"Third Hokage, you want to convene another Five Kage Summit? Why?" Minato's expression turned grave. The previous summit had ended in chaos
"Third Hokage, you want to convene another Five Kage Summit? Why?" Minato's expression turned grave.
The previous summit had ended in chaos just days ago.
Another summit, if mishandled, would be disastrous.
"Minato, I know your concerns," Hiruzen said gravely.
"The previous summit was called by the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage."
"With Kirigakure's current lack of high-level strength, they couldn't effectively deter other forces or foster unity and cooperation."
Hiruzen looked around the room.
"But Konohagakure is different."
"Tsunade and Jiraiya's return, your ascension as Hokage, Kakashi and the younger generation's growth, Fugaku leading the Uchiha, Hiashi leading the Hyūga—these alone give Konohagakure complete control."
"Us?" Fugaku's expression shifted. He hadn't expected Hiruzen to link the Uchiha clan's fate so directly to Konoha's.
While it appeared to be a delegation of power, upon closer examination, it felt far more restrictive.
The sudden call for another Five Kage Summit felt like an invisible hand squeezing his heart. Everyone in the room felt the same.
"Heh, no need to look so hesitant. I know what you're thinking," Hiruzen chuckled.
"This summit is to provide a platform for negotiations between Uchiha Kai and the four Great Nations."
Negotiations? Minato raised an eyebrow.
"Third Hokage, I'm not saying I doubt your influence."
"But the Third Mizukage and the Four-Tails Jinchuriki are dead, the Two-Tails is captured, and the Kazekage might be dead at Kai's hands, or Sasori's."
"With that as the backdrop, convincing the four Great Nations to negotiate with Kai seems… unlikely."
Many in the room nodded silently in agreement.
"Minato, you're right," Hiruzen conceded.
"Therefore, the precondition for negotiations is that Uchiha Kai returns the four tailed beasts he's acquired."
"As for those killed by Kai… countless lives are lost in war. Life and death are simply a matter of strength.
If Kai returns the tailed beasts, I will use Konoha's influence to pressure the other four villages, restoring order to the shinobi world."
Hiruzen spoke with unwavering conviction, but the others' expressions were varied.
Fugaku and Shisui exchanged a knowing glance, their faces displaying a mixture of amusement and apprehension.
"Fugaku, Shisui, what's with those expressions?" Hiruzen frowned, slightly annoyed.
Such a momentous speech should have been met with enthusiastic applause. The cold silence made him feel awkward.
"Third Hokage, do you really think Kai will hand over those tailed beasts, who all call him 'Boss'?" Fugaku said wryly.
Shisui, though silent, clearly shared Fugaku's skepticism.
Hiruzen was momentarily speechless, his mouth opening and closing before he finally sighed.
"Regardless, I've sent messengers to the four Great Nations, proposing a new Five Kage Summit…"
Meanwhile, in Kumogakure, still reeling from the recent rebellion, the Fourth Raikage's office was heavy with tension.
The Fourth Raikage stood before a large window, gazing at the half-destroyed mountain in the distance, his face darkening.
"Damn it!"
He roared, his right hand crackling with lightning as he slammed it on his desk.
BOOM!
The desk shattered, wood splintering under the force of the blow. Those present looked on with apprehension.
They knew the Fourth Raikage wouldn't tolerate this, but any explanation would be futile.
"Damn it! You know I boasted to the other Kage, and now you tell me Uchiha Kai infiltrated our village undetected," the Fourth Raikage raged, his voice booming.
"He took the Two-Tails, Matatabi, and conveniently quelled our rebellion!"
"Do you know their expressions? Those samurai almost couldn't stop laughing! How am I supposed to show my face again?"
Dodai's neck shrunk. "Fourth Raikage, the situation was critical. I… I forgot about discretion…"
"Forgot?!" The Fourth Raikage glared at Samui.
"Can anyone tell me why you didn't stop Uchiha Kai? How am I supposed to face the other Kage knowing he freely entered and exited Kumogakure?"
Dodai's expression shifted. The clan elders had ordered a pursuit, but he had refused. He glanced at Killer B, who seemed unconcerned.
Killer B, picking his ears, finally responded. "Brother, you can't blame Sensei. Uchiha Kai had even the Two-Tails surrendering to him. Who could stop him?"
"If they'd tried, they would have died. You'd be left with nothing, unable to even yell at them!"
You! The Fourth Raikage was speechless, lightning surging around him as he appeared before Killer B, his fist slamming down.
"You insolent brat, don't think you can get away with that!"
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - 20+ Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - 40+ Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - 80+ Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"