The Seventh sensed Shikamaru's questioning gaze and quickly signaled him with his eyes to keep quiet for now. He would explain later.
Then he strode up to the desk, took the tablet running the video conference from Shikamaru, and adjusted its angle so that every Kage could see him clearly.
"Everyone, this is Naruto Uzumaki."
The Seventh's voice was steady and forceful, instantly drawing every Kage's attention.
"First, I have some good news for you.
Ōtsutsuki Isshiki has been eliminated."
The four Kage on the screen, along with Shikamaru in the office, all froze at those words.
Ōtsutsuki Isshiki... had been eliminated?
That being, even more dangerous than Momoshiki Otsutsuki, had simply been... dealt with by Konoha?
Although Momoshiki had ultimately been killed by Konoha's Boruto Uzumaki, luck had played a major role that time. It had been more coincidence than raw strength.
Moreover, Boruto had been branded with Momoshiki's "Kāma" as a result, becoming his designated "vessel." In other words, Momoshiki would very likely take over Boruto's existence in the future. That alone was an enormous lurking threat and a heavy price to pay.
And now, the Seventh had outright announced that "Isshiki has been eliminated"?
Had Konoha grown strong enough to kill an Otsutsuki of that caliber head-on?
"Hokage, are you saying... you eliminated Isshiki?"
The Fifth Raikage, Darui, was the first to ask. He was not questioning the Hokage's word; he wanted to understand the details.
The Hokage was not much of a liar, and he had sealed Kaguya Otsutsuki alongside Sasuke over a decade ago. He still had that foundation of strength.
The other three Kage also fixed their eyes on the Seventh, waiting for a reasonable explanation.
The news was too shocking. They needed to confirm the details.
"Yes."
The Seventh admitted it openly, his