The Land of Iron was silent under its heavy snow, the wind slicing like tempered blades. The towering fortress of the samurai stood in solemn stillness, a place where steel and neutrality had kept peace for centuries. Itachi's boots crunched against the frosted stone as he ascended the long stairway, his Hokage cloak fluttering behind him like a pale flame. Two guards opened the massive doors without a word.
Inside, the summit room was alive with tension. A large circular table occupied the center, each seat bearing the insignia of a great village. The air was thick with ego, distrust, and the faint scent of ink from freshly sealed documents.
He was the last to arrive.
At one side sat the Tsuchikage, Onoki, old and sharp-eyed, his gaze full of wary calculation. Beside him loomed the Raikage, arms folded, his presence thunderous even in silence. Mei Terumī, graceful yet dangerous, sat with a diplomatic smile that never quite reached her eyes, while Kazekage Gaara—young, calm, and steady—watched the others with quiet vigilance.
Itachi moved without hurry to his seat. His footsteps drew brief glances, his reputation preceding him. The Hokage of the Leaf—still young by comparison, yet his composure commanded the room.
The Raikage began without ceremony.
"The Akatsuki have seven of the nine tailed beasts," he growled, slamming a hand on the table. "Their power grows while ours divides. If we continue like this, none of our villages will survive the coming war. We need a Shinobi Alliance. One force. One command."
Onoki scoffed, leaning back. "An alliance sounds noble, but history says otherwise. Villages cooperate until it's convenient to betray. You talk about trust, Raikage—but you've raided our borders twice in the last decade."
Raikage's eyes flashed like lightning. "That was before the Akatsuki became a global threat! Or do you plan to wait until they come for your village next, old man?"
Gaara lifted a hand. "I was once a jinchūriki myself. I understand better than anyone what they're capable of. The Akatsuki isn't just a threat to one nation—they're a threat to everyone. If we don't stand together, we'll all fall separately."
Mei nodded slightly. "Agreed. The Hidden Mist has suffered enough from the shadows left behind by Akatsuki. But if we're to form an alliance, it must be built on more than just fear. We'll need structure—resource management, joint intelligence, and a unified command."
Onoki frowned. "Command is the problem. Who do we trust to lead?"
Before anyone could answer, the temperature dropped. A ripple of chakra tore through the room as a dark swirling portal appeared in midair. The air distorted, and from the void stepped a man in a spiraling orange mask—one hole for his right eye.
"I couldn't help but overhear your talk of alliances," he said, his voice deep and smooth, carrying a mocking tone. "How quaint. But you're already too late."
The Kage rose instantly, guards surrounding them. Chakra flared like wildfire.
"I am Madara Uchiha," the masked man declared. "And I hereby declare the Fourth Great Ninja War."
His presence was overwhelming, the air heavy with killing intent. For a split second, his single visible Sharingan glowed—then his body twisted back into the vortex, vanishing completely.
Silence consumed the room.
Itachi's expression didn't change, but his Sharingan eyes flared for an instant, analyzing the residue of space-time chakra. So it begins.
The Raikage slammed his fist again. "Then it's decided. We form the alliance now, before he makes the first move."
Onoki, begrudging but practical, nodded. "Fine. But who will lead this so-called alliance? We need a Supreme Commander."
The debate reignited like wildfire.
Gaara shook his head. "I'm too young to command five nations' armies. My people trust me, but the rest of you shouldn't."
Onoki crossed his arms. "I would, but let's not pretend my hands are clean. I've used Akatsuki before, as have many others. You'd all question my orders before following them."
Mei sighed softly. "And the Mist has its own history with them. I doubt any of you would sleep easy under my flag."
The Raikage leaned forward, voice booming. "Then it should be me! Kumogakure has the strongest military, the fastest response time, and the only remaining tailed beast host—my brother! You can't argue results!"
Itachi's gaze lifted, calm and unwavering. "And yet, power alone does not define leadership, Raikage."
The man scowled. "You're nineteen. A child. Leadership requires wisdom and age."
Itachi's eyes darkened as the air shimmered around him. His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan ignited—two perfect, endless tomoe spinning in scarlet brilliance. The pressure that rolled from him silenced the room.
"I am neither innocent nor a child," he said quietly. "I've seen and done more than most men live to imagine. Konoha is the most powerful nation on the continent—our forces, resources, and intelligence surpass any other. If we are to win this war, you'll need strategy, coordination, and unity."
Raikage clenched his jaw, but the conviction in Itachi's words—and the stillness of his chakra—left no room for argument. Mei folded her hands. "The Hokage speaks with reason. He has both the mind and restraint this position requires."
Gaara nodded once. "I support him. I trust him."
Onoki sighed, rubbing his back. "Hmph. I don't like it. But he's the only one here who might actually keep the peace once the war ends. Fine. The Hokage will lead."
After a tense pause, even the Raikage gave a curt nod. "So be it. Don't make me regret this, boy."
Itachi inclined his head slightly. "Then it's settled. From this moment forward, we are the Allied Shinobi Forces."