Konoha.
Sunlight streamed through the window, dust drifting in the air.
Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Kiba, Rock Lee, Tenten, Sai, Naruto... familiar figures took their seats around the table one after another.
But the air weighed heavier than silence.
"Yemu... really is back." Shikamaru Nara's voice was low, his brow furrowed. "And from what I've heard, he won't be holding back this time."
"Are we... going to fight him?"
After a moment of silence, Choji Akimichi was the first to break, speaking softly:
"I know we're stronger than we were three years ago, but... are we really going to make an enemy of Yemu?"
"I remember he saved us plenty of times." Choji's voice trembled slightly. Clearly, he still remembered the Allied Shinobi Forces' all-out assault on the Akatsuki, and the sight of Yemu sweeping through the enemy like a god.
Kiba Inuzuka held Akamaru in his arms, mixed emotions in his voice:
"I'd only just learned the Ninja Beast Combination Technique back then. I even wanted to find a chance to fight him..."
"But now I don't even dare face him."
"He's too strong..."
Rock Lee clenched both fists, his face filled with tragic resolve:
"If we can settle this peacefully, I hope he can come back to Konoha!"
Shikamaru leaned back in his chair and spread his hands helplessly:
"Ino hasn't returned to Konoha in three years."
"After she left with Yemu, she cut off contact with every one of us."
"Then now..." Shino said quietly, "should we still consider her our comrade?"
"If war breaks out and she stands against us, should we hesitate... when we attack?"
The atmosphere suddenly grew oppressive.
Naruto had remained silent until now. At last, he rose to his feet.
His gaze swept across each of his old comrades, his voice firm:
"We'll