The next morning
Sunagakure, high-level conference room.
The atmosphere in the conference room was so grim it seemed as though water could drip from it.
Chiyo, Ebizo, and several high-ranking officials of Sunagakure sat in their respective seats, each with a dark expression. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the windows, but it could not dispel the chill pervading the room.
An ANBU ninja knelt on one knee before Chiyo, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"Speak. How did the Third disappear?!"
Chiyo's voice was not loud, yet it made everyone present tense up.
The ANBU lowered his head, his voice clearly strained with nervousness:
"This morning, the ANBU assigned to the routine shift handover at the Kazekage Office discovered that Lord Third Kazekage was not inside. At first, they assumed he had merely gone out on patrol, but he still had not returned after half an hour."
He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"The handover team immediately used ANBU special communication scrolls to contact the Kazekage, as well as the ANBU squad that had been on duty last night, but... there was no response. Every communication technique vanished without a trace, as if..."
He did not dare finish.
Chiyo's expression darkened, her fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest.
"And then?"
"I immediately mobilized ANBU units and launched a village-wide search. The Kazekage's residence, the training grounds, several places he frequented... all were searched, but nothing was found."
The ANBU's voice grew quieter and quieter.
"The ANBU squad that was on duty last night has also completely vanished. Their residences were empty, and their beds showed no signs of having been slept in. Their blankets were folded neatly, as though no one had touched them at all."
Low murmurs rose in the conference room. Several high-ranking officials whispered among