Land of Iron, main peak.
The grand meeting hall had been carved from a single block of obsidian. Solemn and cold, it embodied the neutrality and ironclad principles the samurai had upheld for a thousand years. The enormous word "Neutrality" hung above the hall.
Around the round table, the air felt heavy and oppressive.
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki floated in midair, an old injury to his waist keeping him from sitting for long. Calculation lurked in his cloudy eyes. Fourth Raikage A's muscles were taut, Lightning Release chakra occasionally crackling along his arms as he struggled to contain his anger. Mei Terumi idly painted her nails, though her peripheral vision remained fixed on the blond young man across from her. Gaara folded his arms, the stopper in the gourd on his back slightly loose.
Naruto Uzumaki sat in his chair with his eyes closed, resting. Behind him stood Sasuke Uchiha in a black coat, one hand on the hilt of his Power Sword. His cold gaze swept the room.
This was a hunt for Konoha. Everyone knew it.
Ōnoki glanced at Naruto. "Where's Tsunade? Why are you sitting in her place, boy?"
Naruto opened his eyes and smiled. "I'm not the Hokage, so I'm not qualified to attend. But Granny Tsunade has been overseeing wartime medical care lately. She's busy and genuinely couldn't get away. Besides, I think I'm the one you'd rather see."
Ōnoki glared but said nothing more.
Mifune, the general presiding over the meeting, cleared his throat and rested a hand on his sword hilt. "Everyone, now that we're all here, regarding Madara Uchiha's resurrection—"
"Wait!"
A wildly theatrical shout cut Mifune off.
The hall's two heavy steel doors were thrown open. Dazzling golden light made the assembled Kage narrow their eyes.
Colonel Ka strode in wearing a