Who would dare to openly challenge Zashi's proposal in this meeting?! Though Zashi had merely asked a question, it was clear he was making a statement. To disagree would be a mistake.
Even Zashi seemed displeased.
The challenger was a young man with orange hair and a stern expression.
"Senju Ryuken? So it's him! No wonder he wants to lead the mission against the Hidden Sky Village."
The ninjas recognized the familiar figure. Ryuken, had reason to take charge of this mission, both personally and for the village. With Nawaki's death and the loss of the senju clan secrets, he had a score to settle.
Though Ryuken's strength and abilities might not match Orochimaru's, they were more than sufficient to deal with the Hidden Sky Village. While the Sky ninja had caught Konoha off guard initially, that was due to lack of information. Now, with knowledge on their side, dealing with them would be like stepping on an ant.
As the ninjas pondered, only Zashi's expression remained unchanged, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Ryuken held a unique position in Konoha. As the grandson of the Second Hokage, he commanded influence similar to Nawaki. However, unlike Nawaki's clear alignment with the Hokage faction, Ryuken charted his own course.
Konoha's three major factions were the Great Ninja Clans, the Hokage lineage, and the Anbu Black Ops. Ryuken had ties to all three but belonged to none. As clan head, he should align with the Great Clans, but his connection to the Hokage lineage through the Third and Tsunade made that impossible. Yet, he wasn't hostile to them either. Similarly, he had a strong rapport with the Anbu, thanks to the Second Hokage's support.
This unique situation allowed Ryuken to form a fourth faction within Konoha, one that Zashi understood well. He saw through his desire to use this mission to establish his authority and strengthen his faction.
"If Ryuken wants to lead, I have no objections," Zashi said, turning to Orochimaru. "But I wonder what Orochimaru thinks, as Nawaki's teacher."
Zashi wasn't opposed; in fact, he supported Ryuken. The tension between the Hokage lineage and the Great Clans made a new power balance desirable, and Ryuken fit the bill perfectly.
All eyes turned to Orochimaru. Ryuken stared at him intently.
"Haha, of course I have no objections," Orochimaru replied with a smirk. "Ryuken is well-suited to lead this mission."
He wasn't foolish. Zashi had made his support clear, and opposing him would be futile. Why make things difficult when the path was already set?
Senju Ryuken was naturally pleased with Orochimaru's pragmatic response, and Zashi was also satisfied.
"Alright, then the mission to confront the Hidden Sky Village is entrusted to Ryuken," Zashi declared.
The ninjas offered no objections.
"Wait a moment!" Ryuken suddenly spoke again, confusing the others. He had just been given the mission, what more could he want?
"Ryuken? Is there something else?" Zashi inquired.
"I'd like to request someone for this mission," Ryuken replied with a smirk.
"Who?" Zashi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ryuken's gaze shifted to Aizen, who stood behind Jiraiya. "I'd like to request Mr. Jiraiya's bodyguard, Aizen!"
This unexpected request stunned the ninjas, their curious eyes fixed on Aizen. Zashi was surprised, then a playful glint appeared in his eyes. Jiraiya's face darkened with displeasure. Minato was bewildered, unsure of what was happening. Aizen calmly adjusted his glasses, his eyes hidden behind them.
"Ryuken, Aizen is my escort and a leader of Konoha's younger generation. I have a duty to protect him during this mission, so I'm afraid your request is inappropriate," Jiraiya stated firmly, refusing Ryuken's demand.
Ryuken's face hardened at Jiraiya's blunt refusal.
"Jiraiya, while Aizen is a genius, he is also a ninja of the village. He should contribute accordingly! Is he to be treated differently simply because he is your disciple? If so, who would be willing to make sacrifices for the village in the future?" Ryuken retorted, his voice filled with righteousness.
His words resonated with many of the ninjas present, sparking discontent towards Jiraiya and Aizen. They questioned why those from the Hokage lineage could remain protected while others were sent to the front lines. Even a genius, even the future of Konoha, shouldn't be exempt from duty.
Observing the reactions around him, Jiraiya's expression grew increasingly grim.