After occupying Sunagakure, the Mist Ninja did not stop there. Instead, they began ruthlessly hunting down Sand Shinobi throughout the Land of Wind.
Most importantly, the Fourth Mizukage traveled to the capital of the Land of Wind and obtained a Letter of Recognition issued by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, recognizing Kirigakure as an official shinobi village of the Land of Wind.
Of course, everyone knew that the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was surely reluctant. But since he had issued the letter, Kirigakure now possessed a measure of legitimacy within the Land of Wind. When hunting Sand Shinobi, they would no longer be so easily obstructed by the people of the Land of Wind.
Konoha, the Hokage's conference room.
"That was quite a clever move. Once the Daimyo of the Land of Wind issued that letter, not only did Kirigakure gain legitimacy, but half of the Daimyo's sacred aura was stripped away as well."
Sarutobi Toru folded his arms across his chest and spoke lazily.
Tsunade propped her face up with one hand, while the other idly spun the pen in her hand. "The Fourth Mizukage is certainly confident. If he fails this time, all the Daimyo will probably regard him as an enemy, including the Land of Water."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked as he frowned. Tsunade glanced at him, then casually pressed down with her hand. From several meters away, she extinguished his pipe.
"No smoking in the conference room." Tsunade's pretty face was taut as she spoke coldly.
To be honest, Tsunade had long wanted to say that. Unfortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen had been the Hokage during previous meetings. Even if she said it, it would have been useless.
Now, after finally becoming the Hokage herself, she naturally would no longer allow Sarutobi Hiruzen, that heavy