After a long and anxious wait, the long-anticipated Five Great Nations Conference—an event with unprecedented significance, watched closely not only by the entire shinobi world but also by the entire continent—had finally begun.
Under a sky filled with drifting flower petals and the rhythmic thunder of ceremonial drums, Sunagakure transformed into a sea of celebration, brimming with excitement and grandeur the village had never experienced before.
The main street, stretching from Lake Reto all the way to Kazekage Tower, was lined with crowds on both sides. Locals and foreigners stood shoulder to shoulder, erupting in cheers as one magnificent carriage after another rolled past. In preparation for this monumental occasion, Sunagakure had spent months expanding its central avenue. It was now broad enough to allow ten four-horse carriages to ride side by side, turning it into a proud artery worthy of hosting such a historic procession.
At the head of the parade were the carriages representing the five great nations, each marked by the distinguished crest of its daimyō. Every carriage was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, painted in vivid hues, adorned with intricate decorations, guarded by squads of elite soldiers, flanked by graceful maidservants, and accompanied by court musicians whose melodies floated through the air.
The flower petals scattered along the road by elegant maidens turned the path into a vibrant tapestry, letting the citizens of Sunagakure witness for the first time the wealth and extravagance of the noble class.
Behind the daimyō came the Five Kage themselves, riding in honor though still arranged by rank. Even though this was Rasa's domain, as the Kazekage, he still rode behind the daimyō of the Land of Wind. Nevertheless, as the host, he occupied the central position among the five Kage, the symbolic pivot of the summit.
Following them were the various nobles and high-ranking clan representatives from each nation. Among the countless carriages, one stood out, emblazoned with the crest of the Uchiha Clan. From within, a small face peeked out, eyes round with wonder as they took in the lively streets and the crowds surging on either side.
"Father, is this really Sunagakure? It's completely different from what we were taught in class."
Inside the carriage sat Fugaku Uchiha, head of the Uchiha Clan, representing the Land of Fire at the summit. His gaze was locked outside, taking in the bustling village with a rare look of astonishment. The Sunagakure he remembered had been dry, barren, and quiet. But now...
"This is exactly why I brought you and Shisui along, Itachi. The books you've read are already out of date."
Sitting across from them, Shisui Uchiha was equally amazed, unable to tear his eyes from the window.
"This Kazekage is something else. Turning a place like this into such a thriving hub... he's no ordinary man."
---
Inside another carriage bearing the symbol of the Hyūga Clan, the younger Hyūga brothers were no less shocked. Their Byakugan allowed them to see past the surface, and what they saw astonished them even more.
"Brother, it looks like the intel from the village wasn't wrong. That Kazekage has really mastered Wood Release... and he's using it at an absurdly advanced level."
Hiashi Hyūga, who had recently inherited leadership of the clan, gave a long, measured sigh.
"This... is not good news for us."
---
Meanwhile, in the Ino–Shika–Chō trio's carriage, the mood was less solemn, though not without tension.
"This Kazekage really has a thing for money."
Nara Shikaku muttered with a half-smile. "Just to roll through the village in a carriage, he charged us a thousand ryō."
Inoichi Yamanaka chuckled and shrugged.
"Still, I'd rather have a Kazekage obsessed with money than one obsessed with war."
Chōza Akimichi, resting one elbow on the window, nodded as he watched the lively streets.
"But judging by what we're seeing... this village won't be beneath us for long. At this rate, they'll surpass not just Konoha, but every other hidden village. Especially with a leader like him."
Their carriage fell into a thoughtful silence as the weight of that realization sank in.
---
Inside one of the carriages from Kirigakure, the younger shinobi accompanying the Fourth Mizukage were nearly slack-jawed. Compared to the stifling, secretive, and militarized atmosphere of their own village, this place felt almost like another world. It was dazzling, colorful, open, alive.
"So lively! Hey, anyone wanna go shopping later?" said a cheerful voice.
It belonged to none other than Mei Terumi, the Fourth Mizukage's fourteen-year-old disciple, her eyes gleaming as she clung to the window like an excited tourist seeing a metropolis for the first time.
"No interest. Our duty is to protect Mizukage-sama,"
came the terse reply from a man whose sharp, shark-like features and slate-blue skin resembled those of a sea predator.
"You're no fun, Kisame. What about you, Mangetsu?"
Mei pouted, turning toward the white-haired boy beside her.
"I don't really care for shopping either."
Mangetsu replied with a casual shrug, arms folded across his chest.
"But I am curious to see what kind of shinobi Sunagakure is raising."
Mei's playful tone turned serious for a moment as her expression shifted.
"Hey, don't forget what Mizukage-sama told us."
"Relax, I haven't forgotten. I'll behave... mostly. Hehehe..."
Mangetsu gave her a sly grin, the kind that promised trouble.
---
Inside one of Kumogakure's carriages, the future Fourth Raikage sat silently, his massive arms crossed over his chest. Across from him were Killer B, the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki, and Yugito Nii, the vessel of the Two-Tails. Since the Kazekage had demonstrated his terrifying mastery over Wood Release and the ability to seal Tailed Beasts, the Third Raikage had increased the protection around his village's Jinchūriki tenfold.
But when he received Minato's personal message about the Five Nations Conference, he made a rare and calculated decision. It is to bring his Jinchūriki with him.
Opportunities like this didn't come often. The summit wasn't just a political gathering; it was a symbol of the shinobi world's evolving future. And the Raikage believed his Jinchūriki had every right to witness it for themselves.
"For the next month, both of you observe everything carefully,"
He instructed with a tone that brooked no argument.
"From the smallest details to the structure of Sunagakure itself. If the Fourth Kazekage can elevate his village to this level, we must find out how. Whatever secrets he has, we'll bring them back with us to Kumogakure."
"You got it, brother. We won't miss a thing!"
B declared, his usual swagger tempered by the seriousness of the mission.
"Understood," Yugito added calmly.
---
Inside one of Iwagakure's more subdued carriages, Akatsuchi sat in rigid silence, his eyes never leaving the man seated across from him—Victor.
This mysterious figure had appeared in their village less than a month ago. Although his entrance had been wrapped in politeness and medical miracles, neither Akatsuchi nor his father trusted him.
Ōnoki had already briefed Akatsuchi privately. Victor's sudden rise in Kirigakure and now his appearance in Iwagakure were not coincidences. He was clearly aligned with someone powerful, someone manipulating things behind the scenes. And yet... Ōnoki had let him stay.
Because Victor had demonstrated medical ninjutsu beyond anything even Iwagakure's top medics could replicate. Injuries once deemed untreatable were healed with ease. His skills were simply too valuable to discard.
The old Tsuchikage had no choice. The pressure that Sunagakure was putting on them through Rasa's innovation, power, and strategy was becoming suffocating. Even someone like Ōnoki, who had once fought Madara Uchiha, was beginning to crack. And now, it felt like the Fourth Kazekage was outpacing even that terrifying specter from the past.
Victor, of course, could feel the distrust oozing from the Iwagakure shinobi, but he didn't mind. As he stared out the window at the transformation of Sunagakure, a faint smirk played across his face.
Let them watch. Let them doubt. After this conference, they would all understand how weak they truly were. Once Lord Jigen's vision was realized, shinobi wouldn't be rulers or warriors. They would be relics. And by then, there would be no resistance left.
---
Far away, in the hidden sanctum of the Land of Valleys, Isshiki Ōtsutsuki, still hidden inside the shell of Jigen, opened his eyes.
Through Victor's gaze, he observed Sunagakure.
He hadn't intended to act so soon, but the sudden rise in natural energy—this unexpected surge in global chakra flow—had forced him to accelerate his plans. His goals remained the same: to harvest this world, absorb its chakra, and ascend to godhood. He wouldn't tolerate interference, not from Rasa, not from the other Kage, not from anyone.
The shinobi world was fractured and weak. A few calculated tests would be enough to expose their futility.
---
And so, while the entire shinobi world watched with bated breath and the masses gathered at the grand venue meticulously prepared by Sunagakure, the true core of the Five Nations Conference was finally about to begin.
The Five Kage Summit.