Within the Land of Fire, outside Konoha.
After announcing its visit long ago, the Shadow Organization finally arrived that day, beginning its first official visit to an outside power.
The Shadow Organization's party consisted of twelve people. Their leader wore a black robe and a silver-white mask, while the subordinates behind him wore matching uniforms-crisp white outfits that looked stylish but were ill-suited for combat. They glittered with gold, dazzling to behold.
The striking contrast between the resplendent subordinates and their plain, unassuming leader inevitably raised questions.
Normally, wasn't the leader supposed to stand out while his subordinates kept a low profile?
The Shadow Organization really did march to its own beat. No one could make sense of its intentions.
Still, they could wear whatever they liked. It was no one else's business.
"Welcome, Lord Xihuo. I am Shimura Danzō, the Hokage Assistant, and I will be escorting you to Konoha. Lord Hokage has already prepared a Welcoming Wind Banquet in the village and eagerly awaits your arrival."
Hatake Sakumo stood behind Shimura Danzō, with five ANBU members and five Root members standing to either side, bowing slightly.
Their party matched the Shadow Organization's numbers, neither appearing overly forceful nor giving the impression of discourtesy.
Xihuo nodded.
"A pleasure."
After briefly confirming his identity, he offered an apology.
"I'm not particularly skilled at conversation, so please allow my spokesperson to speak on my behalf. Her words are mine."
The subordinate beside him who specialized in diplomacy stepped forward and continued the verbal fencing with Shimura Danzō.
She was the person Watanabe Ichiro had found within the organization with the greatest skill in diplomatic language. She was also exceptionally perceptive and would absolutely, categorically eliminate any chance of the Shadow Organization embarrassing itself.
On an occasion like this, Shimura Danzō wouldn't