Chapter 233: The Bait

"Nonsense!"

Raikage's eyes widened in anger, just about to retort when Tsunade suddenly interrupted:

"Everyone, what is the real purpose of this Five Kage Summit? Are we straying from the topic?"

Tsunade was clearly displeased with the direction of the discussion:

"Raikage, I didn't come here heavily pregnant just to watch you throw a tantrum like some bitter complainer!"

"If you have grievances, deal with them later. Right now, we need to focus on rescuing the Jinchūriki. Time is of the essence, and if we keep bickering, the risks to them will only grow!"

Tsunade's words, from the perspective of the bigger picture, were flawless.

Raikage understood this well. He suppressed the anger in his heart, taking a deep breath:

"Fine, I won't pursue accountability for now, but this is not over!"

Mei Terumi, uninterested in Raikage's complaints, got to the point:

"To reclaim our respective Jinchūriki, finding Akatsuki's hideout is crucial..."

"To that end, we should work together, divide regions, and thoroughly search for Akatsuki's whereabouts, sharing information in real time. Not only would this save us a lot of time, but it would also be the most efficient way."

"Hmm, that's a good plan..." Rasa nodded. "I support this decision."

Tsunade added, "I agree as well."

"Hmph!" Ōnoki, always calculating, scoffed:

"The plan sounds fine, but it's too risky..."

"First, I'm skeptical that the villages would be willing to truly share information openly. Secondly, the world is vast, and if we're just searching, who knows when we'll find them? And if we don't find them, a lot of time will be wasted..."

Mei Terumi frowned slightly. "Then what do you propose?"

Ōnoki looked at Tsunade, a hint of cunning in his eyes:

"Instead of searching for them, why not make Akatsuki come to us?"

"They only need one more Tailed Beast. That would be Konoha's Nine-Tails!"

"I believe Akatsuki will soon make a move on the Nine-Tails, so we can use it as bait and wipe them out when they come!"

Ōnoki's words made everyone's eyes light up.

Except for Tsunade.

Raikage A nodded. "Hmm! This could work. I agree!"

Rasa added, "I have no objections either. This would allow the military forces of the Five Nations to concentrate in one place rather than being scattered all over the world."

Mei Terumi looked at Tsunade with some concern:

"If we go through with this, the battlefield will likely be in Konoha. A large-scale battle like that would cause significant damage to the village and result in many innocent casualties..."

Raikage A suggested, "Then we can move the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki elsewhere!"

"No! The Jinchūriki must stay in Konoha!" Ōnoki was resolute:

"If we move him, Akatsuki will see through our plan. They're not fools. The Jinchūriki must stay in Konoha to avoid arousing their suspicion."

Seeing Tsunade keeping her head down, not saying a word, Ōnoki pressed on:

"Hokage, what's your stance on this? Regardless, you should at least express your position."

Tsunade gritted her teeth, her fists trembling uncontrollably. Slowly, she suppressed her anger and sighed in resignation, her face filled with worry:

"There's something I need to clarify with all of you..."

"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is not currently in Konoha..."

"In other words, I don't know where he is. I don't even know his current status, or if Akatsuki has already made a move on him..."

...