For a moment, everyone expressed their doubts.
The primary concern was the strength of the hired ninjas.
If they were merely average Chunin or Jonin, it would indeed be troublesome to face them. A single misstep could result in death. However, the ninjas in the special training camps were on a completely different level. Despite the relatively short training period, their capabilities far surpassed those of ordinary shinobi.
The next issue was determining how best to push these hired ninjas to the opposite side.
"Their strength is quite formidable," Reiki began calmly.
"At the very least, there are several individuals with Kage-level strength. Coupled with the potions I provided earlier and the intensive training they've undergone, their natural killing intent as hired ninjas gives them an added edge. I believe they are up to the task."
Initially, many doubted Reiki's proposal. However, when he mentioned that there were several Kage-level fighters among these hired ninjas, the room fell silent.
Kage-level?
Was Kage-level strength so commonplace now?
To think that a hired ninja team could boast multiple Kage-level members…
"Reiki, are you referring to Kakuzu and the others?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes." Reiki nodded before elaborating:
"Kakuzu has mastered the forbidden technique of Earth Grudge Fear, allowing him to utilize multiple elemental clones, making him strong even among Kage-level shinobi. Kana excels in assassination techniques. His Shadow Kill, Shadowless Step, and Ember Blade are all devastating single-target techniques. Souta manipulates wind chakra to blend into the wind, achieving unparalleled speed and cutting ability. He can even use Wind Release to break through Susanoo's defenses, though it requires Susanoo to remain stationary for him to land a clean strike. Yan, a puppet master, commands over 20 highly advanced puppets simultaneously. Then there's Iron Tower, whose taijutsu and defense are nearly impenetrable. I've seen him withstand over a dozen of my continuous ninjutsu attacks without faltering."
The room grew increasingly tense as Reiki shared these details.
Kirabi swallowed nervously. Destroying Susanoo without transforming into his tailed beast state? Forget trying—he wouldn't even dare imagine it. Even with his full transformation, facing Susanoo was no small feat. The thought of enduring Reiki's relentless barrage of ninjutsu only amplified the pressure.
It wasn't just Kirabi who felt this way. Many others in the room were grappling with the realization. How many of their own instructors could perform such feats?
Perhaps Konoha's legendary Sannin, or someone like Hatake Sakumo…
Even Ai and Kirabi from the Cloud Village were unsure they could measure up. As for others, like Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, they didn't dare boast such confidence either.
A Decision Reached
After a brief silence, Tsunade stood up.
"Reiki, I support your proposal. Konoha's specially trained ninjas could greatly benefit from this method of training. Do you have any specific plans for how to organize it?"
Tsunade trusted Reiki implicitly. To her, this suggestion was nothing but beneficial.
"I agree with Reiki's proposal as well, but the issue of safety concerns me..." Jiaruli from Sunagakure raised her doubts.
Sunagakure lacked a surplus of talented shinobi. Losing them during such training would be catastrophic.
Reiki frowned slightly at her remarks.
"If Sunagakure wishes to opt out, feel free to do so," Tsunade interjected bluntly.
"Or, if other villages share similar concerns, let us know now. When we assign missions, we'll make sure to exclude your village."
This was the ninja world, after all. The purpose of special training wasn't to coddle or protect the participants, but to forge warriors capable of facing life-and-death battles.
"Kirigakure has no objections. We'll implement the suggestions of Medical Ninja Reiki," Utakata said decisively.
"Iwagakure also agrees. True growth only comes through life-and-death encounters," Akatsuchi added.
"Cloud Village supports the proposal as well. Ninjas need real combat experience to hone their skills. However, we have a request: Can the instructors also participate in missions?" Ai asked eagerly.
In his mind, such opportunities for growth were rare, and he didn't want to miss out.
"I agree with Ai. Instructors should be involved too. We need Kage-level opponents to challenge us," Akatsuchi chimed in.
These remarks left Jiaruli visibly flustered. Seeing her reaction, Yashamaru, also from Sunagakure, quickly interjected:
"Sunagakure is willing to participate!"
Yashamaru understood the stakes. Falling behind in this high-stakes era of escalating power levels could render their village obsolete.
Moving Forward
"Alright, then it's settled. Reiki's proposal is collectively approved. He will handle the specific arrangements," Hatake Sakumo concluded before vanishing from the room, along with the other leaders.
Reiki was left sitting alone, deep in thought, as the weight of organizing this monumental training initiative settled upon him.