Chapter 166

With Shinki's stubborn personality, if there was any argument with him, the mission for revenge would be doomed from the start.

"Take a seat so we can discuss," said the Third Hokage.

Seeing Shinki comply, the Third Hokage continued, trying to maintain composure.

"Ever since the Sand Village infiltrated the Land of Fire, they have caused severe damage. Although we managed to eliminate those who infiltrated, the incident has angered the Daimyo. The village needs to present a response."

"So, the village is planning a retaliation?" Shinki raised an eyebrow. He found it odd. When Tsunade proposed this plan earlier, these three elders had dragged their feet, which had infuriated her. And now, after such a long period of full-scale war, they suddenly remembered the need to give an answer to the Daimyo?

If he were the Daimyo, Shinki would have been outraged. Acting now, after so long, felt like an afterthought, almost insulting.

"This was originally Tsunade's proposal, but when the full-scale war began, the village lacked the manpower to carry it out," the Third Hokage explained as he handed the mission document to Mitokado Homura, who passed it to Shinki.

Shinki skimmed through the document and immediately recognized it.

It was nearly identical to Tsunade's original plan.

After reading it quickly, Shinki set the document down. "I agree that the village should act on this. Retaliating will reassure the Daimyo and disrupt the Sand Village's plans. If successful, the Sand Village will face pressure from within and from the Daimyo of the Wind Country."

"The Wind Daimyo is not known for his patience. If provoked, he will make life difficult for Sunagakure."

As Shinki spoke, he noticed the looks on the faces of the Third Hokage and the elders.

Wait, were they expecting him to lead this mission?

"Has Lord Hokage already chosen someone for the task?" Shinki asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Ahem…"

The Third Hokage cleared his throat, trying to maintain his authority. "Initially, we considered sending Orochimaru, but Orochimaru—"

"Excellent idea! I support it!" Shinki interrupted with a sharp clap, cutting the Hokage off.

He could see where this was heading. The Hokage was about to explain that Orochimaru was engaged on the front lines and couldn't take on this mission, leaving Shinki as the next option. But Shinki decided to preempt that line of reasoning.

"…"

The Third Hokage was momentarily speechless.

"Shinki," Mitokado Homura interjected, stepping in to finish the Hokage's train of thought. "Orochimaru is indeed on the front lines with crucial duties. Currently, you are the strongest candidate left in the village capable of this mission."

"No, I'm not suitable," Shinki said immediately, shaking his head. "This mission should be led by a ninja adept in earth-style ninjutsu. That's not my specialty."

Earth-style ninjutsu? 

Shinki, after acquiring the Tenseigan, had learned various techniques and possessed all chakra natures. But why should he volunteer for this task? He had just returned from the Land of Rain, and now they wanted him to be worked like a pack mule?

Even a workhorse wouldn't be treated like this.

"I recommend sending a squad leader and selecting ninjas from the Sarutobi clan," Shinki continued. "Their expertise in the five chakra natures makes them ideal for this type of mission."

He pushed back against Mitokado Homura's suggestion and shifted the responsibility toward the Sarutobi clan. After all, they prided themselves on their mastery of various chakra natures.

"Uh…"

Homura was at a loss, and Utatane Koharu's expression was equally stunned. Even the Third Hokage didn't know how to respond.

They wanted Shinki for this mission, not to have him suggest the Sarutobi clan take on the risk.

"Why? Are the Sarutobi clan not capable of handling dangerous missions? Should I send an Anbu team instead?" Shinki pressed on, leaning forward with a cold stare.

"And if that's not suitable, I could involve some Uchiha. They're skilled in fire-style jutsu, and we have Anbu members who specialize in earth-style techniques as well."

"Shinki, please, hold on," the Third Hokage said, raising his hand to stop him before the Uchiha got dragged into the mix.

"Yes, the Sarutobi clan could take part, but the mission requires a leader of sufficient stature," the Hokage explained. "This isn't just any mission. It's deep infiltration into enemy territory. If the team isn't strong enough, they could be surrounded and trapped by Sunagakure."

The elders and the Hokage didn't want to send their best shinobi on a mission that would result in casualties. A successful mission had to be led by someone capable of ensuring everyone's safe return.

"Are the two elder advisors not 'important' enough?" Shinki countered, now turning his sharp gaze toward Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. "The head of Anbu goes to the front lines, and the deputy runs missions in the Rain Country. Why don't the esteemed elders step up for this?"

"Cough!" 

Homura choked on Shinki's audacious suggestion. Koharu's eyes widened in shock, and even the Third Hokage blinked in surprise.

Was Shinki really going to drag the elders into the field?

"Shinki…"

"Don't call my name," Shinki said, crossing his arms and smiling coldly. "If you want me to lead this mission, fine. But I'll need a team comprised of Sarutobi and Shimura ninjas who specialize in earth-style jutsu. And the two advisors should accompany me."

"Otherwise, find someone else."

The room fell silent. Shinki's ultimatum hung in the air, leaving no room for argument.

If they wanted him to take on the mission, he would do so on his terms. Otherwise, they would need to look for another candidate.

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