Inside the meeting room, the negotiations were gradually coming to a close.
With the decision-making mechanism finalized, the new order of the Shinobi World gradually became clear.
Although Raikage A was still somewhat unwilling, he understood that this was the safest option at the moment.
"In that case, Kumogakure agrees to this agreement. But I must remind everyone that Kumogakure's patience is limited. If anyone tries anything underhanded, don't blame me for being impolite."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly, " The Raikage is overthinking it. Konoha has always valued peace and would never do anything to break the agreement."
Ōnoki nodded and said, " Iwagakure will keep its promise."
Hoshino looked at the three of them and breathed a sigh of relief.
The negotiations went more smoothly than he had anticipated, at least avoiding the worst possible outcome.
"Therefore, from this day forward, the ' Shinobi World Joint Council ' is officially established. Welcome to the new era! The Four Great Shinobi Villages will work together to maintain peace and development in the Shinobi World."
As for Kirigakure, another of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, everyone present tacitly refrained from mentioning it.
The Kirigakure has long implemented a policy of isolation, making it mysterious and unpredictable in the eyes of outsiders. However, its internal situation is chaotic, and the cruel policies of the Bloody Mist Village have plunged the ninjas into endless killing and fear.
And at this conference that is building a new order.
Kirigakure's absence is like that of a passenger temporarily left behind by the train of time; no one knows when it will return to the center stage of the Shinobi World, or in what form it will reappear.
"Next, we need to finalize the specific operational details of the parliament as soon as possible, including the location of the headquarters, personnel arrangements, and the date for the first plenary session."
Hoshino continued, "I propose setting up headquarters in the Land of Rain, where the geographical location is neutral, and the Akatsuki has already expressed their willingness to provide support."
Raikage A frowned. " The Land of Rain? That's Akatsuki territory."
Hoshino explained, "As a permanently neutral country, the Land of Rain can ensure the fairness of its parliament. Moreover, the Land of Rain's relatively closed environment is conducive to maintaining secrecy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, " Hoshino's suggestion makes sense, Konoha has no objections."
Ōnoki chimed in, " Iwagakure agrees."
Seeing that no one else objected, Raikage A could only snort coldly, "Then it's settled."
Pain nodded slightly, his calm voice echoing in the conference room.
" The Land of Rain is willing to designate a town specifically as the base of the Joint Council, jointly controlled by the Four Great Shinobi Villages, with all affairs within the town being discussed and decided jointly by the Four Great Shinobi Villages."
" The Akatsuki will send a core member to be stationed there long-term, responsible for communication and coordination with all parties. Protective measures will be provided by Amegakure to ensure the safety and stability of the council."
Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their approval of Pain's statement.
Most of the core members of the Akatsuki are S-rank missing-nin, possessing formidable strength.
Their willingness to participate in this crucial period of building a new order undoubtedly demonstrates their sincerity in cooperation.
As the talks drew to a close, the tense atmosphere in the meeting room finally eased.
Raikage A stretched his shoulders and slowly said, "Now that we've finished discussing the important matters, when will Darui be released? Don't tell me he's dead."
Although he spoke calmly, his expression suggested that Hoshino was about to turn hostile on the spot if he couldn't give a satisfactory answer.
Hoshino replied with a smile, "Don't worry, Raikage, I've already arranged for someone to send him back to Kumogakure. He should be arriving soon."
The original plan was to bring Darui, Kitsuchi, Asuma, and the others to the Four Kage Summit.
But after thinking about it, he felt that doing so would only cause more trouble, so he simply sent them out of the border of the Land of Wind.
Whether they continued fighting or went their separate ways after they left was none of Sunagakure's business.
"Really? You're not kidding me."
Raikage A was slightly taken aback. His tense face relaxed a little, but he still looked somewhat suspicious.
Hoshino said sincerely, "What are you saying, Raikage? The ' Shinobi World Joint Council ' has just been established, and Sunagakure is sincerely cooperating with all parties. How could we joke about something like this?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, " Raikage, since Hoshino says so, it's probably true."
"Everyone here has shown great sincerity in this meeting, all for the sake of peace and stability in the Shinobi World. We should have more trust in each other."
Ōnoki chimed in, "Yeah, we're all in the same boat now. We'll be seeing each other all the time, so there's no need to argue about this anymore."
The two of them took turns trying to persuade Raikage, seemingly forgetting that their own son was also on the list of prisoners.
But thinking about it, it makes sense. If they released Darui, who has no blood relation to the Raikage, how could Hoshino not release Kitsuchi and Asuma, who are the sons of the two Kage?
Raikage A listened to the crowd's words, his tense muscles slowly relaxed, and he muttered, "You're smart enough to know your place. If anything had happened to Darui, the Kumogakure's army wouldn't have been so easily defeated."
Although his words were harsh, the worry in his eyes had faded considerably.
With all the topics discussed and consensus reached, the Four Kage Summit officially came to a close.
The crowd was preparing to get up and leave.
Suddenly, a deafening explosion rang out.
Boom boom boom--
Immediately following, the cacophony of sounds from the intense battle clearly entered the conference room.
Konan and Xie exchanged a glance at almost the same time, a hint of seriousness flashing in their eyes.
Without exchanging words, they moved swiftly, shooting off towards the source of the sound like arrows released from a bow.
The meeting was held in the Land of Rain, and those present were all high-ranking figures from the Four Great Shinobi Villages.
If something goes wrong at this critical juncture, the consequences would be unimaginable.
The Akatsuki will not only lose face, but will also face joint pressure from the Four Great Shinobi Villages. At that time, the situation will become extremely passive, and may even trigger a series of unpredictable crises.
Pain reassured her, "It should be over soon."
The group didn't take it seriously.
Konan and Sasori are both quite strong, and this is the Land of Rain, the headquarters of the Akatsuki, so no one thought anything unexpected would happen.
But as they waited, the fighting outside not only didn't subside, but intensified.
The sounds of fighting and the booming of Ninjutsu being unleashed could be heard continuously, and even several strong Chakra fluctuations caused the walls of the conference room to tremble slightly.
Pain's expression gradually turned serious, Rinnegan flickered slightly, as if he were observing the battle outside through the wall.
Hoshino glanced at Pain with amusement, then stood up and said to the other Kage, "Looks like even the Akatsuki can't handle this. Let's go out and take a look."
Raikage A, who had been holding back for a long time, suddenly stood up. "I want to see which reckless person dares to cause trouble here!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi also stood up, tucked his pipe into his waistband, and said solemnly, "No matter who it is, they cannot be let off easily for disrupting this hard-won peace."
Ōnoki floated up, "Hmph, daring to cause trouble in front of us."