The Ninja gathered in the hall all understood one truth.
Whether it was a fight to the death, surrender, or escape, Iwagakure would cease to exist after this war.
This was a doomed war, a war that would lead to the village's destruction.
Therefore, none of the factions represented the most correct choice; all would result in the sacrifice of a large number of Iwagakure Ninja. No one had the courage to make a decision that would send Iwagakure Ninja to their deaths, nor was anyone willing to take responsibility for a doomed endeavor.
Everyone just wanted to convince the other side, so that everything would appear to be a collective choice, rather than one person's decision.
When Roshi stepped forward at this moment, almost everyone present, with the exception of a few individuals with questionable loyalties, was willing to support him.
And those few individuals, to avoid exposing themselves, could only choose to support Roshi.
In less than a quarter of an hour, Iwagakure's Fourth Tsuchikage was freshly appointed.
There was no normal procedure, no inauguration ceremony, and not even a properly fitting Tsuchikage robe.
However, Roshi genuinely received the support of the Ninja present and became the Tsuchikage.
"Alright, everyone, return to your preparations for battle. Don't waste any more time. Iwagakure will fight to the death!"
Roshi issued his first command as Tsuchikage.
"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"
A few Ninja in the crowd had flickering eyes as they bowed their heads.
After everyone acknowledged him, Roshi spoke again.
"Han, Dokawa, Haishi... you stay. I have more missions to assign!"
Roshi called out about a dozen names consecutively. Those whose names were called quickly stopped, while the other Ninja withdrew in an orderly fashion.
Big matters are discussed in small meetings, and small matters in big meetings.
The experienced Roshi clearly understood this principle.
After everyone left, Roshi led the dozen people into Ōnoki's former office and activated a soundproofing barrier.
Returning to the Tsuchikage's office, Roshi gazed at the familiar furnishings inside, recalling the last time he had entered this office.
That time, Roshi and Ōnoki had a fierce argument, parting ways unhappily. Roshi, who left Iwagakure shortly after, thought he would never return.
Alas, fate plays tricks, and destiny is unpredictable. Now Iwagakure had fallen to such a state.
Roshi did not read the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but in his heart, Ōnoki was someone who would forget righteousness for small gains and be too cautious when it came to major undertakings.
In Roshi's perception, if Ōnoki didn't change, he would one day bring heavy damage to Iwagakure.
Roshi guessed the beginning but not the end, because the end came so quickly and was so severe.
Shaking his head slightly, Roshi cast all his opinions of Ōnoki out of his mind.
Things had come to this; no amount of mocking Ōnoki would help. The most crucial thing now was the war in the coming days.
Collecting his thoughts, Roshi didn't immediately get to the main topic but instead started with Han.
"Han, you disappoint me. Where is the courage you once had to lay hands on me?"
Han, as the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, had been sent by Ōnoki multiple times to stop Roshi's movements.
Hearing the mockery from the new Tsuchikage now, Han did not retort. Just as he had been obedient to Ōnoki, the honest Han chose to silently endure Roshi's taunts.
"Don't you consider Iwagakure your home? Now, the Allied Shinobi Forces haven't even reached the gates, and you're already planning to sell out your home, leading the Iwagakure Ninja to surrender. Are you really that afraid of death?"
Among the three factions, the surrender faction was led by Han, and besides him, there were several other leaders of the surrender faction present.
After repeated taunts, Han, the honest man, finally broke his silence and spoke.
"I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want my comrades in the village to make meaningless sacrifices. Iwagakure is not this land, but the Ninja who live on this land. As long as everyone is here, even if Iwagakure loses its name, it will still exist!"
"Do you think there will be a good outcome after surrendering? Are you thinking too highly of the Allied Shinobi Forces? They are Ninja, just like us!"
Roshi's words made the atmosphere in the room extremely oppressive.
"But that way, there would still be a tiny bit of hope. However, since Lord Tsuchikage has decided to fight to the death, it doesn't matter anymore. Iwagakure Ninja, including me, never fear sacrifice!"
Han was not afraid of death; he had the courage to die, but not the courage to let others die with him.
"That is your only correct point. Iwagakure now needs hope, no matter how slim!"
After speaking, Roshi's expression became serious.
"Iwagakure Jonin Han, listen to my command. Starting now, you are responsible for selecting Ninja within the village who have happy families and are resolute and steady. Secretly unite them, and at the same time, covertly contact the Allied Shinobi Forces. When the decisive battle begins, lead them to defect, leaving a glimmer of hope for Iwagakure!"
After Roshi finished speaking, everyone in the room changed their expressions, especially Han, who stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at Roshi.
"Jonin Han, didn't you hear clearly?"
Roshi's sharp question brought Han back to his senses.
"Lord Tsuchikage, I said I am not greedy for life or afraid of death. This mission can be given to others. I am a Jinchuriki, and I can play a greater role on the front lines!"
"Precisely because you are a Jinchuriki, it must be you. Only you have enough value and enough ability to protect them."
Han's mouth was wide open, wanting to argue but unable to say anything. Finally, he nodded heavily in acceptance.
"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"
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