"What did you mean by that?"
At his words, all three men's expressions changed. They could not quite get a handle on Fujiki's frivolous attitude.
"Couldn't you understand? What did the Hokage's decision have to do with me, the daimyo? Why were you asking me?"
Half reclined in his chair, Fujiki smiled faintly and popped a grape into his mouth between two fingers, making exaggerated smacking sounds.
Below, even Kato To, a Konoha ninja, could not help widening his eyes at the Fire Daimyo's attitude.
"Ah, that is not quite right!"
The Land of Earth's daimyo raised a hand to stop the somewhat enraged Land of Lightning's daimyo, then spoke evenly.
"We all know that ninja villages are a nation's military force. As Konoha's highest leader, everything the Hokage does represents Konoha's will. And you, Lord Daimyo, must take responsibility for military actions carried out within your country."
"That's right. Fujiki, you have to give us a reasonable explanation!" The Land of Wind's daimyo rubbed his hands together and chimed in.
"My lords, the Hokage..." Kato To could no longer stand it and intended to speak up.
"Hm? Who the hell do you think you are?"
The moment he spoke, the Land of Lightning's daimyo turned his attention toward him. When he clearly saw the Konoha forehead protector Kato To wore, the daimyo's anger intensified.
"You're just some insignificant Konoha ninja. Do you not see where you are, daring to act so presumptuously? Are all Konoha ninja as ill-mannered as you?"
The Land of Lightning's daimyo sneered.
Kato To pressed his lips together and clenched his hands into fists. In the end, he said nothing further.
He was merely a Konoha ninja. Although he was the commander of Konoha's forces stationed in the Land of Fire, his status was far