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What opinions could they have?
Even the most rebellious, A, among those present could not voice any objections at this time. The current situation was already clear, and everyone who had gathered here understood that it was not Konoha that needed them; rather, they needed Konoha.
Ishigami Hara may have had ulterior motives when he suggested forming a united shinobi army, but given the state of the ninja world, they couldn't be sure if their villages would survive without joining.
Having fought against the White Zetsu, they knew that the current crisis allowed no room for hesitation.
Seeing everyone silent, Ishigami Hara looked puzzled and asked, "It seems you are unwilling?"
"Ahem."
The two oldest people present, with Ōnoki being one who had witnessed much, knew they couldn't stay silent, so he spoke: "I agree with the Hokage's proposal."
"Everyone understands the situation in the ninja world."
"We must unite to face the threats posed by Uchiha Madara and Zetsu..."
Then came words about cooperation and unity, sounding grand and familiar.
"Mr. Tsuchikage, can we hear something practical?"
Chiyo, unable to listen further, interrupted.
"Hmph!"
Ōnoki had just become enthusiastic, and naturally, he wasn't pleased at being interrupted, but he also knew he couldn't ramble, so he said, "But if we form a ninja coalition, who will be the commander-in-chief?"
This immediately drew everyone's attention, and they all looked at Ishigami Hara.
Ishigami Hara raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, "Everyone, what do you mean? Do you want me as the commander-in-chief?"
Though unwilling, under normal circumstances, they would naturally not agree. Yet the reality was out of their control. They were all astute, and none would risk refusing Ishigami Hara now, as it would nearly sever their villages' future prospects.
Chiyo remained silent, and closed her eyes.
A gritted his teeth, wanting to speak, but the reality forced him into silence.
As for Ōnoki, he simply looked at the aky, his heart, giving the appearance of being uninvolved.
In fact, everyone knew the outcome of the Five Kage Conference, yet they went through the formalities, preserving appearances.
Mizukage, having experienced Mist's recent turmoil, had no such ideological hesitations. With his village in ruins, he couldn't afford to delay.
He simply said, "I propose that the Hokage be the commander-in-chief."
Tsuchikage Ōnoki glanced around and nodded solemnly. "I agree."
"I have no objection," Chiyo added with a nod.
A gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and said in a low voice, "I agree."
This time, it was Ishigami Hara's turn to look surprised. He glanced at them in surprise and asked, "Are you serious?"
"Mr. Hokage, please don't say things like that now. Let's be frank—we don't have much time."
Now understanding everyone's intentions, Ōnoki knew what would unfold next.
Ishigami Hara smiled and nodded. "Alright, since no one has objections, I'll accept the position of commander-in-chief of the ninja coalition."
"Good!"
Ōnoki smiled and took a deep breath before continuing, "Then, regarding the formation of the coalition, I hope Konoha can shoulder a larger responsibility."
"After all, Hokage, you understand that after the White Zetsu incident, our major villages have sustained great losses and are stretched thin."
Chiyo interjected, "I think this proposal is fair. As the strongest village, Konoha should take greater responsibility right now."
She then turned to A. "Mr. Raikage, what do you think?"
A, without objection, nodded solemnly. "This proposal is fair. I agree."
Ishigami Hara's smile didn't change as he looked at them, though it was clear that none could discern his thoughts.
Suddenly, Ishigami Hara's smile faded, and he shook his head slightly. "Although the White Zetsu incident has caused losses to your villages, I know that with each village's foundation, the damage is manageable. It's more a question of minor setbacks..."
He then raised a finger and continued, "Regardless of your perspectives, since you've appointed me as commander-in-chief of the coalition, each village must dispatch at least 3,000 shinobi."
Several present frowned, weighing his words.
Three thousand was feasible for each village, but it was also close to their limit.
The number of shinobi varied among the villages, with the most in Kumogakure, followed by Iwagakure, then Sunagakure, and finally Kirigakure—all of which had suffered significant losses.
Sending such numbers was practically emptying their reserves.
"That's too many," Chiyo said with a shake of her head. "Sunagakure can't sustain that, especially with the war's costs. We may not be able to bear it."
"The same goes for Kirigakure. We can manage at most two thousand, but... I can't guarantee their overall skill level."
The Mizukage's words reflected Kirigakure's situation; they could barely muster enough forces. Following the Third Mizukage's rule, their strength had greatly declined.
"How many can Sunagakure send?" Ishigami Hara asked directly.
Chiyo exchanged a look with Mizukage, gritted her teeth, and said, "At most, two thousand."
Ishigami Hara nodded. "Alright. Then, both Sunagakure and Kirigakure will provide two thousand each, while Iwagakure and Kumogakure will send three thousand. Any objections?"
Ōnoki wanted to refuse but, noting Ishigami Hara's gaze, chose to remain silent.
"I have no objection."
"Nor do I," A responded firmly. At this point, survival was uncertain; concern over the details seemed irrelevant.
"And... what about the war costs?" Chiyo asked.
This was crucial. The villages had suffered significant financial losses, with Sunagakure especially vulnerable in this regard, making it reasonable for Chiyo to raise the issue.
Ishigami Hara smiled. "Aside from the equipment for the forces each of you provides, the remainder of the war's costs will be covered by Konoha. However..."
He paused, then continued, "You will need to transfer the mineral deposits within your territories to the Land of Fire for mining."