"Hiruzen, what's the purpose of calling us all together today?"
Sensing the tense atmosphere growing heavier by the moment, Homura Mitokado deftly changed the subject.
If Choza Akimichi and Tsunade kept bickering, the situation would only worsen.
Troublesome, Nara Shikashige thought. With his eyes half-closed and his demeanor calm, he adopted the policy of staying silent unless absolutely necessary.
As for Choza Akimichi's attempts to mediate, Shikashige had no intention of intervening.
"There is something of importance to discuss," the Third Hokage said enigmatically. "The person in question will arrive shortly. Please be patient."
Taking his cue, everyone settled into their seats. Some sipped tea, others exchanged quiet words.
Choza, undeterred, leaned toward Sakumo Hatake, speaking in hushed tones, while Sakumo responded with a strained smile and resigned nods.
Moments later, the doors to the conference room opened. Takuya and Minato entered, leading Yagura into the room. Yagura's guards, however, were denied entry.
"Yagura?"
"What's he doing in Konoha?"
"Is this emergency meeting about him?"
Except for the Third Hokage and Tsunade, the others present reacted with visible surprise.
Having delivered Yagura, Takuya gave Minato a meaningful glance and prepared to leave.
"You two stay as well," Tsunade said, gesturing for them to take a seat.
Uh...
Are we even supposed to be part of this kind of meeting?
While Takuya appeared nonchalant, Minato stiffened, his nervousness evident.
Just sit down, Takuya thought. If I'm not worried, what are you afraid of?
Since Tsunade had invited them to stay, Takuya saw no reason to refuse. He was, however, wary of Choza Akimichi, whose eyes had been following him ever since he entered the room, brimming with a disconcerting friendliness.
That guy's definitely up to something, Takuya mused.
Once everyone was seated, the Third Hokage spoke.
"Yagura, since you've come to Konoha of your own accord, perhaps you could share your intentions. Rest assured, we take your arrival very seriously."
No kidding.
Yagura himself felt a bit overwhelmed. All of Konoha's top brass were gathered in one room. If this wasn't serious, what was?
"Everyone," Yagura began, standing up.
He repeated the story he had shared with Takuya, centering on his suspicions that the Third Mizukage was under someone's control and his hope for Konoha's cooperation in investigating the matter.
"What?"
"The Third Mizukage is being controlled?"
Although Orochimaru and others had speculated about this before, the Third Hokage had kept it under wraps, considering the matter too sensitive.
Revealing such a possibility could cause mass panic.
However, with Yagura himself seeking aid, there was no longer any point in keeping secrets—at least not from Konoha's leadership. Tsunade had therefore wasted no time organizing this high-level meeting.
The revelation left everyone in the room stunned.
While it was still just a suspicion, it wasn't baseless. Where there's smoke, there's fire.
Yagura wouldn't have come all the way to Konoha if he didn't have some level of evidence.
How boring, Takuya thought.
These kinds of meetings never held his interest. He had a hunch Tsunade wanted him and Minato to stay so she could cultivate her own trusted circle, ensuring she wasn't overly reliant on the Third Hokage's old allies when she ascended to the position of Fourth Hokage.
The Third Hokage's team could be used but never truly trusted.
If not for Nawaki's unreliability and the need to avoid accusations of favoritism, Tsunade might have included her younger brother in this meeting as well.
"Bored already?"
While others were still processing the shocking news, Choza Akimichi, smiling jovially, scooted his chair closer to Takuya. Unbothered by the formal atmosphere, he started a casual conversation.
Relieved to see Choza's attention shift, Sakumo Hatake finally relaxed.
Sakumo had been on the receiving end of Choza's relentless chatter just moments ago, and while his polite demeanor prevented him from saying anything, the experience had been draining.
Now that Choza had targeted Takuya instead, Sakumo could only watch in amusement, curious to see if the young man could handle the larger-than-life elder.
"Yeah, this meeting's a snooze," Takuya replied bluntly, lowering his voice so only Choza could hear.
Minato, seated nearby, tried to suppress a grimace. Is this really appropriate?
This is a high-level meeting, for crying out loud.
But Takuya didn't care. If Choza wanted to chat, why not humor him?
"By the way, Choza-senpai, have you been working on any new recipes? I've always admired your culinary skills," Takuya said, shifting the conversation to food.
Choza blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Wait, I wasn't planning to talk about food.
What was this kid playing at?
Still, faced with Takuya's enthusiasm, Choza had no choice but to go along.
"Ahaha, well, I've been dabbling here and there. If you're interested, we could brainstorm some ideas together sometime," Choza said, trying to steer the discussion back to his original agenda.
"Absolutely! I'd love to visit you and learn a thing or two. I can't resist a good meal," Takuya replied, leaning in eagerly.
What followed was a rapid-fire exchange of culinary tips, with Takuya rattling off a series of detailed ideas.
Choza, flustered, struggled to keep up.
I wasn't trying to discuss recipes, dammit!
He had approached Takuya with the intention of softening him up for a favor.
Instead, Takuya had led him into a conversational cul-de-sac, leaving Choza stuck and floundering.
As Takuya's enthusiasm grew, Choza's smile became increasingly strained. Meanwhile, Sakumo, watching the scene unfold, couldn't hold back his laughter.
Serves you right.
Now you know how I felt earlier. Enjoy the ride, Choza.
"Cough, cough!"
Desperate to escape, Choza faked a coughing fit, hoping someone would intervene.
But no one paid him any mind.
The rest of the room was focused on Yagura, discussing the logistics of a joint investigation into the Third Mizukage.
You got yourself into this mess. Don't expect us to bail you out, was the unspoken sentiment.
Eventually, Tsunade, unable to take any more of Choza's antics, shot Takuya a warning glare.
Only then did Takuya back down, allowing Choza a moment of reprieve.
Takuya knew full well what Choza's true intentions were. Earlier, he had seen the older man pestering Sakumo about speaking up for the Third Hokage and Danzo.
What a waste of effort.
If you're going to play dirty, don't expect me to play along. You came to me, so you'll have to deal with the consequences.
"Everyone, once this matter is thoroughly investigated, the war between our villages can come to an end. I trust none of you wish to see more of our comrades sacrificed on the battlefield," Yagura said earnestly, addressing the room.
"Though misunderstandings exist between our villages, I believe this incident provides an opportunity to strengthen our bond and secure lasting peace. Surely, that's a goal we all share."
Convincing Konoha's leadership to cooperate with Kirigakure would not be easy.