In truth, Kazuyama Gekkō was the first to arrive, aside from the three advisors.
"Strange. Someone like you being the first here—does this mean the matter truly affects you?"
"Young Kazuyama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, relieved of duty, wore the smile of a cheerful retiree. Looking at him now, no one would think this old man was once the famed "Professor of Ninjutsu" who shook the shinobi world.
"Old man, don't play dumb."
"Wait until Shinnosuke gives you a grandson, and then someone kidnaps him. Don't tell me you wouldn't be furious."
Kazuyama Gekkō crossed his arms and spoke plainly. His daughter had been stolen—if he didn't get angry, he wouldn't be himself.
"Heh, I figured as much."
"But, Kazuyama, you understand the current trend—"
"Stop right there. Not everyone's here yet. Talking now is pointless. Wait until the rest arrive."
Kazuyama Gekkō wasn't sick in the head, so he had no intention of letting Sarutobi brainwash him. Brainwash, brainwash, brainwash—if he loved brainwashing so much, he could do it to someone else. Kazuyama had his own way of thinking and didn't need it.
Beside them, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane remained silent, though their uneasy expressions gave them away.
As for Danzō, he hadn't even shown up yet. Maybe the curse's effect was lasting too long—he hadn't been seen in a while.
Soon after, people began filing into the meeting room.
It was the usual mix of clan heads and key figures of the village, but many old faces had been replaced by younger ones.
This meant the younger generation had become the leaders of their clans.
Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chōza, Aburame Shibi—all heads of their long-established families.
Naturally, the Hyūga and Uchiha were present as well—Hiashi and Fugaku had long since assumed leadership.
Finally, Danzō appeared. His face was expressionless as always, like the whole world owed him eight million ryō.
Minato Namikaze arrived almost instantly once everyone was assembled, taking his seat without delay.
"Everyone's here. Let's begin the meeting."
"Raidō."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Unlike usual, three men stood behind Minato this time: Genma Shiranui, Namiashi Raidō, and Tatami Iwashi.
This was Minato's personal guard—trusted above all others. They were present even for this council.
"Everyone here should already know what's happened recently."
"Tōkaku's squad from Kumogakure targeted both the Gekkō and Hyūga clans."
Raidō recounted the events steadily, though he didn't need to—everyone knew. The blazing crimson light that night had lit the entire village.
"We've already submitted a formal accusation to the Daimyō's office and the Land of Lightning regarding Kumogakure's actions."
"But…"
Raidō's words stopped abruptly, his face twisting in anger.
Clearly, Kumo hadn't said anything favorable—how else could he be this furious?
"Heh, looks like Kumo didn't give a good answer, huh?"
"Otherwise Raidō wouldn't look this pissed."
Nara Shikaku, ever the one to stir the pot, chuckled. Beside him, Yamanaka Inoichi shot him warning looks, but they did nothing to stop him.
"Hmph. Kumo has openly provoked us."
"The Hyūga clan will not overlook this."
"We will not fear war if it comes to that."
Hiashi Hyūga's voice was calm, but the icy determination in it silenced the entire room.
"Kumo refuses to admit fault. Instead, they've pushed all the blame onto me and the Hyūga."
"Isn't that right, Hokage?"
A mocking voice cut through the air—it was Kazuyama Gekkō. But he wasn't finished.
"They even want Konoha to hand over me and Hiashi?"
"Or else they'll accuse us of destroying the peace between the villages, isn't that it?"
The room fell silent again, so quiet that even a pin drop would have been heard.
The silence stretched for minutes.
"Kazuyama, you're right. That was indeed the response I received."
"Heh. Minato, what did I tell you? Against people and villages like this, you can't afford the slightest illusion."
Minato sighed heavily.
Kazuyama Gekkō stared at him, waiting for his reply.
"Right now, rejecting Kumo's terms outright would mean reigniting war."
"The Third Great Ninja War just ended. Even though we were the victors, the manpower, money, and resources consumed were immense."
"To start another war now would only make things worse."
The one speaking wasn't Danzō—it was Homura Mitokado.
That bespectacled old man spoke without the slightest hesitation, as if war wasn't his problem to bear.
"Of course, handing over Kazuyama Gekkō and Hiashi Hyūga is impossible."
"Both are honored contributors to Konoha."
His words trailed, but that was enough. Kazuyama and Hiashi exchanged glances, each seeing the same cold light in the other's eyes.
They were both smart men. They knew exactly what this old man was about to suggest.
And it was something that crossed their bottom line.
"So, after discussing with Advisors Koharu, Sarutobi, and Danzō, we've found another option."
"One that protects both men while appeasing Kumo's fury."
"The Hyūga clan can hand over Hizashi Hyūga, while the Gekkō family can surrender Hayate Gekkō."
"That way, even Kumo would have no choice but to accept—"
Crack!
Homura Mitokado's words cut off as his entire body was instantly encased in crystal.
The speed was so sudden that before anyone could react, Homura was already a crystal statue.
"Kazuyama!" voices shouted across the room.
"Kid Kazuyama!" cried Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But Kazuyama Gekkō's body radiated pure killing intent. His eyes locked only on the crystallized Homura Mitokado, ignoring every gasp and outcry around him.
He rose slowly, dark blue chakra flooding from his body, visible to the naked eye.
It was his Senjutsu energy—the Titan Python's color.
"Old fool, if you don't know how to talk, then don't speak."
"You want us to hand over our own brothers?"
"Just to give that despicable Fourth Raikage a convenient excuse?"
"Heheheheheh… Minato, is this your choice too?"
Kazuyama's cold laughter echoed through the chamber, throwing the question squarely back at Minato.
Minato rose as well, golden hair trembling as a powerful voice rang out:...