Within the luxurious palace of the Land of Wind's Feudal Lord, extravagant decorations and lavish furnishings displayed the ruler's wealth and indulgence.
Heavy brocade curtains shut out the dust from beyond, while the air within the palace was thick with the rich scent of incense.
Seated at the center of the palace was the Land of Wind's Feudal Lord, a man so enormous he defied description. His entire body resembled a mountain of flesh, nearly overflowing the broad throne.
A satisfied smile hung on the Feudal Lord's face, his eyes half-lidded as though he cared little for anything around him.
All manner of delicacies lay beside his hand. Every pastry and every cup of fine wine represented the blood and sweat of the Land of Wind's people.
Standing before him was the leader of the Land of Wind's ninja village—the Third Kazekage.
The Third Kazekage wore a cold expression, and his eyes revealed a trace of weariness and anger that was difficult to detect.
Dressed in Sunagakure's ninja battle uniform, he stood with his arms crossed over his chest, silently watching the ruler of this nation.
He understood that today's discussion would be as difficult as those in previous years—every time he came to request military funding and operational expenses, the Feudal Lord always found every possible excuse to cut them down or reject them outright.
"Ah, Lord Third Kazekage, please have a seat," the Feudal Lord said lazily, a teasing smile at the corner of his lips and utter indifference in his voice.
The Third Kazekage frowned slightly, but he still sat across from the Feudal Lord and said coolly, "Your Lordship, Sunagakure's military budget and necessary operating expenses for this year have already been drawn up. I hope you will take our village's developmental needs seriously and provide