Originally, Mai Mabu had planned to do the same as Mei Terumi.
But considering her public persona, she opted for a more subtle approach, adding a touch of playfulness.
but.
She blinked again quickly, snapping back to reality.
She gently bit her lower lip.
"Where did this rumor come from?"
"Hmm...Amegakure?"
"During the time the great fox went to Amegakure?"
Her intuition is very sharp.
However, this is clearly an answer that no one can give her right now.
...
"Perhaps."
[The man in linen glanced back in the direction of Konoha.]
"Prepare for a rainy day..."
Then, he looked at Yukito and Samui.
[Three top-tier innate talents and brilliant minds, plus the Two-Tailed Rider.]
This stake is enough.
She would never tell anyone about this.
But talking to your best friend first isn't a bad idea either.
However, we still have to wait a while...
Otherwise, it would be cowardice before the battle even begins.
"No!" Mabuya shook her head.
My intuition is too strong.
She couldn't ignore it.
[Let's get some air in first!]
[...]
[Afternoon.]
The Land of Iron.
Heavy snow is falling.
The interior of the snow sculpture resembles the open mouth of a three-headed serpent.
["arrive."]
Mei Terumi gently lifted the brim of her water-shadow hat.
[Qing beside him had a serious expression.]
Time is of the essence.
Keep everything simple.
Travel light and arrive in the Land of Iron as quickly as possible.
"Go inside first."
"Perhaps the people from Kumogakure have already arrived."
"Iwagakure will be a bit slower."
Mei Terumi looked up at the seemingly endless snow.
The Land of Iron.
[Borders with multiple countries.]
Yet it remains neutral and unaffected by any harm.
This is because its power system is not a ninja system.
Instead, they were fighting groups known as "samurai."
[It possesses an independent cultural and combat system.]
Of course, it still doesn't break away from the chakra system.
Samurai are all skilled at concentrating their chakra into their swords during combat.
[They also wore the armor they developed, which could resist poison gas and provide considerable defense.]
The leader of the samurai, who was also the ruler of the Land of Iron, Mifune, was a powerful samurai.
This invitation was extended jointly by the daimyo of five provinces.
Therefore.
Mifune has decided to change diplomatic relations.
[The five great nations and the three ninja villages have joined forces to form an allied army!]
The meeting was to be held within the Land of Iron.
"Hidden in the mist?"
[After entering the main hall.]
A rough voice rang out.
Mei Terumi slightly lifted the brim of her hat, which reflected in the water.
[Looking sideways.]
A tall, imposing man emerged from one side.
Beside him stood a man wearing sunglasses, behaving strangely and muttering something to himself.
"Lord Mizukage."
[At the same time, there was also an elderly man carrying a sword.]
["Mifune."]
Mei Terumi recognized Mifune's identity first.
Then his gaze fell on the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee.
"Lord Raikage."
"That must be Killer Bee, the perfect jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails from Kumogakure, right?"
The Fourth Raikage nodded slightly.
"Only that old geezer hasn't arrived yet."
[Is he an old codger?]
[This refers to the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki.]
However, that old codger, the Fourth Raikage...
[This is merely driven by personal emotions and political stances.]
[In reality, it's the shadow of a truly immortal old man.]
That's the Third Hokage of Konoha.
[Occupying the toilet without using it.]
Is this true of Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage?
He himself wanted to abdicate.
But unfortunately, no one is willing to take over!
Onoki: "Waaaah...that's it!"
Ōnoki: "I'm not that old bastard Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
Kurotsuchi: "Pah!"
Black Earth: "If you weren't, why didn't you pass the position to me?"
Onoki: "..."
See?
...
[Half an hour later.]
Two figures, one old and one young, entered the main hall.
That young figure was clearly somewhat impulsive and unconventional.
[Looking at the warriors arrayed in formation, clad in armor.]
[Constantly pointing and commenting.]
The old man shook his head helplessly.
[Several figures were seen standing ahead.]
[Just by standing there, one can sense that he is no ordinary person.]
[Onoki regained his composure.]
"Come down, Black Soil."
["Why?"]
"Old man, you fly effortlessly, isn't it embarrassing to carry your granddaughter?"
[Ohnoki: "..."]
[have to. ]
Everyone must die eventually.
He now strongly suspects that he will die from being angered to death by his granddaughter.
["alright."]
"Stop fooling around, and don't say anything inappropriate later."
"Those ahead... should be the Mizukage, the Raikage, and their guards."
"And there's Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron."
"Oh!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed upon hearing her grandfather's serious expression.
[This means he'll curb his temper.]
[Jumped off the old man's back.]
The old man walked a step behind.
[They even pretended to be alert to their surroundings.]
[It seemed like he was just realizing that she was the Tsuchikage's bodyguard.]
["snort!"]
"At your age, why are you in such a rush?"
"Aren't you afraid of straining your back or falling to your death from the sky?!"
[I met Onoki.]
The Fourth Raikage clearly wouldn't be in a good mood.
Black Earth frowned slightly.
She could say that to her own father, but not to others.
Even if the opponent is a shadow.
Onoki slightly raised his hand, signaling Kurotsuchi to calm down.
Then it landed slowly.
Take a step forward.
A smile appeared on the old man's face.
"Mifune, it's been a long time."
The three boatmen rested their hands on the hilts of their swords.
[He nodded slightly. "Lord Tsuchikage."]
"This must be the Fifth Mizukage, right?"
"So young."
Mei Terumi's lips curled slightly. "Lord Tsuchikage, I've long admired you."
Onoki chuckled.
He shook his head.
"I also want to rest."
[Kuroto immediately bit her red lips.]
I almost blurted it out.
["snort!"]
"Let's get started when we get here, no need to waste time."
The Fourth Raikage glared at Onoki.
Then he entered the conference room first.
"Let's begin!"
"Idiot, bastard... ugh—"
Killer Bee was striking strange poses and humming strange tunes.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, his voice abruptly stopped.
A large hand grabbed his neck and dragged him directly into the conference room.
"If you dare to cause trouble again, you'll be locked up for a year!"
[Gah——]
Killer Bee stands at attention and clenchs his mouth tightly.
Outside.
After a brief greeting.
Mei Terumi and Onoki followed Mifune into the meeting room.
I glanced at the layout.
[A U-shaped table, with another table in the middle.]
[Clearly, that's where the three ships are located.]
[The three positions—left, right, and front—result in three shadows.]
Behind each position was a corresponding flag.
[The Land of Thunder, the Land of Water, the Land of Earth.]
After the three figures took their seats, their guards stood behind them.
"Now that everyone's here, let's get straight to the point."