The Third Hokage's expression darkened.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, seated in the outer circle, both furrowed their brows, looking displeased.
Relying on its formidable strength, Kumogakure had repeatedly plotted against Konoha. In the past, it had sent spies into Konoha to kidnap Kushina Uzumaki. More recently, it had arranged for members of its delegation to abduct Hinata Hyuga, the young heiress of the Hyuga Clan's Main Family, putting Konoha in a very awkward position.
If Konoha hadn't been short on young talent and severely weakened, it would have gone to war with Kumogakure long ago.
But this clearly wasn't the time for a quarrel over pride. The Third Hokage suppressed the flash of anger in his eyes and said calmly, "Raikage, please calm down!"
The Fourth Mizukage suddenly spoke up. "I think the Raikage is right. Let's skip the pointless talk! Since the Five Kage have gathered here, let's get straight to the point!"
The Fourth Kazekage gave a slight nod. "Agreed. Let's dispense with the pleasantries."
The Third Tsuchikage gave a quiet chuckle.
The representatives of the smaller shinobi villages seated in the outer circle exchanged bewildered looks.
No one had expected this Five Kage Summit to be so heated right from the start. What was more, several villages seemed to be subtly targeting Konoha.
Kakashi and Asuma, who were responsible for maintaining order at the edge of the hall, exchanged a glance. Both could see the worry in the other's eyes.
Konoha had won the Third Shinobi World War.
But victory hadn't come easily. Konoha had suffered heavy losses among its younger generation, and it was only thanks to the sudden rise of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, that the situation had been stabilized through his efforts alone.
Now the Fourth Hokage and his wife were both