"Enough," he said calmly. "We're at war. This isn't the time to argue. If you want to fight, you'll have plenty of chances on the battlefield to prove your ninjutsu. But right now, put away your weapons and return to your posts."
The two sides glared at each other, but finally dispersed.
Minato watched them leave, a sense of helplessness rising in him. Seventy thousand troops from five different countries, with decades of hatred and division between them. Uniting these people was far harder than he had imagined.
"Lord Hokage," a voice called from behind him.
Minato turned to see a Kirigakure jonin bowing respectfully. The jonin looked young, in his early twenties, with the pale skin and dark hair typical of Kirigakure ninja.
"Who are you?"
"Yuki Haku, jonin of Kirigakure," the young man introduced himself. "Lady Mizukage sent me to contact you. She has important intelligence to report."
Something stirred in Minato's mind. Yuki Haku... He had heard that name before: a prodigy among Kirigakure's younger generation, skilled in Ice Release secret techniques. But what concerned him more was the young man's gaze-hollow, as though something had taken possession of him.
"Where is Lady Mizukage?" Minato asked.
"At headquarters. Please follow me."
Minato followed Haku through the camp to Kirigakure's quarters. Two guards stood watch outside Mei Terumi's tent. Seeing Haku and Minato, they stepped aside.
"Lady Mizukage, Lord Hokage has arrived," Haku announced outside the tent.
"Come in," Mei Terumi's voice came from inside.
Minato lifted the flap and entered. Mei Terumi sat at a makeshift desk with a map spread before her. She looked tired, but above all, wary.
"Minato, you're here." Mei Terumi motioned for him to sit. "There's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
"It's about my guard." Mei Terumi lowered