Though the villages' reactions differed slightly, they were largely within Shihōin Naraku's expectations.
Especially after receiving the other villages' "letters of sympathy," Naraku was even more certain of his assessment.
"These letters really are all much the same." Naraku waved the letters in his hand at the people before him and said with a smile, "Aside from asking about our losses, they're all probing for information about the Akatsuki, both openly and between the lines."
"This was all expected." Shikaku Nara was not surprised.
The villages had formed the Allied Shinobi Forces to deal with their enemies. Their own relations could hardly be called good; they were even hoping something would happen to one another.
So it was little wonder that the other villages had reacted this way after the Akatsuki attacked Konoha.
Naraku tossed the letters onto the table, picked up another, and opened it to read. "Oh..."
"Sunagakure is actually quite sincere. They even asked in their letter whether Konoha needs help."
"If needed, they can send some ninja to support us, and they can spare a small amount of supplies for us as well."
"Well, really... relations between the two villages have changed so quickly since Gaara became Kazekage."
Mitokado Homura said, "Sunagakure can now be considered a true ally!"
"Be polite in your reply too, Naraku," Utatane Koharu added from beside him.
"I know."
Naraku looked up and found that, without him needing to say anything, the others had already tacitly accepted his status and position.
From the looks of things, there would not even need to be an election. As long as Naraku wanted it, he could take office as the Sixth Hokage at any time.
Shaking his head, Naraku put those thoughts aside and asked, "Shikaku, I have a handle on the village's other