The world runs on profit, and becoming Hokage means weighing the balance of interests at all times.
Orochimaru's defection had triggered an enormous upheaval. As the Hokage's disciple and former frontline commander of Konoha, his betrayal effectively exposed the village's political strategies, hidden military deployment, research progress, and countless classified secrets.
The resulting chaos left Namikaze Minato overwhelmed. But perhaps the greatest blow was the loss of bloodline heirs from both the Hyūga and Uchiha clans.
For bloodline clans, nothing is more terrifying than having their kekkei genkai fall into enemy hands—especially clans like the Hyūga and Uchiha, whose histories stretched back to the very foundations of the shinobi system.
Take the Hyūga, for example. Let's not even mention the Caged Bird Seal. Back in the Third Great Ninja War, a single Byakugan stolen by the Kirigakure shinobi Ao was enough to provoke the Hyūga into fury, demanding Konoha slap a golden S-rank bounty on him. His wanted status became equivalent to that of a top-tier rogue ninja.
The Uchiha? Even worse.
When Obito "died" and left his Sharingan to Kakashi, the Uchiha were one step away from razing the Hatake compound—and possibly the Hokage's residence as well.
Had the war not still been raging… and had Kakashi not later died on the Kirigakure front… the Uchiha might have ignited a riot.
Bloodline clans placed unparalleled importance on the preservation of their kekkei genkai. So when Orochimaru defected and took two infants from the Hyūga and Uchiha with him, it wasn't just those clans that suffered. The loss to Konoha as a whole was indescribable.
There were days Minato couldn't help but question whether he'd been too rigid—whether he'd backed Orochimaru into a corner.
"Better to divert than to block. Better to guide than to restrain… Maybe I should've been more like the Third."
Minato's expression was complex. But what was done was done. There was no turning back.
The upcoming Kage Summit would be held in the Land of Iron. None of the three great powers raised any objections to the location.
The success of the previous two Summits—the Five Kage Summit and the earlier Water-Fire Summit—had elevated the Land of Iron's reputation,turning it into the "negotiation exclusive zone" of the Shinobi World. The Land of Iron was happy for this, as it not only promoted the development of its tourism industry but also elevated its status in the Shinobi World.
Although state affairs were extremely busy, a month or so of preparation time allowed Minato Namikaze to get everything in order.
"Lord Third, I'll leave village matters in your hands for now."
Before departing, Minato bowed solemnly to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had long since stepped down and was now enjoying retirement with his wife, possibly even planning for a third child.
Hiruzen was still only in his fifties—far from elderly—but the trauma of the Third Shinobi War had left his spirit broken. "Though the appearance of the Box of Ultimate Bliss had momentarily saved his public image, his political career had come to an undeniable end.
Originally, many thought Minato would assign temporary Hokage duties to either Danzō or Homura. But in the end, he handed them to the retired Third Hokage, much to everyone's surprise—and much to Danzō's fury.
That old bastard! I have prior experience as acting Hokage! Why the hell wasn't I picked?!
Hiruzen, you washed-up fossil—you're retired! Why are you still in my way?!
"If the Fourth insists, I'll drag these old bones back into service," Hiruzen replied cheerfully. "Biwako has been looking after Kushina recently, teaching her a few pregnancy tips. Although her due date is still a few days away, Fourth, you must return early."
"Don't worry, it'll only take a few days." Minato said with a warm smile as he adjusted his Hokage cloak. "For something like that, I won't be late."
Mentioning Kushina Uzumaki, a gentle smile appeared on Minato Namikaze's face. He then put on his Hokage hat and left Konoha with Fugaku Uchiha.
"Hokage, huh…"
Watching Minato and Fugaku vanish into the distance, Hiruzen turned and looked at the grim faces of Danzō, Homura, and Hiashi.
"Looks like the old man's back on duty again."
As the Hokage left Konoha, the situation in Sunagakure was almost synchronous.
Just as Minato's wife, Kushina, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa's wife, Karura, was also pregnant.
However, the Third Kazekage had long since perished, and Rasa had entrusted his authority to Chiyo. He himself, along with Baki, hurried towards the Land of Iron.
"What are you going to do, go directly to Konoha?"
Gazing at the distant Rasa, Black Zetsu asked in a deep voice, "There's less than a month until the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's due date. If you go to Konoha early, you can set up some arrangements."
"No."
Obito's voice was cool and flat, making Black Zetsu frown deeply.
The original plan was simple:
Use the Kage Summit to lure Minato away from Konoha.
Then, during Kushina's labor—when the seal would be weakest—attack the village, trigger the Nine-Tails Incident, seize the beast, and destroy Konoha in one fell swoop.
The opportunity was perfect.
The timing was right.
Why hesitate?
Black Zetsu stared at Obito, puzzled by his sudden restraint.
"If we want to target the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," Obito explained calmly, "it has to be on the exact day of her delivery. That's when the seal is at its weakest."
"There's still nearly a month left. And Minato has the Flying Thunder God technique. No matter how far apart they are, if nothing delays the summit, he could easily return in time for the birth."
"So instead of going to Konoha… we're heading to the Land of Iron."
I see… He's planning to stir up trouble at the summit—to stall Minato there.
White Zetsu nodded in understanding.
But Black Zetsu… felt something else.
Was Obito trying to take control of the plan?
After all, the timing of childbirth didn't need to be too precise; a few small tricks could easily induce premature labor for the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki...
Still, the plan made strategic sense, so Black Zetsu remained silent.
"And aside from attracting Minato," Obito added, "there's something else we need to confirm."
"The strength of Mizukage Yoru."
Obito's voice grew colder, sharper beneath his spiral mask.
"Ever since Kirigakure pulled out of the Third Great Ninja War, Yoru's been the Fourth Mizukage. According to Madara's earlier assessments, he has a method of devouring souls to increase his power."
"In two years, he hasn't fought in a single open war. Based on our projections, his strength should be roughly the same as before. Even if he's grown, it can't be by much."
"But that's only a hypothesis."
"We need to verify it. We can't afford any surprises in our future plans."
"You intend to fight him yourself?" Black Zetsu asked hoarsely. "You are not his match. Not to mention that bizarre jutsu and a speed comparable to Space-Time Ninjutsu, just his power to control the weather is something you cannot deal with, even if he hasn't improved at all in two years."
"I know."
"But there's someone who can."
"...He's not ready to handle a battle at that level."
"He's ready."
Obito turned toward Black Zetsu. Beneath the mask, his Mangekyō Sharingan spun slowly but resolutely. "He is a god meant to make the world feel pain—not a greenhouse-raised vessel for the Rinnegan."
"Besides, if there isn't someone important enough and powerful enough to go to the Land of Iron, how can we attract Minato Namikaze and test Yuki Yoru?"
"But—"
"There is no 'but!'"
Obito suddenly locked his gaze onto Black Zetsu. The three tomoe flared into his Mangekyō pattern, sharp and uncompromising.
"Black Zetsu—you were created to assist me, not to control me. I am Uchiha Madara. I do whatever I want."
"…"
Black Zetsu fell silent.
...
Land of Iron.
It had been two full years since the last Water-Fire Summit was held here.
Though the last summit, hosted at Hiruzen Sarutobi's request, wasn't widely publicized, nothing in the world stays secret forever—especially not when the Land of Iron was quietly milking it for tourism. A few crafty moves here and there had drawn attention throughout the shinobi world.
Rumors spread far and wide, and before long, a steady stream of visitors flowed into the snowy nation, eager to see the site where two major Kage once negotiated peace.
This sudden tourism boom gave the local economy a considerable jolt.
To a small, neutral country like the Land of Iron, it was no small thing.
And now, General Mifune of Land of Iron received a proposal that made his political instincts tingle with the scent of history in the making.
"What?! The Fourth Kazekage wants to host a summit with the Fourth Mizukage and the Fourth Hokage… for a large-scale cooperative project? And here, in the Land of Iron?!"
Mifune didn't hesitate a second—he accepted immediately.
Who would be fool enough to turn down such an offer?
These summits brought enormous prestige, economic benefits, and solidified the Land of Iron's place as the go-to neutral zone for high-level shinobi diplomacy.
Unlike the previous summit, though, there was no need to scramble for security.
The war was over, and any fool daring to disrupt a Three-Kage Summit would have to be suicidal.
This time, Mifune didn't bother reaching out to Akatsuki or other mercenary groups. His own samurai forces would handle everything.
"So this is the Land of Iron..."
Rasa adjusted his Kazekage hat, looking at the city where a bit of wind and snow drifted.
Compared to the blazing sands of the Land of Wind, this snowy scenery was almost surreal. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen actual snow.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage," Baki replied quietly. "This is samurai territory. I hear their current leader is named Mifune. The last Fire-Water summit was held right here."
"Mm. Let's go."
Rasa's gaze slightly narrowed as he stepped forward, Baki quickly following behind him. Footprints appeared on the snow-covered ground, only to quickly vanish in the swirling wind and snow.
Not long after, the two arrived at the samurai stronghold, where Mifune greeted them personally. After a few formal exchanges, Rasa was led to the conference room.
There, already seated, was Namikaze Minato, wearing his Hokage cloak.
Behind him stood Uchiha Fugaku, stone-faced and silent as ever.
"You're already here, Hokage. As expected of the Yellow Flash," Rasa said with a polite nod, removing his hat. His eyes lingered on Fugaku briefly before continuing, "About the Ryūmyaku—any new intel from your side?"
Minato shook his head. "Nothing on our end. Any progress from the Land of Wind investigation?"
"None." Rasa's expression darkened. "Including the remnants of Rōran—every last person vanished overnight. The thief not only bypassed the seal you personally placed, but vanished into the desert without a trace. Even with my Eye of Sand and our best trackers, we've found nothing. Their strength likely rivals our own."
"...What?!"
A shocked voice rang from the door.
Wearing the Mizukage's royal robe and hat, Yuki Yoru entered the room, accompanied by Hōzuki Mangetsu. His face showed exaggerated surprise.
"You're saying someone stole the Ryūmyaku? And effortlessly bypassed the Fourth Hokage's seal? Then slipped past both the Kazekage's Eye of Sand and the elite of Sunagakure?"
Yoru clicked his tongue.
"That thief must be extraordinary. There can't be more than a handful of people in the world capable of that.
Sunagakure's desert warfare capabilities are top-tier. With Lord Kazekage's Eye of Sand on top of that… the only way someone could escape undetected would be by using flight, space-time ninjutsu, or some similarly rare method.
And to crack the Fourth Hokage's sealing techniques, too… tch tch tch… Quite a thief indeed."
Rasa's face was grim.
Minato's expression, however, had darkened significantly.
Space-time ninjutsu. Advanced seal-breaking.
Yoru's every word pointed a subtle finger at Minato himself.
You're implying I stole it?!
And the worst part was—Minato couldn't even deny it convincingly.
If the roles were reversed, he'd be just as suspicious.
"…We at Konoha are also investigating the incident with full effort," Minato managed to say.
"No need," Rasa cut in coldly. In his mind, the truth was already clear.
Investigate? Please.
You did it. Now you're pretending to be surprised.
The Ryūmyaku was already gone—retrieving it was out of the question.
But Rasa wasn't too upset. After all, Sunagakure had never fully controlled it anyway.
And now, if this incident could help him gain leverage in the summit negotiations…
Well, then the loss was worth it.
While Rasa and Minato exchanged barbed words, Yoru took his seat. His gaze slid casually toward Uchiha Fugaku and offered a greeting.
"Long time no see, Clan Head Fugaku. I didn't expect the Hokage to bring you to the summit.
Oh, and congratulations—I heard you recently had another son?"
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Mizukage," Fugaku said gruffly. "My wife gave birth a few months ago."
"Congratulations indeed. I've heard your eldest is incredibly gifted—surely this second son will grow into someone just as outstanding."
"You flatter us, Lord Mizukage…"
With Yoru's easy banter steering the mood, the atmosphere slowly lightened.
Soon after, the three Kage officially began discussing details of the proposed joint infrastructure projects.
However, due to the Ryūmyaku incident, Rasa was extremely firm in dealing with Konoha.
Minato, knowing his position was weak, had no choice but to retreat again and again in matters of profit and jurisdiction.
Yoru, on the other hand, showed no hesitation in revealing his ambition. He insisted on controlling the execution of all cooperative projects and demanded at least 60% of the profits.
Naturally, both Rasa and Minato objected. The summit quickly turned into a whirlwind of debates, negotiations, and subtle posturing.
Meanwhile, outside the conference chamber…
Zetsu's clone had already infiltrated the venue, hiding in the shadows.
In a secret underground facility, hidden beneath the snow and stone, Zetsu emerged from the ground and faced a figure confined within a strange array of machinery.
"The place is crawling with samurai guards. The three Kage have begun their talks.
What's your move, Nagato?"
"Move?"
The voice was cold and calm.
"We go in."
"Yoru and Minato aren't easy opponents," said Konan softly. "Let the others act first. We'll probe their strength."
"...Is that so?"
Nagato hesitated for a moment—then nodded. "Very well."
Since Yahiko's death, Konan had become his most trusted companion.
Though Nagato could make decisions on his own, he always consulted her. She was the anchor to his fading humanity—a reminder of friendship, of sorrow, and of the boy he used to be.
"Madara's suggestion was that you appear directly as the 'Deva Path,' to strike fear into the Kage," Black Zetsu murmured.
"But if we follow this path, it means exposing Akatsuki too early."
Due to a series of incidents, the organization's reputation had taken a serious hit.
First was the defeat of Kakuzu and Sasori. Although Sasori had returned, the impact of the event on Akatsuki remained significant.
Second was the issue of recruitment.
At present, Akatsuki's members consisted only of Konan, Pain, Zetsu, along with Sasori, Orochimaru, and Hiruko—leaving four vacant positions.
If the organization were to be exposed at this stage, it would undoubtedly hinder Akatsuki's future development.