"Hanzo-sama, I apologize for the intrusion, but the Mizukage has sent me to invite you to the Five Kage Summit," Ao said, addressing the ren
"Hanzo-sama, I apologize for the intrusion, but the Mizukage has sent me to invite you to the Five Kage Summit," Ao said, addressing the renowned Hanzo.
Following Mei Terumi's report, he'd been dispatched by Yagura, the Mizukage, to Rain Village to extend the invitation.
Hanzo's strength, even in his old age, was still feared by all five great nations.
"Invite me to the Five Kage Summit?" Hanzo paused, then scoffed. "Has Kirigakure run out of competent shinobi since that consumptive fool disappeared?"
"The Fourth Mizukage sends Ao, the Kirigakure Byakugan user, to invite me? This is preposterous! In your eyes, Rain is just a small country, a pawn in your games, isn't it?"
Hanzo's sharp words left Ao visibly stiff. Yagura had anticipated this hostile reaction, sending Ao to personally deliver the invitation to avoid any unnecessary violence before even beginning negotiations.
However, remembering Mei's report, Ao pressed on.
"Hanzo-sama, there's been a misunderstanding. Rain, under your leadership, has become a significant military power, a fact the Five Great Nations acknowledge."
Ao paused, subtly observing Hanzo. The flattery, though blatant, seemed to have a slight effect, softening Hanzo's harsh demeanor.
He still scoffed, though. "Hmph, don't try that on me. I'm well aware of the Five Great Nations' underhanded tactics."
"Get to the point. Any more beating around the bush, and you can leave."
Seeing his opening, Ao, after gathering his thoughts, said, "Hanzo-sama, I represent the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, in inviting you to participate in the hunt for the Konoha rogue ninja, Uchiha Kai."
"A Konoha brat?" Hanzo's brow furrowed, clearly surprised that Yagura would make such a fuss over a recently prominent rogue ninja.
Rain had participated in the Third Great Ninja War, but Kai's activities were mainly in the Land of Earth and Konoha's rear, so Hanzo's knowledge of him was limited to hearsay.
"Ao, are you telling me this Five Kage Summit is solely for this insignificant brat?" Hanzo's voice turned icy.
Seeing Ao hesitate, he scoffed. "This is a joke! Have the Five Great Nations fallen so low? A single rogue ninja warrants such a serious response? If I attend, I'll become a laughingstock alongside you!"
"Hanzo-sama, there's more to it!" Ao tried to explain, but Hanzo waved him off.
"Don't waste my time. If the Five Great Nations want to fuss over a brat, that's your concern. I, Hanzo, have no interest in such trivialities," Hanzo said impatiently.
"However, if this brat crosses my path, I wouldn't mind eliminating him. If you have nothing else, get back to the Land of Water and stop wasting my time."
Unlike Yagura, who had presented Uchiha Kai as a significant threat, Hanzo was preoccupied with his plans for the Rinnegan, scheming with Danzo.
In his eyes, even the legendary Sannin would have struggled against him. A new, upstart ninja was even less of a concern. His logic was simple: three are weaker than one.
Ao's face was grim. He hadn't expected such a swift and complete reversal. While he wasn't a master flatterer, he was certain he hadn't misstepped.
Since Hanzo had dismissed him, Ao produced a scroll. "Hanzo-sama, this contains information gathered by the Land of Water regarding Uchiha Kai and his forces.
If you find it interesting, you can attend the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron in three days. The Mizukage would welcome your presence."
"Get out!" Hanzo said impatiently.
Ao, with a wry smile, quickly left, unwilling to risk Hanzo's wrath. Hanzo glanced at the scroll, sneered, and turned away.
"The Five Great Nations are truly in decline. A single brat, stronger than three? Such cowards are unworthy of their prosperous lands. Once I obtain the Rinnegan, the world will tremble before me!"
His words were carried away by the wind. Only the scroll remained in the desolate ruins.
Meanwhile, Kai and Kimimaro were rushing towards a hill several kilometers away. As they approached, a sharp sound cut through the air.
"Lightning Release: Earth Flow!"
Lightning crackled, spreading like venomous snakes across the ground towards Kai. However, a small figure appeared before Kai.
Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Seedling Fern!
Kimimaro extended two bone spurs into the ground, diverting the lightning.
Seeing his attack fail, the hidden figure didn't hesitate, preparing another attack. But Kimimaro raised his hand, revealing bone spurs that shot out like bullets.
The sudden attack shocked the hidden Yugito Nii. At such close range, she hadn't expected such a swift and deadly attack, especially without any hand seals.
As the attack loomed, a figure, wreathed in lightning, appeared, catching the bone spurs.
"Little girl, must you be so reckless?" Kai said, giving Yugito a sharp rap on the head. He looked around, but Pakura was nowhere to be seen. "Where is she?"
"You mean the big-breasted lady?" Yugito asked, sticking out her tongue. "She told me to stay here and left in a hurry."
"But, mister, you've picked up another kid just as strong as me!"
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