to propose another idea: "If I become the Alliance Commander, my age means I can't spare much energy for combat in the war..."
"..."
The Five Kage all indicated this Alliance Commander was overthinking it.
However...
Salamander Hanzo directly proposed a strategy, his gaze dimming, "Gentlemen, why not use me as the Alliance Commander as bait in the war..."
"According to Akihara Kagura's arrogant mindset, he will certainly lead his army to attack me. I can use Salamander poison to inflict as much damage on that kid's army as possible, and the Ninja Alliance can attack his army from the rear..."
As soon as he took office as the Alliance Commander...
He had already thought of his own sacrifice...
The Five Kage present became silent upon hearing Salamander Hanzo's words, acknowledging the feasibility of Hanzo's proposed strategy...
"Lord Hanzo..."
Tsunade hurriedly interrupted Hanzo's thoughts, speaking up, "It's too early to mention your sacrifice now; we still have more important matters to discuss..."
Anyway...
This Alliance Commander would support her.
Tsunade immediately took the opportunity to suggest that the Ninja Alliance communicate with Uchiha Madara because Madara was the strongest force in the battle against Akihara Kagura.
In addition...
Tsunade also brought up the issue of protecting the Nine-tails and Eight-tails.
However...
This depends on whether the Eight-tails in the Hidden Cloud Village remains when the Fourth Raikage returns.
If the Eight-tails is still around, both the Eight-tails Jinchuriki Killer Bee and Nine-tails Jinchuriki Naruto Uzumaki must hide in advance to avoid being found by Akihara Kagura to revive the Ten-tails...
There's also the issue of the Ninja Alliance headquarters...
Honestly...
The headquarters of the Ninja Alliance didn't feel safe anywhere...
Because the other Ninja Villages had all been attacked by Akihara Kagura, and the only one that hadn't, Konoha Village, had Akihara Kagura served in its high ranks for so many years that he knew it like the back of his hand. Going back to Konoha would be like going home for him, wouldn't it?
Finally...
The Alliance headquarters was still placed in the Hidden Cloud Village.
Because the towering Hidden Cloud Village could at least avoid surprise attacks from White Zetsu.
The Ninja Alliance's forces were also roughly divided. They couldn't establish more branches at this point, so they could only divide them as best as they could.
However...
Tsunade still raised an issue, with some hidden concerns: "I don't know if it's my illusion, I have a feeling that Akihara Kagura still has some conspiracy..."
"It's already come to this point..."
The Fourth Raikage furrowed his brows and spoke solemnly, "The entire Ninja World is rallying to fight him, does that guy still have a need to concoct some conspiracy?"
"Even if he does have some conspiracy..."
The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, shook his head, calming them, "We can't think about these things now, we have no room for retreat..."
"No matter what..."
Salamander Hanzo looked at the Five Kage present, solemnly declaring, "We must all set aside past grudges and unite to stop that guy's plot to destroy the Ninja World. That youngster has declared war..."
"Apart from facing it head-on..."
"We have no choice!"