"Kakashi, what happened to you?"
Minato looked at Kakashi with confusion. He was bandaged up around the waist and wrists, clearly injured.
Minato remembered assigning Kakashi the mission of meeting with Mifune's general Maki, not engaging in any battle. How did he end up like this?
"Sensei, I didn't want this either."
Kakashi smiled bitterly. His eyes swept over the two Uchiha ninjas behind Minato before nodding respectfully toward the other two seniors. He continued, "I encountered Saitama Uchiha. He came here too. General Mifune was also slightly injured. And Saitama Uchiha has become even stronger! I couldn't even land a single move against him!"
Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha exchanged glances. Both saw the true thoughts in each other's eyes, but they remained silent, only focusing more intently on Kakashi, hoping to learn more about that guy.
Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Minato's expression hardened; his demeanor gradually turned serious. "Saitama Uchiha is here too? Was it just him alone, or are there other Akatsuki members involved?"
"As far as we know, he came alone, though it's possible there are other enemies lurking. General Mifune has increased security forces, with samurai patrolling continuously, and sent messengers to warn the other villages."
Kakashi answered with a slight nod. It seemed that just Saitama's arrival alone was enough to unsettle every one of the Five Great Villages, especially those who had previously fought him—those villages had become so hypersensitive they were practically jumping at shadows.
"Well then, stay vigilant and don't act alone. The upcoming summit is key. Let's hope nothing goes terribly wrong."
"Understood!"
Everyone nodded in agreement with Minato's instructions.
...
"Kazekage-sama, just now, an officer from the Land of Iron—Baki—delivered intelligence reporting Akatsuki's presence nearby. He urges us to be extra cautious."
Baki stood behind Rasa, half his face hidden beneath a loosely draped gray cloth. His expression was respectful as he gazed at the figure standing with its back to him.
"Akatsuki? I never expected them to have the audacity to show themselves here, where all five Kage are gathered! Do they think we can't deal with them?"
Rasa turned around to glare at Baki, his tone revealing a trace of anger—not only because the Akatsuki organization had taken his child and One-Tail, but also because Saitama Uchiha, one of their members, had cost him an arm!
For a ninja, losing an arm felt like losing a vital part of himself. So his hatred for Saitama had never faded—it had only grown stronger with time.
However, losing an arm also pushed him to focus more intensely on Magnet Release techniques, reaching heights he'd never achieved before. His strength had grown stronger than ever! But this wouldn't lessen the hatred he held for Saitama. The next time they met would be the moment for him to get his revenge!
"Konoha's ninja have also just arrived—they total six in number..."
Maki continued after a long pause.
This time, serving as one of the Kazekage's guards, his mission was not only to protect the Kazekage but also to gather intelligence—especially on ninja from other Villages.
"Minato Namikaze?"
Rasa's eyes flickered with an unusual glint, quickly gone. The current Hokage was exceptionally strong. As a fellow ninja of the same generation, he naturally understood that well.
"For now, disregard others. Let our people pay extra attention to their surroundings. If anyone spots members of the Akatsuki, report directly to me. Don't take action recklessly! The enemy is powerful!"
After a moment's thought, Rasa issued orders to Baki.
Mifune had already warned that Akatsuki members were operating in the vicinity. So this Five Kage Summit might very well witness some unforeseen changes.
The Akatsuki disregarded all rules yet possessed strength matching their actions. He couldn't afford to underestimate them!
"By the way, do we have any information about Mist? Have their people arrived yet?"
Finally, Rasa brought up the subject of Mist—the Village among the Five Great Nations even worse off than his own—with a somewhat odd tone in his voice.
He already knew that the Mizukage Yagura had gone missing. It appeared that the new Mizukage position was now being temporarily held by someone from the Seven Swordsmen.
"Not yet. Their advance team is currently still at the inn, but we haven't seen the 'Acting Mizukage' or her entourage. They probably haven't arrived yet."
Baki briefly recalled what he knew and answered respectfully while slightly bowing his head.
"In that case, continue watching closely, Baki. You're dismissed!"
Rasa nodded, seemingly not surprised by the situation regarding Mist. Perhaps they really had been terrified by the Akatsuki, making even the Acting Mizukage extremely cautious.
...
"Deidara! Time to go down—we've reached our destination!"
Akatsuchi stood at the edge of the clay bird's body, looking downward. His round face was flushed red from the wind whipping past him, like a ripe apple.
"Old man, we're here!"
Deidara first nodded toward Akatsuchi in acknowledgment before maneuvering the clay bird into a gliding descent downward.
"I know. First, find Shinya and meet up with them. Then find a place for this old man to rest. When you get older, every part of your body acts up! Especially this lower back—it feels like it's bulging out somewhere! Nothing but trouble!"
Onoki sat atop the bird's back, his face aged and expression weary.
"I see them! Descending now!"
Deidara guided the bird into a tight circle, quickly spotting their target below before diving sharply downward.
Shinya was Iwagakure's vanguard leader—a ninja tasked with duties similar to Kakashi—and was a powerful Earth Release user.
"Tsuchikage!"
Before long, Deidara's trio landed, and the three waiting Stone Ninja immediately knelt respectfully.
"Enough of that nonsense. What's the current situation?"
Onoki leapt from the bird's back, speaking toward Shinya on the ground.
"Representatives from the other Villages have basically all arrived. We've already inspected the immediate area around the summit venue and confirmed everything's secure."
There were two lines extending from Shinya's eye corners, resembling those of Jiraiya—but different in both length and color.
"Good. Take us to our lodgings first!"
Onoki nodded, then gazed into the distance, his eyes narrowing with unsettling intensity.
...
"Raikage-sama, is it really okay to keep B locked up in Raikō Ravine like that?"
Kishi turned sideways to look at the Raikage. His silver hair fluttered in the wind. Beside him stood Darui with short white hair, looking somewhat listless.
"There's no other choice. Not long ago, B was still shouting about throwing a concert in the village and then touring the entire country. You know how things stand in the ninja world recently—and you've heard his singing voice! We had no choice but to confine him in Raikō Ravine for now. During this time he can reflect on whether his musical career is worth continuing. The money he earns from missions won't even begin to compensate all those villagers he disturbed!"
The Raikage wore a wry smile as he explained to Kishi, one of his bodyguards for this trip.
Truthfully, he wasn't worried about B's condition. As the perfect jinchuriki and Kumogakure's hidden weapon, even when the Eight-Tails was fully unleashed, subduing B would be difficult—even for him.
Therefore, he didn't take Akatsuki's threat to B very seriously. The main reason he continued restricting B to Raikō Ravine was simply to prevent him running around and getting complaints again for disturbing the peace.
Akatsuki members may be strong, but they're nowhere near as dangerous to B as the rumors make them out to be!
And as for that Konoha traitor who managed to kill the Third Hokage, while his strength was considerable, one important reason why he succeeded was because the Third was old and well past his prime.
"Front's our destination, right? It looks pretty decent."
Tarui walked lazily behind them, chewing on a piece of grass. As the silhouette of a town appeared before him, an expression of relief briefly flashed across his face, as if the journey had been particularly tiresome.
"Shape up! Mabui said this meeting's purpose among the other ninja villages is clear—allying against the Akatsuki Organization. Even if we ultimately choose not to join, we mustn't let anyone underestimate us! Especially you, Tarui—don't go around looking half-asleep! I don't want others thinking all our jonin from Kumogakure are like that! Show some spirit befitting a Kumogakure ninja!"
The Raikage turned back and shouted directly at Tarui beside him, spittle flying, his tone carrying definite seriousness.
"Understood!"
Tarui bit down on the grass in his mouth, showing a flicker of renewed energy in his eyes.
"I just can't figure out how someone as lazy as Tarui could inherit Lord Third Raikage's Black Lightning. It's practically an insult to hardworking people like me!"
Kishi joked from beside Tarui. Tarui had inherited the Third Raikage's [Black Lightning] technique—an attack so powerful it could literally blow opponents away. Currently, perhaps only a few shinobi in Kumogakure might surpass his strength.
Of course, Kishi's own strength was nothing to scoff at. He was a jack-of-all-trades ninja — genjutsu, medical jutsu, sensor techniques, you name it — and was known around the village as a real genius.
"Who knows!?"
Tarui still wore that indifferent expression, unaffected by others' words or likely to have his emotions swayed easily.
...
"Minato Namikaze left Konoha yesterday afternoon. Right now, Konoha's on high alert and locked down tight — people can get out, but no one's getting in."
Zetsu looked at Pain and Konan while reporting the intelligence he had gathered.
The whole of Konoha was wrapped in barriers. Even underground, layers of sensing fields made sneaking in or scouting nearly impossible.
"Time to move then?"
Konan glanced toward Pain, her expression calm.
At this point, the two had already reached a high ground not far from Konoha Village, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Have you located the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki yet?"
After a brief silence, Pain asked Zetsu, who hadn't left yet.
"The Nine-Tails is inside the village, heavily guarded among shinobi. I couldn't get close enough," White Zetsu replied with a helpless grin.
"In the village is good enough! As long as she stays there, I have ways to take her!"
Pain nodded confidently.
"There's also something you might find interesting. Jiraiya is currently in Konoha Hospital. His injuries seem to be healing. Looks like you weren't too rough with him last time?"
White Zetsu gave him a sly look, like he could see straight through Pain and into what was going on inside.
"Even better. Then I'll handle both matters at once!"
Pain remained unfazed by Zetsu's teasing tone. "How about the others? How are they doing?"
Nagato felt confident about personally capturing the Nine-Tails this time, so his only concern was about the other teams — especially Kakuzu and his group assigned to capture the Eight-Tails.
According to reports, this Eight-Tails Jinchuriki had the ability to share chakra flow and mutually borrow power with his partner, making him a perfect Jinchuriki — comparable, even superior, to Yagura!
"I'll keep an eye on Kakuzu's side myself. No need to talk more here — I'm heading over first!" said White Zetsu, looking at Pain and Konan. Slowly sinking into the ground, he briefly thought to himself, *I really hope you don't mess this up…*
Submerging completely, he activated the Floating Technique, using communication with plants and underground currents to swiftly travel beneath the earth toward Kumogakure — where Kakuzu and others were stationed.
He had previously marked Hidan with spores, enabling him to locate them now without trouble.
As for Saitama's situation, even though he was facing off against elite fighters from all five great hidden villages — the best of the best — he wasn't worried at all.
Saitama's strength was more than enough to ensure his complete safety!
...
"C'mon, Kakuzu! How much longer are we gonna walk?! And you, dumbass Zetsu, did you even find the right place? There're mountains everywhere — are we really supposed to climb every damn one of them?"
"Damn it all!" Hidan kept grumbling. Ahead of the trio, leading the way, was a White Zetsu clone—the very same one that had been monitoring the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B.
White Zetsu chuckled, then looked toward a distant tall mountain and said, "We're almost there. See those stairs over there? The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki is right on top!"
"Got it. Then you, Zetsu, take care of watching our surroundings, while we handle the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki!"
Kakuzu followed the gaze of the White Zetsu clone and saw towering steps reaching into the clouds. He could also hear muffled thunder-like rumbles coming from nearby.
"Fine. There are a few hidden lookouts nearby I still need to deal with, so I'll leave first! Be careful, alright? I've already given you all the intel on the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. Don't think he's an easy opponent to handle—being careless can get you killed! I'd be pretty sad if we never met again."
With this final warning, the White Zetsu sank into the ground beside him and vanished.
As he said, there truly were still several Kumo ninja watching from hiding nearby. It was time to eliminate them and begin the next phase of the plan!
Now whether Kakuzu and his two companions could truly subdue such a formidable foe remained uncertain.
Although there currently seemed to be no backup near the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, in White Zetsu's view, even together they might find him overwhelmingly powerful.
This was White Zetsu's assessment of the battle ahead, though he hadn't ruled out the possibility of Kakuzu and the others unleashing their full potential and growing stronger during this time.
However, once the operation started, speed would be crucial—Kumogakure wasn't far at all. If things got too noisy, reinforcements could come rushing in no time!
"Good luck. I sure hope you don't fail, since there's still much more work for you later!"
Thought Zetsu as he traveled beneath the earth, approaching one of the Kumo ninja assigned to monitor Killer B.
...
Time passed, and the Five Kage Summit officially began.
Before a massive stone table sat five figures—the current leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the ninjas who stood at the pinnacle of the shinobi world. These were commonly known as "the Kage."
At the moment, however, nearly everyone's attention was fixed upon the representative from Mist.
Though expected, seeing the current Acting Mizukage still gave even Namikaze Minato a sense of disbelief.
Ameyuri Ringo!
One of the new generation members of the Seven Swordsmen (Mist's elite sword-wielding ninja), and currently the last surviving member of the legendary group, she now served as the Acting Mizukage.
Although not entirely fallen, the Hidden Mist Village had indeed suffered a severe decline in elite combat strength.
Across from Ameyuri Ringo sat Rasa, the Kazekage. Looking at this youthful-faced water shadow, he couldn't help but feel a sense of shared experience—he himself had experienced the same kind of decline.
"Ahem! Does anyone have any questions?"
Ameyuri Ringo had matured greatly over recent times; her voice rang calm yet firm.
Being the only woman among them, she was fully aware of the heavy burden she carried. Despite the immense pressure from other village leaders—each presiding over their own powerful hidden village—she remained resolute. She was determined not to let Hidden Mist appear weak.
"No objections. Then let's start the meeting—right onto today's main topic!"
Minato smiled faintly. The tragedy that had befallen Kirigakure served as a warning to all—if Akatsuki remained, the Shinobi World would never know peace! This only strengthened his resolve to hold the Five Kage Summit.
"Exactly. Let's skip the formalities and get straight into it."
Rasa fixed Onoki with a cold stare, his tone calm.
"If that's the case, then I'll speak first! Everyone here should already understand the threat posed by Akatsuki! Our village has already lost two Tailed Beasts to them—that's why we're gathered here today!"
Onoki wasn't bothered by Rasa's gaze. Sunagakure and Iwagakure had never gotten along—years of war and their close proximity made that inevitable. It was nothing unusual.
After all, which of the Great Villages didn't have some kind of history with another? These were trivial matters!
Now that they were all seated in this room together, it was clear everyone had decided to put aside old grudges.
Besides, Rasa's strength didn't truly concern Onoki. With Dust Release in his arsenal, he was confident in countering anything the Sand leader could throw at him.
"All known members of Akatsuki are S-rank rogue ninja from various villages. Their strength is formidable, their abilities bizarre and unpredictable. Therefore, no single village can confront them alone—they're far too mobile for ordinary ninja to inflict any damage."
"Only by uniting our strongest fighters across multiple villages can we completely eliminate this terrifying organization—ensuring it will no longer threaten the balance of the Shinobi World or harm innocent lives!"
Onoki stood up, slamming both hands onto the table, his nose red with fury—the loss of Kitsuchi and his two Jinchuriki had filled him with rage!
The very existence of such an organization within the Shinobi World posed an enormous threat!
"It's hard to believe there'd come a day when we'd share the same view! We, too, have suffered the loss of our only Tailed Beast! Something as powerful as the Tails must absolutely not fall under Akatsuki's control! Fellow Kages, let us act together—while Akatsuki is still weak, before it grows strong enough to devour us all!"
Rasa first offered a smile, then spoke again in a heavy tone.
"Kirigakure supports this idea!"
Ameyuri Ringo had already been informed by Ōnoki before arriving—her sole mission was to ensure this alliance came to fruition. Other losses could be recovered later. Besides, currently, Kumo was the weakest among the Five Great Villages. Following the majority decision was the only way forward.
"Kumo needs no alliances! We are fully capable of handling Akatsuki ourselves—the cowardly bunch hiding in shadows! They do nothing but ambush! If they dare show themselves in front of us, the Kumo ninjas will tear them apart without hesitation!"
Raikage leaned back in the stone chair behind him, arms crossed over his chest, exuding confidence—almost recklessness.
As soon as he finished speaking, the others who had just spoken fell silent, turning to stare at him in unison.
Behind Raikage, standing as guards, Kishi and Darui stood uncomfortably, unsure how to react. Even they hadn't expected their Raikage to stir the pot like that—clearly, he'd already forgotten everything Mabui had drilled into them before they left!
"Hmph! I've heard rumors that Kumo's Two-Tails disappeared quite some time ago. I wonder whether you've already tracked down Akatsuki's whereabouts?"
"When are you planning to destroy Akatsuki so I can come watch?"
Onoki snorted coldly, clearly very dissatisfied with Raikage's attitude. His tone was sharp and sarcastic.
"I've tolerated you for a long time already, Onoki! If Iwagakure doesn't have the strength to protect its own Tailed Beasts, then it shouldn't expect to possess them anymore! The Tailed Beasts should go to powerful villages that deserve them—they're not something just anyone can possess!"
Raikage leaned forward slightly, glaring at Onoki with rage. His hair stood straight up, strands crackling with [arcs of electricity] dancing near his temples.
"You!!"
Onoki also leaned forward over the table, eyes bulging as he returned Raikage's glare.
"Hey... everyone, let's calm down a little!"
Minato felt anxious—barely exchanging a few sentences before things escalated toward direct confrontation made him worry about the future of this alliance.
"Hmph!"
Upon hearing Minato's words, Raikage seemed to recall something else and turned his head away.
"For the sake of Hokage, I'll let your remarks slide for now. I didn't come here to squabble pointlessly with some youngster from Kumogakure."
Onoki also regained composure, returning to his seat and leaning back calmly while watching Minato, waiting for what would follow.
"Before we proceed to other matters, there's something important I'd like to share with everyone. It's the latest intelligence Leaf has acquired concerning the Akatsuki Organization! This concerns your upcoming cooperative attitudes, so I hope everyone will give it a listen."
Seeing both Tsuchikage and Raikage had calmed, Minato prepared to deliver an explosive revelation to ignite interest.
"Now that we're all here, there's no point in holding back—let's show the openness that real great nations would have!"
"Oh? Has Konoha recently clashed with Akatsuki?"
Rasa looked toward Minato. He naturally wasn't referring to Kakashi's and Saitama Uchiha's recent encounter yesterday—he was certainly interested in Saitama Uchiha—but intelligence regarding Akatsuki was far more crucial at the moment.
Although others remained silent, their gazes instantaneously focused on Minato, filled with curiosity.
Especially Acting Mizukage Ameyuri Ringo, whose eyes seemed full of bloodlust, chilling the air around her.
"There's been a question we've long pursued: where exactly does the Akatsuki organization originate? Just a few days before I came here, we finally got the answer."
Minato glanced around the room, noticing many pairs of eyes burning with intensity—clearly hungry for what came next.
"Recently, my mentor Jiraiya—one of the Sannin—infiltrated Amegakure for investigation, discovering that Akatsuki appears to have completely taken control of the entire village. Their main base is located within Rain Village itself!"
"What!?"
Everyone's eyes went wide—Raikage included. None had expected this mysterious Akatsuki Organization to actually reside inside Rain Village, right at the intersection between Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Konoha!
That was indeed a critical location—could it really be that the biggest threat was hiding right under our noses?
"There's no need to doubt its authenticity. Jiraiya-sensei is still lying in Konoha's hospital right now because he delivered this intelligence. When such a heavy price has been paid, the information must be reliable."
Minato dropped another bomb.
"What?"
"Even Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, couldn't defeat a single member of the Akatsuki Organization? He must have been ambushed, right? Otherwise, in one-on-one combat, practically no one in the entire shinobi world could stand against him. Even if someone could, they should be sitting right here among us."
Rasa cast his gaze toward Raikage. Among the entire shinobi world, when it came to solo fighting capability and destructive power, Raikage truly ranked within the top tier.
Moreover, hearing Minato's words just now made him recall some unusual details from past events: Previously, Sunagakure had almost pinpointed Akatsuki's operational base, so they wanted Amegakure to cooperate with operations targeting Akatsuki in the Land of Rain. Now he realized why Amegakure had held off on responding back then — Akatsuki had already embedded themselves within Amegakure!
And back then he foolishly asked Akatsuki themselves to help him 'capture' Akatsuki members.
Others who heard Rasa's words similarly nodded in agreement, including the Fourth Raikage seated with arms crossed.
Jiraiya's strength was universally recognized throughout the shinobi world. Even Raikage himself would need to pay an enormous cost trying to defeat Jiraiya, and victory wasn't even guaranteed.
"It indeed seemed like an ambush, yet actually, there was only one enemy! Because Jiraiya-sensei's opponent was a powerful rain ninja possessing the Rinnegan!"
Minato looked at other Kages seated around the stone table while speaking these words in somewhat calm tones.
"Oh, the Rinnegan... Wait? The Rinnegan?!!"
Onoki kept repeating those words to himself, finally tugging hard on his white beard before suddenly jumping up from his seat.
Similar to Onoki's reaction, everyone fixed their stares firmly on Minato, wanting to confirm whether he had really spoken correctly — was it genuinely the Rinnegan?
Among those shocked were the two Uchiha standing behind Minato, who likewise curiously perked up their ears to listen carefully.
"This ninja possessing the Rinnegan is both Akatsuki Organization's leader and currently also the leader of Amegakure Village!"
Minato continued explaining.
"It seems Hanzo really died long ago, just as the rumors said. I never imagined his death would turn Amegakure into such a serious threat to us!"
Suddenly realizing something, Onoki leaned back against his chair, sighing with mixed feelings.
Rumors of Hanzo's death had been circulating across the shinobi world for quite some time, and during recent years, Hanzo rarely appeared publicly. All affairs, including diplomacy, were handled through subordinates. Furthermore, Amegakure adopted a policy of isolationism.
Precisely because of its isolation, no one really bothered to dig deeper.
"Now we've got our target established. What's our next move going to be?"
Raikage looked around at others while gradually gathering intense pressure around his figure.
Kumogakure hadn't stopped hunting for Akatsuki recently. But due to their secrecy, every attempt turned up empty, and it was driving him nuts.
"There isn't just one enemy possessing the Rinnegan! Back then during the battle with Jiraiya-sensei, there were six enemies altogether!"
Seeing the excited expressions on everyone's faces after revealing Akatsuki's base was located in Amegakure, Minato continued with what he had to say, because he knew this wasn't the time to celebrate yet.
"Six? Are you sure you didn't get something wrong, Lord Minato?!"
This time it was the Raikage speaking. He stared at Minato, unable to wrap his head around the idea of six Rinnegan users appearing all at once.
The Rinnegan was supposed to be the legendary Sage's Eye — something only found in myths. And now, suddenly there were six of them?
This made all the Kage around the table restless. How could they still stand a chance against six Sages?
"Yeah, Lord Minato, are you certain you didn't make a mistake?"
Rasa asked, his eyebrows furrowed tightly together, clearly having trouble accepting this revelation.
"According to the intelligence we currently have, there is indeed only one true Rinnegan user! However, what has appeared before us are six completely different ninja, each displaying unique and eerie abilities — which we believe are powers granted by the Rinnegan."
Minato continued explaining, "My teacher, Jiraiya-sensei, killed one of these enemies and brought back the body to the village. That's how we obtained most of the information we now possess."
"Oh? One enemy with the Rinnegan who was defeated?"
Onoki turned his gaze toward Minato.
"To be precise, he possessed the Rinnegan during battle, but when my teacher brought him back, the eyes returned to normal — the Rinnegan vanished from within his eye sockets."
Minato answered calmly, meeting Onoki's stare directly.
"Vanished?"
Ameyuri Ringo, who had been mostly silent until now, voiced her confusion.
"Jiraiya-sensei suspects that the six individuals wielding the Rinnegan were not the real enemy, but rather 'puppets' controlled by the Rinnegan. Those eyes might have only been projections created through some jutsu!"
Minato didn't speak with certainty about this and chose not to mention that the enemy was actually his teacher's former student.
After hearing this, everyone exchanged glances but remained quiet.
The information Minato just dropped hit like a chain of explosions — leaving everyone dazed and speechless.
"Regardless of the specifics," Onoki finally spoke again, regaining his composure. "I don't believe he could possibly stand against the entire Shinobi World. If he really were that strong, he wouldn't be hiding in Amegakure carrying out petty schemes. Wouldn't you all agree?"
Everyone slowly accepted the reality of the Rinnegan's existence, and Onoki quickly identified the key point.
"That goes without saying. We're gathered here today precisely for the purpose of eliminating Akatsuki's threat efficiently and swiftly!"
Rasa nodded firmly, then pressed his lone arm down onto the table, showing he stood united with Iwagakure — once his enemy.
"Kirigakure has no objections either. The stronger the enemy, the sooner we must strike together. No matter who this Rinnegan user is, we will work together to defeat him and reclaim everything that belongs to Kirigakure!"
Ameyuri Ringo sided with Rasa and Onoki. Mist was in a weak state at this time. Elder Onoki and the village's upper echelons had already discussed their objective: eliminate the Akatsuki Organization, reclaim the Tailed Beasts, and then gradually develop their strength.
This process might feel frustrating and undignified for Mist ninja—always seeming like the junior partner. Still, it's the best option we have right now.
Raikage remained silent. Ever since Minato announced news of the Rinnegan, he'd stopped boasting about defeating enemies one-on-one.
Although he was impulsive and aggressive, he wasn't foolish. Could someone who attained the position of Kage truly be stupid?
"I've said everything I wanted to say before our official discussion begins. Now we can talk about specific plans."
Minato scanned everyone present, his tone serious.
"Exactly!" Onoki continued. "Our goals are aligned—to eradicate the Akatsuki, recover the Tailed Beasts, and restore peace to the Shinobi World! There's no need for extra words. We must form an alliance! One-on-one confrontations against Akatsuki members offer us no advantage. Rank-and-file ninja will struggle to prevail against them in battle. Only through cooperation can we gain any edge when acting against the Akatsuki."
"Everyone should agree with this, right?"
Onoki stood up, sweeping his gaze across the other Kage faces to confirm their support.
"What do you think, Raikage?"
He turned his question to A, who'd once opposed the idea.
"Cooperation isn't impossible! We'll agree if this plan meets our interests!"
This time, Raikage didn't act recklessly either. A true ninja sees things as they are—and clearly, he was seeing clearly now.
"If the Akatsuki have Amegakure behind them, then should our targets also include all of Amegakure?"
Rasa spoke. The Land of Rain had always existed as a buffer zone between Wind, Fire, and Earth countries. That was precisely why Amegakure existed.
But under the current circumstances, Amegakure had changed—it no longer fulfilled its original purpose, or rather, this generation of Amegakure no longer deserved that status!
Eradicating Amegakure itself would be simple enough, but the three surrounding countries still needed this intermediary space as a buffer zone. Therefore, after eliminating the current Amegakure, establishing a new regime there would be necessary.
"Of course we destroy them together! A village colluding with the Akatsuki has no right to exist! Are we really going to show mercy and wait passively until Amegakure comes biting at us?"
When discussing such matters, Onoki displayed determination without the slightest hesitation, completely unlike an old man halfway into the grave.
"Agreed!"
"Approve!"
Raikage and Mizukage nodded simultaneously.
"How about you, Hokage?"
Rasa noticed Minato's hesitation and asked directly.
"Then I'll also agree—if Amegakure keeps aiding evildoers like a helping hand to Zhou Xin (helping tyrants oppress the people). However, before declaring war, let's issue another ultimatum to Amegakure!"
After brief consideration, Minato realized appearing weak wouldn't work here. War's a tricky business—you hesitate for even a moment, and it's all over! He might end up endangering the very people he hoped to protect!
"Good then, we've reached our first consensus! Destroy the Akatsuki, eliminate Amegakure!"
"Onoki," Raikage A said, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "You're saying you don't want to lead this alliance?"
Onoki responded calmly, stroking his beard, his aged eyes sweeping across everyone present with grave intensity.
"Indeed," he said. "When forming an alliance, establishing a clear leadership is unavoidable. But my purpose for coming here isn't to seize power—my sole objective is eliminating Akatsuki!"
"The same goes for Sunagakure!" Rasa declared firmly.
"And I as well!" Ameyuri Ringo asserted with conviction, her Kirigakure heritage evident in her sharp tone. "Our singular goal must be destroying Akatsuki! Who leads matters not, so long as they can guide us to victory!"
Their voices rang out in perfect harmony, almost like a well-rehearsed performance. But in truth, each of them had already made up their minds beforehand—none really had the strength to fight for leadership.
Only Minato and Raikage A had not spoken yet. With that unspoken understanding lingering, the final decision would come down to these two powerful figures.
"Hokage," Raikage A said, turning to Minato, ever the straightforward one. "I believe my credentials speak for themselves. This alliance leader position seems perfectly suited for me."
The bluntness landed like a thunderclap, but Minato remained unfazed.
"I have no objection," he replied evenly. "If you wish to lead this coalition, I won't oppose it. As we've all acknowledged, achieving our ultimate purpose is what truly matters—so who leads does not matter."
"But Raikage A," Minato's pale blue eyes locked onto A's with quiet intensity, "are you truly ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading us against Akatsuki?"
A straightened his posture, leaning forward onto the stone table with decisive finality.
"In that case, let's discuss the next steps..."
...
"Konan, are you ready? It's time to move out!"
[Animal Path] stood beside her, its delicate features belying the dangerous urgency in its calm demeanor. This incarnation had been prepared by Pain from the beginning—the previous Animal Path had been captured by Jiraiya and others. The new one appeared small and frail, even taking on a feminine appearance.
"Ready," came the simple reply.
Konan looked toward the village where countless lives unknowingly continued, her own gaze hardening with resolve after flickering through complex emotions.
Surrounding her at the forest's edge, all six [Pain Paths] silently watched Konoha Village, exuding an aura of cold detachment.
"First priority is locating the jinchuriki once we enter the village – end this quickly!" [Preta Path] ordered, stepping forward. [Animal Path] sprang upward, twisting gracefully before landing cradled in Preta's arms—their positioning resembling a loaded weapon.
[Nine-Tails Capture Operation], commence now."
With explosive force, Preta hurled Animal Path forward like a projectile from some ancient siege engine.
Boom!
The Animal Path shot up like a rocket, blasting off straight into the sky toward Konoha!
Her body tore through the air, unleashing deafening sonic booms. In an instant, she vanished from sight.
...
"We're here!"
Kakuzu coldly stared at the remaining steps ahead while the three of them stood on a flat training ground.
A powerful and unrestrained chakra fluctuation surged upward along the staircase. This must be their target—the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki!
"I'll handle it!"
Hidan grabbed his weapon and walked forward with arrogant steps.
"Are you sure about this? I'm worried he'll die in one hit!" Kakuzu said.
"Whatever. He can't die anyway! It's perfect for testing the Jinchuriki's strength."
Kakuzu stood still, watching Hidan continue walking forward carelessly. Beneath his face mask, the corner of his mouth slowly curved into a smirk.
"Just finish it quickly. After all, we're still within Kumogakure territory. Zetsu can't buy us much time, and he runs faster than anyone else. I have no intention of facing off against swarms of Kumo ninjas—they're every Puppet Master's worst nightmare!"
Sasori said those words without any fear in his tone because there was another unspoken sentence he had deliberately left out: 'But Kumo ninja also make the best puppet materials.'
Whoosh!
Suddenly, high above, a piercing sound cracked through the air. A dark blur shot down like a falling shadow and landed on the nearby staircase.
Thud!
"Yohoooo! You bastards! Welcome to my grand performance—my stage! Hahaha~"
Even Hidan appeared momentarily stunned, then dark lines flickered across his forehead.
Wait... that's our target?
...
Saitama appeared behind a heavily armored samurai, and [Lightning] flashed in his hand as he pierced straight through the warrior's body.
Plop!
The samurai fell to the ground, never making even a single sound during the entire process. As he dropped, Saitama glanced around. Every samurai in sight was already lifeless on the ground. The one just now had been the last.
This was atop the building where the Five Kage Summit was being held. This was where Saitama's grand move began!
What would happen if a legendary [Heavenian Justice Drop] suddenly crashed down onto the Five Kage while they were engaged in friendly conversation?
Their expressions would definitely be fascinating!
Saitama lifted his arm, and a pillar of white [Lightning] blasted straight into the heavens...
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