The Tower, conference room.
As the meeting's organizer, Ōnoki took out stacks of documents and handed them to the ninja representing the other four villages. They contained the information he had gathered on the Akatsuki members.
The other four Kage had read similar reports countless times, but they still frowned when they saw the material Ōnoki provided.
Akatsuki had defeated Sunagakure and Kirigakure before.
Strictly speaking, however, Sunagakure and Kirigakure were no match for the other Three Great Shinobi Villages. They had always been at a disadvantage in the Shinobi World Wars.
Iwagakure was different. Ōnoki's Dust Release was the only kekkei tōta in the Shinobi World, and his village had a force of over ten thousand Rock Ninja. It was one of the powers that shaped the Shinobi World.
Yet even a force as powerful as Iwagakure had suffered an utterly humiliating defeat at Akatsuki's hands.
The enemy had withdrawn not because of the Rock Ninja reinforcements, but because of an internal rebellion.
After reading the documents, Mei Terumi, who had been appointed Acting Mizukage, propped her chin on one hand and said, "In any case, Orochimaru and Shinnō betraying Akatsuki is good news... that means fewer enemies for us to face."
The Third Hokage looked at Mei Terumi in confusion. "How do you know Orochimaru and Shinnō were the ones who betrayed them?"
Mei Terumi tapped the table. "Kirigakure has captured Akatsuki's Shinnō. He told us about their current situation."
Pausing, Mei Terumi turned to the Raikage and said, "Lord Raikage, Akatsuki's next move will be to attack the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails. Please be careful."
"Killer B has already been attacked. The assailant was the President." The Raikage looked thoroughly displeased, then asked impatiently, "Acting Mizukage, where is Shinnō? Have him tell us where the jinchūriki are..."
Mei