The meeting room doors slammed open.
Fujimoto Tōma strode inside without ceremony. The building itself was newly constructed, designed specifically for Five Kage summits. It housed a massive conference hall and private quarters for each Kage.
Though one of those rooms was technically his, Tōma rarely used it. This was still Konoha. He preferred his own office.
By the time he entered the main chamber, the other four Kage were already present. Since they often stayed here between meetings, it was only natural they'd arrived before him.
"You're here, Hokage," the Fourth Raikage said, tossing a scroll across the table. "Konoha's reconnaissance unit has located Akatsuki's base."
Tōma caught the scroll and took his seat. He read quickly.
The location was a place known as the Mountain Graveyard, situated in the northern reaches of the Land of Fire. Reaching it would require crossing only minor territories. The Land of Rice Fields cut across part of the route, with Frost Country bordering nearby.
When he finished, the room fell silent.
"Well?" one of them prompted. "Give the order."
Tōma closed his eyes, thinking for several seconds.
"Not yet," he said calmly. "First, notify the surrounding countries. The Land of Rice Fields, Frost Country, and any others in the projected combat zone. Begin civilian evacuation immediately."
He tapped the map.
"Once the war begins, these areas will become battlefields."
No one objected.
Moving entire populations would be impossible to hide. It was practically announcing to the enemy that their base had been found. But abandoning tens of thousands of civilians was not an option.
"Next," Tōma continued, pointing to the northern border of the Land of Fire, "we establish a forward operations base here. Notify your shinobi and samurai. This will be the primary assembly point. All supplies are to be transported there."
He lifted his gaze.
"If Akatsuki is confident enough to challenge all five great villages and the Land of Iron, then we should assume this won't be a short campaign. Prepare for a prolonged conflict."
Mei Terumi frowned slightly. "Hokage, how exactly are we building this base? Tents alone won't be enough for what you're suggesting."
"Critical facilities first," Tōma replied. "Medical centers, food storage, supply depots. These need to be reinforced structures."
He turned toward Ōnoki. "That falls to you. Earth Release construction. Stability is non-negotiable."
Ōnoki nodded grimly. "Leave it to me."
"As for long-term medical wards and recovery zones," Tōma continued, "they require proper environments. Konoha will handle those."
He glanced to his side. "Yamato."
A masked ANBU appeared instantly.
"Remove the mask," Tōma said. "This is a joint operation. There's no need for secrecy here."
"Yes, sir."
The mask came off, revealing Yamato's stiff, expressionless face.
"For everyone's benefit," Tōma said evenly, "this is Yamato. Currently Konoha's only shinobi capable of using Wood Release. He'll be responsible for constructing essential facilities."
The other Kage were visibly startled.
They knew Konoha possessed a Wood Release user, but none expected Tōma to deploy him for logistics.
Yamato sighed internally. He couldn't deny that Wood Release was ideal for this kind of work.
"Of course," Tōma added, "we won't waste manpower on unnecessary construction. Regular lodging will be handled with standard field tents."
He paused.
"Once the Allied Forces finish assembling, there will be a full-scale mobilization."
His tone sharpened.
"This alliance is unprecedented. But let's not fool ourselves. A signature on paper won't erase decades of hatred. If our forces don't truly unite, this war collapses before it begins."
The room grew heavy.
They all knew he was right.
Tōma's gaze shifted to Gaara.
"Wind Kage. As overall field commander, the mobilization speech is yours."
Gaara's eyes flickered. Then he nodded. "Understood."
Tōma turned next to the Raikage. "Any additions?"
The Raikage cleared his throat and looked toward Mabui and Nara Shikaku. The two exchanged glances and began filling in logistical details. Civilian extraction contingencies. Emergency transport protocols. Communication chains.
When they finished, Tōma nodded.
"One final matter," he said, tapping the table. "Marching formation."
This, more than anything else, required consensus.
The core plan had already been set when the divisions were formed. Now they needed to determine positioning around the forward base.
Fortunately, each division was mixed evenly across villages. No one could accuse anyone else of favoritism.
The discussion was intense, but efficient.
Tōma knew how ugly this would have been if each village had marched separately. No leader would ever accept their troops being used as the vanguard.
At last, the plan was finalized.
"Then let's move," Tōma said, standing. "For the future of the shinobi world."
"For the future of the shinobi world!" the others echoed.
They vanished one by one, returning to rally their forces.
Tōma remained a moment longer, gazing into the distance.
"…So it finally begins."
The evacuation of minor nations and construction of the forward base moved faster than expected.
Soon, the Five Kage and Mifune gathered again, this time inside the central building of the operations base.
"You've all received the reports," Tōma said.
They nodded grimly.
Despite repeated warnings, unrest had already spread through the Allied Forces. Arguments. Shouting matches. Near-fights. And this was before marching orders had even been given.
Gaara, as overall commander, looked the most strained.
"There's no time to dwell on it," Tōma said. "Send the order. Full assembly."
He turned to the commanders.
"Gaara. Kakashi. Darui. Kitsuchi. Mifune. Prepare yourselves. Especially you, Gaara. This army has never existed before. Whether it becomes a force or a mob depends on you."
"Yes."
Orders were sent.
Soon, they stood on the platform overlooking the assembled forces.
An ocean of bodies stretched as far as the eye could see.
Ōnoki exhaled slowly. "I've lived a long time… but even I've never seen something like this."
The Raikage crossed his arms. "Even dying here wouldn't be a regret."
Tōma's reaction was calmer.
The numbers were impressive, but the formation was loose. Disordered. Compared to the disciplined armies he remembered from another life, this force lacked cohesion.
But it was temporary. He knew that.
When the divisions settled into place, Tōma nodded to the commanders.
They stepped forward onto the highest platform.
Kakashi went first, hands in his pockets, looking bored as ever. Darui followed, yawning. Kitsuchi's presence was solid and reassuring. Gaara stood with arms folded, gaze unwavering. Mifune brought up the rear, smiling faintly.
The Raikage leaned closer. "Do you really think the Wind Kage can pull this off?"
"Who do you think could do better?" Tōma asked quietly.
The Raikage hesitated. Then fell silent.
"No one can truly complete this task," Ōnoki said. "Only do it better than the alternatives."
"That's why Gaara is the right choice," Tōma replied. "He's lived through isolation, fear, and death. Few here can say the same."
Mei nodded. "I agree. Trust him."
The Raikage muttered something under his breath.
Mei's smile turned dangerous. "Say that again and I'll kill you~"
The Raikage stiffened. "What?!"
"Enough," Tōma said calmly. "Gaara's speaking."
The others fell silent.
Gaara's speech was simple. No grand strategy. No slogans. Just his own story.
And sincerity carried further than rhetoric ever could.
The restless crowd quieted. Then roared.
Tōma smiled.
The morale was real.
As the five divisions began to move, Gaara led from the front.
The Fourth Shinobi War had begun.