A thin morning mist enveloped Konoha, shrouding this ninja homeland in mystery. The Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, stood by the window of her Hokage's office, her golden hair shimmering in the morning light. She gazed into the distance, her fingers unconsciously stroking the necklace of the First Hokage that hung around her neck.
"Shizune, is everything ready?" she asked without turning her head.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Shizune, holding the Tonton, stood respectfully to the side. "Shikaku is already waiting downstairs, and the twelve Anbu have assembled."
Tsunade turned around, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. "Most of the content being broadcast on the Heavenly Screen is about Konoha people, especially this latest one. This Five Kage Summit won't be peaceful."
"But if our Konoha initiates the talks, won't that arouse suspicion from other villages?" Shizune asked cautiously.
Tsunade smiled confidently, "That's precisely why we must initiate this. As the victorious nation, we have a responsibility to maintain peace in the Shinobi World." She paused, "Besides, the Mizukage is already in Konoha; this is a rare opportunity."
Meanwhile, in the VIP villa of Konoha, the Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, was adjusting her dark blue robe in front of a mirror. Her long, reddish-brown hair reached her waist, and her emerald green eyes gleamed with contemplation.
"Qing, what do you think of this sudden Five Kage Summit?" she asked the one-eyed guard standing behind her.
Ao's right eye was covered by her Forehead Protector, while her left eye narrowed slightly. "The Hokage's move must have a deeper meaning. Ever since the Heavenly Screen began displaying various potentially future-oriented content, the nerves of every village have been on edge. Her choice to summon the Five Kage at this time..."
"And they specifically chose the Land of Land of Iron, a neutral territory." Mei Terumi continued, a meaningful smile playing on her red lips. "It seems our Lord Hokage not only broad-minded, but also quite shrewd."
Chōjūrō nervously adjusted his glasses. "Lord Mizukage, should we take extra precautions?"
"No need to be overly tense," Mei Terumi, turning towards the door. "But staying alert is essential. After all, no one knows what the other Shadows are really thinking."
When Tsunade and Mei Terumi's teams met at the Konoha Gate, the two female Kage Level ninjas exchanged a smile, their eyes each harboring unfathomable calculations.
"Mizukage, I'm so sorry, you've only been in Konoha for a few days, and now we're going to the Land of Iron together again," Tsunade said cheerfully.
"It is my honor to witness the historic meeting initiated by the Hokage," Mei Terumi responded gracefully.
The two teams merged into one and sped towards the Land of Iron. Shikaku and Ao walked side by side, exchanging wary glances from time to time. Shizune and Chōjūrō followed behind their respective shadows, maintaining a just-right distance.
On the edge of the desert in the Land of Wind, a small team is traveling under the scorching sun.
"Mr. Baki, the border of the Land of Iron is just ahead." Temari unfolded the map, her golden ponytail fluttering in the wind.
Acting Kazekage Master Baki nodded, his face, weathered by the wind and sand, revealing no expression. "Speed up, we can't be impolite in front of the other Shadows."
Gaara Earth Flow quietly in the middle of the group, the gourd on his back swaying gently with each step. His eyes were still empty, but compared to before, they had lost some of their ferocity. Elder Chiyo walked beside him, occasionally scrutinizing this once out-of-control Jinchūriki with a probing gaze.
"Gaara, this meeting might touch on the issue of the Tailed Beasts," Chiyo whispered. "Are you ready?"
Gaara's voice was calm, almost indifferent. "I'm no longer that monster."
Kankuro nervously fiddled with the mechanisms of the Puppet Crow: "I don't know if what's in the Heavenly Screen is real or not, and bringing Gaara along to this meeting... aren't we taking too much of a risk?"
Baki snorted coldly, "That's precisely why we need to demonstrate our strength to the other villages. Sunagakure is not a weakling to be slaughtered."
Meanwhile, on the rugged mountain roads of the Land of Lightning, the Fourth Raikage A, led his guards forward at breakneck speed. His muscular body resembled a beast poised to pounce, his long white hair flowing behind him.
"Darui, faster!" he roared, turning around. "I don't want those old foxes getting impatient!"
"Lord Raikage, we're already going at top speed," Darui replied helplessly, sweat already beading on his dark skin.
hope added from the side, "According to intelligence, the other Shadows have also set off. We should be able to arrive on time."
Ai's fists clenched so tightly they cracked. "If this meeting doesn't reach a satisfactory agreement, I'll use my fists to make them understand the seriousness of the situation!"
On the other side, Onoki Ōnoki of the Tsuchikage of Land of Earth, was floating in the air, followed by Kurotsuchi and other elite members of Iwagakure.
"Old man, can you stop floating around like that all the time? It's kind of scary, "Kurotsuchi teased, but his eyes were full of respect.
"Hmph, what does that little girl know?" Although Ōnoki was old, his eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's. "This meeting is no simple matter. Tsunade summoned the Five Kage; they must be discussing what appeared in the Heavenly Screen. I wonder how it will end."
Akatsuchi smiled honestly, "At least General Mifune of the Iron Kingdom will ensure the fairness of the talks."
"Fairness?" Ōnoki sneered. "In the Shinobi World, strength is the only fair thing."
Five days later, on the perpetually snowy plains of the Land of Iron, various groups of people arrived one after another. General Mifune of the Land of Iron was already waiting outside the castle, dressed in traditional samurai armor, his face solemn.
The first to arrive were Tsunade and Mei Terumi's group. Mifune stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage, Mizukage- sama, welcome to the Land of Iron. The other Kage are on their way and are expected to arrive today."
Tsunade nodded in acknowledgment. "Mifune, you've done a great job preparing for this meeting."
Mei Terumi around the snow-covered castle and said softly, "What a... calm place."
At noon, the Sunagakure delegation appeared braving the wind and snow. Baki led the way, his expression serious. Mifune also stepped forward to greet them, "Acting Lord Kazekage, welcome!"
"No need for formalities," Baki replied briefly, his gaze fixed on Tsunade. "Hokage, I hope this meeting will yield substantial results."
Tsunade met his gaze calmly. "This is exactly what I expected."
In the afternoon, Raikage A's hearty laughter broke the castle's tranquility. "Haha! This damn place is freezing!" He strode over, the ground seemingly trembling.
Finally, the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, arrived. He floated into the castle hall, surveying the crowd from his elevated position. "Looks like I'm not late after all."
"Esteemed Kage," Mifune said solemnly, looking at the assembled Five Kage Mifune. "Thank you all for responding to the Lord Hokage's call to attend this Five Kage Summit. You have all traveled a long way; I will arrange for someone to take you to rest. We will formally begin our talks tomorrow."
Each shadow was led to a different courtyard. The Land of Iron's inn followed the traditional style, with wooden corridors surrounding a meticulously manicured courtyard, and flickering candlelight reflected on the paper doors.
As soon as the Raikage entered his courtyard, he ordered, "Darui, inspect the entire room. Shi, set up a sensory barrier." He removed his cloak, revealing a strong, scarred body. "I don't trust the guys from other villages, especially that cunning old Tsuchikage."
"Yes, Lord Raikage." Darui immediately sprang into action, forming hand seals to probe for possible Listening Technique. Xi took out talismans from her robes and affixed them to the four corners of the room.
Meanwhile, the agent, Kazekage Baki, stood before the dry landscape garden in the courtyard. "Temari, are all the materials for tomorrow's meeting ready?"
"It's all here." Temari patted the scroll at her waist, "Including the border adjustment and draft trade agreement we requested."
Kankuro leaned against a pillar. "Gaara, do you think the other Kage will agree to our terms?"
Gaara's gaze swept across the courtyard, landing on the faint outline of the main castle in the distance. "It won't be that easy."
In the largest courtyard, Ōnoki was enjoying a cup of hot tea served by a maid. "Kurotsuchi, go find out what the other Kage are doing." He took a sip, narrowing his eyes. "Especially the Mizukage; that woman is too adept at using her 'advantages'."
"Old man, you're not jealous that she's younger and prettier than you, are you?" Kurotsuchi teased, but still got up and walked outside. Akatsuchi silently poured tea for Tsuchikage, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
Mizukage Mei Terumi was sitting in front of her dressing table, her long chestnut hair being combed by a maid. "Ao, what are your thoughts on tomorrow's meeting?" she asked, looking through the mirror at the guard standing by the door.
"The Kirigakure needs reconstruction funds and trade routes for its development," said Ao, whose right eye was covered by an eyepatch, but whose left eye was as sharp as an eagle's. "But other villages won't give in easily, especially the Raikage."
Mei Terumi sighed softly, "Yes, a brute never understands negotiation." She stood up, the hem of her kimono flowing like water. "Chōjūrō, come for a walk with me."
The young guard hurriedly followed. "Lord Mizukage, isn't it a bit late to be out like this...?"
"Don't worry," she chuckled, "I just wanted to 'bump into' our friend, Kazekage."
As night deepened, Tsunade sat alone on the roof of her room Shikaku appeared beside her.
"Lord Hokage, should I go and investigate the movements of the other Kage?"
Tsunade said, "No need. Let them figure things out tonight." She looked up at the Heavenly Screen, "Tomorrow is the real battlefield."
Shizune called out from below, "Lady Tsunade! Dinner is ready."
Under the moonlight, the five courtyards resembled chess pieces on a board, each occupying its own territory. Shadows flickered on the paper doors, and the candlelight shone brightly. In this seemingly peaceful night, each shadow was mentally planning tomorrow's game, calculating every possible gain, loss, and risk.
The clock tower of the Land of Iron tolled at midnight, its chimes echoing above the silent castle. The last night before the Five Kage Summit thus slowly passed by in their respective thoughts.