At Konoha's entrance.
Izumo and Kotetsu, who were responsible for guarding the village gates, looked somewhat surprised as they stared blankly at the visitors before them.
"Hey!"
"You Konoha people, didn't you hear what I said earlier?!"
"Lord Raikage has been attacked. Kumogakure is in desperate need of Konoha's support right now. If you don't have the authority to make this decision, then immediately relay my words to someone who does! Do you understand?!"
At Konoha's gates, Samui, her body bearing a few injuries, wore a frosty expression as she glared fiercely at Izumo and Kotetsu. Like a lioness suppressing her fury, she shouted in a low voice.
Darui hurriedly tried to calm her from the side.
"Samui, calm down. We still need Konoha's strength to support Lord Raikage and Lord Killer B..."
Hearing Samui's words, Izumo and Kotetsu both frowned slightly. However, considering the importance of the situation, neither refuted her. They answered calmly.
"Honored visitors from Kumogakure, we have already sent someone to convey your request to the Hokage. Please patiently await the Hokage's decision... And besides..."
Izumo and Kotetsu glanced at the exhausted-looking Kumogakure team behind Samui and Darui, then spoke in low voices.
"As for whether your group may enter the village, we will also need to wait for the Hokage's instructions."
Hearing this, Samui and Darui could only sigh inwardly. They knew that this was their only option for now.
After all... this was Konoha's territory, and they were the ones asking for help...
While Samui and the others were negotiating, the Iwagakure, Sand Ninja, and Kirigakure teams nearby, who had also arrived, all frowned.
Among the three teams, Ōnoki the Tsuchikage, Rasa the Kazekage, and Mei Terumi the Mizukage, who represented their respective villages, exchanged knowing glances the instant they heard Samui's words. A