The Five-Nation Talks.
This was a summit convened only when a host nation was prepared to make a monumental decision. It differed from a Five Kage Summit, which was called when conflicts arose between nations or when decisions affecting the entire future of the shinobi world were required. In these talks, the Kage did not meet face-to-face; instead, each major hidden village sent envoys.
The host nation used the gathering to gauge the attitudes of the various powers. After careful deliberation, they would publicly announce their next major strategic move.
The fundamental purpose of the Land of Lightning's current summit was for the Daimyo and the Third Raikage to jointly decide the nation's direction in the Third Great Ninja War. Usually, the outcome of such talks was confirmed long before the meeting began. However, this time was different.
For the first time, a rift had appeared between the Daimyo and the Third Raikage.
Inside the newly reconstructed Raikage Building in Kumogakure.
"Raikage... You must understand, this is a golden opportunity to unite the Wind, Water, Lightning, and Earth nations to crush the Land of Fire!"
"An opportunity that comes once in a thousand years!"
A middle-aged man with dark skin, wearing gold-rimmed chain glasses and opulent robes, leaned back in the seat that usually belonged to the Raikage. He rested his cheek against a propped-up fist. His deep, calculating gaze fell upon the man standing respectfully before him.
The Third Raikage, A, had his fierce aura completely restrained. Bandages were visible around his chest.
The man in the seat was the supreme lord and highest authority of this nation, the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning.
Nobunaga Ryuzoji.
He was a stern political leader and a powerful sovereign known for his iron-fisted rule. Throughout the history of the Cloud's foreign wars, he had provided relentless support. Under his reign, the Cloud had launched the Second Great Ninja War, the invasion of the Land of Rice Fields, the ambush on Iwagakure, and numerous other conflicts intended to plunder resources and develop his own nation's technology and economy.
Even with his overwhelming physical power, the Third Raikage did not dare to look down on this man. In fact, his attitude was one of profound respect.
Unlike Konoha or Kirigakure, which were built upon powerful bloodline clans from the Warring States period, the Cloud was formed by a group of idealistic people who bonded through brotherhood. Their growth into a superpower was inseparable from the Daimyo's unwavering support.
Observing that the Third Raikage was acting like a stubborn old man, pretending not to understand his words, Ryuzoji rubbed his temples. He shot a sharp, serious look at the Raikage.
"The Land of Fire cannot withstand a four-nation invasion with Konoha alone. You know this better than I do," Ryuzoji barked. "If you still insist on your previous plan, you must give me a logical explanation. Otherwise, I will make the decision for you at the summit!"
"Yes!" The Third Raikage bowed slightly and stepped forward. Gravity was written across his aged face. "My Lord!"
"A four-nation coalition is the primary theme of this war. However, Orochimaru's 'Kumo Collapse Plan' has made it impossible for us to advance further through the Land of Rice Fields. We can no longer divide the Land of Fire from that route."
"To continue that path would bring us no benefit; it would only serve the interests of the other nations! However, if we follow the secret plan, we can strike at the rear of Iwagakure. If things go south, we can still pivot and use the Land of Earth as a corridor to strike Konoha."
"Right now, we only lack one thing: an opportunity!"
Ryuzoji's gaze narrowed. "What opportunity?"
"The Five-Nation Talks!" the Raikage stated solemnly. "We unite the nations. Then, using your prestige as Daimyo, we personally sign a joint invasion pact. Only then will we gain the trust of Ohnoki of the Scales!"
Upon hearing this, a Guardian Shinobi standing beside Ryuzoji turned pale. Cold light shot from his eyes as he glared at the Raikage.
"The capital is already in chaos!" the guard roared. "Raikage, are you asking my Lord to put himself in harm's way?!"
The Third Raikage remained silent, merely lowering his head and sighing.
Not long ago, news of the Tenshu Pavilion's collapse and the third assassination attempt had reached the village via the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu. It no longer mattered who had struck; everyone in Unming City now knew the 'Daimyo' in the palace was a decoy.
To form a pact with such high credibility, the true Daimyo had to appear in person. The chaos had already begun; they had to pluck the chestnut from the fire! But he could not force the Lord's hand; he could only wait for him to decide.
Ryuzoji squinted at the Raikage, his eyes harboring an unreadable darkness.
Unlike the guard, he wasn't just worried about his physical safety. He understood the deeper implication of the Raikage's words. Safety was a minor concern with the "fastest ninja in the world" as his bodyguard—the Raikage would surely trade his life for the Daimyo's.
The real issue was that the Raikage was asking him to sign a treaty he intended to break. In other words, the Raikage was spending the Daimyo's international credibility as currency.
A ninja could act without scruples, using any dirty trick to win. But the ruler of a nation was not a ninja. This was Ryuzoji's true concern and the source of his hesitation.
Is this the Raikage's true intention? Ryuzoji wondered. He closed his eyes and pondered for a long time.
Finally, he opened them, revealing a piercing authority.
"I agree to this!"
He looked at the Raikage, a flicker of internal struggle crossing his features. "Raikage, I have never interfered in matters of war. I have always granted you total authority."
"Because trust is the original and most fundamental pact between the Land of Lightning and the Cloud. It is the foundation that allowed us to grow from weakness to strength!"
"I only hope... you do not forget that!"
Hearing these words, the Third Raikage looked at his Lord. A wave of genuine emotion washed over him, and his aged body trembled slightly as he bowed in a deep salute.
Unlike the strained or suspicious relationships between rulers and hidden villages in other lands, the Cloud truly possessed a sovereign who gave them unconditional trust.
"Yes, my Lord!"
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