Five Kage Summit Breakdown

At the border of the Land of Iron, across the vast snowy plains.

An iron sled pulled by three powerful snow ninja beasts raced over the accumulated snow, its body engraved with the samurai armor crest of the Land of Iron. Inside, the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, was wrapped in a thick fur cloak. She watched the snowy landscape retreat beyond the window, her brows tightly furrowed.

Kakashi and Yamato, seated across from her, wore equally grave expressions. The wording of the Five Kage Summit invitation had carried an unusual tension, and the various rumors that had reached them from Konoha before their departure had cast an even darker shadow over this journey.

"Lady Tsunade, we'll reach the Land of Iron's meeting venue in another half day." Yamato glanced at the map. "The envoy sent by Mifune, the Land of Iron's leader, said the other four Kage have already begun arriving."

"That hotheaded Raikage was definitely the first one there." Tsunade rubbed her temples. "That old man Ōnoki from the Rock Village won't be late either. What worries me now is... the atmosphere has already turned sour before the summit has even begun."

Kakashi pulled down his mask, revealing his ever-half-lidded eye. "Those recent rumors claiming that the Akatsuki may have some connection to Konoha... now that the matter of Lord Jiraiya's former disciple possessing the Rinnegan has been dug up, the other villages probably won't readily accept our explanation."

Tsunade waved a hand irritably. "Jiraiya did take in three war orphans as disciples in the Land of Rain, and one of them possessed the Rinnegan. But that was how many years ago? What happened to those children afterward, whether they were alive or dead, whether they truly became Pain of the Akatsuki—none of it is anything more than speculation and intelligence analysis. There's no conclusive evidence whatsoever!"

She paused, her voice low. "And even if... even if Pain really was Jiraiya's disciple back then, that would be his personal connection. What does it have to do with Konoha? Jiraiya traveled outside the village for years. How could Konoha control the path his disciples took?"

Yamato spoke cautiously. "Even so, from outsiders' perspective, Lord Jiraiya was one of Konoha's Sannin. If his disciple really became the leader of the Akatsuki, that connection..."

Before he could finish, urgent wingbeats sounded outside the sled. A Konoha communications hawk cut through the snowstorm and landed precisely beside the sled window. A red scroll—the highest-priority emergency intelligence—was tied to its leg.

Tsunade's expression changed. She swiftly untied the scroll and unfolded it. Her gaze swept over the words, and her green eyes immediately contracted. The knuckles of the hand clutching the scroll turned white.

"Lady Tsunade?" Kakashi sensed that something was wrong.

Tsunade did not answer. Instead, she slammed the scroll onto the low table inside the sled with a dull thud. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths before barely suppressing the anger that was on the verge of erupting.

Kakashi picked up the scroll and skimmed through it quickly. Even his usual lazy expression turned serious. Yamato leaned in to look and sucked in a sharp breath.

The scroll contained a handwritten report from ANBU Captain Aoba Yamashiro:

"Lord Hokage: At noon today, the escort team transporting Seven-Tails Jinchuriki Fū was ambushed in a gorge along the eastern border of the Land of Fire by the Akatsuki's Undying Duo, Kakuzu and Hidan, along with another member codenamed 'Sake.' Following a fierce battle, the results are as follows:

1. Seven-Tails Jinchuriki Fū was sealed and captured, then taken away by Zetsu. Her whereabouts are unknown.

2. Jonin Sarutobi Asuma died heroically while protecting his comrades, slain by Hidan's Evil God ritual.

3. After a desperate battle, Kakuzu was killed in action, death confirmed with all five hearts destroyed. Hidan was captured alive. His head has been returned to the village through the Flying Raijin Formation for sealing, while his body has been sealed separately.

4. 'Sake' escaped. This member possesses the rare Rock Transformation Kekkei Genkai and has been assessed as S-rank in combat strength.

5. Our casualties: one dead, Asuma; three severely wounded, Choji, Rock Lee, and Washi; six lightly wounded.

6. Based on battle analysis, the Akatsuki possessed precise knowledge of the escort route and personnel deployment. An intelligence leak is suspected. A thorough investigation is recommended.

—Respectfully submitted by Aoba Yamashiro"

Silence spread through the sled, broken only by the howling blizzard outside and the pounding footsteps of the ninja beasts.

After a long while, Tsunade finally opened her eyes, her voice hoarse. "Asuma... Kurenai is still pregnant..."

Kakashi carefully rolled the scroll back up. "Lady Tsunade, this isn't the time to grieve. We need to process this intelligence immediately. It will affect our position at the Five Kage Summit."

"Our position?" Tsunade sneered. "What position could we possibly have? Fū was taken while under our escort, Asuma died, and we captured two Akatsuki members—in the eyes of others, won't that just look like an act? 'Look, Konoha killed two Akatsuki members, but the tailed beast was still taken. It must be a staged sacrifice. Konoha must be colluding with the Akatsuki!'"

Yamato frowned. "Surely it won't go that far? Kakuzu and Hidan are unquestionably dead or captured. The Akatsuki lost two core members..."

"But the tailed beast is gone!" Tsunade cut him off. "To outsiders, sacrificing two 'pawns' in exchange for a tailed beast while conveniently clearing suspicion would seem like a very profitable deal, wouldn't it? Especially to that muscle-brained bastard Raikage. He'll definitely see it that way!"

Kakashi considered it. "Lady Tsunade is right. To the other villages, especially Kumogakure, the Rock Village, and the Mist Village, all of which have just lost tailed beasts, this intelligence not only won't prove our innocence—it may deepen their suspicions. They'll wonder: why could Konoha kill two Akatsuki members but fail to protect the Jinchuriki? Did we deliberately hold back?"

"Then what should we do?" Yamato asked. "Hide the intelligence? But paper can't cover fire. The other villages certainly have intelligence networks too. They'll find out sooner or later."

Tsunade looked out the window again. The snowfall was growing heavier.

"Tell them the truth." She finally gritted out. "Asuma cannot have died in vain. His sacrifice was real, and Fū's capture was real. As for whether others believe it... hmph, I, Tsunade of the Senju Clan, don't need to explain myself to a bunch of paranoid fools! Besides, Konoha itself only suspects that Jiraiya's disciple may be connected to Pain. We have no proof. If they want to make an issue of something so baseless, then let them!"

Despite her words, her fists were clenched tightly. Kakashi and Yamato could both feel the pressure this normally bold and forthright Hokage was bearing.

The iron sled continued through the snowstorm toward the Land of Iron.

And at the meeting venue ahead, a storm was waiting for them.

Land of Iron, City of Samurai.

Inside the circular conference chamber, the atmosphere was already exceedingly tense.

Fourth Raikage A sat with his arms crossed, every muscle in his body taut. Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki floated above his seat, his old eyes sharp. Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi held herself with elegance, but her gaze was icy. Fourth Kazekage Gaara sat in silence. Mifune, leader of the Land of Iron, sat straight-backed with a stern expression.

"The Hokage still isn't here." The Raikage spoke first, his voice like thunder. "What an attitude."

Ōnoki chuckled. "Young people always like to put on airs. Though Tsunade... she should be over fifty by now, shouldn't she? Not exactly young anymore."

Mei Terumi raised her teacup. "Perhaps she received some news on the road and was delayed. I heard the Land of Fire's borders have been rather unsettled lately."

Gaara remained silent.

Mifune said solemnly, "There is still a quarter hour until the agreed time. The Hokage should arrive punctually. Please remain calm, everyone."

"Remain calm?" The Raikage snorted. "My village was attacked and the Two-Tails was taken, yet you're telling me to remain calm?!"

Ōnoki followed up, "The Rock Village suffered even greater losses. In comparison, Konoha has remained perfectly unharmed."

Mei Terumi set down her teacup. "The Mist Village is a victim as well. How strange. Why has the Akatsuki been so 'courteous' to Konoha?"

Gaara finally spoke, his voice calm. "As far as I know, Konoha's Seven-Tails Jinchuriki was also attacked recently."

"Oh? Is that so?" Ōnoki raised a brow. "Is the information accurate?"

At that moment, the conference chamber doors were pushed open.

"Whether the information is accurate or not, Lord Tsuchikage, why not see the report for yourself!"

Tsunade strode into the chamber, her fur cloak billowing behind her. Kakashi and Yamato followed at her left and right.

She stopped before her seat and swept her gaze over the other four Kage. "My apologies for being late. We received urgent intelligence on the road."

The Raikage abruptly rose to his feet. "Tsunade! You—"

"Sit down, A," Tsunade said coldly. "If you want to throw a tantrum, go back to Kumogakure and do it there."

"You—!"

Mifune hurriedly stood. "Both of you, please calm down!"

Ōnoki floated up to smooth things over. "All right, all right. Tsunade, you were late."

"We received urgent intelligence on the road and were delayed." Tsunade sat down. "Since everyone is here, I'll be direct: recently, Konoha's team escorting Seven-Tails Jinchuriki Fū was ambushed by the Akatsuki at the border of the Land of Fire."

She drew a deep breath. "Seven-Tails Jinchuriki Fū was captured and taken away by the Akatsuki. Konoha Jonin Sarutobi Asuma... died in the line of duty."

A brief silence followed.

Then the Raikage erupted into shrill laughter. "Hahahaha! Keep acting! Go on, keep acting!"

Tsunade's face darkened instantly. "What do you mean by that?"

"What do I mean?" The Raikage stopped laughing, his face full of mockery. "One Jonin dies and a tailed beast is lost. Then what? How many Akatsuki members died? How many were injured?"

"The Akatsuki's Undying Duo, Kakuzu and Hidan," Tsunade said one word at a time. "Kakuzu was killed. Hidan was captured alive. Another member codenamed 'Sake' escaped."

She looked toward Mifune. "Lord Mifune, please allow my guard to present the evidence."

Kakashi stepped forward, placed a sealing scroll on the table, and unsealed it. Photographs of Kakuzu's remains and copies of the battle report were passed among the four Kage.

Ōnoki studied the photographs carefully. "It really is Kakuzu... that monster who lived for more than ninety years."

After reading the report, Mei Terumi looked up at Tsunade. "Jonin Asuma... my condolences. However, Lady Tsunade, this battle report is quite interesting. The Akatsuki deployed three people, you killed two, yet allowed the third to take away the tailed beast... isn't that a rather backwards tactical arrangement?"

Tsunade snapped her gaze toward her. "Mei Terumi, watch your words!"

"Am I wrong?" Mei Terumi did not retreat in the slightest. "If you had the ability to kill Kakuzu and Hidan, why didn't you devote all your strength to protecting the Jinchuriki?"

Ōnoki stepped in to "smooth things over" again. "The Mizukage is merely raising a reasonable question. Tsunade, don't get worked up. Still, speaking of which, the Akatsuki's lineup this time... for Konoha to kill two people against such a force is indeed impressive. But..."

He deliberately drew out the last word. "Why did the Akatsuki choose to strike precisely while Konoha was escorting her? And how did they know the route and personnel deployment so thoroughly?"

The implication was clear: Konoha had an insider.

Gaara spoke slowly. "I believe the Hokage did everything she could. I personally experienced the Akatsuki's strength when I was captured."

The Raikage immediately turned on him. "Kazekage, of course you'd speak for Konoha! Everyone knows the Sand Village and Konoha are in bed together now!"

"Lord Raikage!" Gaara's voice turned cold. "Watch your language."

"The fact is that Konoha hasn't suffered a damn thing while our three villages have taken devastating losses!" The Raikage sneered. "The fact is that the Akatsuki's leader may be the disciple of Konoha ninja Jiraiya! The fact is that the Seven-Tails was now 'coincidentally' lost under Konoha's escort—whether it was really lost is still up for debate!"

Tsunade slammed a fist into the iron table!

Boom—!

Fine cracks spread across the tabletop.

"Fourth Raikage A!" Tsunade pointed at him, her voice sharp. "Jiraiya took in three war orphans as disciples in the Land of Rain years ago, and one of them possessed the Rinnegan—this is no secret among the Shinobi World's upper ranks. But that was how many years ago? Whether those children lived or died afterward, whether they truly became Pain of the Akatsuki, Konoha has no conclusive evidence! This is merely an intelligence-based deduction!"

She fixed her eyes on the Raikage. "If you have proof that Pain was Jiraiya's disciple back then and proof that Konoha is colluding with the Akatsuki, bring it out now! If you don't, then shut that mouth of yours that does nothing but make wild accusations!"

The Raikage rose as well, and the two faced each other across the table. "Proof? What more proof do you need?! The Akatsuki alone hasn't attacked Konoha—that's a fact! Jiraiya may be connected to Pain—that's a fact! The Seven-Tails was so 'conveniently' taken under Konoha's escort—and you just happened to kill two Akatsuki members to clear suspicion—that's also a fact!"

"Bastard! Asuma really died! His wife is still pregnant! Would you use your subordinate's life and unborn child to put on an act?!" Tsunade's eyes nearly spat fire.

"Who knows if it wasn't a staged sacrifice?" The Raikage refused to yield an inch. "One Jonin in exchange for a tailed beast and cleared suspicion is a great bargain!"

Those words were far too vicious.

Kakashi and Yamato stepped forward at the same time. Mabui and Shi also went on guard.

Mifune hurriedly moved between them. "Both of you! Please calm down!"

Ōnoki floated over as well. "Yes, yes, both of you should say less. Raikage, that was a bit too much."

Mei Terumi said softly, "However, Lord Raikage's doubts... are not entirely without reason. Lady Hokage, could you explain why the Akatsuki's attitude toward Konoha is so 'special'? And regarding the possible connection between Lord Jiraiya and Pain, did Konoha know beforehand? Even if it was only a suspicion?"

Tsunade trembled with rage. Looking at the people before her, she suddenly felt a profound exhaustion.

"Explain?" Her voice suddenly became calm. "Why should I explain? Konoha did conduct analysis and speculation about the rumors that Jiraiya's disciple might be connected to Pain, but we have no evidence whatsoever. If the other villages possess conclusive evidence, then bring it out. If not, then don't use such baseless rumors to accuse Konoha."

Her gaze swept over everyone. "As for why the Akatsuki hasn't attacked Konoha... perhaps it's because Konoha is stronger than all of you, and they don't dare. Does that explanation satisfy you?"

"Arrogant!" The Raikage flew into a rage. "Tsunade, do you really think Konoha is invincible?!"

"Whether we are invincible or not, you can try us," Tsunade said coldly. "But don't blame me for failing to warn you. If Kumogakure dares attack Konoha, bear the consequences yourselves."

"You're threatening me?!"

"It's a warning."

"Enough!" Mifune roared. "Both Kage! Remember your identities!"

Ōnoki floated forward. "Oh dear, young people are always so hot-blooded. Tsunade, Raikage, both of you should say less."

Mei Terumi said gently, "What matters most now is how to deal with the Akatsuki. They already have seven tailed beasts. If we continue fighting among ourselves, we'll be playing right into their hands."

Though her words sounded conciliatory, they subtly turned the spearhead back toward Konoha.

The Raikage was indeed reminded of it. He glared at Tsunade. "Tsunade, since you claim Konoha has nothing to do with the Akatsuki, then prove it to me. Hand over Two-Tails Jinchuriki Yugito Nii—she was taken after Konoha's intelligence leak. Konoha is responsible!"

Tsunade could hardly believe her ears. "What did you say?"

"I said, hand over the Two-Tails!" The Raikage enunciated each word. "Yugito Nii was attacked only after you Konoha people leaked Akatsuki intelligence! Konoha must take responsibility!"

"Absurd!" Tsunade laughed in anger. "Raikage, did lightning fry your brain? The Two-Tails was taken from Kumogakure. What does that have to do with Konoha?! We shared intelligence so you could strengthen your defenses. You were the ones who failed, too useless to protect your own Jinchuriki!"

"If not for your intelligence making us misjudge the situation, why would we have placed Yugito Nii at a standard secure location?! Pain launched a direct frontal assault! Those are entirely different tactics!" the Raikage roared. "Konoha's intelligence was outright misleading!"

"You—!"

"And," the Raikage continued roaring, "the Akatsuki now has seven tailed beasts. The remaining two are on our side. If Konoha truly wants to fight the Akatsuki, then hand over the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki so the Five Kage can protect him together! Or is it that... Konoha simply can't bear to give up the Nine-Tails, that strategic weapon?"

Ōnoki's eyes flickered. "Protecting them together... that is an idea."

Mei Terumi smiled. "Yes. After all, the Akatsuki's next targets are very clear. For the Shinobi World's safety, concentrating the remaining two tailed beasts for protection is reasonable."

Gaara frowned slightly.

Looking at these people, Tsunade suddenly felt nauseated.

She slowly rose to her feet, her voice as cold as iron. "I understand now. This Five Kage Summit... has no meaning at all."

She turned and headed for the door.

"Lady Hokage!" Mifune called out urgently.

"It's over." Tsunade did not look back. "There's nothing to discuss with a group of fools who only know how to fight among themselves."

The Raikage shouted after her, "Tsunade! If you dare leave, you'll make an enemy of the entire Shinobi World!"

Tsunade abruptly turned around, astonishing killing intent bursting from her eyes. "Make an enemy of the entire Shinobi World? A, you do not represent the Shinobi World. And besides..."

She paused, her voice decisive. "If this so-called 'Shinobi World' is nothing but a pack of people who know only suspicion, blame, and scheming, then what if I become its enemy?!"

"Konoha fears no challenge. You want war? I'll oblige."

With that, she pushed open the heavy iron doors of the conference chamber and strode away. Kakashi and Yamato gave Mifune slight bows of apology, then quickly followed her.

The conference chamber fell deathly silent.

After a long while, the Raikage viciously smashed a fist into the table—this time, the table split completely with a crack.

"Did you see that?! That is Konoha's attitude!"

Ōnoki sighed. "Young people... they simply can't keep their composure."

Mei Terumi shook her head. "The summit has broken down. Next... the Shinobi World will likely fall into chaos."

Gaara silently rose. "Since the summit cannot reach a consensus, the Sand Village will take its leave as well. But... I hope everyone understands that the Akatsuki is the true enemy."

He left with Kankuro.

The remaining three Kage looked at one another. Mifune stared at the cracked table and the empty seats, then let out a long sigh.

The Five Kage Summit had completely collapsed less than two hours after it began.

The Shinobi World's fractures had not been healed. They had only grown deeper.

And all of it was witnessed by Zetsu's clone, which relayed it back to Amegakure.

The Akatsuki's plan was proceeding smoothly.