Konoha's Reaction

While Sunagakure was thrown into panic over the Third Kazekage's disappearance and its upper echelon cautiously discussed countermeasures, Nawaki, having received the intelligence, had already begun making his moves.

He knew the Third Shinobi World War would begin soon. He had simulated today's situation countless times, so he immediately followed the plan and notified the Third Hokage to convene a high-level meeting. This war would be even more dangerous than the last, and only through unity would they have a chance of overcoming the crisis.

Before long, Konoha's upper echelon, having received the summons, gathered inside the Hokage Building.

Since Nawaki's General's Residence had already gained effective control over the entire political authority of the Land of Fire, he still sat opposite the Third Hokage at the two ends of the long table during this meeting.

Seated beside Nawaki were Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kushina, White Fang, Dan Katō, and other high-ranking figures. Orochimaru, meanwhile, sat beside Danzo, closer to the Third Hokage's side. The clan heads of the various ninja families occupied the center of the conference table. Their positions alone revealed the stances and factions of the upper echelon.

The older generation of clan heads had all stepped down, and with the younger generation led by Nawaki taking their place, most of those present were young faces. The four giants on the Hokage's side stood out conspicuously amid the group of youngsters.

The Third Hokage looked upon this scene with both satisfaction at Konoha's vitality and a quiet sense of age in his heart, further strengthening his resolve to pass on the position.

But now was not the time to think about such things. At the very least, he had to stand watch until the end and hand a complete, prosperous Konoha over to the next Hokage.

The Third Hokage