Konoha High Command builds momentum

If he dared move again, he would die the very next instant.

Tie Lan's pupils contracted sharply.

He suddenly remembered.

The boy before him...

Was the monster who had slain twelve Root Elite Jōnin in the Forest of Death.

Was the Uchiha Clan Head whom even an eighty-million-ryō bounty had failed to bring down.

This was Konoha. This was his turf.

Tie Lan swallowed.

He forced down every last bit of his fury.

The hand resting on his sword hilt slowly fell away.

"Fine."

After a long silence, he squeezed the word through clenched teeth.

"Just fine."

He raised his head and shot Uchiha En a look of bluster masking fear, then glanced around the crowded room. Finally, his gaze settled on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his chair without a word.

Tie Lan sneered, turned, and strode out.

"We're leaving!"

"Lord Tie Lan!" The ninja of the Kumogakure Delegation followed him. "Then should we..."

"Leave the village!"

Tie Lan's voice came from the end of the corridor, thick with barely suppressed fury.

"Konoha doesn't want us here? We don't care to stay!"

The footsteps gradually faded.

Silence filled the Hokage Office.

Then Tsume Inuzuka bellowed again:

"Hahaha! They ran off with their tails between their legs!"

Everyone in the room burst out laughing.

At Konoha's entrance.

The Kumogakure Delegation slunk out of the village.

Villagers crowded both sides of the road to watch.

Some clapped, some whistled, and others stood with folded arms, enjoying the show.

"Oh, the Kumogakure Delegation is leaving already?"

"Hahahaha! You strutted in like you owned the place, and now look at you!"

"Get out of Konoha!"

"That's right! Get out of Konoha!"

"Go back and tell your Raikage that Konoha isn't afraid of you!"

Cheers and jeers rose from every direction.

Tie