A Grand Design, Troubles Within and Without!

It was the rainy season. The sky was dark and oppressive, and rain fell endlessly outside the window.

In Feather Emperor City's conference room, the four Kage were at their wits' end.

Rasa said, "Rumors are spreading that something has happened to the Feather Emperor, leaving the Ninja Kingdom leaderless, and that this is the perfect opportunity to wipe us all out. According to General Oda, who oversees border defense, the great nations' armies have launched several probing raids near our borders, and they're growing increasingly aggressive. At this rate, war may break out again..."

Kitsuchi said, "The biggest problem is that Ōtsutsuki named Urashiki. In just a few months, he's fished the chakra out of almost every notable ninja in the Ninja Kingdom. Ever since Mr. Zatoichi wounded him with his swordsmanship, he's become even more cautious, lurking on the outskirts and hunting lone ninja!"

Mei Terumi said, "Has the Yellow Flash still not pulled himself together? With the Feather Emperor gone, he's the only one who can effectively counter Urashiki's Space-Time Ninjutsu."

Kakashi said despondently, "My teacher isn't doing well. This incident really hit him too hard..."

After Ananda disappeared, Minato had sunk into deep self-reproach, spending his days in despair.

Mei Terumi said worriedly, "All we can do is try our hardest to hold things together and prepare for the worst... If—and I mean if—something really has happened to the Feather Emperor, we'll have no choice but to take our people and find somewhere to hide from the world!"

"..." None of the Kage could answer. As the Kage of their respective nations, they certainly weren't cowards afraid of death, but they bore responsibility for more lives than just their own!

Surviving to fight another day was a painful, yet all too practical choice!

Kakashi gazed at