The one with Hanzo and Onoki was, of course, the Ice-Fire Clone. The real Kaito had already transformed into the Third Kazekage and had been diligently working to secure benefits for the Land of Wind.
And, incidentally, acting as a shill.
His purpose in proposing the establishment of the Allied Nations Arbitration Committee at the Five-Kage Summit was, naturally, a stalling tactic.
Or perhaps, it was an attempt to boil the frog in warm water.
If it were truly implemented, it could certainly achieve a degree of peace, but it would only be a plaything for the great nations.
Especially the wagering agreement mentioned later, which was designed to serve the strong.
The Third Hokage and the Third Raikage saw this and agreed without fear.
As for the Fourth Mizukage, he was simply too young.
However, after he returned to his village, the old foxes there would naturally advise him. For the sake of their own interests, they would inevitably propose measures to protect the weaker nations.
But that was a matter for later.
Regardless, Kaito, the one who proposed this plan, had already become a naive young man dedicated to peace in the minds of the village leaders, completely unaware that he himself was the frog being slowly boiled.
The Ice-Fire Clone stayed in the Land of Iron for two days, reuniting with old acquaintances and talking about their experiences over the years.
Afterward, he returned to the Land of Rain with Hanzo and Onoki to prepare for the upcoming negotiations.
The Kage of each village returned to their respective countries and had detailed discussions with their Daimyo.
The specifics are unknown, but in the end, they all agreed to establish the Allied Nations Arbitration Committee.
Its main function was to limit unjust military conflicts between member states in the shinobi world, instead resolving issues through coordination or wagers.
Member states would enjoy corresponding benefits such as tariff reductions.
The specific terms of the treaty would still need to be negotiated by specialized personnel.
However, the simple news, once disclosed, caused a huge stir in the shinobi world.
Any national leader with half a brain knew that joining this new organization was imperative; otherwise, their country could suddenly be wiped out.
Delegations from various countries flocked to the venue for the second round of meetings—the capital of the Land of Fire.
To ensure the capital's safety, Konoha dispatched half of its Anbu members, as well as the master-student duo of Jiraiya and Minato. The chief negotiator, however, was the new head of the Nara clan—Shikaku Nara.
This was the first time that almost all the countries in the shinobi world had participated in such a grand event, attracting everyone's attention.
"This is incredible. I've never seen so many people from so many different countries gathered in one place," Jiraiya said with emotion, standing on the roof of a tall building and looking down at the surging crowd below.
"Yes, the person who came up with this plan is truly a genius!"
Minato, standing beside Jiraiya, said with admiration, "If this can be implemented smoothly, with the great nations keeping each other in check, the shinobi world might truly welcome real peace."
"Yes, indeed." Jiraiya sighed. "I knew it. Kaito has always been working for peace. Now, we're finally seeing a glimmer of hope."
"Kaito? The leader of the Village Hidden in the Rain?" Minato asked curiously. "What kind of person is he?"
"Him? During the Second Great Ninja War, he took the initiative to go to the war-torn Land of Rain and, with his own strength, established a shelter that protected hundreds of ordinary people. When I heard about it back then, I really admired him. I admired that at such a young age, he knew what he wanted to do and actually took action."
A nostalgic smile appeared on Jiraiya's face. "At that time, he was only about fifteen or sixteen, I think, and he was already on par with me in a fight. A few months later, when Tsunade, Orochimaru, and I were fighting Hanzo, the leader of the Rain Village at the time, and were on the verge of defeat, he appeared. He fought Hanzo to a draw, and from then on, he was known as the number one genius of the shinobi world."
"Later, Kaito came to Konoha once, but unfortunately, I wasn't there, so I don't know the specifics. When we met again, it was half a year later. It was just a simple one-day reunion before I had to go back to the war. After the war ended, we met a few more times. It's actually been a long time since we've seen each other now. I wasn't surprised to hear that he became the leader of the Rain Village, because it was something you could see coming."
"Amazing!" Minato clapped his hands in genuine praise.
"Minato, actually, in my eyes, you're not that far behind him."
Jiraiya looked at his student with a proud expression. "I don't have much hope for myself anymore. The future belongs to you guys."
"Master, you're only in your early thirties. You're still very young."
"I'm old, I'm old." Jiraiya shook his head with a smile. "Recently, the first book I've written is about to be finished. I'll give you a copy after it's published."
"That would be great," Minato said. "What's the story about?"
"The main character is named Naruto. It's about his constant efforts for peace."
"Wow, that's really nice..."
With so many participants and a complex web of interests, it was clear that this conference would not be short.
During the proceedings, an incident occurred.
The envoy from the Village Hidden in the Waterfalls announced at the meeting that the Seven-Tails had been stolen from their village and requested that the great nations join forces to apprehend the culprits.
After listening to the Waterfall envoy's description of the culprits' appearance and techniques, Jiraiya couldn't help but think of his two exceptionally talented former students.
He met with the Waterfall envoy in private and, after asking for relevant details, finally confirmed that they were indeed Nagato and Yahiko, who had mysteriously disappeared several years ago.
Minato observed the change in his expression and, when the two were alone, asked, "Master, do you know those two culprits?"
"Yes. It's almost certain. They are the two students I once taught at the shelter in the Land of Rain."
"Master, are you saying the Village Hidden in the Rain is responsible for this?" Minato frowned.
"No. These two students disappeared several years ago and there has been no news of them since. I suspect they might be under the control of some mysterious organization."
"A mysterious organization?"
"Yes." Jiraiya nodded. "This mysterious organization is trying to capture the Tailed Beasts, so they must have some kind of plan. No, I can't stay here any longer. I have to go out and investigate this matter!"
"Huh? But what about security here?"
"With you here, it's enough. I'll inform the Third Hokage and have him send some more people over. During this time, I'll have to trouble you to be extra careful."
"Alright." Minato sighed. "Master, leave things here to me. You can go without worry. That mysterious organization is capable of going after a Tailed Beast, so their strength must not be weak. Please be careful!"
"Mm, I will." Jiraiya waved his hand and disappeared from Minato's sight.
"I hope everything goes smoothly." Minato sighed again, then pulled himself together and continued to pay close attention to the conference.