Hiruzen Sarutobi knew full well that they were destined to lose face today.
What they needed to do now was figure out how to save face.
And with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura refusing to let the matter go, did they really want to embarrass themselves even more!?
Of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to let Byakuya off the hook, either.
But Byakuya was far too powerful.
If he rashly ordered the Anbu to attack, they wouldn't be able to deal with Byakuya—instead, they'd only embarrass themselves even more.
"Lord Hiruzen! ... We understand..."
Sensing Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze, the two were deeply unwilling, but still followed the Anbu out.
Although they were both Konoha elders, they usually followed Hiruzen Sarutobi's lead.
As soon as Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura left, an eerie atmosphere settled over the entire conference room.
What had happened today was simply too unbelievable and too unexpected.
Byakuya had actually taken the Hokage's seat right in front of everyone.
Not only that, he had also struck two Konoha elders.
What they found even harder to believe was that, despite Byakuya's outrageous behavior, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, didn't dare react.
"Hey... why did everyone go quiet?..."
"Weren't we supposed to hold a strategy meeting!?"
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you're the Hokage! Why have you gone mute..."
Byakuya couldn't help saying.
"You..."
Hearing Byakuya's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt anger rising in him once again.
Who was the Hokage here, him or me!?
Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi suppressed his anger and delivered the opening remarks he had prepared long ago.
"I assume everyone has already received the news..."
"Just a few days ago, Sunagakure launched an attack on our village, Konoha..."
"For the sake of the Will of Fire, we must unite and show Sunagakure just how powerful our village is!..."
"..."
Hiruzen