As he stepped into the once-familiar conference room, an unusual atmosphere washed over him.
Every corner, every table and chair here carried memories of the past, yet they now evoked an entirely different feeling.
Uchiha Yato slowly entered the room, looking somewhat weary.
Contrary to what everyone had expected, Uchiha Yato was formally exercising the Hokage's authority today and should have been wearing the Hokage robes, yet he was still dressed in a fitting ordinary outfit.
The reason was simple: although he possessed the strength and ability to become the Fourth Hokage, he had yet to receive formal recognition from others.
It had to be said that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had handled this matter fairly appropriately.
Even if he might not wholly approve of Uchiha Yato succeeding to the position of Hokage, he had still given him a chance to exercise the corresponding authority.
That was precisely why Uchiha Yato had gathered everyone for today's meeting.
Looking around, one could see that aside from the main seat once occupied by Hiruzen Sarutobi, which had now been rearranged by Uchiha Yato, the layout of all the other seats remained unchanged.
Everything seemed to hint at a delicate balance and a transitional handover of power.
Once everyone had arrived, Uchiha Yato began to ask questions.
"Is there anyone ill and unable to attend today, or unable to be here due to a mission?"
Uchiha Lian began reporting and confirming the headcount.
"There are no shinobi unable to attend for unknown reasons."
Hearing that, Uchiha Yato felt rather relieved.
At least none of those old fossils were going to throw their weight around and give Uchiha Yato some so-called initiation.
These people were also deeply uneasy about how Uchiha Yato's first move would play out.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat in the