Danzo Shimura's words caught in his throat, the corner of his eye twitching twice.
Tsunade... Tsunade, huh?
It wasn't just Danzo Shimura; even Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned a touch unnatural in that moment.
If Tsunade hadn't developed her hemophobia, she would indeed be the ideal candidate, just as Kakashi had said.
As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, and the founder of Konohagakure's medical ninja system, Tsunade had saved the lives of countless shinobi from the village without even realizing it.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that every ninja in Konoha owed her a debt.
She was the perfect person to undertake this mission.
"Kakashi, Tsunade isn't suitable right now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi eyed Kakashi with a hint of hesitation.
As for the reason why, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no intention of explaining.
"In that case, this old man—"
"In that case, Clan Head Nara. As the leader of Konoha's jonin class, the head of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, one of the village's legendary Iron Trios, and a trusted aide to the Hokage-sama, your prestige and abilities speak for themselves."
Danzo Shimura coughed twice, clearly about to volunteer for this task that was little more than a chance to claim easy credit. But then he watched as Kakashi turned to Nara Shikaku, who was casually puffing on a cigarette.
"Me?"
Nara Shikaku had been considering giving this young man an opportunity to prove himself, but he hadn't expected Kakashi to target him instead.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shot a sidelong glance at Danzo Shimura, his face betraying nothing. He had every reason to suspect Kakashi was doing this deliberately—how could someone as sharp as him have overlooked Danzo Shimura, who had so vocally supported him earlier?
"The selection of personnel for border defense can wait. Let's first discuss the other candidates to face Kumogakure."
"Jiraiya will serve only as the commander."
"Does anyone have suggestions?"
As Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice faded, Utatane Koharu—who had remained silent until now—subtly shifted her gaze toward the only young man in the room.
"Kakashi Hatake."
As the one who had sparked all this, Utatane Koharu simply couldn't fathom Kakashi's "twisted logic." The war could have ended—why prolong the fighting?
Wasn't peace the better path?
If she had her way, this young man who had defied her and pushed so hard for war would meet his end on the battlefield!
The future of Konoha could not tolerate such a dangerous element!
Kakashi glanced at Utatane Koharu, his expression serene as he replied:
"I'm willing to head to the front lines."
No further explanation was needed; Kakashi had always intended to go.
Hiruzen Sarutobi regarded the calm, composed seventeen-year-old and nodded in quiet approval.
He had to follow through on his words. If Kakashi merely advocated for war while shirking the battlefield himself, Hiruzen Sarutobi would be profoundly disappointed.
"I recommend two people."
The silver-haired young man continued.
"Who?"
"Might Guy and Uchiha Shisui."
At those words, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow furrowed slightly.
Might Guy was acceptable.
He was Kakashi's close friend, and the two had outstanding synergy on the field, able to watch each other's backs.
But... Uchiha Shisui. He had already earned the title "Shisui the Teleporter" on the Hidden Mist battlefield. Sending him out again risked inflating the Uchiha clan's arrogance even further as Shisui's reputation grew.
Moreover, this conflict wasn't one where Konoha needed to commit everything. If possible, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want a single Uchiha involved.
"No—"
"It's fine."
Utatane Koharu started to object, but Hiruzen Sarutobi cut in first.
"Hiruzen!"
Utatane Koharu whirled to glare at him.
"Very well. Any other candidates?"
When it came to allowing Uchiha Shisui's participation, Hiruzen Sarutobi chose to trust Kakashi.
He believed Kakashi's brilliance would eclipse even Shisui the Teleporter's.
And Kakashi's recommendation of Shisui was a measure of last resort.
After all, Kumogakure boasted a perfect jinchuriki.
They couldn't very well send Uchiha Fugaku, could they?
As the lengthy meeting finally drew to a close, the personnel for the conflict with Kumogakure were settled.
In addition to Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the others already mentioned, there were also Hyuga Hizashi from the Hyuga clan and Aburane Shiro, among others.
They would depart for the Kumogakure front in three days' time.
Land of Frost.
At the same time, the defense arrangements for the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass were finalized.
Nara Shikaku.
As for why Kakashi had recommended Nara Shikaku instead of Danzo Shimura, who had backed him so strongly in the previous jonin meeting?
In terms of prestige and strength, Danzo Shimura outstripped Nara Shikaku.
But this man's ambitions far outpaced his capabilities.
He would stop at nothing to claim the Hokage seat.
During the Nine-Tails' attack on the village, it was Danzo who ordered Root to block the Uchiha from aiding the battlefield.
Yet after stopping them, neither Danzo nor his Root forces ever showed up to fight.
The Uchiha were no saints, but was Danzo?
Both the Uchiha and Danzo were fools whose ambitions exceeded their abilities, all for the sake of that so-called Hokage position.
The Uchiha held their clan meetings incessantly, even plotting a coup to seize power, oblivious to the fact that everything was under Hiruzen Sarutobi's watchful eye.
Danzo was no different—he schemed relentlessly for the title, watching idly as the Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself, attempting to assassinate Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing by during the Konoha Crush Plan, and again during Pain's invasion.
To Danzo Shimura, the only good Konoha was one under his rule.
Birds of a feather.
Neither side was worth praising; there was no need to debate who was darker.
When the meeting ended, dusk had already fallen. Kakashi glanced back at the Hokage Building, bathed in the twilight glow.
Returning home, he found Hikari bustling in the kitchen.
The savory aroma of dinner had already filled his senses.
"I'm home."
Kakashi sat at the entryway, slipping off his shoes.
"Welcome back!"
Hikari's cheerful voice called from the kitchen.
"What's for dinner today?"
"It smells amazing."
Kakashi padded into the kitchen in his slippers, spotting the girl in her cozy, warm-toned loungewear as she tasted the soup with a ladle.
"Here, try it—tell me if it's good?"
"This is from the new recipe book I bought. I followed it step by step."
Hikari beamed, handing the ladle to Kakashi with excitement.
Kakashi took a sip, then eyed the book lying nearby.
Cooking: From Beginner to the Grave
"It's delicious."
Compared to Hikari's cooking, Kakashi was more intrigued by where she kept finding these bizarre books.
"Hehe, aren't I awesome!"
"Hurry and wash your hands—dinner's ready."
Buoyed by the praise, Hikari quickly shooed Kakashi to get ready.
"In a few days, I'll be away from home for a while. When that happens, Hikari, could you take some time to visit Naruto? Bring him some fruits and vegetables, that sort of thing."
At the dinner table, Kakashi said between bites.
"Another mission?"
Hikari replied casually; Kakashi had mentioned things like this several times before.
"This one's different from the others. It's the battlefield."
————
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