Veigar swiftly received his mission directive from Orochimaru.
"Veigar, you'll depart with the scout team tomorrow. Uncover every uncertain element out there."
Scouting.
That's right, scouting.
For Orochimaru to entrust this task to Veigar, it was a clear sign; not only of his confidence in Veigar's abilities, but also of his intent to nurture and elevate him further.
"Understood, Orochimaru-sama."
Tomorrow?
No. From this moment on, Veigar was officially the captain of the advance scouting unit.
"I object, Orochimaru-sama."
Just as Veigar accepted the mission without hesitation, a voice rose in protest. It was Hizashi Hyuga, standing squarely in the center of the tent.
Veigar's name had grown considerably within Konoha as of late.
It wasn't just his formidable strength, more importantly, he had directly brought down Danzo Shimura, the so-called aide to the Hokage.
"I believe it's inappropriate for Chūnin Veigar to be appointed captain of the scouting team."
"Our Hyuga clan possesses the Byakugan, there is no more qualified candidate for this role."
As Hizashi spoke, Regan Shimura, a jōnin from the Shimura clan, quickly added:
"Agreed."
"Orochimaru-sama, with all due respect, Veigar is not suited for command over a scouting team."
His eyes, fixed coldly on Veigar, betrayed his bitterness. If it weren't for Veigar, Danzo, also from the Shimura clan, wouldn't be in disgrace.
The rest of the jōnin remained silent, watching how the scene would unfold.
Orochimaru understood the motives behind Hizashi's and Rigen's objections.
Hizashi couldn't accept that the captaincy wasn't going to someone from his own clan. With the Byakugan, a bloodline limit perfectly suited for reconnaissance, the Hyuga were natural scouts.
As for Rigen, his objection came purely from resentment. He opposed anything that benefited Veigar.
"Hehehe~~"
Orochimaru's serpentine gaze slid between Hizashi and Regan before settling on Veigar.
"Veigar, why don't you handle this one?"
His words, and his tone, didn't go unnoticed by the ten jōnin present. They all felt a subtle jolt of tension.
In the shinobi world, power speaks loudest.
And right now, Orochimaru was acknowledging Veigar's power.
"Understood."
Veigar responded with deference before turning to face Hizashi and Regan directly.
"Jōnin Hizashi. Jōnin Regan."
Before either could respond, Veigar vanished from sight, appearing instantly behind them, a kunai in each hand pressed against their backs.
"Forgive me."
Gasps swept the room.
That speed, it was far beyond what any normal chūnin should possess.
The calm, steady voice brushing past their ears startled both Hizashi and Regan.
"So fast..."
Even that single display proved Veigar's strength more than sufficient to command the scout team.
Just as Veigar sheathed his kunai, before he could fully turn back, a voice rang out, Chōza Akimichi, who had previously worked with Veigar, spoke firmly:
"I support Veigar's appointment as captain of the scouting team."
The Ino-Shika-Chō trio had always stood in unison. If Chōza supported Veigar, then Shikaku and Inoichi would surely follow.
And indeed, Shiguro Aburame of the Aburame clan, and Akari Sarutobi of the Sarutobi clan, both nodded after witnessing Veigar's speed.
"I agree as well."
Veigar nodded respectfully toward those who had spoken in his favor, and with a flicker of movement, returned to his original position.
"Inutarou says you're dangerous, then I agree ," came a dry voice.
Dō Inuzuka, kneeling to soothe his partner, a large, brown adult ninken, spoke with calm acceptance.
With Dō Inuzuka's support, the expressions on Hizashi and Regan's faces soured.
Of the ten jōnin present, six had spoken in support of Veigar.
Even if they continued to object, it would be meaningless now.
"Then it's decided," Orochimaru concluded, sealing the outcome with finality.
Soon after, the impromptu meeting came to an end. The jōnin filtered out, leaving only Orochimaru and Veigar in the field command tent.
Orochimaru opened his mouth wide, unnaturally so, and produced two scrolls, slick with moisture, from deep in his throat. He handed them to Veigar.
"These contain the techniques you requested."
Veigar glanced between the scrolls and Orochimaru, a flicker of joy lighting his expression—undeniable to anyone present.
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."
He accepted the scrolls with both hands, showing no aversion to the slime coating them, and tucked them directly into his ninja tool pouch.
Veigar trusted Orochimaru's character, or at least, his consistency. Even though the two jutsu he'd asked for included one S-rank and one forbidden technique, Orochimaru didn't hesitate.
Moments later—
Just as Orochimaru, with his usual sinister charm, kept his gaze locked on Veigar, three figures entered the tent.
All familiar faces.
Nanaki Hyuga, Jun Inuzuka, and Shikatsu Aburame.
The three had recently been promoted to chūnin, and now stood as Veigar's official team members in the newly formed scouting unit.
Hizashi's earlier objection? It had been on Nanaki's behalf, a member of the Hyuga branch family.
And now, Veigar was appointed their leader.
"Orochimaru-sama."
The trio respectfully greeted Orochimaru. When their eyes met Veigar's, each nodded slightly.
After returning their gesture, Orochimaru turned to Veigar.
"They're yours to lead now."
"Understood."
Veigar stepped forward, coming to stand in front of the trio.
"Nanaki Hyuga. Jun Inuzuka. Shikatsu Aburame."
"As of now, I am your squad captain."
"Any objections?"
Surprised by the announcement, the three exchanged glances.
Then Shikatsu took the lead:
"Captain Veigar, we look forward to working with you."
Jun and Nanaki snapped out of their surprise and added in unison:
"Captain Veigar, we look forward to working with you."
A moment earlier, Shikatsu had discreetly signaled the other two.
Veigar had become even more dangerous.
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