A cold snort came from Fourth Raikage A, seated directly across from them.
He spoke loudly in a gruff voice.
"Raikage, don't you think that's going too far? By that logic, wouldn't Snow Shadow be just as qualified? And when it comes to understanding the Akatsuki, isn't Snow Shadow the one who knows them best? The Akatsuki's goal is the Tailed Beasts, and Snow Ninja Village still has three of them. Considering those three points, wouldn't Snow Shadow actually be the best choice to lead the allied forces?"
Hearing that Fourth Raikage was still bringing up the rogue ninja,
and clearly seemed to be trying to hold someone accountable,
Ōnoki furrowed his brows, then slowly relaxed them. He deliberately steered the conversation toward Naruto, his flat, measured words like a firm little pin that pricked Fourth Raikage A just enough to make his expression falter for an instant.
Hearing this, Naruto couldn't help feeling conflicted deep down. What's with this old geezer? Couldn't he pick anything else to talk about? He had to drag me into this?
The others' gazes shifted as well.
Naruto's expression seemed unchanged,
but inwardly, he couldn't help cursing.
At this juncture, however—
"Heh, I'm grateful for Tsuchikage's confidence in me, but I'm still too young. Even leading a single village often leaves me feeling my own limits and exhaustion. The allied forces' affairs are of great importance. Not only would I need to coordinate everything within the alliance, I'd also have to devise strategies to deal with the Akatsuki. That's simply not something I can take on, nor do I have any desire to serve as commander. This position should be filled by the senior Kage here."
Naruto smiled faintly and spoke without hurry.
"Snow Shadow certainly makes a convincing case. You seem to know