Chapter 5: Unlikely Confederacy

(Before Naruto and his family reached the Grand Hall)

The grand hall was a spectacle of opulence and tradition, its high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate curtains and chandeliers that glittered with the light of a thousand candles. The floor was polished to a mirror-like finish, reflecting the grandeur of the assembly gathered within. Around a long, elaborately decorated table, the Daimyo from various lands engaged in animated conversation, their voices a blend of courteous greetings and veiled competitiveness.

Despite the lively discussions, a notable absence hung in the air—the Daimyo from the Land of Wind was not present. Instead, representing the Land of Wind was Rasa, the Kazekage. His presence was a significant deviation from tradition, underscoring the unique alliance between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. Rasa's stern demeanor and piercing gaze set him apart from the more relaxed and somewhat complacent attitudes of the other Daimyo.

The Land of Fire's Daimyo sat at the head of the table, a position of honor befitting his nation's current prosperity. His attire was a indication to the wealth of his land, a luxurious robe of silk embroidered with gold thread, and jewelleries that sparkled with precious gems. The servants attending to him were equally resplendent, their uniforms pristine and adorned with subtle but unmistakable symbols of their nation's affluence.

In stark contrast, the attire of the other Daimyo and their servants revealed the economic disparities between the nations. The Daimyo from the Land of Lightning wore robes that, while still elegant, lacked the same opulence. The fabric was simpler, the embroidery less elaborate. His servants, though well-kept, showed signs of wear and repair on their clothing.

The Land of Earth's Daimyo appeared even more subdued. His robes were of a coarse material, functional but far from luxurious. His servants moved with a quiet efficiency, their uniforms plain and devoid of ornamentation. The Land of Water's Daimyo, though attempting to maintain an air of dignity, could not hide the fraying edges of his once-grand attire, a silent proof of the economic hardships his land faced.

As the evening progressed, the conversations among the Daimyo revealed their underlying sentiments. The Land of Fire's Daimyo spoke with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, his tone often dismissive of the struggles faced by the other nations. Subtle glances and half-hidden smirks betrayed the jealousy that simmered beneath the surface.

"The Land of Fire has been fortunate," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of condescension. "Our resources have allowed us to thrive even in these challenging times."

The Land of Water's Daimyo forced a smile, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Indeed, your prosperity is remarkable. We can only hope to learn from your success."

The Land of Earth's Daimyo, unable to hide his resentment, responded with a thinly veiled barb. "It's clear that not all lands are as blessed. Some of us must struggle to make do with what we have."

Rasa, the Kazekage, remained silent, observing the interactions with a keen eye. Unlike the others, he held no title of Daimyo and had little patience for their political games. He knew that engaging in their petty squabbles would only diminish his own standing. Instead, he focused on the true purpose of his presence, representing his village and its interests.

The evening continued with the Land of Fire's Daimyo being the center of attention. The other Daimyo, though simmering with envy, made concerted efforts to stroke his ego. They flattered him shamelessly, praising his leadership and the prosperity of his land. Drinks flowed freely, and it wasn't long before the Fire Daimyo, basking in the adulation, began to show signs of inebriation.

"Your wisdom is truly unparalleled," the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning said, raising his glass in a toast. "To your continued success and the prosperity of the Land of Fire!"

The Fire Daimyo, now thoroughly drunk, grinned broadly. "Thank you, my friends. Together, we shall ensure peace and prosperity for all our lands."

Rasa watched this display with growing suspicion. The normally fractious Daimyo seemed unusually cooperative, their efforts to intoxicate the Fire Daimyo unusually coordinated. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. What could they be plotting?

Finally, the Fire Daimyo, too drunk to remain conscious, slumped in his chair. The head servant, with a discreet signal, ordered his subordinates to carry the Fire Daimyo to his chambers.

"Take him to his room," the Land of Water's Daimyo said, feigning concern. "He needs rest."

The other Daimyo, now acting somewhat drunk themselves, requested to be shown to their rooms as well. They exchanged knowing glances and invited Rasa to join them for a private conversation.

"However, we would like to discuss some matters in private before going to our rooms," the Land of Lightning's Daimyo said. "Would you join us, Kazekage?"

Rasa's instincts screamed caution, but he nodded in agreement. "Very well."

He followed the other Daimyo down a dimly lit corridor to a secluded room. As the door closed behind them, the atmosphere grew tense. The Land of Lightning's Daimyo removed his hat and, to Rasa's shock, began to peel back the skin of his face. Beneath the mask was not the face of the Lightning Daimyo but that of Ay, the Fourth Raikage.

Rasa's eyes narrowed. "Raikage. What is the meaning of this?"

Ay's expression was grim. "We need to talk, Kazekage. There are matters of great importance that concern us all."

Rasa crossed his arms, his suspicion deepening. "Speak. I will listen, but I trust you understand that any deception will not be tolerated."

Rasa stood in the dimly lit room, his eyes narrowing as Ay, the Fourth Raikage, revealed his true identity. The tension in the air was palpable, and Rasa's mind raced with possibilities and suspicions. He remained stoic, his face betraying none of his inner turmoil.

Ay, still using the voice of the Lightning Daimyo, stepped forward. "Kazekage, we require your expertise. Could you place some seals around this room to ensure our privacy?"

Rasa's eyes flicked around the room, noting the expectant gazes of the other Daimyo. He was deeply suspicious, but his curiosity overpowered his caution. He nodded curtly. "Very well."

With deliberate precision, Rasa moved around the room, placing seals at strategic points. He muttered incantations under his breath, his chakra flowing into the seals and activating them. A faint hum filled the room as the seals took effect, creating an invisible barrier that would prevent eavesdropping.

Satisfied with his work, Rasa turned back to the group, his expression stern. "Now, what is the meaning of this? Are you planning an attack on Konoha?"

Ay's lips curved into a smile, his voice shifting to his own. "Indeed, Kazekage. And we are not alone in this endeavor." He gestured to the other Daimyo, who began to speak in their own voices.

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, stepped forward, his voice gravelly and filled with barely restrained anger. "I still remember the day Minato Namikaze slaughtered a thousand of my shinobi single-handedly. That day haunts me like it was yesterday." His fists clenched, his jaw tight with rage.

Yagura, the Mizukage, followed, his tone cold and bitter. "For decades, the Land of Fire has dominated the world, shaping its future to their liking. Aren't you tired of it, Rasa? Aren't you tired of the Land of Fire always acting high and mighty?"

Ay nodded, his eyes flashing with determination. "We are all tired of Konoha's grip on the political and economic landscape. It's time for a new hegemon to rise."

Rasa remained impassive, though his mind was racing. The proposal intrigued him, but he would not show his hand so easily. "And what do I and my village stand to gain from this alliance?"

Ay and Onoki exchanged glances before looking towards Yagura. The Mizukage stood, reaching into his robes to produce a map. He spread it out on the table, handing Rasa a pen. "How much of the fertile lands of the Land of Fire do you want?"

Rasa's eyes widened slightly, his interest piqued. He took the pen, his movements deliberate as he began to carve out sections of the map. Ay's smile broadened, and Onoki's expression turned into a maniacal grin as they watched Rasa outline his desired territories.

The room was silent save for the scratch of the pen on the map. Rasa finished and stepped back, his face a mask of neutrality. The other Kages exchanged satisfied looks, their plan seemingly falling into place.

Ay leaned forward, his voice filled with a mix of triumph and anticipation. "So, Kazekage, are we in agreement?"

Rasa looked at the map, the territories he had marked out, and then at the faces of the other Kages. He knew this alliance would change the balance of power in the world, and the prospect of expanding his own village's influence was too tempting to ignore. However, he remained cautious, knowing the dangers of such an undertaking.

He finally spoke, his tone measured and thoughtful. "It seems we have a common goal. But know this—I will not be a pawn in anyone's game. The Land of Wind will act in its own interest."

Ay nodded, respecting Rasa's stance. "Of course. We are all equals in this endeavor. Together, we will reshape the world."

As the Kages continued their discussion, Rasa felt a strange mix of excitement and foreboding. The path they were about to embark on was fraught with peril, but the potential rewards were immense.

The future of the world was about to change, and Rasa would ensure that the Land of Wind emerged stronger and more powerful than ever before.

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A/N:

I guess you guys can see what Obito has been up to all this while.

There are going to be fights after fights now. So, you better brace yourself hehehe.