3rd POV
As Naruto and Tsunade prepared to leave for the Five Kage Summit, similar preparations were underway in other villages.
Sunagakure
The tension in the Kazekage's office was palpable as Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, addressed his children. "The Land of Fire has created a big mess. Prepare for the summit. All three of you will accompany me," he instructed, his voice firm.
"We'll be ready, Kazekage-sama," Gaara replied with a calm determination, his piercing gaze showing his readiness for what lay ahead.
Kankuro and Temari nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting a mixture of curiosity and wariness about the upcoming summit.
Rasa leaned back slightly, his tone thoughtful. "I don't know if Konoha is directly involved in this revolt, but it doesn't matter. Even if they are, they have the strength to back their actions. We must tread carefully."
Temari exchanged a glance with Kankuro but said nothing, while Gaara simply nodded in acknowledgment. The trio left to make their preparations, each understanding the significance of the coming discussions.
The summit promised to be a pivotal moment, and every village was preparing to defend their stance—or their secrets.
Kirigakure
The atmosphere in the Mizukage's office was tense as Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, addressed her confidant. "What happened in the Land of Fire is troubling. A conflict like this will undoubtedly lead to further instability," Mei said, her tone laced with concern. "But regardless, we must prepare for the summit."
"Understood, Mizukage-sama," her confidant replied with a respectful bow before leaving the room to make the necessary arrangements.
Left alone, Mei stood and walked toward the window, her sharp eyes scanning the misty horizon of Kirigakure. The weight of leadership bore heavily on her as she muttered to herself, "I have a bad feeling about this. I don't know what will come of the summit, but I fear it won't end well."
Her unease lingered as she watched the mist roll in, shrouding the village in a thick veil, symbolic of the uncertain future ahead.
Iwagakure
In the Tsuchikage's office, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, sat at his desk, his expression a mix of amusement and cunning. "In all my years, I've seen many things, but this is the first time a daimyo's domain has fallen like this. Even if Konoha wasn't directly involved, we'll place the blame on them. It'll give us leverage and potential profits. Prepare for the summit," he ordered.
Turning to his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, he continued, "You'll accompany me this time. You need to learn how to handle these matters. My retirement isn't far off, and you'll soon take my place."
"Yes, Grandpa," Kurotsuchi replied with a smirk, clearly unfazed by his authority.
Onoki's face twitched in irritation. "Kurotsuchi, call me Tsuchikage in formal settings, not Grandpa," he corrected, attempting to maintain his dignity.
But Kurotsuchi only waved him off, ignoring his protest as she left to prepare. Onoki sighed, shaking his head. "That girl... I swear she's more trouble than the job itself," he muttered, though his fondness for her was evident in his tone.
Kumogakure
In the Raikage's office, A, the Fourth Raikage, stood with his arms crossed, his imposing figure radiating authority. "The Land of Fire really stirred up trouble with this mess. Prepare for the summit," he commanded, his voice booming. Turning his gaze toward his younger brother, he added, "Bee, you're coming with me this time."
Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, immediately broke into one of his signature raps, "Yo, big bro, I'm ready to go, spreading peace and making the summit glow!"
A groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration but chose to ignore Bee's antics, focusing instead on the rest of his team. He addressed Mabui, his capable assistant, and Bee's disciples. "Mabui, you're accompanying us to the summit. As for you three," he said, turning toward Samui, Karui, and Omoi, "head to the Land of Fire and gather intel on what really happened there."
Samui, the calm and collected kunoichi with an impressive presence, nodded. "Understood, Raikage-sama."
Karui, her fiery and outspoken counterpart, replied, "We'll get you the details, Raikage-sama. No stone left unturned."
Omoi, the ever-anxious one, hesitated before replying, "What if this is all a trap, and we're being sent into some huge conspiracy? I mean, what if—"
"Omoi," Samui interrupted, her voice firm but not unkind, "focus."
The trio left the room, with Samui leading the charge, Karui walking beside her, and Omoi following while muttering about all the possible dangers they might face.
A turned back to Mabui. "Let's hope this summit brings answers instead of more problems."
Mabui adjusted her clipboard, her calm demeanor unwavering. "We'll be ready for whatever comes, Raikage-sama."
Amegakure
In the tallest tower of Amegakure, the sound of unrelenting rain echoed outside, a constant in the hidden village. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, the dimly lit room filled with the most dangerous individuals in the shinobi world—the Akatsuki. Their leader, Pain, stood at the center, his Rinnegan eyes piercing as he addressed the group.
"With the fall of the Fire Daimyo, the other nations are thrown into disarray," Pain began, his deep voice resonating through the room. "The Kage are convening for a summit in the Land of Iron. Fear will guide their actions, and fear often leads to war. This is the opportunity we've been waiting for. Prepare yourselves—our final plan is nearing execution."
Deidara smirked, brushing his blond hair aside. "A war, huh? A battlefield is the perfect canvas for my art. And as we all know, art is an explosion!" he exclaimed, raising one of his clay creations for emphasis.
"It's not about art, fool," Sasori replied coldly, his expression stoic. "War is chaos, and chaos is when true control is needed. That's what Pain intends."
Kisame leaned against the wall, his shark-like grin ever-present. "Doesn't matter what you call it—war or chaos. It's just more blood for the blade." He tapped Samehada on his back, the sentient sword rumbling in response.
"It's foolish," Zetsu's black half interjected. "Humans fighting over scraps while we work on something greater."
"Indeed," White Zetsu's side chimed in with a chuckle, "but it's fun to watch them struggle!"
Itachi remained silent, his Sharingan eyes observing the group with an unreadable expression, while Konan, standing beside Pain, nodded in agreement with their leader.
"War is inevitable," Pain concluded, his voice filled with conviction. "It will cleanse this world of its lies and hypocrisy. We must be ready to act when the time comes. Our time is near."
The group fell silent, the weight of Pain's words sinking in. Outside, the rain intensified, as if echoing the storm brewing within the shinobi world.
"Itachi",Pain called,"Do u think Konoha involved in this conflict",he asked.
"Pain," Itachi began, his tone measured and calm, "I can't say for certain whether Konoha is directly involved in the ongoing conflict in the Land of Fire. However, with the return of the Uchiha clan to the village, we must remain cautious. Their strength is formidable."
Pain nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing. "Indeed, with the Uchiha's presence in Konoha, we must be vigilant. Your father, Fugaku, is undoubtedly the strongest among them. Do you believe you could defeat him?"
Itachi's gaze was steady, his expression unreadable. "It's difficult to say. Our strength is likely comparable—either he is stronger than me, or I am stronger than him. The outcome would depend on the circumstances of the confrontation."
"Anyway, we need to decide how to proceed after this summit," Pain stated, his voice steady and commanding. The weight of the situation hung in the air as he looked toward his gathered council. "Every force around the world has their eyes on this summit, and every move we make will be scrutinized."