After Hanzo left, the meeting house gradually became quieter.
The shinobi who had remained inside began gathering the maps and reports from the low table. Some rolled the parchments carefully and tied them with cord. Others carried the small wooden markers back to their boxes. The soft sounds of preparation filled the room, though the tension of the discussion had not truly faded.
Outside, the village was already moving.
Nathan could hear footsteps passing along the forest paths, the muted voices of people receiving orders, and the distant clatter of weapons being prepared. Somewhere near the training grounds, steel struck steel in short, controlled bursts. The village had become a nest of quiet activity, every person taking on a task before the coming storm reached them.
Genzo remained by the table.
He did not seem ready to leave yet.
Neither was Nathan.
