As she spoke, Tsunade stood up.
"I'll be attending the Five Kage Summit for the next few days, so you'll be in charge here."
"Huh?" Shizune was taken aback. "Lady Tsunade, aren't you taking me with you?"
"No, I don't trust anyone else to handle the administrative work, and besides, what would it look like if both of us, pregnant women, went? The other nations might think Konoha is out of capable hands!"
With that, Tsunade walked straight out the door.
Outside, Kakashi and Might Guy were already waiting.
Tsunade put on her cloak and called out, "Let's go, time to depart."
"Yes!" Might Guy bent down, offering his back. "Lady Hokage, since you're pregnant, how about I carry you?"
"No need, it's just pregnancy, nothing major."
...
Two days later, at the border of the Land of Iron.
Amidst the heavy snowfall, Kurotsuchi was full of excitement, laughing and shouting:
"It's my first time in the Land of Iron, and the snow here is so heavy! It's so much fun~ Don't you think so, Akatsuchi?"
The strong man carrying Onoki along the snowy road was named Akatsuchi.
Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi were handpicked by Onoki as his attendants.
Though to be honest, Onoki had only chosen them because he couldn't bear Kurotsuchi's persistence.
If it hadn't been for Kurotsuchi's relentless pleading, Onoki would never have brought this young girl along.
"Hehe, yes~ This place is really interesting," Akatsuchi replied with a silly grin.
"Hmph! There's nothing fun about this," Onoki lectured with his arms crossed and head held high. "Do you see that mountain we're approaching? That's Three Wolves Mountain. The Land of Iron is built on it. It's a neutral country with no ninja, but its strength should not be underestimated..."
Kurotsuchi was surprised. "Oh? No ninja? Then where does their strength come from?"
Onoki chuckled, "Hehe, you don't understand, do you? The Land of Iron is protected by samurai. Not only that, but they have their own independent culture and authority. The great nations have all agreed that no matter what, they won't take action against this country..."
"Because of that, we must not underestimate this nation."
"Oh~ Samurai, huh? That sounds interesting~" Kurotsuchi said with anticipation, "Hehe, I should find a chance to spar with one of them, see what kind of techniques they use~"
Hearing this, Onoki angrily retorted, "Kurotsuchi, didn't I tell you? I brought you along, but you are not to cause any trouble! When you're in someone else's territory, you should behave yourself!"
Kurotsuchi waved dismissively, "Yeah, yeah, I know, old man~"
As they spoke, they arrived at the foot of Three Wolves Mountain.
After crossing the corridor, they saw three figures quietly waiting at the gate.
Upon seeing Kurotsuchi's forehead protector, the elder among them slowly stepped forward:
"Nice to meet you all. Welcome, delegates from the Land of Earth. My name is Mifune, and I am the leader of the Land of Iron."
Akatsuchi raised his hand, gently placing Onoki down. Onoki shrugged and placed the Kage hat, which had been hanging from his waist, onto his head:
"Ahem, I am the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, Onoki of Both Scales."
Seeing the distinctive Kage hat, Mifune nodded:
"Please, come in. The other four Kage have already been waiting for you in the meeting room."
"Hehehe, it seems they're quick to act. Mifune, don't mind me. These old bones of mine move a bit slower."
"I completely understand, Lord Tsuchikage, no need to be so formal..."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mifune led Onoki and his two attendants to the meeting room.
"Zzz!"
The door opened, and the lights turned on.
The Five Kage had gathered...
...