The atmosphere in the meeting room had already shifted from frozen to relaxed.
The red-header document announcing the personnel appointment lay on the table like a freshly settled gravestone, proclaiming the hasty end of an era.
The bodies of the two advisers, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, also eased back slightly from their tense stances. Although they had suffered a complete defeat, the procedure was over and the dust had settled. There was always a certain weariness that came from setting down a heavy burden.
Just then, Konan spoke.
Her voice was not loud. It was cool and clear, yet like a needle, it precisely pierced the calm that had only just been restored.
Everyone in the meeting room instantly turned their eyes toward her.
An envoy from another village had taken the initiative to speak during Konoha's internal high-level meeting, just as the Hokage was about to announce its conclusion.
That was against the rules.
Mitokado Homura's brows immediately furrowed, his eyes filled with wariness and displeasure. He looked toward Baishi at the seat of honor and moved his lips, seemingly wanting to rebuke her, but ultimately held back.
Speaking now would only make him appear unable to keep his composure.
Baishi leaned against the back of his chair, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly against the tabletop with soft knock, knock sounds. He did not look at Konan. His gaze seemed to rest on the document concerning Namikaze Minato's new appointment.
"Please, go on."
Baishi's tone was flat, giving away neither anger nor joy.
Konan bowed slightly, acknowledging the Hokage's granting her permission to speak.
"Amegakure is willing to join the Multilateral Security Framework led by Konoha unconditionally."
At those words, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions eased slightly. This was a good thing. The order led by Konoha