Konoha's arrangements eased the expressions of all Four Kage somewhat.
The pressure the enemies from the Ōtsutsuki Clan put on everyone was simply too great for the Four Kage to take lightly.
In fact, although these response recommendations had been distributed in the name of Hokage Shihōin Naraku, they had actually been produced entirely by Konoha's Intelligence Department.
After all, Shihōin Naraku's whereabouts were currently unknown.
Still, this intelligence was of tremendous value as a reference for each village's defensive deployments.
Mei Terumi stood first and inclined her head slightly toward the head seat. "Thank you for your candor, Lord Hokage, and thank you for the detailed explanation, Staff Officer Shikaku."
"I'll send the intelligence back to Kirigakure as soon as possible and adjust our border defenses."
"Same here." Kurotsuchi stood next. "Iwagakure needs to rearrange its patrol routes. With enemies of this caliber around, patrolling the way we used to would be practically serving ourselves up on a platter."
Burūi stood silently. Without any unnecessary words, he simply nodded to Jiraiya in acknowledgment.
Gaara was the last to rise.
"As for Sunagakure's defenses, I'll make arrangements immediately upon my return." After saying this, Gaara nodded, then turned and headed out the door.
The Four Kage left the meeting room one after another.
The instant the door closed behind them, Jiraiya felt as though an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders, which visibly sagged half an inch.
He let out a long breath, his entire face drooping as he abandoned the "Shihōin Naraku"-like composure he had maintained moments earlier.
"I survived..." he muttered under his breath.
Tsunade approached from behind and to the side and smacked his back, making his whole body lurch forward.
"Don't relax yet. Today's not over."
"I know, I know."
Rubbing his back, Jiraiya