Not long after Pakura and the other Sunagakure ninja had taken their seats across from Hyuga Shinichi and the other Konoha ninja, Mifune returned, leading a group of maids carrying food boxes.
The maids knelt beside the tables in front of everyone seated in the hall and took the dishes out of the boxes, placing them on the tables.
Once all the food had been laid out, a maid at each of the two groups' tables—excluding the Old Leader's—picked up some of every dish with her chopsticks and ate it in front of them. The same went for the tea poured from the teapot.
Hyuga Shinichi was a little surprised. He couldn't help admiring how considerate the Old Leader was. Having the maids taste the food would keep them from feeling awkward.
Actually, the maids at the Old Leader's table had been about to do the same, but he had stopped them with a wave of his hand.
"Ha ha ha! People say I trust everyone in my residence. There's no need for this."
Mifune, standing nearby, tried to persuade him.
"Lord Leader, things aren't like they used to be. Ever since the Land of Iron was invaded, there have been some troublemakers in the country..."
But the Old Leader stubbornly replied:
"I know what you're going to say, but I believe those people aren't stupid enough to try anything. Besides, with me here, the Land of Iron won't truly descend into chaos. The ones causing trouble here are a different group."
"But..."
"That's enough, Mifune. Don't say another word. A country's leader needs to have resolve. The reason I took an interest in you and trained you was that you had the nerve to face Hanzo alone.
"But now it seems you still lack resolve. How will you ever