A Chakra-powered snowplow rumbled at the street corner, its tracks crushing the ice as it sprayed white slush into the air.
The heavy curtain at the izakaya entrance was lifted by the cold wind, and the charred aroma of grilled Pacific saury rushed straight into their nostrils.
Orochimaru stopped and looked up at the enormous neon sign overhead.
This was the Land of Iron.
A place that had once been closed off and revered nothing but the way of the samurai.
But now, it had changed.
"Let's go."
Orochimaru continued toward the end of the street.
White Fang followed behind him.
He motioned for the guards to hurry up and follow.
Though with Orochimaru's strength, he did not need their protection.
Still, when the Hokage traveled, the proper display had to be maintained.
The tallest building in the city was a Tenshukaku completely encased in blastproof glass and titanium alloy armor.
Two samurai in heavy exoskeleton armor stood at its entrance.
The infrared detectors on their helmets emitted red light, sweeping over Orochimaru and White Fang.
After confirming their identities, the two immediately stood at attention and slammed their palms onto their sword hilts.
The titanium alloy gates slid open to either side.
Mifune hurried forward to greet them.
"Lord Orochimaru, you're finally here!"
Mifune rubbed his hands together and exhaled a thick cloud of white vapor.
Orochimaru removed his conical hat and casually handed it to White Fang beside him.
White Fang took it, shook off the melted snow, then stepped back half a pace and disappeared into the shadows.
"Lord Mifune, it's been a long time."
Orochimaru greeted him.
"Please come in. The other Kage have been waiting for quite some time."
Mifune stepped aside.
Orochimaru nodded and walked through the gates.
The heavy titanium alloy doors shut