I Held Kurotsuchi in the Main Seat, and the Third Hokage Dared Not Speak Despite His Rage

The drums stopped, but the smell of fireworks still hung in the air, a little choking.

Under the gaze of the masses, the entrance ceremony for the Kage-level big shots began.

Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, was the first to stroll leisurely onto the stands. He wore a broad straw hat that hid half his face, but that cold, clammy aura of his could be smelled from far away. He found a seat near the edge and sat down, silent as a clam.

Next came Mei Terumi, the newly appointed Fifth Mizukage.

That woman was dressed to the nines today. The slit in her aqua-blue robe nearly reached the top of her thigh, and she swayed with every step, drawing a wave of wolf whistles from the audience. She swept her sultry gaze around, then chose a seat neither too close nor too far away and sat with seductive grace.

Finally, it was time for the star of the day and host, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The old monkey had specially dug out his treasured Hokage ceremonial robe for the occasion.

It was heavy and elaborate, with flame patterns embroidered in gold thread.

Forcing himself to stay alert, he straightened his already slightly hunched back and walked forward, one steady step at a time.

He had to show everyone that Leaf Village had not yet fallen!

His destination was clear: the very center of the VIP stands.

The best seat, directly facing the Land of Fire's daimyo—the seat of honor that symbolized the leader of the Five Kage.

As long as he sat there, Leaf Village could reclaim at least a fraction of its dignity.

One step. Two steps.

The air around them seemed to freeze.

Tens of thousands of eyes focused on him. There was sympathy, there