The meeting room fell silent.
On either side of the long table, Konoha's top decision-makers each digested the dangerous situation Nara Shikaku had pointed out—the massive circle that seemed to encompass the entire Shinobi World, the perilous predicament that included the whole Land of Fire!
The Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen, removed his pipe from his mouth and slowly exhaled a cloud of white smoke. It curled above the conference table like an inescapable layer of dark clouds.
"Heavenly Ninja." After pondering for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to Hyuga Yu and suddenly asked, "What do you think?"
Everyone turned their gaze toward Hyuga Yu.
Nara Shikaku's deduction had been based on the overall situation, but his intelligence clearance was insufficient to grant him access to information about Hyuga Yu's operation in the Land of Rain. He knew even less about just how much damage Hyuga Yu had inflicted upon Iwagakure...
But Sarutobi Hiruzen knew.
At that moment, Hyuga Yu sat beside Shimura Danzō, his back straight against the chair. His expression was calm. He did not answer immediately, instead falling silent for several seconds. He was thinking as well—thinking about the contest hidden behind the current situation, considering who the true opponent in this game really was.
Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu behind Kirigakure?
The Ōtsutsuki descending upon the Land of Wind?
Or Kara, lurking in the Land of Lightning?
Those few seconds of silence made the air in the meeting room grow even heavier.
Then he spoke. "Everyone, I don't think we need to be so pessimistic." Hyuga Yu spoke calmly, laying out his analysis in an orderly manner. "The two-pronged attack by the Lands of Wind and Water is a threat, but in the short term, I don't believe the Land of Wind can breach the border."
"Why?" Utatane