Sunlight slanted into the Hokage's Office, casting a bright swath across Shihōin Naraku's desk.
Shikaku Nara smiled and nodded. "Word has come from the Border Forces. Kumogakure's Seventh Raikage, Burūi, has entered the Land of Fire with his guards and is now heading toward Konoha."
"When was this?" Shihōin Naraku looked up.
"A little over half an hour ago."
Naraku leaned back slightly and thought for a moment. "Half an hour?"
"Given the distance from the border to the village, if they travel at full speed without resting along the way, they should arrive in about three hours."
"Yes, that sounds about right." Shikaku nodded.
"The Border Forces have already arranged an escort."
Shikaku closed the folder in his hands. "Special Jōnin Aoba Yamashiro is leading them. He's the most familiar with the route."
Naraku nodded and looked out the window. The carvings on the distant Hokage Rock stood out sharply in the midday sunlight. "Tell them to simplify inspections at every checkpoint along the way. Just record their passage and let them through. There's no need to stop and question them."
"Understood."
"Also, have someone notify the Kazekage and the others that the Five Kage Summit has been postponed until this afternoon. The exact time is still to be determined."
"Tell them the Raikage will arrive in Konoha soon."
"Understood."
"And once Burūi arrives, have someone take him straight to his lodgings. Give him half an hour to rest, then notify everyone to convene."
"All right."
After Shikaku left, the office fell quiet again.
"Every household really does have its own troubles," Naraku murmured to himself.
According to the intelligence sent back by the spies in Kumogakure, the village was in serious turmoil.
So he could understand why Burūi was late.
He shook his head, sat upright again, and