Five Kage Summit Amid War

News of the arrival of the Mist Village troops spread throughout Konoha's temporary command center at dawn.

When Mei Terumi led Ao into the Hokage Office, it was already full of people. This was a true "gathering of the Five Kage"—although the representative of Iwagakure was Kurotsuchi, who was temporarily acting Tsuchikage, Ōnoki's dying instructions granted her full Kage Level authority.

The atmosphere in the office was heavy and oppressive.

Tsunade sat in the main seat, with Jiraiya, Shikaku, and Kakashi behind her. Gaara sat to her left, with Temari and Kankuro standing behind her. A sat to her right, with Darui and Hii standing beside him. Kurotsuchi sat next to A, with Kurotsuchi standing beside her. Kurotsuchi's youthful face no longer had its former liveliness, only a heavy sense of responsibility.

Naruto, having completed his examination, was also allowed to attend the meeting. He stood beside Kakashi, his golden Chakra Cloak concealed, but the immense Chakra fluctuations were still faintly perceptible.

"Mizukage, please have a seat." Tsunade gestured to the empty chair.

Mei Terumi nodded and sat down, with Ao standing behind her. Her gaze swept over everyone in the room, finally settling on Tsunade.

"Hokage, all 5,000 elite troops from Mist Village have entered Konoha and are currently resting in the logistics area," she reported concisely. "The troops are in good condition and ready for battle at any time."

"Thank you for your hard work," Tsunade said. "Well then, let's begin. Time is running out."

She looked at Shikaku. Konoha's strategist stood up and walked to the huge map hanging in the center of the office. On the map, Konoha's defensive deployment was densely marked with different colored markers, and on the outskirts of Konoha, several red arrows pointed to the village from different directions.

"First, information sharing." Shikaku's voice was calm and clear. "This is a segment specifically prepared for the Mizukage. The rest of you are already aware of it, but please remain silent."

He paused, making sure everyone's attention was focused.

"First, the person who claims to be Madara Uchiha is actually Obito Uchiha," Shikaku said. "He was Konoha Genin who was presumed dead in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge sixteen years ago, a student of the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, and a teammate of Kakashi Hatake."

This information caused Mei Terumi's pupils to contract slightly. She looked at Kakashi, the Copy Ninja, whose head was bowed and whose only visible eye, his right eye, held a complex mix of emotions.

"Secondly, Akatsuki's envoy 'Sake' is a Konoha spy," Shikaku continued. "His true identity cannot be revealed for the time being, but he has been providing us with core intelligence about Akatsuki. Detailed information about the battlefield in Waterfall Country, Obito's tactical habits, the characteristics of the White Zetsu army—all this intelligence comes from him."

Mei Terumi's fingers unconsciously tightened around the armrests of her chair. The envoy declaring war was a spy? The man who coldly announced the start of war when Kirigakure declared it, the powerful figure who made her feel tangible pressure—was he actually from Konoha?

She suddenly recalled the Raikage's accusations at the Five Kage Summit. At that time, A insisted that Akatsuki was Konoha's front man, which she thought was too extreme. But now it seemed... at least part of what he said was true.

"Third, Sasuke Uchiha." Shikaku's voice rose slightly, "This descendant of the Uchiha Clan, possessing the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, will participate in the war as an ally of the Allied Forces. The exact time and manner of his appearance are unknown, but it is certain that his goal is to kill Obito and destroy the Akatsuki."

The news caused a slight commotion in the office.

Naruto's eyes lit up instantly. Sasuke was going to join the battle? Sasuke would become an ally? He almost jumped up and cheered, but Jiraiya's hand landed on his shoulder just in time, signaling him to be quiet.

Mei Terumi quickly analyzed the intelligence. Obito Uchiha was the real enemy, the envoy declaring war was an undercover agent, Sasuke Uchiha was an ally—this meant that the relationship between Akatsuki and Konoha was far more complex than it appeared. It wasn't a simple matter of control and being controlled, but a more bizarre state of mutual infiltration and hostility.

Meanwhile, Mist Village almost chose the wrong side due to a misjudgment.

"This intelligence..." Mei Terumi began slowly, "Why is it only being shared now?"

"Because before Mist Village made its stance clear, this was top secret," Tsunade answered frankly. "We can't risk letting this information leak to Obito. Now that Mist Village is part of the Allied Forces, it has the right to know the truth."

This explanation makes sense, but Mei Terumi can hear the subtext: if Mist Village chooses neutrality or hostility, she will never know this information. And Mist Village, unaware of this information, is likely to make fatal mistakes in strategic judgment.

She suddenly felt a wave of fear.

I'm glad I chose the coalition.

Otherwise, regardless of who wins or loses this war, Mist Village may become the biggest loser.

"I understand," Mei Terumi finally said. "Thank you all for your trust."

The intelligence-sharing session concluded. A brief silence fell over the office as everyone processed the impact of this information.

Then, Shikaku tapped the map, drawing everyone's attention back to reality.

"Second item on the agenda: tactical deployment for tomorrow." His voice regained its rationality and calmness. "According to current intelligence, Obito will launch a general offensive tomorrow—approximately twenty-four hours from now. In the previous battles, he didn't bring the White Zetsu army, only the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and six Jinchuriki Six Paths Clones Jinchuriki clones. This means he intends to engage in a purely high-level combat showdown. But no one knows whether tomorrow's battle will be the same..."

"Regardless of whether the White Zetsu army participates in tomorrow's battle, my suggestion is," A spoke up, his voice as direct as his personality, "To withdraw all ordinary Chunin and Genin to the rear. This war is different from the past; high-level combat power is the key to victory. Sending those children to the front lines will only increase casualties and serve no purpose."

This suggestion made the atmosphere in the office even more tense.

Tsunade and Gaara exchanged a glance, then nodded simultaneously.

"I agree," Gaara said. "The elite Jonin of Sand Village will stay, but the Chunin and Genin can evacuate."

"Konoha too." Tsunade to several evacuation route markers on the map. "We've prepared three evacuation routes leading to a backup base thirty kilometers behind. These personnel will be evacuated immediately before the battle begins."

Mei Terumi frowned. "But doesn't Akatsuki still have an army of 100,000 White Zetsu? If we withdraw our Chunin force, what if the White Zetsu army suddenly appears? Won't our defenses be breached?"

This is a reasonable concern.

But Tsunade's answer was straightforward, "According to the information provided by 'Sake,' Obito's current mentality is 'arrogance.' Since he chose not to bring the White Zetsu army in the previous war, and instead launched an attack directly with the Jinchuriki's Six Paths Clones and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, it shows that he wants a quick victory. If we wait for the White Zetsu to engage in a war of attrition, it will only prolong the war—and this is something neither side wants to see."

Kurotsuchi then spoke up. The young acting Tsuchikage's voice carried a maturity born from experience on the battlefield. "We witnessed Obito's fighting style on the battlefield of the Waterfall Country. He doesn't care about the casualties of ordinary ninjas, because he himself is the strongest weapon. Against such an enemy, leaving Chunin and Genin would only increase pointless sacrifices."

She paused, then looked at Mei Terumi: "We're on the defensive this time. Leaving behind the Barrier Team, the medical team, and a sufficient number of elite Jonin is enough. The ordinary combat forces should retreat as far as possible."

Since both Kage, who had just experienced a direct battle with Obito, said so, Mei Terumi didn't insist any further. She nodded in agreement.

"Then it's settled." Tsunade made the decision. "Arrange for evacuation immediately after the meeting. All ninjas who remain must be at Special Jonin or elite Chunin with special abilities."

This decision meant that the total strength of the coalition forces would be reduced from nearly 48,000 to less than 10,000. But those who remained were the true elite.

The next question is even more crucial.

"So," A's gaze swept over the people in the room, finally settling on Tsunade, "The core question: how to kill Obito Uchiha?"

The office fell silent.

Everyone knows this is the most crucial question. While the six Jinchuriki and their Six Paths Clones are powerful, once Obito, the core, dies, those clones will lose control. But the question is—how to kill them?

"We have limited knowledge of Obito's strength," A continued, his voice heavy. "In the Waterfall Country, he forced Ōnoki to fight desperately with just one Tengai Shinsei. If Ninjutsu of that scale were to fall on Konoha, the consequences would be unimaginable. We need a plan to counter attacks of that level."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Naruto.

"There's another question." A's voice sharpened. "As the last Jinchuriki of a Tailed Beast, does Konoha really intend to have Naruto Uzumaki participate in the war directly?"

This question is like a stone thrown into calm water, creating ripples.

All eyes were on Naruto. The blond boy stood there, meeting everyone's gaze, his face showing no hesitation, only determination.

Tsunade was silent for a few seconds. She had considered this issue long ago and discussed it countless times with Jiraiya, Shikaku, and Kakashi. Neji had also clearly stated that Naruto was the Child of Prophecy and the key to this war. But while she could make decisions on behalf of Konoha, she could not disregard the opinions of other ninja villages.

"Ah, I understand your concerns," Tsunade finally spoke, her voice clear and firm. "But I must make one thing clear: Naruto's strength has surpassed that of a typical Kage Level. In Nine-Tails Mode and Senjutsu Mode, his combat power is an indispensable part of the Allied Forces."

She looked directly into Raikage's eyes.

"I cannot guarantee that Naruto won't be captured by Obito —just as I cannot guarantee that I, or anyone here, won't die in the war. But I can make it clear on behalf of Konoha: Naruto will not only participate in the war, but will be one of our main forces."

This statement is strong, but also dangerous.

Tsunade then added, "Of course, this is the Five Kage Summit, and my opinion only represents Konoha. Everyone can express their thoughts, and then we will proceed with the final vote."

The atmosphere in the office became more subtle.

Gaara fell into thought. As a former Jinchuriki and Naruto's friend, he understood Naruto's power and his determination to protect Naruto. But as the Kazekage, as a leader responsible for Sand Village, he had to rationally assess the risks.

If Naruto were to join the battle, and were Obito, the Nine-Tails would be extracted, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path gather the Tailed Beast Chakra, and the Complete Ten-Tails would be resurrected... At that point, who could stand against Obito?

"I..." Gaara began slowly, his voice filled with struggle, "I don't think Naruto should participate in the battle."

This statement stunned Naruto. He looked at Gaara, his eyes filled with confusion and hurt.

Ai nodded. "I agree with the Kazekage's opinion. The risk is too great. If Naruto is captured, the tide of battle will turn instantly. We can't gamble on that possibility."

Kurotsuchi spoke up, her voice soft but firm. "Iwagakure agrees. The opportunity to retreat, which Lord Ōnoki risked his life for, cannot be wasted because of an uncertain factor."

Three votes against.

Mei Terumi watched this scene, quickly weighing the options in her mind. From a rational perspective, A and Gaara were right. Naruto was a tremendous asset, but also a huge risk. If Obito's main objective was to capture the Nine-Tails, then having Naruto participate in the battle was tantamount to placing the biggest bait in front of the enemy.

But from another perspective...

She looked at Naruto. The boy was clenching his fists, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes burned with a flame of unwillingness. She had seen that look before—on the faces of those young ninjas in Mist Village who were eager to prove themselves. It was the look of a warrior, the look of someone unwilling to hide in the back and wanting to fight alongside their comrades.

"Mist Village..." Mei Terumi finally said, "Remain neutral and do not express any opinion."

The results of the four votes are in: three against, one neutral, and one in favor.

Tsunade took a deep breath. She looked at Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Shikaku — the Konoha leaders all wore complex expressions. They knew Naruto's importance, but they also understood the other Kage's concerns.

"I understand," Tsunade finally said, her voice tinged with weariness. "Then, according to the majority opinion, Naruto will not participate for the time being."

"But Tsunade Tsunade--!" Naruto finally couldn't hold back anymore, but before he could finish speaking, Jiraiya covered his mouth.

"However," Tsunade continued, "Naruto doesn't need to retreat to the rear. He can stay at the front-line command post, responsible for sensing and support. If the battle goes against us, if it comes to the point where we have to use all our forces—he must be allowed to participate."

This compromise gave the few opposing party members pause for thought.

Ai finally nodded. "Okay. But there must be a clear bottom line—what constitutes 'unfavorable situation' needs to be defined in advance."

"When the Allied Forces suffer more than a third of their high-end combat power losses, or Obito is about to break through the last line of defense," Shikaku immediately set the standard, "At that time, regardless of the outcome, Naruto must participate in the battle."

This standard is harsh, but reasonable.

The other cinemas all nodded in agreement.

Naruto wanted to say something, but Jiraiya placed his hand on his shoulder and shook his head forcefully. There was an undeniable sense of command in that force.

The boy finally lowered his head, clenching his fists even tighter.

The meeting then moved into a discussion of tactical details. Shikaku pointed out several key defensive nodes on the map and assigned defensive zones to each village. Mist Village was assigned to the southeast, a relatively weak area of Konoha's barrier, but also the direction Obito was least likely to attack—because it was far from the command post where Nine-Tails was located.

"This is to accommodate Mist Village," Shikaku explained. "You've just arrived and need time to familiarize yourselves with the environment and recover your strength. The southeast direction faces the least defensive pressure; your main task is to prevent a possible surprise attack by the White Zetsu army."

Mei Terumi nodded in acceptance. She knew it was a reasonable arrangement, but she also understood that it might reflect a lack of complete trust in the new ally.

The meeting lasted for one hour.

After all the tactical plans had been discussed and everyone's tasks had been clarified, the office fell into a final silence.

Outside the window, it was already fully light. Morning light streamed in through the window, casting bright spots of light on the floor. In the distance, the commands of ninjas gathering could be heard, along with the clamor of logistics troops moving supplies and the Chakra fluctuations of the Barrier Team making their final adjustments to the barrier.

War is imminent.

"Well then," Tsunade stood up, looking around at everyone in the room, "This is our last formal meeting as the Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. For the next twenty-four hours, please make your final preparations according to the plan. After six o'clock tomorrow, regardless of whether Obito shows up or not, we will be on high alert."

She paused, her voice becoming heavy.

"This war may change everything in the Shinobi World. People may die, people may lose loved ones, and the world we know may completely collapse."

"But we had no choice."

"Because behind us are tens of thousands of civilians, children who haven't even grown up yet, ordinary people who believe we will protect them. Because we are the Shadow—the guardians of this world."

"Now, everyone, please..."

Tsunade took a deep breath and then bowed deeply.

"Give it your all, fight to the very end."

In the office, all the shadows stood up and returned the greeting with their respective forms of etiquette.

There were no grand pronouncements, no impassioned vows.

There was only one heavy, almost tragic determination.

The meeting has ended.

Everyone left the office one after another to carry out their respective tasks. Mei Terumi and Ao were the last to leave; at the door, she looked back one last time.

Tsunade was still standing in front of the map, her fingers unconsciously tracing the location of Konoha. Jiraiya leaned against the window, watching the assembled ninja forces outside, his usual playful expression gone. Shikaku was quickly jotting something down, the pen scratching on the paper. Kakashi stood beside Naruto, whispering something, while Naruto lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Those were the leaders of Konoha in their final moments before the war.

She herself will lead five thousand elite troops from the Mist Village to the same battlefield.

"Lord Mizukage." Ao's voice rang in my ears.

Mei Terumi withdrew her gaze and turned to walk down the corridor.

The morning light stretched her shadow long.

Twenty-four hours later, everything will begin.

Or the end.