Chapter 342: The Villages' Response.

The news of the capture of Iwagakure Village's Jinchuriki spread quickly throughout the ninja world, and with two Jinchuriki taken simultaneously, it inevitably raised the threat level of the Akatsuki organization in everyone's eyes.

"It seems the Akatsuki has thoroughly targeted the Jinchuriki. We must be cautious as well," said Terumi Mei, the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure Village, to her subordinates.

"That's easier said than done, but Yagura just won't listen to our discipline."

The assistant of the Fifth Mizukage, Ao, spoke up. As the only person in Kirigakure Village with the Byakugan, Ao held a position in the village that only a few could match.

"Now he can't just do as he pleases. Even if we have to use force, we must bring him back to the village. Chojuro, this mission is entrusted to you."

After speaking, Terumi Mei turned her gaze to Chojuro. As the only member of the Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist currently in Kirigakure Village, Chojuro's status was second only to the Mizukage. However, due to his timid nature, not many in the village acknowledged him, but his strength was beyond doubt. After all, none of the Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were weak.

"Ah? Mizukage-sama, are you sure I'm the right person for this task?"

Chojuro quickly waved his hands, speaking with a lack of confidence. Yagura did not possess the power of the Tailed Beasts, but he did have a berserk state. In that state, Chojuro was no match for Yagura.

"Chojuro, I believe in your strength," Terumi Mei said, looking at Chojuro, her tone full of confidence and encouragement.

"Yes, Chojuro, you are now the only one of the Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. This mission is meant for you," Ao added, placing his hand on Chojuro's shoulder. Following the principle of 'a companion dies before the way does,' Chojuro had to accept.

After all, if Chojuro refused the mission, it would fall to Ao, and he did not want to undertake a mission concerning Yagura.

"Mizukage-sama, Ao, you both think too highly of me," Chojuro said, hastily waving his hands and declining once again.

"Enough, no more discussion, Chojuro. I hope you won't disappoint me," Terumi Mei said. Hearing this, Chojuro looked down, dejected, knowing he could no longer refuse the mission.

"But Mizukage-sama, the Tsuchikage has called for a Five Kage Summit. Shall we attend?"

At this time, Ao suddenly spoke up.

"Of course, we must attend," Terumi Mei replied without hesitation, having already made plans in her mind.

"Not just to protect the Jinchuriki in our village, but also because there's a rogue ninja from our village within the Akatsuki organization. It's best if our village deals with our own," she added.

"Hoshigaki Kisame?" 

Ao asked, his tone grave as he thought of Kisame's menacing figure. Although Ao had little contact with Kisame, he knew of the village's infamous figure, a monster with formidable strength.

"It's said that he played a part in the recent incident with the Iwagakure Ninja Jinchuriki. Right now, in Kirigakure Village, probably only you, Mizukage-sama, can match Hoshigaki Kisame," Ao continued.

Although Chojuro was also one of the wielders of the Seven Ninja Swords, his time mastering the Ninja Sword was too short to be a match for the veteran member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Hoshigaki Kisame.

If the two were to meet, there would only be one outcome: Chojuro would be utterly defeated.

"Ah, but even I am not confident of winning against him," Terumi Mei admitted.

Terumi Mei spoke with a grave expression. Although she possessed the Lava Release and Boil Release Kekkei Genkai, she was also aware of the characteristics of Akatsuki's Samehada. In a battle with Hoshigaki Kisame, she might not stand a chance to gain the upper hand.

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure Village, discussions about the Five Kage Summit were underway, and Kumogakure Village was engaged in the same discussions.

"Is that old man Oonoki really calling for a Five Kage Summit? It seems he's been pushed into a corner by Akatsuki," said the Fourth Raikage, sitting back in his chair with a carefree demeanor.

He had completely moved on from the shadow of losing the Two-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Should we attend then?" asked Raikage's secretary, Mabui.

"Go, why not? I believe no one will be absent from this Hokage meeting, and we must avenge the grudge against the wooden man," the Fourth Raikage said angrily, slamming his fist on the table.

"Akatsuki, each and every one of them, I won't let them off," he growled through gritted teeth.

In Sunagakure Village, Gaara, having received the news of the Third Tsuchikage's call for a Five Kage Summit, replied with just one word: go.

After all, they could be considered the most severely persecuted by the Akatsuki organization. Not only were their Tailed Beasts taken away, but even their village's Kage was killed by Akatsuki once.

They almost fell into a state of having no Kage in the village.

"A Five Kage Summit, huh? It seems they've elevated the Akatsuki organization to quite a high level," 

said Nara Shikaku, the Fourth Hokage's aide, upon hearing the news.

He still remembered the disdainful expressions on the faces of the other ninja villages when they first shared the news about the Akatsuki organization. Now, their current state was the complete opposite of what it once was.

"There's no helping it. After all, Iwagakure Village lost two Jinchuriki at once. It's a miracle that old man Oonoki is still alive," said the Third Hokage, who had been absent for a while, as he appeared in the Hokage's office, puffing on a cigarette.

He and Oonoki were old acquaintances and had fought many battles. Oonoki's Dust Release had given him a hard time in the past, so when it came to criticizing Oonoki, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't hold back.

"Minato, will you attend this meeting?" asked Hiruzen Sarutobi, knowing that with Konohagakure's strength, they had nothing to fear from the Akatsuki organization. Even he could take the opportunity to stretch his muscles.

Although his strength had declined, he was still not someone just anyone could handle.

"Of course, anything concerning the Akatsuki organization must be taken seriously. Moreover, according to the information from Itachi, Akatsuki seems to be planning something big. We can take this opportunity to discuss strategies with the other ninja villages," said Minato. He wasn't surprised by the call for a Five Kage Summit. Even if Oonoki didn't call for it, he would have done so after some time. After all, besides Akatsuki, there was another hidden enemy, Otsutsuki.

(End of chapter)

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