Konoha, Hokage Building
As Tsunade reviewed the message sent by the Raikage, she turned to Bai Ye and asked, "Bai Ye, should we attend the Five Kage Summit this time?"
From Tsunade's perspective, with Bai Ye as a formidable presence in Konoha, the Akatsuki Organization could not pose a serious threat unless they mobilized their entire force.
"We must attend. The Akatsuki Organization is not as simple as you think," Bai Ye replied firmly.
While Payne appeared to be the leader of Akatsuki, the real mastermind behind the scenes was none other than the supposedly deceased Uchiha Madara. However, even Madara had been deceived by Black Zetsu, whose true goal was to resurrect Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
If the Five Great Ninja Villages did not unite, they would stand no chance against Akatsuki, the White Zetsu army, and the formidable warriors revived through Impure World Reincarnation.
"I understand," Tsunade nodded, deciding to attend the summit. Naturally, Bai Ye would accompany her.
If events unfolded as expected, both Obito and Sasuke would also be present at the Five Kage Summit. By now, Sasuke had learned the truth about the Uchiha massacre. Itachi had died after revealing everything, and with this newfound knowledge, Sasuke harbored a deep hatred for Danzo and Konoha. In the original timeline, this hatred led to Sasuke's attack on the summit and his eventual battle against Danzo.
However, since Danzo was already dead, Sasuke had lost his chance for vengeance, leaving his next course of action uncertain.
Naruto's Return
At that moment, a lone figure entered the Hokage Building—it was Naruto, returning from his encounter with Nagato.
"Naruto, it's great to see you safe!" Tsunade exclaimed with relief.
"Yeah, I'm back," Naruto responded with a smile. "By the way, Granny Tsunade, I brought someone very important with me."
Bai Ye raised an eyebrow at the nickname. Granny Tsunade? He glanced at Tsunade. If he hadn't known her actual age, he would never have guessed she was in her fifties. Even in Boruto's era, she still looked remarkably young.
"Someone important? Who is it?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
Instead of answering, Naruto called toward the door, "Come on in, Pervy Sage!"
"Jiraiya?" Tsunade gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief as she turned toward the entrance.
A familiar figure stepped inside—it was Jiraiya, the man believed to have died in battle against Pain.
"Hey, Tsunade. Sorry for making you worry," Jiraiya said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Jiraiya, you bastard! You're alive?!" Tsunade yelled. Though her words were harsh, tears streamed down her face.
Bai Ye instantly understood what had happened—Nagato had used the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu to revive Jiraiya. It seemed that Naruto's unwavering belief and persuasion had led Nagato to make this sacrifice.
Initially, Nagato was meant to revive Kakashi and other fallen Konoha shinobi. However, due to Bai Ye's interference, Kakashi and the others had survived, ultimately leading to Jiraiya's resurrection instead.
Obito's Next Move
Meanwhile, in a secluded hideout, space distorted, and two figures emerged—Obito and White Zetsu.
Obito's expression was serious. The previous battle between Bai Ye and Pain had made one thing clear—Bai Ye was the greatest obstacle to his plan. His power was overwhelming, and Obito knew that defeating him alone was nearly impossible. If he couldn't defeat Bai Ye, his entire plan would be jeopardized.
"By the way, we've received reports that Nagato is dead," White Zetsu informed him.
"Oh? How did he die?" Obito asked, surprised.
Nagato, as a member of the Uzumaki clan, possessed incredible vitality. Despite exhausting a great deal of chakra in his battle, he should not have perished so easily.
"He used the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu to bring Jiraiya back to life."
"What?!" Obito's face darkened. The Rinne Rebirth Jutsu had been reserved for reviving Uchiha Madara, yet Nagato had squandered it on Jiraiya instead.
This was an unfortunate setback.
"No matter," Obito muttered, regaining his composure. "I'll retrieve the Rinnegan first."
He soon tracked down Konan and Nagato's body. Despite Konan's efforts to resist, utilizing explosive tags in an attempt to destroy him, the power gap was insurmountable. In the end, Konan fell, and Obito claimed the Rinnegan from Nagato's corpse.
Just as he was about to leave, an unexpected figure appeared.
"Kabuto? What do you want?" Obito asked impatiently.
Though Kabuto was a skilled ninja, he was nothing more than one of Orochimaru's former subordinates in Obito's eyes.
"I assume you've heard about the Five Kage Summit," Kabuto stated calmly. "If things proceed as expected, the five great nations will form a united front against Akatsuki."
At this point, Kabuto had completely assimilated Orochimaru's cells and mastered the Impure World Reincarnation technique, granting him the confidence to negotiate with Akatsuki as an equal.
"That man, Bai Ye, must also be causing you quite a headache," Kabuto continued.
"So what?" Obito replied dismissively. He was aware that the summit would likely result in the formation of an Allied Shinobi Forces, but he had no alternative options.
"We can work together—on one condition. I want Sasuke for my research."
Obito scoffed. "You think you're in a position to negotiate?"
"Not me—but them," Kabuto smirked.
He performed a series of hand seals, and several wooden coffins emerged from the ground. As the lids fell open, figures lay within—Uchiha Itachi, Kimimaro, and even Nagato.
"How is this possible?!" Obito's eyes widened, quickly deducing the technique in use. Impure World Reincarnation!
"Well?" Kabuto asked confidently.
After a brief pause, Obito smirked. "Fine. We have a deal."
With the undead warriors now under their command, Akatsuki had gained a powerful new advantage.
Obito's first move? To crash the Five Kage Summit and declare war.
Thus, the Fourth Great Ninja War was set into motion.