Naruto: Veigar the Ninja

To prevent Tsunade from blowing up, Orochimaru quickly shifted the topic and asked:

"Tsunade, is the antidote fully synthesized?"

Clearly irritated, Tsunade replied:

"It's all done. Clinical trials went well, too. We're gearing up for mass production and frontline deployment."

Orochimaru smiled upon hearing that.

"Well done," he said. "You've done enough. Leave the rest to others."

The assembled Konoha jōnin understood exactly what the successful development of the antidote meant, a tremendous boon for all Konoha shinobi.

Shikaku chimed in, "That's great news. With this, we don't need to fear Suna's poisons anymore. Casualties at the front will drop significantly."

At that moment, Regan, a staunch advocate of taking the offensive, stepped forward. Noting Tsunade's expression, he steeled himself and said:

"Now that Tsunade-sama has formulated the antidote, this is exactly the time for us to strike first and deal a devastating blow to Suna."

But as soon as the words left his mouth, Regan immediately shrank back. Tsunade's glare was downright terrifying.

Shikaku, who had been opposing the idea all along, immediately retorted:

"I still object. This is not the right time for a counterattack."

"Reinforcements may have arrived, but many are still unfamiliar with the battlefield. Charging in recklessly will only lead to needless losses."

"And let's not pretend we're guaranteed to win. If we take too many casualties, we risk losing the forward base entirely, then Suna's forces could roll through us without resistance."

"Our current position, the Mount Kikyo Command Post, would become the next target for a full-scale invasion."

Despite Shikaku's reasonable concerns, Regan refused to back down. He argued passionately:

"No, we won't lose."

"Just a few days ago, we dealt Suna a massive blow. They lost over a thousand shinobi and are currently at their weakest. This is the perfect moment to strike."

"This battle could be the one to tip the scales in Konoha's favor."

Both arguments had merit, but ultimately, it wasn't their decision, the authority lay with Orochimaru.

More and more jōnin, summoned for the meeting, arrived while the debate continued.

Once everyone had assembled, Orochimaru addressed them with deliberate seriousness:

"I called this meeting for one reason: to decide whether we should launch a counteroffensive against the Sand, aiming to wipe out the bulk of their fighting forces in one decisive blow."

No sooner had Orochimaru finished speaking than Regan blurted out:

"I support taking the offensive, Orochimaru-sama!"

Naturally, where there's support, there's opposition, and this time, it came from none other than Minato, standing beside Veigar.

"Orochimaru-sama, I object."

"I don't believe this is the right moment to launch a major assault on Suna."

After listening quietly for so long, Minato finally voiced his opinion.

"And your reasoning?" Orochimaru asked, a faint smile on his lips.

Minato remained composed.

"Konoha has fewer than three thousand shinobi stationed at the front lines, while the number of Suna shinobi still within the Land of Rivers is at least four thousand."

"If we attack now, the risk of failure is high."

"What's more, Suna's frontline command is under the control of their military advisor Chiyo and Elder Ebizō. Defeating them will not be easy."

"Additionally, the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, has already left Sunagakure and is en route to the front."

"Most critically, he's bringing along the Sand's ultimate weapon: the One-Tail, Shukaku."

Minato's words struck like a hammer, leaving Regan visibly shaken.

The Fourth Kazekage? Shukaku?

Was Suna preparing to go all in?

"And what about you, Tsunade?" Orochimaru turned to her, genuinely curious to hear her stance.

Given her explosive temperament, one would expect her to side with those pushing for offense. But seeing Regan advocating for it, paired with Minato's logical argument, gave her pause.

In her fatigued state, Tsunade's mind drifted, momentarily losing focus.

"Tsunade? Tsunade?" Orochimaru noticed her zoning out and called softly to snap her back.

"Ah!"

Tsunade startled, then composed herself.

"I oppose any counterattack against the Sand."

And with that, she said no more.

"What?"

The room erupted.

Tsunade's stance came as a shock to everyone. Was this really the same fiery, justice-driven "Princess of Konoha" — Tsunade-hime?

Even Orochimaru raised a brow in surprise. Minato, however, was visibly relieved to have her backing.

Regan clenched his jaw and bit out:

"Tsunade-sama, are you… afraid?"

"You're letting a golden opportunity slip through our fingers."

He lacked the presence to face Tsunade head-on, but still had to speak, there was more to his push for a counterattack than met the eye. He wasn't the mastermind, merely a pawn executing orders.

And he was fairly confident Tsunade wouldn't resort to punching him in front of everyone.

"You questioning me?"

Tsunade's voice was cold. She'd never liked the Shimura clan, no reason needed.

Tsunade: I just don't like them. So what?

Regan forced a reply through gritted teeth:

"I wouldn't dare."

"I just think this doesn't sound like something the Princess of Konoha would say. It's cowardly, a disgrace to the Senju name."

He was going all in now, using the honor of the Senju clan itself to provoke her.

"You—"

Tsunade was ready to make him see why the flowers bloom red, with a fist to the face.

"Enough."

Orochimaru quickly stepped in to stop her.

Regan's words grated on him too, but since he'd given Regan covert support to push for an offensive, he couldn't allow Tsunade to deck him here and now.

At last, Orochimaru asserted his authority as commander, his voice cold and firm:

"Very well. Regan Shimura, I authorize you to lead a select unit of shinobi and attempt a proactive strike. Let's see what results you can deliver."

Regan's eyes lit up with excitement. He saluted enthusiastically.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama!"

"Rest assured, I'll make Suna pay dearly!"

Orochimaru continued:

"Then take those who support your plan and move out."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, Regan, the rest of the Shimura clan, and several jōnin who backed the offensive left the room in high spirits.

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