The sun had just risen over Konohagakure's horizon. While most of the village slept, Takao was wide awake, sitting slumped over in the Hokage's chair with one leg raised up on the desk in front of him. Today was the day that he had schedule his trip to the Iron Country. It wasn't far from the village, being a neighboring country after all, but Takao didn't feel that confident with leaving the village so soon after the incident with Kenta. He slowly brought himself to a stand and approached the large windowed wall of the office. Takao looked down at the village and exhaled a heavy sigh. They didn't know about the Summit that was going to occur in a week's time, but the news of his promotion to Hokage had spread fairly quickly, just like a wildfire.

“Better get going then.” Takao muttered as he turned and grabbed his coat from the back of the chair. He pulled it over his shoulders and left the office. The council would take over in his absence and lead the village as they saw fit, as they normally did, which provided Takao with some reassurance at the very least. He left the tower and began down the main road of Konohagakure, and after a few moments of walking, the massive closed gates slowly rose into view. He nodded his head to the Jounin guard that stood at the desk, who waved to the guards on top of the towers. The large doors creaked loudly before slowly opening.
Takao lowered his head slightly and shifted his weight to either foot as he waited, then gave the guards a single nod before making his way out of the village walls. His attention was directed behind him as two other Jounin approached him from inside the walls and stopped at his either side. “Glad you guys decided to show up.” Takao said. He turned his head back to the road in front of him and stared for a minute. “Let's go, I want to be there early.” the raven-haired boy said as he instructed the Jounin. If Takao had it his way, he'd be going alone. Nothing could look more suspicious than being escorted by two Jounin.

The two said nothing, earning an entertained chuckle from Takao. He had yet to earn the respect of the standing Jounin. Many viewed him as just a kid, an inexperienced child who took advantage of a desperate opportunity. They had no reason not to, that's exactly what Takao was. But they still had a job to do. This Summit was an invaluable event, having all of the great shadows together in one room was not a common sight. The strongest of every village together, discussing whatever matter was at hand. This time around, it was Kenta's death. The late Tsuchikage's death would also undoubtedly be brought up at the meeting as well, but something was lingering in the back of Takao's mind as he walked.

He glanced back at the Jounin that followed a few meters behind, both caught up in their own conversation. He turned his head back around at the road ahead of him and exhaled heavily. The Kage Summits of the past were rather notorious for things going.. well, not right. In fact, the last Summit that Takao could remember ended in the Fourth Shinobi World War. Konohagakure wasn't looking for a war, Takao just wanted some answers to his questions and a bit of closure. He narrowed his eyes as his hands dropped into his pockets. This meeting would be very interesting, no doubt. Takao only hoped that he was up for the challenge and could live up to the position he'd put himself in.

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