Chapter 509: Five Kage Gathering
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Finally, the four Kage arrived at the Council of Five and gathered together. The Raikage, Mizukage, Kazekage, and Tsuchikage, along with their advisors and guards, were stationed in the central building of Konoha.
Many journalists surrounded the Residence. There was a commotion all around. Camera flashes flickered. The press made noise in attempts to get interviews and capture the events from the front rows, but, unfortunately, all of them were left with nothing.
On Naruto's orders, no one was allowed in, and in extreme cases, especially the arrogant ones, they were even captured and sent to prison.
Its territory has become a no-go area for unwanted eyes. With the personal intervention of the Hokage, the entire Residence was protected by a mass of seals and barriers.
Many Shinobi surrounded the building, taking control of the situation. The only reason is to demonstrate and solve small problems. Naruto could take care of any threat, but he had no intention of personally dispersing onlookers.
The closed meeting was held in a separate room, and not in the Hokage's office, as was the case before. All four took their seats and waited tensely for his arrival.
At a long table, with their ceremonial hats laid out, the Kage looked at each other gloomily, as if trying to find out from each other the reason for Naruto's absence, and why the venue had changed this time.
The Raikage was the first to speak, openly displaying his rude, disgruntled tone.
"Where's Naruto?" His question was addressed to Shizune, who was standing calmly at the main seat, waiting for her Master.This time the table was different from the past, which is not surprising. After all, Naruto didn't consider these people his equals. Why, he did not even see them as worthy servants. That is why the round table was replaced by a straight one, with the main seat in the center, which naturally belonged to him. This action made great sense, and only the most naive of those present did not notice anything strange in it. The Hokage made his move before he even showed up for the council, forcing those present to think in a certain way. In the end, they took places on the sides and even the Raikage did not dare to "lead" the table.
Everyone understood everything, and then even before the arrival of the Hokage, they made certain conclusions and changed their mood.
Of course, they couldn't show their displeasure openly and protest the disrespect, but even if they did, Naruto would be more than happy to show their place in person.
Unfortunately, it didn't come to that... Even the youngest of those present weren't fools, while Gaara, for one, didn't see anything offensive in Naruto's actions. He considered his friend to be the legitimate leader of the Alliance, and even if they were evenly ranked before, who gets upset over such trifles?
Of course, everyone accepted the truth of power, but it was harder to do so now due to the many years of "equality" and the former attitude of the Hokage.
Admittedly, they all felt at least strange when they took on "side roles". But, they didn't discuss it out loud, although some, like the Raikage, clearly took it as an insult.
One thing is clear, at the very least - Naruto's action had an initial effect.
He waited, deliberately forcing those present to sink into thoughts, lose patience, experience irritation and give in to unpleasant "conclusions" caused by the so-called "disrespect" on his part or simply banal boredom. After all, what kind of person would feel light and free, doing nothing and not getting attention, being also an invited "guest"? This is not to mention the fact that these people are far from simple. They were the leaders of their villages, the strongest in their countries. They deserved at least a normal attitude, and not all this!
With the right impact, even Gaara will feel unhappy.
Just by looking at their faces alone, Naruto could make certain conclusions...
In response to Darui's words, Shizune only smiled sweetly - as if she had heard her Master's thoughts and acted in accordance with them, she hesitated to answer until she finally spoke, slowly and calmly:
- Patience.
"Hmm..." The Raikage frowned slightly, but didn't continue. He spread his arms on the back of his chair and threw back his head. His attitude was slightly headstrong and could even show a little brash, in contrast to the behavior of "colleagues". By this, he seemed to show his protest against disrespect, but, to tell the truth, he always behaved like that ...
Omoi stood on the right hand, did not show any unnecessary emotions.
Suddenly, as if in answer to all their doubts, a light and gentle voice was heard from outside:
We'll wait as long as it takes. This question directly depends on Mr. Hokage.
Kurotsuchi sat upright with her hands folded in her lap. She smiled discreetly, carried herself confidently and was not in the least annoyed by the fact that she was made to wait. This young girl showed a worthy leadership character.
Akatsuchi acted as her bodyguard and behaved even more modestly than her.
Shizune watched the situation with a smile, not worrying about any possible problems at all. She looked like she was in complete control. Although, in truth, that control belonged to someone else...
The room was silent for a moment...
The atmosphere became rather cold. Kurotsuchi and Shizune smiled sweetly, hiding their own thoughts behind their charms. The Raikage yawned openly, while the others showed thoughtful faces.
And then...
Why isn't Sasuke here? Gaara suddenly asked, turning to Shizune and breaking the dull atmosphere.
Chōjirō nodded, also throwing a questioning glance at the kunoichi. It became clear to everyone that she was the one representing the Hokage at this meeting. It doesn't matter if it's an adviser or a bodyguard. Shizune's appearance didn't raise any big questions, everyone present was more concerned about where Shikamaru had gone. But, no one said this out loud, and besides, it did not concern them. But, Sasuke... Considering one of the topics of the meeting...
Gaara and Chuojiro sat across from each other with their elbows on the table as they waited indifferently for Naruto's arrival. They were guarded by Kankurō and Misuno, respectively.
The answer to the Kazekage's question was not long in coming...
Shizune smiled again, keeping her former calmness and charm.
Sasuke is on a mission. He will not be able to attend the meeting. The owner will tell you about the rest.
- Master? Gaara reacted in surprise and looked at her in bewilderment. Yes, and the rest slightly misunderstood the meaning of this word ...
"What's the Master like?"
Everyone had a strange reaction. The Raikage raised an eyebrow in surprise and noticed Shizune's unusual expression.
"Is she talking about Naruto?"
Gaara didn't know if he misheard, much like the Mizukage. Whereas Kurotsuchi looked at her a little differently.
Shizune didn't hide her "special" smirk at all...
And who even calls the Hokage the Master? It's weird to say the least...
All of them drew certain conclusions and came to a common opinion. This girl called Naruto "Master"...n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
What does it mean?