Feast of the Mortal World, Cups and Goblets in Full Swing

Since the Hidden Mist Village, Hidden Rock Village, and Hidden Sand Village had pledged allegiance to the Ninja Kingdom and established their respective affiliated nations, some time had passed. Yu had just returned from Double-Moon Space after planting trees and, with some free time on his hands, summoned the leaders of the affiliated nations—the Five Kage—to Feather Emperor City for talks.

Four Kage were already seated around the pentagonal table.

The Fifth Hokage, who was also the First Southern King, Kakashi.

The Fifth Mizukage, who was also the First Northern King, Mei Terumi.

The Fourth Tsuchikage, who was also the First Eastern King, Kitsuchi.

The Fourth Kazekage, who was also the First Western King, Gaara.

The directional titles of the kings were determined by the locations of their territories.

Fruit platters, pastries, and fine wine were laid out before each of the Four Kage.

Mei Terumi cracked sunflower seeds and smiled sweetly. "The last time we gathered was on the eve of the Shinobi War. Back then, we faced an unprecedented crisis of survival, and the atmosphere was grave and solemn. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, we'd be sitting together again, having such a relaxed tea party?"

Kitsuchi peeled a banana with his large hands. "Isn't that the truth? Back then, I really never imagined that we could win against an enemy capable of wiping out an entire nation with a single strike..."

Gaara sat with one leg crossed over the other, his arms folded before his chest. His expression was cool and aloof, as though he had no interest in such domestic chatter.

Kakashi held a book and read it with his head lowered, occasionally smiling knowingly. Of course, the mask hid that smile from everyone else.

He kept turning the pages, unable