All eyes turned towards the entrance.
The Jonins' gazes held various meanings, attempting to find the answers they sought on the Third Mizukage's face.
However,
This time,
The Third Mizukage hid himself behind the white curtains hanging from either side of his hat. Curious glances were blocked, making it impossible for anyone to see his expression clearly.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
In the extreme silence, the Third Mizukage sat alone at the head of the meeting table.
Then, another long period of silence ensued.
The atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. Some Jonins began to tremble uncontrollably. Apprehensive of the Third Mizukage's coldness and ruthlessness, they started recalling whether they had left any loose ends, any fatal flaws.
Cold sweat continuously dripped down.
Just as someone's breathing became ragged, their expression starting to turn fearful, the Third Mizukage finally cleared his throat lightly and spoke: "I have gathered everyone here today for Kirigakure's highest meeting for no other reason than to announce an appointment."
As he spoke, the Third Mizukage looked up and, surprisingly, cast an appreciative gaze towards Sora, who was sitting to the side.
"I will appoint Jonin Commander, Yuki Sora as the Commander of Kirigakure's Expeditionary Force against the Land of Fire."
"…"
"???"
"!!!!"
Breathing in the meeting room hitched.
After hearing this, the expressions on the Jonins' faces were truly varied and strange.
Some looked as if they had anticipated it all along, as if everything was within their expectations. Some looked utterly relieved, as if they had narrowly escaped disaster, having just walked past the gates of hell.
Others had a flash of envy in their eyes, though it came and went too quickly to be easily noticed by others.
Of course, some also slammed the table and stood up, strongly expressing their dissatisfaction.
After all, this was the position of Expeditionary Force Commander, controlling the lives of thousands of Ninjas from Kirigakure. The power held in this role was so great it was practically like having a third leader alongside the existing 'two suns in the sky' of Kirigakure.
"I find this improper!"
The Yuki Clan's head, Yuki Tomoyuki, was the first to slam the table and stand up. His face showed excitement, his eyes filled with sincere feeling for the village. He spoke passionately: "Mizukage-sama, Sora is still too young. Although he possesses the talent to suppress a Konoha's Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, he is after all just a sixteen-year-old child, immature and inexperienced. His experience in commanding troops is also not rich enough…"
"I believe that Sora, relying solely on his meager ability to suppress a Konoha's Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, is absolutely unfit for such a heavy responsibility. I implore the Mizukage-sama to rescind this order and select another powerful Ninja capable of suppressing a Konoha's Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki to shoulder this responsibility. Only then will people be truly convinced."
Hearing this, the Third Mizukage showed a displeased expression: "Tomoyuki, are you questioning my decision?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Tomoyuki quickly shook his head, apprehensive: "It's just that I believe this child Sora's qualifications are too shallow. Even though he can already rely on his own power to suppress a Konoha's Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, he is ultimately too young. Some will inevitably be unconvinced, and may even think your appointment, Mizukage-sama, is too frivolous."
"Tomoyuki, are you also unconvinced?"
"I wouldn't dare, but this child Sora is still too young. Even though he can already rely on his own power to suppress a Konoha's Sannin …"
"Enough!"
The Third Mizukage slapped the table hard: "This is my order! An order issued in the name of the Mizukage!"
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!"
Tomoyuki ceased his efforts. The passionate look on his face instantly vanished. He then sat back down with a troubled expression, his plump face tightly drawn, his eyebrows twitching occasionally, as if he might burst out laughing at any moment.
'Old scoundrel!'
'Pretending to be reluctant after getting the advantage, what a jerk!'
'One playing the tough role, the other the soft role. If this wasn't a pre-arranged double act, I wouldn't believe it even if you beat me to death!'
'A broken record? Suppressing a Sannin, the Yellow Flash, the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki… repeating the same thing over and over, does he think he's the only one who knows?'
'He's using Yuki Sora's strength as a threat! Anyone who dares disagree with this appointment should think about the fate of Konoha's Jiraiya!'
'Damn it, he's such a jerk!'
The leaders of several great clans completed their exchange in the blink of an eye through glances alone. They were all old and crafty individuals. They naturally knew Tomoyuki's opposition was merely a formality, a 'three refusals and two acceptances' tactic meant to shut the mouths of those who truly wanted to oppose.
"Mizukage-sama is wise!"
The Deputy Commander of Kirigakure's War Department, Yagura, was the second to stand up: "I believe no one is more suitable for the position of Expeditionary Force Commander than Sora. This is simply the wisest decision."
"Seconded."
Beside Yagura, the hitherto silent Fuguki also stood up in support.
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
Seeing that Yagura and Fuguki, who represented Genji, had taken the initiative to stand up and supported Sora's promotion, those Jonins who were originally somewhat wavering, or even wanted to oppose, also raised their right hands, expressing their supportive stance.
Since the village's highest authorities, the Mizukage-sama and Genji, had already secretly agreed upon this matter, those below them wisely joined the supportive camp.
After all, that old scoundrel Tomoyuki had already jumped out to play the role of the opposition. If anyone stood up to oppose now, they would truly earn someone's hatred.
Since the overall situation was decided, no one was willing to do the thankless task.
Besides,
Apart from the Third Mizukage himself, it seemed only the monstrous Sora could sit steadily in the position of Expeditionary Force Commander.
Qualifications?
Stop talking nonsense!
This is the commander-in-chief during wartime! Every move affects the outcome of the entire war. This isn't a place for seniority-based appointments. To hold this position, having a hard enough fist is sufficient!
Although he is still very young, even the most nitpicky person must admit that Sora's combat power is enough for him to sit in the position of Expeditionary Force Commander. In fact, it could even be considered more than enough.
16 years old!
Expeditionary Force Commander!
Kirigakure's de facto third most powerful figure!
This resume, even placed within Kirigakure's entire history, is quite explosive.
In short, the matter was decided smoothly and pleasantly.
"Sora-sama, congratulations!"
"Truly, heroes emerge from the young. Unknowingly, the Village of the Bloody Mist has already become the world of you young people, hahaha…"
"Commander, my family has a Ninken with pretty good qualities. I wonder if you could help arrange a job for it?"
"Oh? Since when does your Ringo Clan, who plays with swords, raise dogs?"
"None of your business? If you have nothing better to do, go play with water and mud, you Hozuki old scoundrel!"
After the meeting, facing the calm and composed Sora, many Jonins crowded around, offering congratulations in a cacophony of voices.
The leaders of great clans were also attacking each other as if no one else was present, seemingly already treating Sora as part of the high-level circle.
"Yuki Sora…"
The Third Mizukage, wearing his hat, walked over. He glanced at the instantly quietened Jonins, paid it no mind, then patted Sora's shoulder, saying in a serious, earnest tone:
"This is a crucial position, related to the outcome of this war, and also related to the village's future. This is also a heavy responsibility, but I believe in your strength, sufficient to shoulder such a burden."
"Act boldly. I will fully support you. No matter what it is, as long as it benefits the village, go forth and complete it unwaveringly!"
"Yes."
Sora nodded.
"It is you…"
"That puts me at ease."
The Third Mizukage walked past slowly, his hands clasped behind his back, leaving only a deep and unfathomable figure for everyone.