The conference room in the Hokage Building was much smaller than Shuo had imagined-just one long table and five chairs, with the Kage emblems of the Five Great Nations hanging on the walls. It looked solemn enough, but felt cramped.
Tsunade sat at the head of the table, propping up her chin and looking exhausted. Beside her, in order, sat the Fourth Raikage, the Third Tsuchikage, the Fifth Mizukage, and Gaara. Five people, five pairs of eyes, and not one of them was looking at Shuo. Every gaze was fixed on the four things at the door.
Hand Princess Big, Hand Princess Small, Hand Princess Three, and Hand Princess Four huddled together at Shuo's feet.
The eyes in their palms, the eyes in their soles, and that little floating eye all blinked uneasily, like frightened little animals.
"Just these?" The Raikage spoke first, his voice like thunder, making the conference room windows hum.
Shuo leaned against the doorframe without sitting down. He fished a candy out of his pocket, slowly unwrapped it, and tossed it into his mouth. Only after the sweetness spread did he chew and say, "Yeah, just these."
The Raikage's brow furrowed deeply enough to crush a mosquito, his voice full of anger. "Do you know what they are? Fragments of Kaguya! That thing nearly destroyed the world!"
"I know." Shuo chewed his candy, his tone casual.
"You know, and you're still fucking keeping them?" The Raikage slapped the table, making the cups wobble.
Shuo raised his eyes to the Raikage, showing little emotion. "What else should I do? Kill them? What have they ever done to you?"
The Raikage froze, clearly not expecting such a firm response, and was momentarily at a loss for words.
Then the Tsuchikage cleared his throat. The old man's voice was