The next time they met, he would make that lofty Flame Emperor understand that when mortals burned their lives away, they too could unleash a heat that inspired terror.
The Land of Iron.
Snow filled the sky, blanketing this neutral land. The temperature was bitterly low, and exhaled breaths quickly condensed in the air. Mifune's samurai patrolled through the blizzard in heavy armor, Tachi in hand. The glow of chakra flowed along their blades, warding off the cold while keeping them ready to draw and fight at any moment.
This was the bastion where the remaining forces of the Five Great Nations had gathered. The Five Great Nations Allied Forces had suffered a total rout at the front. Abandoning their armor and equipment, the ninja had fled all the way back to this fortified city in the Land of Iron, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
In the center of the city stood a massive building constructed from hard black stone.
Five people occupied five high-backed chairs around a circular conference table. Guards from each village stood around the chamber, their faces grim. None dared breathe too loudly.
Raikage A had lost his left arm. Thick bandages wrapped the stump, but blood had seeped through, staining large patches of cloth red. He panted heavily, veins bulging on his forehead, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.
The Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, leaned against the back of his chair. His face was ashen with a bluish tinge, his shriveled hands resting limply on the armrests. His lower back had been severely injured, and every breath seemed a struggle.
The Mizukage, Mei Terumi, had heavy dark circles beneath her eyes. Her hair was disheveled, and a conspicuous scrape marked her cheek. Her usual allure was gone, leaving only utter exhaustion.
The Kazekage, Gaara,