It was still the same conference hall, and the same people.
But the atmosphere at this Five Kage Summit was much more subdued than before. Even the notoriously hot-tempered Fourth Raikage had stopped throwing his weight around.
The Joint Force sent by the Five Great Shinobi Villages had been an impressive lineup, but this operation had not only come back empty-handed—it had also suffered heavy casualties.
The Kirigakure squad, for instance, had only one survivor: Zabuza. Every other member had been killed.
The outcome was plain to see.
Even the Third Tsuchikage, who had been eager to see Kumogakure make a fool of itself, couldn't help falling silent in thought.
"Upper Moon Two" had now come to the attention of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, setting the Five Kage's sensitive and fragile nerves on edge.
Seeing the mood in the room, the Third Hokage said, "Let's discuss this."
The Third Tsuchikage swept his gaze over those present. "Is that 'Upper Moon Two' from the Akatsuki Organization really that troublesome?"
After exchanging glances, several of the leaders who had taken part in the Joint Force's operation stepped forward. Kakashi spoke for them. "Their strength is formidable. Based on our assessment, even with specific countermeasures in place, it would take at least four to eight Jonin to match them."
Kakashi had barely finished speaking.
A commotion immediately broke out among the representatives of the smaller villages. Many leaned toward one another, whispering among themselves.
Even with specific preparations, it would take four to eight Jonin to match the enemy.
That meant the enemy was one of the best among the Jonin—a formidable figure who had reached Kage Level.
And this was only one "Upper Moon Two"!
Going by the "Upper Rank Six" who had already appeared, the Akatsuki Organization had at least