"Kamizuki An, is it?"
"You're not in a fit state to attend the meeting. Go get some rest."
Uzumaki Kuming's words took everyone present by surprise. Even Kakashi, standing behind him, looked at him in astonishment.
Kamizuki An was middle-aged and served as a reconnaissance squad leader in Konoha's frontline forces. His desperate plea at a meeting like this showed just how deeply his brother's death had affected him.
It had driven the middle-aged man to such an emotional state.
Everyone was taken aback that Uzumaki Kuming could say something so cold to a man whose grief was so genuine.
"L-Lord Hokage?!"
Kamizuki An stared at Uzumaki Kuming through tear-filled eyes, his face full of shock and disbelief.
"Kakashi, take him outside."
Uzumaki Kuming beckoned over his shoulder. Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then walked over to Kamizuki An and took hold of his arm.
Kakashi could clearly feel the man's body trembling as he struggled to control his emotions. Yet even with Kakashi supporting him, he didn't get up.
"Lord Hokage!"
Kamizuki An bowed again. Just as everyone thought he was about to continue pleading, he quickly wiped away the tears at the corners of his eyes and said,
"Lord Hokage, I was wrong! Please let me stay for the meeting."
"I'm begging you!"
With that, Kamizuki An bowed once more. Seeing how low he had humbled himself, everyone turned to look at Uzumaki Kuming.
"Kakashi, didn't you hear my order?"
The answer everyone was hoping for never came. Uzumaki Kuming tapped lightly on the table and gave Kakashi a sharp look.
"Yes!" Kakashi replied. Then he quietly apologized to Kamizuki An and led him out of the meeting room. When Kamizuki An heard Uzumaki Kuming's answer, it was as if all the strength had left his body. The