"They're just a few more logs for the fire!"
Chiya's arrogant words seemed to linger atop the High Tower in Flame Emperor City.
As news of the "Shinobi World Peace Summit" spread, the entire shinobi world settled into the calm before the storm. The Five Great Nations were feverishly preparing their allied army, the samurai of the Land of Iron were sharpening their blades, and Obito and Kabuto Yakushi, hiding in dark corners, were frantically laying plans for their own ambitions.
But to Chiya, the month-long wait was far too long and boring.
[Flame Emperor City · Supreme Administrative Hall]
Konan sat at her desk, working through mountains of documents. Since Amegakure had been renamed "Flame Emperor City," its isolationist policies had been abolished. With the injection of Akatsuki's vast funds, the entire city was developing at an astonishing pace.
"Lord Chiya, are you really leaving now?"
Konan looked up at the black-clad figure standing by the window. Even from behind, his commanding presence was unmistakable, and her eyes filled with worry.
"The Five Great Nations don't dare make any rash moves right now, but going deep behind enemy lines alone..."
"Alone?"
Chiya turned, an amused smile curling his lips.
"Who said I was going there to fight a war?"
He waved the map in his hand. Several prominent locations had been circled in red-Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure...
"I'm going to collect the 'admission fees.'"
Chiya's gaze fell on Kumogakure's location, his purple Rinnegan flickering faintly.
"Since those five old fossils haven't come to the summit yet, as their host, I ought to prepare a few 'gifts' in advance."
"The system told me that the chakra of the nine tailed beasts is an essential piece of the puzzle if I want to fully unlock that blade's final form."
"Rather than