In the guest room for foreign guests, in Konoha.
"Now, it's a matter of life and death!"
The Fourth Raikage in a muffled voice, his face full of impatience.
"Yes, I know things are urgent, but it is precisely because things are urgent that we need to be more careful. Raikage, why don't you think about it some more and see if there are any details that haven't been clarified, so that we can formulate a more detailed and accurate response plan?"
With half-white hair, a round face, and a plump figure, Torifu Akimichi calmly responded to the Fourth Raikage, practicing Tai Chi.
On the other side, Orochimaru was leisurely drinking tea.
Diagonally opposite them were Mei Terumī and Pakura, standing side by side by the window, watching the lively scene in Konoha outside.
The Fourth Raikage was, after all, a Kage, so Konoha needed a high-ranking official to receive him. Uchiha Fugaku, along with Nara Shikaku, served as temporary assistants to arrange various aspects of the Fifth Hokage's ascension to the Hokage Building.
The only ones who can step forward are Torifu Akimichi and Orochimaru.
The main purpose was to have the experienced, mild-mannered, and smooth-talking Torifu Akimichi do this.
Orochimaru simply felt that the Hokage inauguration ceremony involved too many things and was too troublesome, so he delegated everything to others and took a break from his busy schedule.
The Fourth Raikage, with his fiery temper, was truly disgusted by Torifu Akimichi and couldn't help but want to stand up and slam his fist on the table. However, remembering that this was Konoha, he could only sit down angrily.
"Torifu, I know that Konoha is currently preparing for Uchiha Meikyō's Hokage ceremony as Hokage, but this time it's not just a simple attack, we've lost four Tailed Beasts at once!"
It was you who lost your Tailed Beast, not us.
Torifu Akimichi took a sip of tea, inwardly grumbling, but still managed a friendly smile on his face.
"Oh, it's alright, Raikage. There are still two Tailed Beasts in Konoha. According to the information that Uchiha Itachi, who infiltrated Akatsuki Organization, sent back from our village, Uchiha Madara needs to gather Nine Tailed Beasts to revive the Ten-Tails. Now that the Three-Tails and Nine-Tails are in Konoha, and they are being protected by high-ranking combatants who have mastered Space-Time Ninjutsu, there's no chance of anything going wrong!"
Torifu Akimichi said with a smile.
The Fourth Raikage hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't help but sigh.
The key issue is that his sworn brother Killer B was also captured by Madara!
If they can't be rescued in time and Madara manages to extract the Eight-Tails, then Killer B will be doomed too.
The Fourth Raikage really wanted to rescue Killer B himself, but he knew very well that if he went, he would just be throwing his life away.
Currently, only Konoha in the entire Ninja World possesses the power to fight against Madara.
But will Konoha agree?
That's unlikely; Konoha would definitely prioritize its own interests.
"Senior Torifu, I know what you are thinking, but... as long as Bi can be rescued, I am willing to pay any price, even my life."
The Fourth Raikage spoke earnestly.
"Raikage, you should know how much your life is worth to Konoha. There's no need to say more. This is a crucial moment in Konoha's history. I think nothing should affect this. If there is anything, Raikage, you might as well wait a while and talk to the newly appointed Fifth Hokage."
Orochimaru put down his teacup, his slender snake eyes fixed on the Fourth Raikage, and said with a half-smile.
The Fourth Raikage looked conflicted and did not answer.
He understood the meaning behind Orochimaru's words.
If you want Konoha to take immediate action, the price of the Fourth Raikage's life alone is not enough.
What else do they have?
Even if he was a hot-tempered brute, the Fourth Raikage was still a Kage who had served for more than ten years, and he was not without any political wisdom.
Given this situation, Konoha probably won't value those resources, money, or even land as much as it used to.
The only thing Konoha truly values, or rather, the only thing Konoha would consider in the entire Kumogakure, is probably the Kumogakure itself.
Does he have the determination to be the Fourth Raikage?
Moreover, even though he is the Kage of Kumogakure, this is not a matter that he can decide alone.
And...
I am the Raikage of Kumogakure, the Kage who carries the village on my shoulders... I cannot place the safety of one person above the safety of the entire village, even if that person is my own brother, or even myself, just as my father did...
The Fourth Raikage gradually came to an answer, and reluctantly picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
Sorry, Bi.
Mei Terumī and Pakura exchanged a glance, both seeing the complex emotions in each other's eyes.
When did the village's shadow fall to this state?
The proud and irritable Fourth Raikage was forced by reality to speak humbly to the Konoha High Command. The Fifth Kazekage and the Fifth Mizukage were both living under someone else's roof and were even being used as tools for a political marriage.
The Iwagakure no longer has Tsuchikage.
The remaining Fourth Kazekage and Fourth Mizukage had long since gone from being the supreme Kage to becoming Madara's subordinates.
Of the current Five Kage, only the Hokage retains his original status.
Furthermore, after Uchiha Meikyō takes the throne, the position of Hokage, starting with the Fifth Generation Kage, will become the supreme throne of the Kage who reigns over the past...
"Knock knock".
There was a knock on the door, which was then pushed open.
Standing outside the door was a tall, young Konoha Jonin with silver hair and wearing a black mask.
"It's Kakashi. What's up?"
Torifu Akimichi put down the potato chips he had just taken out of his pocket and said in a friendly tone.
"Lord Torifu, Lord Orochimaru, the succession ceremony for the Fifth Hokage is about to begin. We request that you two, along with Lord Raikage, Lord Kazekage, and Mizukage, attend the ceremony."
Kakashi glanced around the room and, finding nothing amiss, replied.
"Hehe, so this moment has finally arrived. Ladies and gentlemen, as important guests, let's set off now."
Orochimaru swayed as he stood up from his seat, made an inviting gesture, and pointed to the main gate.
The Hokage's inauguration ceremony was very lively.
Konoha has nearly a million ordinary villagers and more than 20,000 ninjas.
This is the fixed entrance; the number of other people who come here for tourism, to post tasks, or to do business is countless.
Although the Ninja World is still in a stalemate of a certain scale, fortunately, Konoha does not have to fight alone this time, unlike in the previous Shinobi World War.
The Iwagakure and the Kumogakure truly blocked a large portion of the pressure from the Suna and the Kirigakure.
Given Konoha's size, this level of war expenditure, while somewhat burdensome, indirectly boosted the village's economic prosperity due to the large number of war supply orders.
Although this is abnormal and cannot be sustained for many years, it will not have a significant impact on the internal structure of Konoha for at least one or two years.
If the war were to last five, six, seven, or eight years like the previous Shinobi World War, even Konoha's resources would not be able to withstand it.
"Although I have seen it many times, I am always amazed every time I see it. Even during the war, Konoha was still so prosperous. It is truly enviable."
Pakura sighed as he looked at the bustling scene on the street.
In comparison, the desolate Sunagakure is a far cry from the real world.
Even at its busiest, it doesn't compare to half the size of this place.
Unfortunately, although she is not entirely alone as the Kazekage, the Sunagakure is no longer of much concern to her.
"Is this the way ahead?"
Mei Terumī looked at the newly renovated Hokage Building, which was much taller than before, and said softly.
She now feels similar to Pakura.
The Fourth Raikage lowered his head and remained silent.
"Gentlemen, we will now take the elevator to the top floor of the Hokage Building to witness the succession ceremony of the Fifth Hokage with the high-ranking officials of Konoha."
Kakashi acted like a tour guide, leading the three Kage.
Not far ahead, Genma Senbon, with Shiranui Genma, led several Iwagakure ninjas wearing Forehead Protector to join Kakashi's team.
"Who are these people...?"
Mei Terumī looked over curiously.
"Since the Tsuchikage has died in battle, Teacher Meikyō asked me to bring a few people who can represent the Tsuchikage to Konoha to help witness this. These four are the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, and his students Deidara and Akatsuchi, as well as their current Jonin, the current Acting Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, Whitestone."
Wearing Tsuchikage hat and a long yellow and Whitestone robe, Shirato nodded slightly to the crowd.
Whitestone is no younger than Ōnoki.
However, Iwagakure is now truly without a successor. The only one qualified to succeed as Kage, Kitsuchi, has died. Among the others, Akatsuchi is ten years old, Deidara is nine years old, Kurotsuchi is eight years old.
Perhaps in a decade or so, some of them will be able to take on this responsibility, but for now, they can only let someone who is less capable but still has a certain prestige serve as the Acting Tsuchikage.
Whitestone's status is similar to that of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu during the Third Hokage's era. At his peak, his personal strength was close to the Kage Level. However, he is now over sixty years old and his strength has declined significantly. Nevertheless, he has helped Ōnoki handle political affairs for many years and still has a certain prestige to lead other Iwagakure ninjas.
"With one Kage taking office, Five Kage will come to observe. From now on, the status of the Hokage of Konoha will likely be very different."
A thought flashed through the minds of many people present.
The group followed Kakashi to the side entrance of the Hokage Building and took the elevator to the top floor.
The place had already been arranged in a solemn and dignified manner.
Minato Namikaze, Uchiha Fugaku, Tsunade, Kushina, and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in front, followed by Nara Shikaku, Uchiha Shisui, Inuzuka Ryo, Aburame Nami Yamanaka Inoichi, and other core figures second only to the top leaders, as well as some Ninja Clan leaders such as Hyuga Hiashi.
Kakashi and Shiranui Genma walked into the second row of people.
Orochimaru and Torifu Akimichi, along with three Kage and the Tsuchikage delegation, entered the first row.
"Everyone's here, it's our turn to make our appearance."
Behind the backdrop of the Konoha Uzumaki symbol, Dan Katō spoke to Meikyō.
"Ah, I understand, Master Dan."
Meikyō nodded to Dan Katō.
So, two people dressed in Hokage Robe pushed through the crowds on both sides and came to the front of the stage.
The plaza in front of the Hokage Building, which had been noisy, became Bian at this moment, with only the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves.
All eyes were focused on the large screen that had been newly hung below the character "fire" in the Hokage Building.
This is one of the results of the Hokage Building renovation, allowing everyone in Konoha to clearly see the details of the Hokage's succession.
"Meikyō, from today onwards, everything in the village is in your hands!"
Dan Katō stared into Meikyō's eyes for a few seconds, then a relieved and liberated smile appeared on his face. He reached out and took off the Hokage hat he was wearing, handing it to Meikyō.
Meikyō stretched out his hands, took the Hokage's hat, and put it on his head.
"I will."
He then turned around and looked down at the huge crowd in the square below.
At this moment, the camera placed in front of the railing faithfully fulfilled its duty, transmitting Meikyō's face to the big screen and into the eyes of everyone.
"From this moment forward, I am the Fifth Hokage!"
The sound traveled through the air, and from the window of the cubicle downstairs, Tobirama Senju Jonin, along with more than ten Konoha from Konoha, used his newly developed Wind Style technique to spread the sound to every corner of Konoha.
The next second, the huge plaza, and the entire Hidden Konoha, erupted in excitement.
One hour later.
Most of the villagers in Konoha were still celebrating.
But as the newly appointed Fifth Hokage, Meikyō has no free time at all.
"The Tsuchikage's death and the capture of the Tailed Beast are bad news, but also good news."
In the high-level conference room, Meikyō took off the Hokage hat from his head and looked at everyone as he spoke.
"In the Lightning-Fire-Earth Three-Nation Alliance, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth could originally join forces to gain some say in the alliance. However, with the death of Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, one of the two core figures, they have lost their most important bargaining chip, which is the most important Tailed Beast in this war. In this era, they have lost their say."
"Next, as long as we defeat Uchiha Madara, we can easily secure the last two, Wind and Water, and take them over in the names of the two Kage Pakura and Mei Terumī. After that, the Ninja World will only have the voice of Konoha. The other four great nations will have no ability to resist Konoha and will allow us to gradually devour them."
"Therefore, after I became Hokage, Konoha had only one goal: to dominate the Ninja World!"
This is unlike any political program Konoha has ever had in the past.
The First Hokage's political philosophy was to maintain peace and never provoke war. The Second Hokage followed suit, focusing more on internal development and not showing strong aggression towards the outside world.
The Third Hokage simply lacked the ability to lead Konoha in external invasions, so he "inherited" the ideals of the previous two Hokage.