Fire Province.
Imperial Palace, Council Hall.
The enormous rosewood round table was already surrounded by the Empire's most powerful figures.
Shikaku Nara, Minister of the Administrative Department, furrowed his brow deeply, his fingers unconsciously tapping against the tabletop.
Kakashi Hatake, head of the Anbu, wore a mask that left only one eye exposed, and that eye held a trace of confusion.
Fugaku Uchiha and Hyuga Hiashi, the chief and deputy chief of the Police Department, sat across from each other in silence.
Tsunade, head of the Medical Department, sat with her arms folded, impatience written all over her face.
Orochimaru, head of the Scientific Research Department, licked his lips, a hint of anticipation hanging on his pale face.
Besides them, there were also the heads of the major ninja clans, including Akimichi Choza, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Aburame Shibi.
Even Nagato Uzumaki, who had only recently joined the Empire, sat properly at the end of the table.
Everyone was making their own guesses.
What earth-shattering event could possibly warrant such a grand gathering from His Majesty?
On the wall at the front of the hall.
Four massive screens lit up at once.
The screens flickered several times, accompanied by a piercing burst of electrical static.
Four blurry figures, their images riddled with snow, appeared on the displays.
Rasa, Governor of Wind Province.
Ōnoki, Governor of Earth Province.
Mei Terumi, Governor of Water Province.
A, Governor of Lightning Province.
The four former Kage of the ninja villages all wore solemn expressions.
"Cough, cough..."
"This damned connection finally worked."
Ōnoki patted the control console on his end of the screen and complained.
Chiba entered the hall at that moment.
He ignored everyone's bows and went straight to the imperial throne, where he sat down.
As his gaze swept over the four screens on