In the Raikage's Office in Kumogakure, a delegation from Konoha was meeting with the village's senior leadership to discuss peace in the shinobi world.
Though the Raikage looked like a hulking brute, he was actually quite perceptive. He was simply a little impulsive.
Most of the time, however, all he needed to do was sit there and give everyone from Kumogakure the confidence they needed.
As for everything else, he could leave it entirely to Kumogakure's strategists.
After yet another fruitless round of negotiations, the Konoha delegation left the office and returned to their inn.
A, the Fourth Raikage, snorted.
"Hmph, what exactly are those people from Konoha playing at? They claim they've come to negotiate for peace in the shinobi world, but they refuse to agree to a single condition. Did they come to Kumogakure just to freeload?"
Dodai, one of Kumogakure's strategists, considered it for a moment before speaking.
"Lord Raikage, setting aside what those people from Konoha are after, the situation in the shinobi world really has been troubling lately.
"Our scouts have sent back quite a bit of intelligence, too. Conflicts have already broken out between some countries and shinobi villages. I think we should keep an eye on things as well."
A, the Fourth Raikage, replied dismissively.
"It's just some petty squabbling between small nations. Nothing worth mentioning."
Dodai agreed with the Fourth Raikage's assessment.
"That's right. The conflicts between those countries and the disputes between their shinobi villages really are petty squabbles to us.
"But, Lord Raikage, even petty squabbles can bring us considerable benefits if we handle them properly."
At those words, the Raikage's furrowed brow immediately relaxed.
"Oh? Sounds like you've got a clever plan?"
Dodai smiled smugly.
"Yes, Lord Raikage, I do have an idea. But the current situation in the