Outside Kumogakure.
Ōnoki, Kitsuchi, and their group spotted a Konoha Anbu squad from afar.
"Lord Tsuchikage."
The squad captain stepped forward and said, "Please follow me."
Ōnoki nodded slightly.
The group followed the four Konoha Anbu ninja to the foot of a nearby mountain.
"The Five Kage Summit will be held here."
The squad captain said, "Please wait until nine in the morning."
"Here?"
Ōnoki frowned. "Why isn't there even anywhere to sit?"
"These are Lord Hokage's orders."
The squad captain spoke calmly. "This is outrageous!"
An Iwagakure jōnin could not help snapping.
He thought this was Natsuki's way of humiliating them.
But he could hardly be blamed for thinking that.
There were no tables or chairs here, only a bare patch of level ground, let alone any refreshments.
Were they supposed to stand throughout the meeting?
Ōnoki shook his head.
His expression was grim as well, but they were at someone else's mercy and had no choice but to bow their heads.
The four Konoha Anbu ninja ignored them and turned to leave.
A little while later, Pakura and the others from Sunagakure arrived.
"Lady Kazekage."
After a moment's thought, Ōnoki went to greet her. The enemy of his enemy was his friend.
With Konoha so overwhelmingly powerful, the other four ninja villages were natural allies.
"Lord Tsuchikage."
Pakura's expression remained composed.
"Konoha has really gone too far."
Chiyo looked around, visibly displeased.
"Konoha has the strength to do this."
Ōnoki sighed as he spoke.
Chiyo fell silent.
But she also caught the implication behind his words.
Just then, footsteps sounded.
Mabui and the others from Kumogakure approached them. At the sight of them, Ōnoki, Chiyo, and the others felt a pang of pity.
Of the Five Great Villages, Kumogakure was now in the worst state.
The Third Raikage,