Shikamaru Nara began mobilizing the Allied Shinobi Forces, tending to the battlefield while the troops rested and regrouped.
Although his appointment as acting commander had come as quite a surprise, since Shihōin Naraku had given the order, he naturally accepted the responsibility.
As for the other ninja in the Allied Shinobi Forces, they were naturally not as submissive to Shikamaru as they appeared.
But they had no right to voice their dissatisfaction now!
Given their terrible performance in the earlier battle, the only person entitled to be dissatisfied was Shihōin Naraku! And as Supreme Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Shihōin Naraku had the right to appoint any ninja as acting commander.
Even if the others did not want to accept it, they still had to obey.
If they objected, why hadn't they dealt with Hozuki Gengetsu themselves?
They had needed support from Shihōin Naraku, the Supreme Commander, just to defeat the enemy. How ironic!
For a ninja, failing to complete a mission was the greatest offense!
And this combat mission was so crucial and important, at that!
So they could only keep quiet and let Shikamaru take command of the Allied Shinobi Forces' Fourth Division in Gaara's absence.
Of course, once the battle on the other side ended and Gaara returned, command would naturally return to Gaara's hands.
More likely, however, Gaara would not sideline Shikamaru because of that.
After all, although Gaara commanded the Fourth Division, he also had to shoulder the task of fighting the enemy.
So under normal circumstances, he did indeed need Shikamaru to help command the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Shikamaru understood the heavy pressure behind this appointment, but not a trace of hesitation showed on his face. He quickly organized the intelligence, analyzed the battlefield situation, and planned their next move with a cool