The Meeting

Meanwhile, the Five Kage Summit is in full swing.

Raikage A's temper remained unchanged; he was still as irritable as ever.

Due to the "disappearance" of the Mizukage, Mei Terumi took over as the head of the meeting in Mist Village.

The Tsuchikage, that old geezer, still has such good luck, mainly because he's lived so long. Sometimes, being able to live a long life is a skill in itself. Don't you see that the once strongest Ninja World Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, are already gone?

The Kazekage sat there very quietly. After all, he was the weakest, and now he had even lost his Tailed Beast. His situation was even worse.

Hokage Orochimaru maintained his cold demeanor, looking at everyone as if they owed him money. The other Kage occasionally glanced at Karot, who was sitting behind Orochimaru.

The key issue is the immense pressure Karot exerts on them. Even just sitting there, he exudes an unshakeable aura of authority. Among the other four Kage, Raikage A is the one who understands Karot the most. After all, he has fought against Karot before, and that feeling of powerlessness washes over him again when he sees Karot. However, the thought that this time they are partners makes Raikage feel fortunate.

"Hokage, your village was attacked a few days ago. The losses weren't too great, were they?"

The old fox, the Tsuchikage, spoke up. This news has already spread throughout the entire Ninja World. These Kage must have received detailed reports from their subordinates. The Tsuchikage isn't bringing this up to mock Orochimaru, but rather to incite Orochimaru's hatred for the Akatsuki Organization, so everyone can unite against their common enemy.

"No need for the Tsuchikage to worry, the enemy hasn't benefited either."

Orochimaru simply wouldn't take the Tsuchikage's advice. You see, when the Akatsuki Organization were capturing the Tailed Beast in the Ninja World, the Land of Earth suffered no losses at all. That's because their Jinchuriki all liked to go out and play.

Aiko didn't want everyone to keep dawdling like this. You see, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki is his younger brother, and now he's been captured by the enemy and could be in danger at any moment.

"Everyone, the Akatsuki Organization chose to offend all five of our Five Great Shinobi Villages to capture the Tailed Beast; they must have some ulterior motive. Moreover, their strength is undeniable; they were able to attack eight Tailed Beast simultaneously and succeed."

"I believe everyone knows what this means. The balance of power in the Ninja World has been shattered, and war is imminent. No ninja village can withstand the attack of all eight Tailed Beasts at the same time."

As Ai said this, he glanced at where Karot was sitting. He seemed a little guilty for a moment before continuing.

Only by uniting can we have a chance of victory.

"It seems you already have an idea, Raikage."

The Tsuchikage was the first to ask a question. The others also looked at the Raikage, hoping he would reveal his plan; if it was feasible, all the better; if not, they could continue the discussion.

"As the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. We, the Five Great Shinobi Villages, will form an allied Allied Shinobi Forces Akatsuki Organization strike before the Akatsuki Organization can react, catching them off guard. Otherwise, once they've absorbed the power of the eight Tailed Beasts, it will be too late for us to make a move."

The Raikage's words also caused the other Kage present to fall into deep thought.

The Raikage sat down, watching the others ponder without interrupting. This was a plan proposed by their Kumogakure's think tank: since they couldn't beat them one-on-one, they would fight five against one.

The Kage quickly made their decision and agreed to the Raikage's plan. After all, it was the best solution.

"Karot, will anything change if the Akatsuki Organization doesn't get the Nine-Tails- Tails?"

Orochimaru knew that the Akatsuki Organization's initial plan was to have Nine Tailed Beasts. Now that Konoha had protected the Nine-Tails, the Akatsuki Organization was only missing one Tailed Beast. This was something Orochimaru was worried about.

"Don't worry, Orochimaru- senpai. You should trust that they have a plan to make amends."

Karot didn't believe that a cunning old fox who had been hiding in the Ninja World for thousands of years wouldn't have a way to make amends.

Hearing Karot's confident statement, Orochimaru felt relieved.

"Would you like to be a captain in the Allied Shinobi Forces?"

Orochimaru asked, "If Karot agrees, many people will die less. Once war starts, it's a bloodbath."

"Please spare me, this kind of hard work should be left to other laborers!"

Karot jumped back, putting a body length away from Orochimaru. Karot never expected that the cold- Orochimaru would actually have designs on him.

"Working? I'll never work for anyone in my life. I've worked so hard to cultivate and reach this level precisely so I wouldn't have to work for anyone else."

Karot just wants to get as far away from Orochimaru as possible right now.

Orochimaru had anticipated Orochimaru's strong reaction upon seeing Karot. Getting Karot to accept a mission now was practically impossible.

"Nagato, Konan, it's been so long!"

Yahiko opened his eyes and stepped out of the coffin. The first thing he saw were his good friends Nagato and Konan. He was overjoyed. He never thought he would see them again.

"Nagato, how did you get hurt?"

Yahiko looked at the blood-soaked bandage on Nagato's abdomen and asked a question. It was clear Yahiko was suppressing his anger. Yahiko had always considered Nagato brother, and now that his brother was injured, how could Yahiko not be angry?

However, Yahiko's body made movements completely different from what he said.

A powerful punch landed directly on Nagato's wound. With a muffled thud, Nagato flew several meters away before crashing heavily to the ground.

"Yahiko, you..."

Konan looked at Yahiko in confusion, unable to understand why even Yahiko would attack Nagato. Konan quickly stepped forward to help Nagato.

"Puff"

Nagato coughed up blood. He was caught completely off guard by Yahiko's sneak attack. Because Yahiko was Nagato's brother, Nagato subconsciously believed that Yahiko would never attack him.

It could be said that despite being well-intentioned, Nagato's carelessness worsened his injuries.

"Nagato, are you alright?"

Yahiko felt somewhat at a loss and wanted to go forward to help Nagato.

"Don't come any closer."

Konan spoke first. She was afraid that Yahiko would do something to hurt Nagato again, so she could only call out to Yahiko and tell him not to go over.

"You did it, didn't you?"

Although the question was directed at the Masked Man, the tone was full of certainty.

"That's right."

The Masked Man admitted it.

What did you do to me?

Yahiko said angrily. How could he hit Nagato? They had supported each other all the way and had long regarded each other as family. Now Nagato was injured by his own hand. How could Yahiko forgive himself?