Chapter 72

In the meeting room of Sunagakure, the high-ranking officials gathered around the round table.

"Ahem, let's discuss Konoha's proposal," Ebizo, the head of Sunagakure's administrative department, spoke first.

Just three days ago, Sarutobi Hiruzen had called for a Five Kages meeting in Tetsu no Kuni to discuss a significant matter.

"I have to attend the Five Kages meeting. It's important to maintain the face of the First Hokage. But I fear it might be a trap," a concerned Sunagakure Elder voiced his worries.

Sunagakure's situation had improved, and they had no grand ambitions. They simply wanted to live a peaceful life.

"Old Sarutobi called for the Five Kages meeting for two reasons. Firstly, to end the Shinōbi World war, and secondly, to address Uchiha Madara and the Wood Release Shinōbi," Chiyo explained quietly.

"Yes, our presence at the Five Kages meeting should be secure. After all, we are quite poor and pose no threat," Shamon joked.

Though it was a light-hearted remark, it held a touch of self-deprecation while expressing his opinion.

"Very well, we shall attend the Five Kages meeting. However, once I leave, the affairs of Sunagakure must continue without interruption," Hitoshi suddenly spoke, revealing the thoughts that had been occupying his mind.

"Shamon-sama, continue your research and development for civilian products. Ebizo-sama, the tax system of Sunagakure must be preserved. Great Elders and Shinōbi Clan leaders, fulfill your responsibilities diligently. I don't want to return and find chaos awaiting me," Hitoshi ordered each of them in turn.

Having witnessed so much, including the impending Five Kages meeting, Hitoshi knew that if someone dared to push him into a corner, he would unleash his true power and make everyone face the wrath of the Senju clan.

"Yes, Kazekage-sama," everyone replied, their hearts trembling with a chill.

Hitoshi may appear calm, but his scientific mind made him a force to be reckoned with. In this world, when the principles of physics were well understood, truth became easier to convey.

...

After everyone else had left, Shamon asked Hitoshi, "Whom are you taking with you?"

After careful consideration, Hitoshi responded, "Yasuke and Pakura."

He had chosen them after much thought. Pakura possessed considerable strength, extensive knowledge, and could help avoid unnecessary complications. Yasuke, on the other hand, had formidable strength and a renowned reputation in the Shinōbi World. He was Hitoshi's direct subordinate.

"Excellent choice. Don't worry, Sunagakure still has us," Shamon said, nodding with satisfaction. He had been concerned that Hitoshi might choose someone else for the mission.

"Bring Bunpuku back as well. His strength is enough to intimidate the younger generation," Shamon suggested.

Bunpuku was the only Kage-level shinobi remaining in Sunagakure. Shamon and Chiyo had never reached that level of power, and Yasuke's potential had been suppressed by Hitoshi, requiring further refinement. Rasa and Karura were still young and had not yet touched the threshold of Kage-level strength.

"I understand. Rest assured, I have several connections that can be of assistance," Shamon smiled and nodded, knowing what needed to be done.

In Iwagakure, Onoki was also holding a meeting.

"You scoundrel, Onoki! Why call for a truce and participate in the Five Kages meeting? Have you forgotten about the Second-Kage?" Laozi slammed the table and jumped up, scolding Onoki.

He dared to point his finger at Onoki in front of the entire village of Iwagakure.

"Uchiha Madara. That name alone is enough. If you doubt it, go ask the Four-Tails yourself and see if it's enough," Onoki replied with a stern expression.

Seeing the coldness in Onoki's eyes, Laozi grumbled and sat down, disappointed. He may have a stubborn nature, but he was not a fool. The Four-Tails had shared experiences with him, and a significant portion of his strength came from that partnership.

"What's your plan then? When you and the Second-Kage joined forces, you were beaten like dogs. If we join forces, who's to say we'll fare any better?" Laozi sat defeated and asked.

"We must attend the Five Kages meeting. Come with me and see what Sarutobi and the others have to say," Onoki's eyes flashed with determination.

He no longer trusted the other Ninja Villages, including Konoha, to tolerate the birth of Uchiha Madara and allow him to act without consequence.

"Alright, I'll go with you. At least there's safety in numbers. We'll stick together and hope for the best," Laozi felt embarrassed by his current situation. He had lost his home.

Onoki didn't refute Laozi's words. He had never fought Uchiha Madara himself, so he didn't fully comprehend the horrors of Shinōbi World Asura. He had been genuinely afraid of facing him in the past.

In Kumogakure, the Third Raikage was also in discussion with others.

"Fukay, Bi, prepare yourselves. We'll be heading to Tetsu no Kuni together," the Third Raikage sat calmly behind the table, unaffected by the rising tension.

"Whether Konoha's Wood Release Shinōbi exists or not, the survival rate of Uchiha Madara is quite high. The collaboration between Yamanaka Kurama and the Two Great Clans is highly accurate," the Third Raikage analyzed the situation calmly.

"It's also possible that Sarutobi is directing a play," the other ninja in the room remarked with a smile.

"Let's go and see. Sarutobi will surely provide an explanation. Otherwise, Kirigakure won't let them off the hook. Our main concern is Sunagakure's involvement," the Third Raikage stated confidently.

Recalling Hitoshi's terrifying record, he believed that their united forces could handle the situation, but not without difficulty. He had no doubts about Kirigakure, the Third Mizukage. Without a second thought, he summoned two of his direct subordinates and prepared to depart for Tetsu no Kuni.

In Konoha, Hi no Kuni, the Hidden Village of Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen had just paid his respects to Uchiha Kagami's grave and walked out with a stern expression.

During this period, Konoha's pressure had been relatively low. The war had claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials, including those from the Uchiha Clan. This development not only displeased Sarutobi Hiruzen but also upset the Uchiha Clan.

Moreover, rumors were spreading like wildfire.

The rumors spoke of the return of Uchiha Clan's ancestor, Uchiha Madara, seeking revenge against Konoha.

Back in his Hokage's Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the individuals present as if they owed him money.

"I will invite Lady Mito out of seclusion. During my absence, I will trouble all of you to manage the affairs of the village. Danzo, you will take the lead, with Koharu and Homura as your assistants. Maintain vigilance at all times. Simultaneously, conduct a thorough investigation into the rumors. Anyone spreading false information and sowing doubt during wartime will be arrested and subjected to harsh interrogation upon my return," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his gaze fixed on Shimura Danzo, who bowed his head apologetically.

"Yes, Hiruzen."

"I will take Sakumo and Orochimaru with me. Jiraiya and Tsunade, I entrust you to help maintain stability within Konoha. Lady Mito will assist you in overseeing the Senju clan," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, receiving a nod from Shimura Danzo. He retracted his gaze and spoke casually.

After hearing these instructions, Shimura Danzo felt that the Hokage's Office needed some fresh air. The atmosphere was suffocating. How could it be otherwise?