Chapter 421: The Reconciliation of the Five Great Ninja Villages and the Birth of the Ninja Alliance

Black Zetsu's attitude left the Third Raikage, Onoki, and Rasa stunned. Initially skeptical, they began to consider the implications more seriously.

Meanwhile, Yagura had already taken a seat next to Namikaze Minato, eagerly inquiring about the details of joining the Ninja Alliance. Young and ambitious, Yagura found it easier to connect with someone like Minato, who radiated a similar youthful energy. Their conversation soon became harmonious, highlighting a shared vision.

In essence, wars are often a competition for resources. Konoha's proposal was straightforward: join the Ninja Alliance, and in return, Konoha would provide vital medicinal supplies. With such an offer, the remaining concerns started to seem trivial to the attending Kages.

For decades, the three other villages had fought against Konoha, fostering deep mistrust. Now, Konoha proposed this alliance from a position of absolute strength, yet with a collaborative framework. It was a shift that some found hard to process fully.

The Meeting Concludes

"It seems that you all need more time to decide," Namikaze Minato said, standing to close the Five Kage Summit. "The Ninja Alliance will remain open. You can join at any time." His calm demeanor conveyed confidence, not coercion.

Minato wasn't interested in retaliating against the villages for past conflicts. Sunagakure and Iwagakure had already paid the price in blood. For him, moving forward with reconciliation was the priority.

"I choose to join!" Rasa of Sunagakure suddenly declared. His village had struggled since the Second Great Ninja War, weakened by internal strife and the war faction's disruption. Now presented with this opportunity, Rasa wasn't about to let it slip by.

"Excellent," Minato responded warmly. "Kazekage, Mizukage, let's have some tea and discuss the next steps."

As the three leaders departed together, the Third Raikage and Onoki were left speechless. The Five Kage Summit had always been contentious, often ending in heated arguments and unresolved grudges. This peaceful resolution felt... surreal.

Onoki, however, reflected on Konoha's overwhelming strength. The recent battle, which had involved thousands, ended in mere hours—a testament to Konoha's dominance. That Minato extended an olive branch despite this power imbalance baffled him.

Finally, Onoki made his decision. "Raikage, I also wish to join the Ninja Alliance. Konoha… has convinced me." He stood and walked out to catch up with the others, leaving the Cloud delegation behind.

Cloud's Dilemma

Back in the conference room, the Third Raikage remained conflicted. Kirabi broke the silence. "Lord Raikage, what Konoha proposed… it's likely true. Ushiki just informed me about the existence of Otsutsuki Kaguya and her potential clan. If that's the case, we're facing a threat beyond anything we've seen. The Ninja Alliance isn't just an option—it's a necessity."

Kirabi's words carried weight. Cloud's refusal to join would isolate them, rendering them vulnerable both externally and internally. Sensing this, the Third Raikage turned to his son, Fuzela, for counsel.

"The trend of the Ninja Alliance is unstoppable," Fuzela said decisively. "If we resist, Cloud will fall behind, becoming weak and isolated. I support Kirabi's recommendation."

The Third Raikage sighed deeply but finally relented. "Let's go. We will give Namikaze Minato our answer."

A United Front

The Five Kages reunited, this time around an open-air barbecue. The atmosphere was far from tense, as leaders who once stood as rivals now discussed shared goals.

"The Otsutsuki clan likely attacks worlds to seize their power and grow stronger," summarized the Third Raikage. His tone carried the weight of their collective concerns.

Onoki nodded gravely. "If the coordinates of the ninja world are exposed, we will face enemies beyond the shadow level—possibly forces beyond our comprehension."

As the discussion deepened, Rasa turned to Uchiha Madara. "Master Madara, with your strength, can you stand against the Otsutsuki?"

"No," Madara replied bluntly, cutting Rasa off mid-sentence. "Based on the analysis provided by Reiki and the information from Black Zetsu, my current power is insufficient to face the Otsutsuki clan fully."

He turned to the group with a mixture of disdain and impatience. "You're all supposed to be shadow-level powerhouses. Why hasn't anyone grasped the bigger picture yet?"

The Kages fell silent, their pride bruised by Madara's rebuke. Yet, none could muster a rebuttal.

Madara handed a document to Namikaze Minato. "Here's Reiki's analysis. That kid is a genius—not just in strategy but in everything else too!" With a rare chuckle, he walked off to enjoy the barbecue, leaving the others to pour over the document.

As they read through Reiki's insights, the Five Kages grew quiet. The analysis painted a daunting picture. The challenges facing the Ninja Alliance were far greater than any of them had anticipated.

The Path Forward

The alliance was forged, but the road ahead was fraught with danger. For the first time in decades, the five great ninja villages stood united—not as rivals, but as allies bracing for the unknown. Together, they would face the storm that loomed on the horizon.