Konoha On January 1, 2050, the first day of the new year, Land of Iron surrounded by Three Wolves Mountain officially welcomed Five Kage Summit.
Land of Iron General Mifune arranged the peripheral defense of the meeting early in order to allow the meeting to be held safely.
Heavily armed warriors patrolled along fixed routes, and Five Kage Summit's venue received the highest level of protection.
In the capital city protected by several walls, the Five Kage people sat down one by one behind the circular table with serious expressions. The bamboo hat symbolizing the shadow was placed in front of them. No one took the initiative to speak for a while.
Mifune, who is almost 50 years old, is in the final stage of his physical condition. As a samurai, his strength cannot be underestimated. Facing Five Kage, he bowed slightly to show respect. "Under the call of Master Mizukage, Five Kage finally gathered at Land of Iron."
"I am Mifune who is in charge of this meeting. In the following meetings, everyone can speak freely."
Mizukage is the oldest, Tsuchikage and Hokage can also be called seniors. Raikage and Kazekage have just succeeded and are completely suppressed in terms of age.
Mizukage, who had long gray hair, squinted in his seat. As the initiator, he always maintained a calm expression on his old and withered face, and said calmly, "Ahem, Kirigakure Ninja has never been involved in the war, but we are also observing the direction of this war."
"In my opinion, the reason for the repeated outbreaks of wars is the imbalance of the economy, which can also be said to be the problem of entrusted affairs."
"As the war continues, this problem has not been fundamentally solved. As the initiator of Five Kage Summit, I would like to make a proposal here."
"In order to reduce hatred, Five Great Nations will reduce the number of ninja troops together."
"The focus is on cultivating elite ninjas. In this way, entrusting tasks will no longer be a problem. Kirigakure has completed some reforms and has begun to bear fruit."
The old senior made sharp suggestions as soon as he came up. Fourth Raikage almost slapped the table on the spot. Dodai, who was sitting above him, saw his leader controlling his emotions and couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
Iwagakure's Roshi's eyes flickered. He thought the suggestion was not bad, but when he glanced at Ōnoki's redder nose, he knew that the village would definitely not agree.
On the seat above Hokage, Minato Namikaze looked calm and didn't seem to care what Mizukage said. Shu Furukawa took the opportunity to observe the guards brought by Mizukage: "Kubikiribōchō holder Jūzō Biwa and double sword holder Hiramekarei?"
"Suikazan Fuguki really noticed the problem?"
The information Shu Furukawa knew before was that all Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had been summoned, and Suikazan Fuguki would accompany Mizukage to the meeting.
Now that there is a sudden change of people, Shu Furukawa realizes that Kirigakure has most likely been divided internally, but Mei Terumi cannot enter the senior management and has not been able to get accurate information.
"You actually want to reduce the ninja force? Mizukage, don't you think it's a little naive?"
"When a ninja village loses its power, people lose their awe!"
"Reducing the number of ninjas can indeed solve the commission problem. Kazekage boy has verified this for us."
"Konoha's kid was a big help. He alone killed many Sunagakure Ninja."
"But Iwagakure will not agree to this plan. We do not believe that Konoha Ninja, who occupies Land of Wind's commission share, will make such a decision."
Although Ōnoki is short, he has a very loud voice. When he said these words, he did not forget to look at Rasa. Several people present could hear the sarcasm in it.
Mizukage was not angry when he was rebutted, but the two guards above looked cold, and they could tell that Tsuchikage had little respect for them.
"If the number of ninjas in each country is limited to a reasonable range, this plan can be discussed."
"Power will indeed continue to expand if it is not restricted. When all funds are used for war, ordinary people's lives will also be affected."
"Konoha Ninja will only protect its homeland, and the Will of Fire passed down will also make the world a better place."
"Tsuchikage, there is no need to have extreme thoughts. Since you are here, you should speak freely."
Sarutobi Hiruzen put on a leadership posture, which made Raikage on the right side of Mifune feel uncomfortable for a while. If his father had not died, he would not be suppressed by a group of old guys at this time.
Thinking of the instructions given by Dodai and others before going out, Raikage A tried hard to control his emotions, pondered for a while and then immediately responded, "How to ensure that all major ninja villages implement attrition?"
"If someone is secretly accumulating strength, how should this situation be handled?"
"More importantly, even if the number of ninja troops is stipulated, Konoha Ninja, which occupies more of the commission market, can surpass most of the countries here in cultivating elite ninjas."
"Each Ninja Village has different resources. Everyone here knows the land of Land of Fire."
Fourth Raikage did not speak rashly. He had obviously made a lot of plans. After pointing out the contradiction, he folded his arms and leaned back on the chair and stopped speaking.
Several leaders gave their own opinions. Kazekage Rasa was a little embarrassed at this time, but after being reminded by Chiyo, he still bravely followed up and expressed his position. "Sunagakure Ninja agrees with Konoha's plan."
"Unrestricted expansion will only make it difficult for the village to operate. A reasonable number of ninjas can solve many conflicts."
Rasa, who was leaning forward, once again chose to take sides. Seeing this scene, Tsuchikage and Raikage suddenly showed displeasure on their faces. Konoha brought his own vote...
Third Mizukage seemed to have anticipated this situation. He squinted his eyes and took over the topic again. "Controlling the quantity is no different from the plan I mentioned."
"Quantity is the key."
"Since Hokage is willing to make concessions, it means that we can continue to discuss this issue."
"Tsuchikage, do you want to continue the war? As far as I know, your casualty rate in Land of Grass is very high. In Iwagakure, most ninjas are already tired of war, right?"
Ōnoki got a little angry when he heard these words. Iwagakure really couldn't break through Konoha's defense line. The existence of Minato Namikaze made Iwagakure Ninja give up the mission many times.
In the next few minutes, Old Man's pointless arguments made Raikage almost leave on the spot.
Sarutobi Hiruzen promised readily, but did not make any commitments regarding the number of ninjas. When it came to the Land of Wind entrustment market, they introduced the terms of taking care of the Allies.
Third Mizukage is the most sincere and is simply a "peace messenger", but Kirigakure did not participate in the war, and "Talk no Jutsu" has no actual effect.
Ōnoki is extremely irritable, and there are many Iwagakure Ninja. He is extremely dissatisfied with the development restriction plan. No one supports him in the meeting, so he can only roar loudly.
Mifune sighed helplessly after seeing this scene. Limiting the number of ninjas is also conducive to the inheritance of samurai. This is the reason why he supports Mizukage.
But after seeing the proceedings of the meeting, Hokage's attitude of procrastinating as long as he could made him understand that when fundamental interests were involved, Konoha would not give in.
"Third Hokage agrees to this plan, uses Land of Wind to accumulate strength after the end of the war, and then Fourth Hokage overturns the agreement and starts a war?"
Not only Mifune thinks this way, but others also have similar speculations. After all, only Konoha has gained tangible benefits through the war. If it develops for a period of time, it will definitely become stronger.
"Everyone, since we have reached some preliminary consensus, we will take a short break at noon."
"Land of Iron is ready for this."
Mifune stood up to remind, Third Mizukage stood up slowly, still the first to agree.
When putting on the Mizukage bamboo hat, Third Mizukage did not forget to remind several people again, "War consumes resources every moment. If possible, reach a consensus as soon as possible."
Ōnoki did not retort as before. The old man had a thoughtful look on his face. He always felt that Mizukage was not normal and seemed to be too keen on peace.
This Mizukage, who has experienced First Five Kage Summit, has been in office for a long time, but due to Kirigakure's confidentiality policy, no one can learn the relevant information.
Fourth Raikage A also stood up. Kirigakure Ninja had contacted him before, but he was not from Mizukage.
He didn't know if Kirigakure's plan could still be launched as scheduled. The old guy didn't look like a puppet.
"It's a pity that I can't sense malice. I really want to know what this Mizukage is thinking."
Shu Furukawa looked at Mizukage who was leaving and whispered. Minato on the side also frowned slightly. He also noticed Mizukage's abnormal behavior and that the other party was too aggressive.
When the two appeared next to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the latter also put on Hokage's hat and left the room with a relaxed expression. At the same time, he asked in a low voice, "What do you think about controlling the number of ninjas?"
"It may be suitable for Kirigakure, but not for Konoha. Ninja troops are needed to protect the territory of Land of Fire. With more commissions and funds, expansion is the strategy everyone agrees with."
Minato simply answered, he is very clear about Jonin Division's situation, and reducing the number of ninjas will only cause conflicts between Ninja Clans and civilian ninjas.
"Ninjas who are not suitable for fighting can consider other professions."
"Chakra can be used in other aspects. In addition to medical treatment, the industry of Land of Lightning is also a reference direction."
Shu Furukawa also gave the answer. According to his observation, not many people who graduated from the Ninja Academy are suitable for combat. Chakra is only used in combat, which is still a bit wasteful.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded while holding Hokage's bamboo hat. Konoha needs to expand in an orderly manner in all aspects, but this task will be handed over to Tsunade: "Very good, stay vigilant and relax appropriately at the same time.
"At least there won't be any danger until the meeting is over."
Small Nations ninjas are also concerned about the progress of the Five Great Nations talks. After all, their survival often depends on nearby big countries.
After learning that Five Great Nations basically reached a truce agreement on the second day of the meeting, the ninjas of Land of Grass, Land of Hot Water, and Land of Frost breathed a sigh of relief.
If the war continues, they will continue to be "bleeded", and it will be painful for Small Nations just to bear part of the material supplies.
Land of Iron's talks were mainly the stage for Old Man. Fourth Kazekage and Fourth Raikage couldn't get a word in most of the time. Although the Kumogakure ninjas were very powerful, they were not stronger than Konoha.
The same goes for Fourth Raikage's personal strength. He was suppressed by Shu Furukawa on the battlefield and often needed support from Jinchuriki.
Such a situation resulted in Old Mans rarely referring to his opinions. Fourth Raikage endured it for two days, but on the third day he couldn't hold it in anymore. Faced with the accusations at the meeting, he roared loudly for the first time, "Kumogakure ninjas also have their own difficulties. If they want to better protect the village, they need to plunder!"
"Since you choose to become a ninja, being weak is an original sin."
These words were originally meant to defend Rasa's accusations, but Kumogakure ninjas have been robbing secret techniques everywhere for so many years. Not only have the other four major countries suffered plunder, but Small Nations has also suffered.
After the content of the meeting was exposed, the Small Nations messengers who were stationed at Land of Iron launched a protest together.
Land of Iron The hotel owner made a lot of money, and more and more ninjas gathered together. Regardless of the outcome of the meeting, as people of a neutral country, they all made a profit this time.
On the last day of the meeting, after being reminded by Dodai, Fourth Raikage A had to rein in his violent temper and let the three Old Man dominate the meeting.
"It seems that we have reached a consensus, and the next work will be left to the daimyo."
"I think this is a reasonable policy to gradually improve the selection standards for ninjas and reduce the burden of entrustment."
"This can be considered my last contribution after experiencing First Five Kage Summit!"
"This turbulent world needs peace, and war is not the only way to resolve conflicts."
Mizukage squinted his eyes and said these words calmly. The Raikage A on the other side almost rolled his eyes on the spot. These Old Man were all ridiculously arrogant and had not really considered his suggestions at all.
Ōnoki and Sarutobi Hiruzen had not personally participated in First Five Kage Summit. After hearing what the old man said, they both nodded along.
Iwagakure did not want to continue consuming, Konoha needed time to digest the Land of Wind commission market, and both of them agreed to a truce to organize the village's internal affairs.
"Since Lord Mizukage's proposal has been approved, we will sign this peace agreement together."
Although the number of ninjas could not be reduced immediately, Mifune was still very happy. As one of the initiators, Five Kage Summit could also increase his reputation this time.
"It went so well?"
Minato Namikaze whispered in surprise. Apart from guarding work these days, he spends the rest of his time taking photos and enjoying Land of Iron's delicious food.
Shu Furukawa quietly turned on Sage Mode, and Strength of a Hundred Seal flickered slightly. In his perception, Mizukage had another kind of Chakra fluctuation.
Compared with the previous few days, the fluctuations have increased significantly, and the words of the old man Mizukage sound more like a "farewell".
"If he chooses to go the same way as us, he should be doubly careful."
Shu Furukawa reminded softly, Minato did not question it, nodded seriously, and under the gaze of everyone in the room, Five Kage signed their names on the agreement.
"Hokage, if you don't mind chatting with me, Old Man, on the road!"
Hearing Mizukage's suggestion, Ōnoki rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "It just so happens that I don't want to take a boat anymore, so I'll walk a little way with you."
"Humph! What a boring meeting."
Fourth Raikage ignored the three old men and turned around to leave, leaving Dodai behind to apologize in a low voice.
Chiyo looked at the three people thoughtfully, and held down Rasa who wanted to leave and whispered for a while. In the end, Fourth Kazekage and his party chose to stay for one day, and Mifune smiled and expressed welcome.
In the afternoon, in the southwest of Land of Iron, far away from Three Wolves Mountain, the three old men looked back at the same time. Further ahead was a large pine forest, and they should separate here.
"What a beautiful snow scene! A completely different scene from Kirigakure."
"Mizukage, there is no need to delay, just say what you have to say."
Ōnoki pretended to be annoyed and complained, while Roshi and Kitsuchi behind him looked at a few people warily.
"Yes, at our age, there is no need to go around in circles."
Sarutobi Hiruzen held Hokage's bamboo hat and looked sideways at Mizukage. The meeting was beyond his expectation. The other party was really sincere in calling for peace.
Mizukage still squinted his eyes and seemed to be enjoying the cold weather. When he turned to look at the two of them, he said inexplicably, "I have achieved what I wanted. Next, it is your final dance."
Mizukage suddenly raised his left and right hands slightly, and used ninjutsu without any warning. The water droplets bursting out from his fingers disappeared with a bang as if breaking the sound barrier, "Water Gun Jutsu!"