Konoha's night sky was shrouded by heavy clouds, with not even a trace of starlight able to pierce through.
Inside the conference room of the Hokage Building, bright lights illuminated one weary, solemn face after another.
The meeting had lasted an entire night. The tea on the table had been reheated and cooled again and again.
Yet no one left. Even their breathing seemed cautious.
Chiyo sat by the window, lightly tapping his fingers against the table as he gazed deeply at the skyline, which was beginning to pale.
His expression was calm, as though this meeting, one capable of changing the entire Shinobi World's balance of power, had nothing to do with him.
Yet tonight should have been spent battling Tsunade.
Who would have thought he would be dragged here for a meeting instead?
But precisely because Chiyo had taken part,
they had managed to complete their strategic deployment against the siege of the Four Great Shinobi Villages in such a short time.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood at the head of the table. The tobacco in his pipe had long burned out, yet his fingers still habitually rubbed its stem.
His gaze swept over the crowd before finally settling on Chiyo, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes.
Chiyo had offered far too many constructive suggestions throughout the night.
Nearly all of them had been optimal solutions.
If he had not planned them in advance...
then Chiyo could only be described as a naturally outstanding leader!
Truly, the waves behind drove the waves before them!
If he reached Hiruzen's current position...
Hiruzen did not dare think further.
"Everyone!"
Hiruzen's voice was hoarse and low.
"After a night of discussion, I will now announce the final war deployment."
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly tightened, and everyone