In the Country of Hot Springs, the Kages from several great nations gradually arrived. As soon as they entered the village, they sensed something unique about this place. The climate was pleasant, and the architecture was neatly arranged — showing no signs of war whatsoever. Along the way, the streets were bustling with commerce offering everything imaginable. Even the common folk had learned that the Five Kage Summit would be held here, specially paving a path lined entirely with flowers—an extravagant, dazzling sight. Crowds gathered on both sides of the street, making for a lively spectacle fueled by the people's intense curiosity toward the Kages of the Five Great Countries.
Onoki had never seen such a scene before. Smelling the fresh floral fragrance, he kept sneezing uncontrollably while overhearing whispers from the townspeople.
"Is that shorty really the Tsuchikage?"
"Seems so. He looks really old."
"I'm afraid he might drop dead any second."
Enraged beyond endurance, Onoki clenched his jaw and ordered the two burly men behind him, "Quickly, speed up."
Without waiting for them to respond, he lifted himself off the ground and flew forward.
Raikage A strode ahead like a dragon and tiger combined, completely unimpressed by the surroundings. He made his way swiftly toward the agreed meeting spot, his two bodyguards right behind him. Before them stood a tower soaring into the clouds. Atop it lay a massive platform—easily large enough to accommodate hundreds—with an impressive, grand aura surrounding it.
One of his guards, Ki, couldn't help but exclaim, "The Hot Springs Country truly lives up to its reputation as the peaceful village that has forgotten war. Who would've imagined such prosperity here?"
A scoffed disdainfully. "Hmph. All show. Too many civilians around too—it's damn annoying."
His other lackadaisical guard, Darui, nodded in agreement. "It is pretty loud."
A made the same decision as Onoki: "Speed it up."
As the three passed through, it was as though a gust of wind blew petals skyward, scattering flowers everywhere.
Next came Tsunade and Terumi Mei, who arrived almost simultaneously. Each was momentarily stunned by the other's beauty, not expecting their fellow Kage to be such a young and attractive woman.
After a brief pause, both smiled at each other and began introducing themselves.
"From Konoha, Fifth Hokage—Tsunade."
"From Mist, Fifth Mizukage—Terumi Mei."
After exchanging a few words, the two started chatting joyfully, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
Cheers from the villagers rose and fell continuously. It's no surprise that wherever they went, beauty always drew cheers. The reception these two female Kages received was vastly different from the previous two male Kages.
Mei waved gracefully at the crowds all around, generously sharing her smile, which prompted the citizens to shower even more prepared flowers across the entire corridor. The scent of blossoms lingered in the air indefinitely.
Inside the summit hall, there sat a giant round table. Five seats were arranged in total, each with a flag behind it marked respectively: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water.
After the four took their seats, the final guest—the Kazekage, who had called for the summit—still hadn't arrived.
A, whose village Sand had long-standing conflicts with, slammed the table hard and roared furiously, "As the organizer of this Five Kage Summit, he hasn't even shown up until now! It's a total slap in the face to all of us! Damn it!"
Onoki stood by, speaking casually, "It's understandable. After all, this location is the farthest from the Land of Wind. It's normal to be a day or two late."
As A was about to say something else, the meeting hall doors opened.
A travel-worn Sasori entered alongside Mabui, who wore a special mask.
Mabui instinctively glanced at the Raikage, her body shivering slightly. She gave an inward sigh and took her place at the podium.
Sharply, A confronted Sasori, saying, "Sasori, you arrived too slowly."
Sasori replied casually, "Along the way, I dealt with some minor matters, hence a slight delay. But it doesn't matter. Now that everyone's here, let's begin."
When Terumi Mei laid eyes on Sasori, her shock was immediate. So he's the Kazekage? The brother of Oub? So they're actually related? Isn't Oub supposed to be from Konoha? How did he end up aligned with the Kazekage from Sunagakure?
Seeing A still intended to provoke, she couldn't help but interrupt, "We're here to solve problems. Arguing won't get us anywhere."
A suppressed his anger and sat down.
At this moment, Mabui standing at the podium spoke up, "Please place the Kage hats in front of you. At the call of Kazekage-sama, we've gathered all Five Kages here today. I am the village headman of Hot Springs Country and will serve as the moderator for this meeting. Now begins the Five Kage Summit."
The Raikage's expression flickered slightly. Looking at Mabui hosting the meeting, he felt a faint sense of distant familiarity. However, the mask isolated all sensory perception, leaving him unable to pinpoint its source.
Anya had arrived near Konoha. Before him lay a man covered entirely in blood, only his weak breathing and chest rising proving he was still alive. His entire body emitted a foul stench, and from time to time, purple mist drifted off him [deadly on contact]. Any living creature caught in the smoke died within moments.
"Sasori went overboard again; almost killed him," Anya sighed. His hands glowed with Shikkotsu Forest Sage Chakra, immediately stopping the man's bleeding. As more chakra flowed into him, the man cried out in pain like a nightmare before opening his eyes.
Anya spoke, "Hanzo, it's been years. You've gained weight."
That's right, this man nearly killed by Sasori was none other than Sanshouo Hanzo, known as Demigod during the Second Battle. Unfortunately, he had long since fallen, indulging in luxurious living, abandoning all former ambitions. Facing the current Sasori, he no longer even possessed the strength to fight back.
"It's you." Hanzo recognized Anya after struggling to recall. He quickly begged, "Hurry, save me! Your own man, Sasori, turned traitor! Without even a word, he attacked me. You..."
Anya interrupted, "It was my order. And as for saving you—I will, when the time is right. But not yet."
Hanzo's face turned pale as he couldn't help asking, "Why? Have you forgotten that I helped you during the Third Battle? Moreover, under my leadership, the Zero Organization's stronghold in Hot Springs Country has remained unchallenged for many years."
"
Hearing these words, Anya gave a faint smirk and pulled out an account book, saying, "You didn't seriously think I knew *nothing*, did you? The records of Hot Springs Country over the years make everything pretty clear. The Organization has supported you for so long—it's time to give something back."
When Hanzo saw the account book, his face turned deathly pale. He opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word.
Anya had already lost the mood for further talk. After making sure he wouldn't die, he activated [Genjutsu], knocking him out cold.
Problem one dealt with—time to move on to the next. He had just taken a couple of steps forward when he sensed something...
He muttered in an indescribable tone, "It's begun… Time has come..."
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