The Fourth Tsuchikage

The ninjas in the venue all understood one thing.

Whether they fight to the death, surrender, or flee, Iwagakure will cease to exist after this war.

This was a war that was destined to be lost; it was a war that would annihilate the entire village.

Therefore, neither side is the right choice, and both will result in the sacrifice of many Iwagakure Ninja. No one has the courage to make the decision to let Iwagakure Ninja die, and no one is willing to take responsibility for an inevitable defeat.

Everyone was only thinking about persuading the other party so that everything would appear to be a collective choice rather than a decision made by one person.

With Rōshi willing to step forward at this moment, almost everyone present, except for a few individuals with questionable backgrounds, was willing to support Rōshi.

Those few individuals, in order to avoid exposing themselves, had no choice but to support Rōshi.

In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the Fourth Tsuchikage of Iwagakure was born.

There was no proper procedure, no inauguration ceremony, and not even a suitable Tsuchikage robe.

However, Rōshi did indeed gain the support of the ninjas present and became the Tsuchikage.

"Alright, everyone, go back and prepare for battle. Don't waste any more time. Iwagakure will fight to the death!"

Rōshi issued his first order as the Tsuchikage.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"

A few ninjas in the crowd lowered their heads, their eyes flickering uncertainly.

After everyone agreed, Rōshi spoke again.

"Han, Tsuchikawa, Gray Stone... you stay here, I still have tasks to assign!"

Rōshi called out the names of about ten people in a row. Those whose names were called immediately stopped, while the other ninjas withdrew in an orderly manner.

Small matters are discussed in large meetings, and important matters are addressed in small meetings.

Rōshi, who was well-informed and experienced, clearly understood this principle.

After everyone left, Rōshi led about ten people into what used to be Ōnoki's office and activated a soundproof barrier.

Arriving at the Tsuchikage's office again, Rōshi looked at the familiar furnishings and recalled the scene when he last entered this office.

That time, Rōshi and Ōnoki had a huge argument and parted on bad terms. Not long after Iwagakure, Rōshi left Iwagakure, thinking he would never return.

Unfortunately, fate is fickle, and Iwagakure has fallen to such a state.

Rōshi doesn't read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but in his mind, Ōnoki is a person who would abandon righteousness for petty gains and do great things while cherishing his own life.

In Rōshi's mind, if Ōnoki doesn't make changes, he will one day deal a heavy blow to Iwagakure.

Rōshi guessed the beginning, but not the ending, because the ending came so quickly and was so severe.

Shaking his head slightly, Rōshi completely forgot about his opinions on Ōnoki.

Now that things have come to this, there's no point in mocking Ōnoki anymore; the most crucial thing now is the war that will be fought soon.

Rōshi, having regained his composure, didn't immediately get to the point; instead, he took Han to heart.

"Han, you've disappointed me greatly. Where did you go from having the audacity to lay a hand on me back then?"

Han, who was the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, was repeatedly dispatched by Ōnoki to stop Rōshi's unusual actions.

Hearing the mockery from the new Tsuchikage, Han did not refute it. Just as he had obeyed Ōnoki's every command before, the honest Han chose to silently bear Rōshi's sarcasm.

"Didn't you consider Iwagakure your home? Now that the Allied Forces haven't even reached your doorstep, you're already planning to sell your home and surrender with the Iwagakure Ninja? Are you that afraid of death?"

The surrender faction among the three factions was led by Han, and there were also several other leaders of the surrender faction present.

After repeated taunts, Han, the honest man, finally broke his silence and spoke up.

"It's not that I'm afraid of death, it's just that I don't want my comrades in the village to sacrifice themselves in vain. Iwagakure is not just this land, but the ninjas who live on this land. As long as everyone is here, Iwagakure will still exist even if it loses its name!"

"Do you think surrendering will lead to a good outcome? You're overestimating the Allied Forces. They're ninjas, just like us!"

The words Rōshi uttered made the atmosphere in the room extremely oppressive.

"But that way there was still a sliver of hope. However, now that the Lord Tsuchikage has made the decision to fight to the death, it doesn't matter anymore. Iwagakure Ninja, including myself, are never afraid of sacrifice!"

Han was not afraid of death; he had the courage to face it, but not the courage to let the others go with him to their deaths.

"That's the only thing you're right about. What Iwagakure needs right now is hope, even the faintest hope!"

After he finished speaking, Rōshi's expression turned serious.

"Iwagakure, the Jonin, listen to my command! From now on, you are responsible for selecting ninjas within the village who have happy families and resolute, calm personalities. Secretly unite with them and simultaneously contact the Allied Shinobi Forces. When the final battle begins, lead them to defect, leaving a glimmer of hope for Iwagakure!"

After Rōshi finished speaking, everyone in the room changed their expressions, especially Han, who stood frozen in place, staring blankly at Rōshi.

"Han Jonin, didn't you hear me?"

Rōshi's question brought Han back to his senses.

"Lord Tsuchikage, as I said, I am not afraid of death. This mission can be delegated to someone else. I am Jinchūriki, and I can play a greater role on the front lines!"

"Because you are the Jinchūriki, it has to be you. Only you have enough value and enough ability to protect them."

Han Da opened his mouth, wanting to refute but unable to say anything, and finally nodded heavily in agreement.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"