The sky was unusually gloomy.
Dark clouds kept gathering in the distance, casting a heavy, oppressive pall.
An inexplicable irritation rose in the Third Hokage's heart, and he lowered the Smoking Pipe from his lips, finding no pleasure in it.
Today happened to be Konoha's monthly council meeting.
The heads of Konoha's major clans and its advisers would all attend, with him, the Hokage, presiding over everything.
Just as the Third Hokage was about to head to the meeting room, a familiar figure appeared out of thin air before him, blocking his path.
"Shinichi?"
Startled, the Third Hokage blurted out, "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, if it isn't Lord Hokage."
Shinichi smiled, pretending this was a chance encounter, and said softly, "I'm here for the meeting, of course! What? Do you think I'm not qualified to attend?"
"No, of course not."
The Third Hokage offered an awkward but polite smile.
Strictly speaking, Shinichi was the Hatake Clan's representative, so he certainly had the right to attend.
But based on past experience, this fellow never came to these meetings. He usually sent Kakashi in his place. What had gotten into him today that he had actually decided to attend on his own?
"Shinichi, the meeting room is that way."
Seeing Shinichi head off in another direction without a word, the Third Hokage assumed he did not know the way and called out to remind him.
"No, I'm not going the wrong way."
To his surprise, Shinichi shrugged and chuckled. "Today's meeting is a little special, so it won't be held in the meeting room. I came here to inform you of that, Lord Hokage."
"The venue has changed? Why wasn't I told?"
The Third Hokage looked displeased.
These meetings had always been organized by him, the Hokage. If even he