The disappearance of the Third Mizukage, Yagura's sudden rise to power, and the revival of the Five Kage Summit turned the early winter of Konoha Year 37 into a season of restless winds and sharp tension.
Kirigakure, a village that had long kept a low profile, now stood at the center of the shinobi world's attention. If the world of shinobi had headlines, every major one would have revolved around the Hidden Mist.
And at the heart of it all was the Five Kage Summit.
Historically, the Five Kage Summit had convened three times before.
The first was initiated by Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. Its purpose was to redistribute the Tailed Beasts among the great nations in order to maintain balance. However, redistribution did not mean charity. Konoha had borne the burden of capturing and containing these powerful creatures. Naturally, compensation was required.
The second summit was called by the Second Kazekage to resolve border disputes between nations. Those disputes had existed for years but were left unspoken out of respect for the First Hokage's overwhelming influence. After his passing, that restraint faded.
The third was convened by Hiruzen Sarutobi to address tensions surrounding the Land of Fire's gold mines. That meeting, however, was limited in attendance. Only the Hokage, the Kazekage, and Hanzō of Amegakure participated. The negotiations deteriorated into open conflict, and from that clash, Hanzō's title as the Demigod spread throughout the world.
Ironically, aside from the first summit, each gathering of the Kage had ultimately led to greater conflict rather than peace.
By long-standing tradition, the summit was held in the Land of Iron.
Land of Iron
The Land of Iron, built upon the mountain known as Three Wolves, was a neutral nation. Unlike the shinobi villages, it was defended by samurai rather than ninja. With its independent culture and military strength, it served as common ground for negotiations among the Five Great Nations.
At this time of year, the country lay covered in silver snow, appearing calm and untouched by the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Yet every major village watched closely, aware that the outcome of this meeting could reshape the balance of power.
Finally, the Five Kage Summit began.
In a dimly lit hall stood a circular table surrounded by five heavy curtains, each embroidered with the symbol of a great nation.
Footsteps echoed from behind each curtain.
One by one, the leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Nations emerged, accompanied by their escorts.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the room before settling on the youngest among them, the newly appointed Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi. Aside from Yagura, Hiruzen had dealt with every Kage present for many years.
A short, elderly man floated lightly in the air with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Becoming Mizukage at such a young age is quite remarkable," he said with a thin smile.
The speaker was Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure.
On the surface, it sounded like praise. In truth, it was mockery. Yagura's youthful appearance had long drawn attention, though his actual age was not so young.
Yagura responded calmly, neither offended nor submissive.
"Third Tsuchikage, you have served your village for many years despite your age. We younger generation naturally must shoulder our responsibilities as well. However, you should also take care of your health. I have heard that your back troubles you frequently. That is not a good sign. After all, even the Third Hokage, who is not much younger than you, still has the vitality to raise a son."
Hiruzen chuckled softly when dragged into the exchange.
"I did not expect the Fourth Mizukage to be so well informed about my personal affairs. You flatter me. The truth is that Konoha is stable and prosperous. There are no internal purges or oppressive policies. My subordinates are competent, which leaves me with ample time. One must find ways to spend it."
Yagura and Ōnoki exchanged brief, irritated glances.
Before the verbal sparring escalated further, a deep voice interrupted.
"Enough. Let us discuss the real matter."
The speaker was A, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure, his tone blunt and impatient.
The five Kage took their seats, while their escorts remained behind the curtains.
Yagura spoke first.
"This summit has been convened to address the disappearance of the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure."
As he said this, his gaze shifted directly to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen's expression remained composed, though he sensed the direction of the accusation.
Yagura continued, "Third Hokage, do you have anything to say?"
Hiruzen spread his hands lightly. "I fail to see how the disappearance of Kirigakure's leader concerns Konoha. If the Hidden Mist requires assistance in its investigation, we are willing to help, though our services are not inexpensive."
"Let us not pretend," Yagura replied, producing a scroll. "This is testimony from a missing-nin named Suigetsu. He claims that he and Konoha's Lightning Blade operative were involved in the assassination of the Third Mizukage. We request that Konoha hand over Uchiha Hayashi."
At that name, the air grew heavier.
Hiruzen's eyes darkened slightly. He had not expected the accusation to fall upon Hayashi.
"Uchiha Hayashi is only seventeen," Hiruzen replied evenly. "The Third Mizukage was one of the most powerful shinobi in the world. Are we to believe that a teenager infiltrated Kirigakure and assassinated him in his own stronghold? If strength alone determines guilt, then any of you could be suspects."
The Third Raikage interjected.
"During the Second Great Ninja War, the Third Kazekage was captured by a small Konoha unit that included Orochimaru and Sakumo. Hayashi was only twelve then, and he already demonstrated formidable capability. At seventeen, it is not impossible."
He glanced toward Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake, seated behind the curtain as escorts.
The Third Kazekage's expression darkened, clearly displeased at being reminded of that humiliation.
Hiruzen folded his arms calmly.
"If capability alone is enough for accusation, then this summit becomes meaningless. Furthermore, Hayashi has not left Konoha."
Ōnoki chuckled. "Has he not? Our intelligence suggests that Konoha's Lightning Blade has not been seen publicly for months."
Hiruzen did not reveal Hayashi's actual whereabouts. Instead, he smiled faintly.
"Third Tsuchikage, since your information network is so efficient, perhaps you could explain why your village's Rōshi has also been absent. I heard he left after a disagreement."
Ōnoki's eyes narrowed.
Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, was a sensitive topic.
"If we are speculating," Hiruzen continued, "one could imagine that Rōshi sought revenge. After all, the Second Mizukage and Second Tsuchikage perished together in battle, and the Third Mizukage was the Second Mizukage's disciple."
"That is unfounded slander," Ōnoki snapped.
Hiruzen clapped lightly. "Exactly. Accusations require evidence. That wisdom applies universally."
Behind the curtain, Sakumo suppressed a laugh.
"I never realized the Hokage's words could be this sharp," he whispered.
Orochimaru responded quietly, "Sensei rarely reveals this side of himself."
Hiruzen rose from his seat and faced Yagura directly.
"You seek to condemn a Konoha shinobi based solely on the statement of a rogue ninja. That is reckless. If we conducted diplomacy in such a manner, chaos would follow."
After sitting down, he added casually, "On my way here, a ramen shop owner's wife mistook you for her long-lost son. Should I have taken that claim seriously as well?"
His
tone remained light, but his gaze was unwavering.
The hall fell silent as tension settled heavily over the round table.
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