In Konoha, inside the Hokage Office, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe and sighed. A Kirigakure delegation had suddenly arrived in Konoha. He had no idea whether that was good or bad.
And this time, the delegation was led in person by the Third Mizukage. Hiruzen Sarutobi could hardly believe the Third Mizukage had dared to come to Konoha.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi were in his place, he would never dare visit another great ninja village. If the other village truly harbored ill intentions, even someone powerful could be trapped there.
Unless they had the strength of the First or Uchiha Madara, traveling to another ninja village was tantamount to courting death.
Although the Third Mizukage was leading the delegation in person, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't certain the man really was the Third Mizukage.
The Third Mizukage was far too mysterious. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know what he looked like.
Kirigakure lay far overseas and barely had contact with the mainland, so little was known about it to begin with. The Third Mizukage was also very low-key, so it was only natural that Hiruzen knew little about him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a while. Then the door to the Hokage Office opened, and Danzo, Assistant to the Hokage, walked in with the two advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had invited them here to discuss the Third Mizukage's visit together.
"You should know why I called you here. The Third Mizukage has suddenly visited Konoha. What do you think he wants?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi got straight to the point.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had actually already met the Third Mizukage once. It hadn't been a friendly encounter; the Third Mizukage had been anything but polite.
Though Hiruzen Sarutobi was furious, he hadn't let it show. He'd arranged for the delegation to