"Fourth Hokage-sama, it's good that you're here!"
Nara Shikashin stepped out from the crowd and approached Raiden with a look of relief. Behind Uzumaki Raiden, Kakashi and the others stared in shock at the people kneeling before them, unable to believe their eyes.
Kakashi and the others had not expected such a grand gesture in front of Uzumaki Raiden. Even Terumi Mei and Kisame exchanged glances, seeing deep surprise mirrored in each other's eyes.
As leaders of their own villages, even their Mizukage and the elite Jōnin of the Mist Village had never received such reverence from their people.
The weight Uzumaki Raiden carried in Konoha seemed beyond their imagination. It was not something that could simply be summed up with the title of "Hokage."
"What's wrong? You look like you're in serious trouble."
Uzumaki Raiden frowned slightly, rubbing his chin as he asked.
"Master Hokage, this isn't the place to talk. Look."
Nara Shikashin walked up to Uzumaki Raiden, glancing at him before shifting his gaze to Terumi Mei and Kisame, who were tightly bound in dark gray restraints. He lowered his voice as he spoke.
"Ah."
"Lin, you can chat with our guest from the Mist Village. Feel free to walk around a little. Obito, keep an eye on this man—I've already restricted his movements, but be cautious and don't let any strangers get close."
"As for Kakashi and Itachi, you two come with me."
"Fang, arrange for a few Anbu to keep an eye on these two. Make sure there are no issues."
Uzumaki Raiden released the Kongō Fūsa, lowering Terumi Mei and Kisame to the ground. He removed some of the curse seals from Terumi Mei, allowing her to move freely like a normal person. However, he kept Kisame's movements tightly restricted.
After spending two days with them, Raiden had come to understand their personalities to some extent.
There was no doubt that Kisame was a capable and dangerous ninja. Given the chance, he would either attempt suicide or take Itachi hostage. Fortunately, he had chosen the wrong target and failed each time.
Moreover, Kisame's personality was extreme, making communication with him highly inefficient.
By contrast, Terumi Mei was far more composed. Whether or not it was just a façade, Raiden still decided to grant her some level of freedom, allowing her to move as an ordinary person.
Nara Shikashin did not press for details regarding Kisame and Terumi Mei. Instead, he simply nodded, dispatching four Anbu to assist in their surveillance before leading Raiden and the others to the meeting room.
Upon entering the meeting room, Nara Shikashin directly guided Raiden to the main seat, taking a position beside him.
Uzumaki Raiden did not refuse and sat down.
Uchiha Itachi and Kakashi stood respectfully behind him, waiting for the high-ranking officials to take their seats.
"Who will begin the briefing?"
As everyone settled, Raiden lightly tapped his fingers on the table, prompting someone to speak.
Hearing his question, Nara Shikashin exchanged a glance with his son, Nara Shikadai, before closing his eyes as if deep in thought.
Understanding the cue, Shikadai quickly rose from his seat, placed a scroll in front of Raiden, and said, "Master Hokage, this is the latest battle report. Allow me to explain the situation."
Uzumaki Raiden picked up the scroll, nodded at Shikadai, and signaled for him to proceed. As Shikadai began his explanation, Raiden swiftly scanned the contents.
The report detailed the disappearance of multiple Konoha reconnaissance squads in the Land of Rivers. One squad had managed to send information about their attackers before being wiped out—the infamous AB Combination, a duo that had gained renown during the Third Shinobi World War.
One of them, Ai, was now the Raikage, formerly known as Yeyue Ai. His partner, Bi, was Raikage Ai's half-brother, Killer Bee. Together, they formed a deadly sniper team, eliminating all Konoha scout ninjas in the Land of Rivers.
Raiden frowned slightly as he read through the scroll.
Noticing his expression, Nara Shikadai immediately continued,
"Currently, Konoha has approximately 1,500 troops stationed in the Land of Rivers. Their main objective is to track and monitor the movements of Cloud's forces."
"About half a month ago, Cloud dispatched a significant number of ninjas to take control of the Land of Moon, located north of the Land of Rivers. From there, they advanced into the Land of Rivers, posing a direct threat to Konoha's borders."
"In response, Commander Fang relocated the command center and established a base camp within the Land of Rivers. He also deployed a large number of reconnaissance units and Anbu to gather intelligence in the region."
"Initially, the operation was progressing smoothly. While we suffered some casualties, we also obtained crucial intelligence."
"But just a week ago, our reconnaissance squads suffered devastating losses."
"In only seven days, ten attacks have occurred. We have lost ten elite reconnaissance teams, amounting to 74 skilled shinobi."
"Since the second attack, Commander Fang attempted to limit the range of reconnaissance operations, but..."
"As of now, we have completely lost track of Cloud's forces and are unable to conduct effective surveillance."
While speaking, Nara Shikadai walked over to a desk in the conference room, picked up several scrolls, and handed them to Raiden. These contained information about the fallen shinobi.
"The ones responsible for attacking our reconnaissance units were Raikage Ai and his younger brother Killer Bee? Is this information confirmed?"
Raiden found it hard to believe. As Raikage, Ai would not typically engage in direct attacks on Konoha's lower-ranked ninjas.
Such a situation was unusual—someone of his rank had no reason to personally target ordinary ninjas unless it was a time of full-scale war.
"It's confirmed. One of our reconnaissance teams risked their lives to deliver this intel. There is no doubt."
It was not Nara Shikadai who answered Raiden but a middle-aged ninja seated near the center of the conference table. The seating arrangement reflected status, and this man's placement indicated a high position.
"A new face?"
Raiden glanced at the man, unfamiliar with him, then turned to Shikadai with a questioning look.
"This is Kamizuki Ken, captain of the reconnaissance unit. His younger brother, Kamizuki Ken, was the one who delivered the information at the cost of his life."
Shikadai's expression darkened as he explained.
"Kamizuki…"
Raiden felt the name was familiar. He glanced at Kamizuki Ken and gave him a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Just as Raiden was about to ask for additional information, Kamizuki Ken suddenly stood up, his voice cutting through the room:
"Lord Raiden!"
His outburst drew everyone's attention, breaking the silence.
"Please… Please avenge my brother!"
Kamizuki Ken couldn't hold back any longer. He pushed his chair aside and fell to his knees, his voice choked with emotion as he pleaded.
"..."
Raiden looked across the table at the trembling figure of Kamizuki Ken, lowering his gaze in contemplation.
"Kamizuki Ken, was it?"
"Your current state is not suited for this meeting. Go and rest."
(End of this chapter.)