Chapter 52: Tactical Meeting
A week later
"Hmm . . . the Academy is as busy as usual I see . . ." said Kankuro as the group walked past the entryway and into the courtyard, completely vacant from all other beings except for the three and Shikamaru, who was waiting for them by the building's entrance.
"They closed the place down for the day . . ."said Temari as she crossed her arms. "This isn't something that they usually do, even if the people that are visiting are the other Kages."
"In other words, this meeting will not be known to anyone outside of the closed doors," said Gaara as the three reached Shikamaru. "So . . . you're going to be our guide inside Shikamaru?"
"Yep . . . basically" answered Shikamaru as he turned to face the building. "We better get moving. You three are the last ones to arrive."
"Oh . . . we're that late huh?" asked Kankuro in a sarcastic tone of voice as the three followed the Nara into the large building. "The Raikage isn't going to kill us for our tardiness is he?"
"You would probably be his first victim anyway Kankuro . . ." said Temari as she shook her head. Gaara continued to stay silent as they walked toward the top floor. They passed the Hokage's office before walking down the hallway to two large doors, the meeting room lying just behind it.
"Alright . . . . Here's the room," said Shikamaru as he gestured to his right. "The Mizukage was the last person to get here before you guys, so you're not really that late."
"Looks like you're not going to die after all Kankuro," said Temari as the puppeteer opened the door.
"Just be quiet . . ." mumbled Kankuro as he moved out of the way to let the others in. They walked into the room to see all the other Kages and Mifune sitting around a large round table, each of their bodyguards standing behind them stoically. Shikamaru went over to stand behind Tsunade's left while Kakashi stood on her right. Once the Sand Siblings took their positions, it was as if a large weight covered the room, the intensity in the room apparent due to the various looks on the village leaders' faces.
"Alright then, we're all here Tsunade," said A as he crossed his arms. "Why have you called for this meeting?"
"Hmm . . . about a week ago, one of the ninjas from the reconnaissance team came to my village with this video in hand." said Tsunade as she pulled out a small tape from under table. She handed it to Kakashi before continuing her explanation. "The video is of a tactical meeting between the Amegakure council and the Rain Daimyo."
"A tactical meeting you say?" asked Mei as she looked at her fellow female. "The reconnaissance teams have never found any substantial evidence or clues to Izuka's whereabouts or what Amegakure has been planning all this time. And now they managed to get a videotape of a meeting between high ranking officials. That sounds too farfetched if you ask me."
"I agree . . ." said Onoki as he shook his head. "Is that videotape real?"
"The ninja from the reconnaissance team said that the video that came from an informant within the ranks of Amegakure's high ranking officials. Apparently, that informant is against whatever that country's planning," explained Tsunade as she weaved her fingers together while Kakashi put the videotape into the VCR under a TV that was in the room. "I had my best technical ninjas look at it. They found no evidence of tampering. It's real alright."
"If that's the case, then we need to check out the video for ourselves," said Gaara as he turned to the TV. "Have you watched the video already, Lady Tsunade?"
"No I haven't . . ." said Tsunade as she shook her head. "I'm just as curious as the rest of you. . . Oh, it's on now."
Everyone turned their attention toward the TV, Kakashi narrowly moving out the way as the screen began to show the image. The screen showed an aerial view of the meeting room. The Rain Daimyo was seated among the Amegakure council, his hat showing his status above everyone else in the room.
"So . . . has everything been done to my instructions?" asked the Rain Daimyo as he crossed his arms.
"Yes sir . . ." said one elder as he nodded his head. "The ninjas are ready. All you need to do is to say the word, and they will do as you have ordered."
"Excellent . . ." said the Daimyo. "I want squadrons One through Five to move out tonight. I want those small villages east and north of us captured by tomorrow."
"Yes sir . . ." said the same elder as he bowed his head again.
"What's the status of the Five Great Shinobi Nations?" asked the Daimyo as he turned to another elder.
"They are still steadily rebuilding their forces and power," said the elder he was looking at. "They could all be back to full power within the year, maybe less if they quicken their pace."
"I see . . ." said the Daimyo as he nodded his head. "Initiate Operation Tsunami . . . that should slow them down a bit. We can't have those nations back to full power just yet. Not before the main part of the plan is initiated . . . And speaking of initiating, how is our guest doing?"
"The Lady Sage is as resilient as ever. She has been ever since we captured her, but there are some signs that she could break any day now. It won't be long before we finally have her," said a female elder from the Daimyo's left side. "I expect to see substantial improvement in her reeducation within the next few days. If all goes well, we could have her working for us before month's end."
"Good . . . the quicker you turn that girl over to our side, the sooner the plan can really get started." said the Daimyo as he shook his head. "I want progress reports on my desk from each and every single one of you by this time tomorrow. Don't be late. Meeting adjourned."
. . . And then the screen went black.
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