Mitokado Homura's words voiced what quite a few of the Jonin present were thinking.
Everyone present had seen what Uchiha Minamoto had done lately.
But when it came to war and frontline command where lives hung in the balance, they were more willing to trust a mature ninja.
War, after all, was not an ordinary mission.
"Elder Mitokado, I know you're anxious, but hold on a moment."
Uchiha Minamoto looked at Mitokado Homura and spoke unhurriedly.
"You say I'm young and inexperienced. I admit that.
"But what situation are we in now?
"What matters most now is rushing to the front immediately and rescuing our comrades who are under attack by Kumogakure and could die at any moment! We must keep the situation from deteriorating further."
Uchiha Minamoto continued.
"Kumogakure has never given up on destroying Konoha.
"For every moment you hesitate now, another comrade might die at the border.
"As the old saying goes, speed is paramount in war.
"Only a ninja who can reach the northern border in the shortest possible time is qualified to lead the Special Operations Squad!
"And I'm fast enough!"
Mitokado Homura was left speechless.
"You say you're fast enough."
Princess Tsunade, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.
"Then let everyone see just how fast you are."
There was a hint of mockery in Princess Tsunade's voice, but it was directed at Mitokado Homura, not Uchiha Minamoto.
"Tsunade!" Mitokado Homura's expression grew even uglier. "You-"
"For a Special Operations Squad, speed is naturally the most important criterion."
Arms folded across her chest, Tsunade cut him off without ceremony.
"If Uchiha Minamoto really is as fast as he says, then he's the best candidate.
"What do age and experience count for?
"The first people to die on a battlefield are fools who throw