The next day.
The sun was faint, and the sky was clear.
Though it was still early, Kumogakure's Grand Arena was already packed to the brim. Rows upon rows of tiered seats were filled with eager spectators from every nation.
That was right. Aside from the locals of the Land of Lightning, many people from other countries had crossed seas to witness this grand event of the Shinobi World.
Besides the ordinary stands, Kumogakure had specially arranged VIP viewing sections. They offered relatively private spaces and had been prepared specifically for the dignitaries of various nations and the leaders of smaller shinobi villages.
And among the guests attending this time, the most distinguished and important were undoubtedly the Kage of the Lands of Lightning, Water, Earth, and Wind.
Thus, at the highest level of the arena's stands, four magnificent chairs had been neatly arranged side by side.
They were distinguished by color. From left to right stood the cyan Kazekage's chair, the blue Mizukage's chair, the yellow Raikage's chair, and the brown Tsuchikage's chair at the far right.
Although the highest viewing platform was still empty, the mere sight of those lavish chairs had already drawn thunderous cheers from the audience below.
After all, this was only the second event in more than forty years since the world entered the era of shinobi villages where four Kage would attend at once.
The first had naturally been the inaugural Five Kage Summit, but very few people had witnessed that meeting in person.
That was why everyone below felt proud to be witnessing history.
Raikage Office.
Inside the office, the Third Raikage sat behind his desk. On the two rows of sofas facing one another sat the Third Mizukage, the Kazekage, and the Tsuchikage.
Behind them stood four jonin attendants: Dodai, Araki,