Li Hideout.
Inside the meeting room.
Shinji was scribbling on a sheet of paper. One moment he scratched his head, the next he wrote with intense focus; then he propped up his chin and stared into space.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The meeting room was crowded.
But everyone was quiet.
They watched Shinji Uchiha at the head of the table, baffled and exasperated. None of them knew why he had summoned so many people this late at night.
And the people in that room...
What a mix they were.
First was Tobirama Senju, Konohagakure's Second, brought back through Impure World Reincarnation.
Then came members of the once-famous Akatsuki: White Tiger of Akatsuki Konan, Azure Dragon of Akatsuki Deidara, and Jade Maiden of Akatsuki, Sasori of the Red Sands...
There was also the former Mizukage, now Dawn's Sixth Seat, Karatachi Yagura.
Zabuza Momochi, the current wielder of the Kubikiribōchō.
Hozuki Mangetsu, the current wielder of Hiramekarei.
Sunagakure's Scorch Release user, Pakura.
Former Konoha ANBU elites Aburame Ryoma, Aburame Torune, Yamanaka Fū, and Nara Rokuyuki, along with twenty core representatives of the newly formed Reed Hideout ANBU.
Of course, they were also members of the Dawn Organization in secret.
And then there was a group of frightening children—
Karin Uzumaki, Kurama Yakumo, Kaguya Kimimaro, Haku, and Hozuki Suigetsu.
And many more...
It was a gathering packed with talent.
It was no exaggeration to say
that with a lineup like this, they could wipe out a nation or a village with ease.
But...
Even so,
all they could do for now was silently watch the man at the head of the table and suppress their boredom and confusion.
"Hey!"
At last, someone snapped. It was a blond-haired young man. "You beat Obito Uchiha and Madara Uchiha, and you saved our leader. I respect you