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A, the Raikage, responded to Tsunade's firm declaration with a sense of resignation. "We will hide Yugito and Bee, and since both are from my village, I have a place in mind."
Koushin waved his hand dismissively, his words laden with an air of playful sarcasm. "Whatever, Raikage. Just make sure your little turtle island doesn't get discovered."
A's eyebrows rose in shock, his body rigid with disbelief. He hadn't mentioned his intended location to anyone yet. "How...?"
Koushin simply grinned, relishing the Raikage's stunned expression. "Oops. Shouldn't I know about that? My apologies for my disturbingly good intuition."
A scowled, recovering from his initial surprise. "Your uncanny sense of humor aside, Koushin, this is a serious matter."
"I agree," Koushin retorted, maintaining his light tone despite the grave discussion. "And who says you can't be serious with a bit of humor thrown in?"
Oonoki sighed, rubbing his temples. "Koushin, this isn't the time."
The room fell into another stretch of silence, the tension palpable. Koushin leaned back in his chair, his mischievous grin unwavering. The tension in the room was a palpable entity, yet it seemed as if he was above it all, able to inject levity in even the direst of situations.
"Are we done here?" Tsunade finally asked, her voice breaking the quiet. Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each Kage.
Mifune cleared his throat and addressed the room, his voice projecting an aura of steady leadership. "We need to assign roles. The division commanders need to be decided. Let's start with the First Division. I propose Darui as the Mid-Range Battle Division Commander."
At his words, Tsunade and Koushin exchanged glances. Koushin, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, looked towards Mifune. "Darui, eh? Not a bad choice. The man's got skills. But, are you sure you're not just trying to pawn off the responsibilities onto others?"
The usually stoic Mifune offered a rare smirk. "And if I were, would you blame me?"
"Of course not!" Koushin answered, waving his hands dismissively. "Just checking."
Raikage A, having recovered from Koushin's earlier jab about the turtle island, chimed in. "Darui is a fine choice. He's proven his worth time and time again."
With a nod of agreement from the others, Mifune continued. "For the Second Division, I recommend Kitsuchi for the Short-Range Battle Division."
As the names and roles were suggested, a lively discussion ensued, with different Kages chiming in and voicing their opinions. The room was filled with intense debates and negotiations as names flew overhead, each Kage carefully considering the other's suggestions while vouching for their own. It was a careful balancing act between self-interest and collective goal, a dance of political maneuvering and strategic planning.
Tsunade leaned forward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "For the Third Division, I suggest Kakashi Hatake for both short and mid-range battle division. He has experience and is trusted by all."
"Kakashi Hatake, without the Sharingan?" Oonoki interjected, his tone sceptical. "Is he still the same asset he used to be?"
Koushin smirked, "He's still Kakashi of the Sharingan in spirit, Oonoki. And now, he has both eyes normal. You'll be surprised at what he can do."
"For the Fourth Division," she began, "Shikamaru Nara will be the Proxy Commander for the Long-Range Battle Division."
There was a moment of silence in the room, followed by a few questioning glances. Tsunade held their gaze, her expression revealing nothing.
"A Nara?" Oonoki questioned, his eyebrows furrowing in suspicion. "They are known for their intellect, but isn't Shikamaru rather...young?"
Koushin chimed in, "Shikamaru may be young, Oonoki, but I've seen him outsmart experienced Jonin. He's a tactical genius, and we could use that on the battlefield."
"And now," Mifune's calm voice cut through the room, bringing attention back to the task at hand, "The Fifth Division. I propose myself as the Special Battle Division Commander."
His statement was met with approving nods around the room, the decision being one of the less controversial ones.
"We can agree on that," Raikage A acknowledged, his gruff voice echoed by his bodyguard Mabui's assent.
"Shizune will serve as the Logistical Support and Medical Division Captain," Tsunade announced. "She's been at the helm of our medical division in Konoha and her experience will be invaluable."
"That's a strong choice," Mei concurred. "Our medical team is critical, and Shizune is well suited for the role."
"For the Surprise Attack Division," Koushin continued, his eyes flickering with a mischievous spark, "I recommend Shino."
"Aburame Shino?" Temari questioned, her voice slicing through the room like a desert wind.
"Indeed," Koushin nodded, "The man has a knack for unexpected strategies. You'll see."
Tsunade turned to Raikage A, "As for the Sensor Division, we're thinking of Hyuuga Hinata."
"Hinata," Raasa nodded. "A Hyuuga. Their Byakugan is not something to underestimate. Good choice."
"Intellectual affairs will be handled by Inoichi Yamanaka as Intelligence Division Captain," Tsunade declared.
"Another skilled shinobi," Mei acknowledged, her tone appreciative. "His mind techniques are superior."
"Lastly," Tsunade continued, her gaze firmly fixed on each Kage, "the Daimyo Protection Squad will be led by Mei, and Shikaku Nara will serve as our Chief Strategist."
At the mention of her own name, Mei inclined her head in acceptance. Ao, standing behind her, nodded approvingly, while the room filled with nods of agreement at the mention of Shikaku.
"He's one of the best strategists in Konoha," Koushin added, "He's the right choice for the role."
"I think we have a solid plan here," Mifune concluded. "We've each made our recommendations, and I believe these shinobi will lead us well in this war."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her gaze sweeping over the room. Finally, she suggested the last role, a position that the other leaders had deliberately left open. But her recommendation stunned everyone in the room, eliciting a wave of vocal concerns one after another. Koushin, seated next to her, wore a grin that indicated he was thoroughly enjoying the proceedings.
Oonoki looked at Tsunade, rubbing his aged chin thoughtfully. "Are we sure about this? Absolutely sure he can do it?"
"Oi,"
A, still looking somewhat surprised by the unexpected proposal, shook his head and said, "He is strong and capable, but he's... how can I say this... not very reliable."
"Oi,"
Mei, looking contemplative, finally voiced her thoughts. "He is... perf— I mean, he's certainly smart and powerful, but this is a serious role."
"Oi,"
Even Mifune, who had been quietly observing the exchanges, nodded and added, "I must agree. This role is way too important."
"Oi,"
At this, all the Kages turned to look at Koushin, their eyes brimming with a blend of skepticism and hope. They each said in unison, voicing their shared concern, "Are you sure Koushin should be the Regimental Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Fourth Division Commander?"
Koushin's grin widened at their question. "Why, aren't we all synchronized? Beautiful harmony."
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