Under the Union, the hidden villages and their associated countries quickly recovered from the Fourth Shinobi World War. In the interest of preserving the peace, a representative from each member village is stationed in every other hidden village so that they can discuss common issues and pursue mutual interests. When the Land of Silence emerges as a potential threat to the Union, the Union's chief organiser, Shikamaru Nara, is tasked with stopping another outbreak of war.