Konoha.
Hokage Building, conference room.
Boom!
As Chiba's words fell.
A faint stir immediately rose in the conference room.
Fugaku Uchiha abruptly raised his head, his Mangekyō Sharingan nearly activating beyond his control.
Hyuga Hiashi gripped the armrest of his chair tightly.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura nearly cried out in shock.
Invite the Kage of the four great ninja villages to gather in Konoha?
What kind of madness was this?
Shikaku Nara's mind raced wildly.
He immediately understood Chiba's intentions.
What Chunin Ninja Exams were these?
This was clearly an undisguised display of military intimidation!
The Hokage intended to flex Konoha's muscles before the entire Ninja World.
He wanted to force the other villages to see just what kind of colossal beast Konoha had become!
This was an utterly transparent scheme.
If they came.
They would obediently sit in the stands and feel Konoha's oppressive presence.
If they did not come.
That meant they feared battle, and Konoha would have the perfect excuse to make a move.
"Yes."
"Lord Hokage."
"The Administrative Department will draft the relevant documents and invitations as quickly as possible."
Shikaku Nara swallowed and immediately accepted the order.
"For the details, every department will cooperate with Shikaku."
"Public security will be handled by the Uchiha and Hyuga. There must not be any mishaps."
Chiba nodded in satisfaction.
Fugaku and Hiashi answered in unison.
"Meeting adjourned."
As his words fell.
The heads of the major clans rose one after another.
They respectfully bowed, then exited the conference room in an orderly manner.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stood as well.
Just then.
Utatane Koharu glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen beside her.
Only to discover that the old man remained seated, idly turning an unlit pipe in his hand, with no intention of leaving.
"Hiruzen?"
Utatane Koharu urged