After pondering briefly, Utatane Koharu looked at the other higher-ups and said seriously, "Since Akatsuki poses such a great threat, should we notify the other four countries and convene a Five Kage Summit, gathering the strength of the Five Great Shinobi Villages to eradicate Akatsuki?"
Mitokado Homura also said, "Koharu is right. Akatsuki must be eliminated as soon as possible."
The Third Hokage wore a bitter expression. He had long informed Sunagakure of Akatsuki's threat, but Sunagakure had no intention of joining forces with Konoha against Akatsuki, even though their Third Kazekage had died at the hands of Sasori of the Red Sands from Akatsuki.
Danzo snorted coldly. "Convening a Five Kage Summit is impossible. Iwagakure and Cloud are Konoha's mortal enemies; they won't believe us. Until their Jinchuriki are taken out, they will never unite with us."
"And with the strength of Sunagakure and Kirigakure alone, we cannot wipe out Akatsuki in one fell swoop."
"Besides, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki does not currently belong to us. Akatsuki's coveting of the tailed beasts is actually a good thing. We can use it to influence the surrounding small countries. But the specific course of action still depends on Hiruzen's decision."
The Third Hokage and Danzo played off each other, leaving the Elder Council Duo with no room to object.
Still, they secretly wondered when Danzo had begun listening to the Third Hokage's opinions. It gave them the illusion of returning to several decades ago.
Back then, they had no prejudices against one another and had worked together wholeheartedly to face the crisis following Tobirama's death.
The Third Hokage cleared his throat, then said, "For now, let's maintain the current situation. Once the younger generation grows up, the village will eventually overcome Akatsuki's crisis."
With their future policy confirmed, the high-level meeting came