This was a location that many never got to visit in their lifetimes, even as someone of his status. Saburo stood by the side as he watched the number of people who were seated to the sides of the table before him.
Sitting directly beside him was an older man who was in his late middle ages. His attire spoke of his status without him saying it. However, the smile on his face put the rising tensions in the air to rest.
"Ue-sama, may we know why you have decided to honor us with your presence today," one of the people sitting closest to him said.
The man looked ancient, like the man beside him, he too was dressed in a garb that showcased his status, the hat on his head spoke of his power and status.
"Sandaime-sama, I am not here on official matters so there is no need for all these," the man said.
Hearing the man, Saburo nearly snorted but kept quiet. It didn't matter if he was within the village for official business or not. He was the Daimyo of Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire).
As Daimyo, he was like the Emperor within Hi no kuni and no matter how powerful the Hokage was, his authority was legally lower than the Daimyo's.
"It would be quite impossible on our part to let you be, Ue-sama, when the Lord Daimyo visits, it is our duty to receive him," another ancient being seated at the table said.
She was dressed in white and like the rest of the people on the table was also dressed ceremoniously even if she looked like she would fall into her grave at any moment. Her hat had the Kanji for 'Elder' embroidered into it.
"I understand your dilemma, however I am merely here because my son, Saburomaru..." the Daimyo said as he gestured towards him.
Seeing his father's gesture, Saburo immediately stepped out, he was barely tall enough to see over the table so he had to move out into public view.
Saburo bowed then returned back to his father's side, there were strict protocols to be followed when one is born into the household of who was essentially the Emperor.
"My son, has recently showed interest in the shinobi world and so I wanted to enroll him into the academy," the Daimyo continued.
"If so, then I shall prepare the best teachers we can get to tutor Saburomaru-miya," Sandaime-sama said.
Saburo heard the man and looking at the faces of the people at the table, he could already tell that these bunch of old men were about to make a big deal out of a minor thing.
"How could I do that? I believe the Konoha Academy was established so that any who is interested and of the great nation can study and learn to be a shinobi," the Daimyo replied.
"Ue-sama, forgive me but I do not believe that doing so would turn out well for anyone," the Elder said.
Hearing her, Saburo expected the atmosphere to turn even more serious but instead his father merely chuckled before sitting up.
"I don't believe that the academy is unsafe, is it?" He said as he turned to the other elder who was sitting beside Sandaime-sama.
The man was dressed in a black robe unlike the others in the table, his arm and what seemed to be half his body was bandaged.
"The safety of Saburomaru-miya is guaranteed, however news of his attendance in the academy could bring up several unforeseen circumstances," the man said.
The man's words sounded neutral but somehow it sounded a bit like a threat. Turning to his father, the Daimyo merely laughed before turning to him.
"If I am permitted to speak," Saburo said as he raised his hand.
"Go on, Saburomaru-miya," Sandaime-sama said.
"Thank you, however I am joining the academy to become stronger, isn't personal strength always the greatest assurance in the face of danger?" Saburo said in a composed manner.
"Well said, even a child understands that there is nothing more to this," the Daimyo said with a wide smile.
Hearing his words the rest of the group immediately turned to him, however the man didn't care.
"However the safety of the young prince remains paramount" The elder stated unflinchingly.
It was clear that the woman didn't care if she was offending his father or even the hokage. Her eyes remained trained on her father.
As a citizen of the country it was a sin to look the Diamyo in the eye but considering her elderly nature and the fact that she was at this table, such a thing could probably be forgiven.
"We understand what you mean, Lady Reika, however I am confident that Konoha would be able to keep the prince safe"
"That wasn't the same confidence when the young kage, Minato died…" the second elder said
His words seemed to have pulled some nerves as the Hokage and the bandaged man who seemed to be his advisor turned to him with a death glare.
"I motion for Ue-sama to send the prince with proper protection, even the elders could barely protect one of their own, who is to say what could happen to the prince"